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Lansing: Senator Ken Horn shares his thoughts after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her second State of the State address as Michigan's governor.

We in the 32nd District are blessed to have the beautiful Great Lakes Bay Region right in our back yards. Twice a year - once in the summer and once in the winter - the state waives all licensing fees for residents and nonresidents alike for a weekend. These free fishing weekends allow everyone to enjoy the world-class fishing opportunities our state has to offer. Though licensing fees are waived, all regulations still apply. Entry fees for state public boating access sites, state parks and recreation areas are also waived. Whether you're on a river in Saginaw County or a lake in Genesee County, there are endless opportunities to get out with the family and enjoy this timeless pastime. For more information, including a list of activities across the state, visit www.Michigan.gov/FreeFishing

LANSING, Mich. - Sen. Ken Horn, R-Frankenmuth, spoke from the Senate chamber on Thursday in support of reforms he sponsored that would end the burdensome and costly Health Insurance Claims Assessment, more commonly known as HICA, while adequately funding Michigan's Medicaid program. The long-term funding solution would provide substantial relief to both businesses and consumers while meeting federal obligations.

This was a true example of how the process is supposed to work. The outdated law was brought to my attention by a constituent at a recent coffee hours. When the original law discounting registration fees for handicap accessible vehicles was written, only vans were capable of being modified to be handicap-accessible, so only vans are able to receive a discounted fee. While legislators I'm sure had good intent, times change and laws need to keep up. Modern technology allows other vehicles, including pickup trucks, to be modified with hand controls or a wheelchair lift and should also qualify for a discounted rate as well. I was happy to see this measure supported by my colleagues and the governor alike.

The Michigan State Waterways Commission (MSWC) recently passed Resolution 02-2018-01, which recommended the Legislature pursue an effort to require the registration, with a new fee, of all rigid-hulled kayaks, canoes and paddleboards eight feet or longer. Currently, such vessels are exempt from registration fees when used recreationally. I recently sponsored Resolution 153, which formally opposes the recent MSWC recommendation. I will fight any legislative effort to impose such fees on Michiganders enjoying our state's beautiful resources.

State Sen. Ken Horn, R-Frankenmuth, recently chatted with Michael Patrick Shiels about various issues making their way through state government, along with his philosophy when it comes to introducing bills.

The senator spent time discussing his newly introduced MIThrive initiative along with School Reform Office's decision to shut down some of the state's lowest performing schools.

The MIThrive initiative is a bipartisan package aimed at redeveloping vacant properties across our state. These properties, known as brownfield properties, are often the remains of previous industrial sites that are incredibly costly to clean up and redevelop. Because of these associated costs, they are viewed as unfavorable to developers and often sit vacant for many years. This legislation seeks to "close the gap" on the overall construction costs by allowing the developer to receive a portion of the newly generated tax revenue from that site, with the rest being distributed to the state and local government that houses the property. The legislation also includes provisions stating that no taxpayer money can be used toward the initial investment, placing the financial burden solely on the private developer.

Senator Ken Horn R.- Frankenmuth: Discusses Pasties to a balanced budget amendment and a range of topics on the Big Show with Michael Patrick Shiels show in Michigan.

WWJ's Jackie Paige hosts a special program from Lansing on all things Energy with a variety of panelists, including Sen. Ken Horn.