Rep. Miller to serve on House Appropriations Committee
LANSING — State Rep. Aaron Miller has been named to the House Appropriations Committee by Speaker Tom Leonard, and will again serve as chair of the State Police Appropriations Subcommittee.
Miller, R-Sturgis, also will serve as a member of the subcommittees on school aid and Michigan Department of Education; Judiciary; and Higher Education. In addition he was named chair of the House Elections and Ethics Committee.
The second-term representative said he is committed to reducing government spending and ensuring the tax money entrusted to the legislature is used in the most efficient, effective and accountable way.
“The legislature has been tightening its belt just like families all over Michigan to try to make ends meet,” Miller said. “Just like people every week who sit around a kitchen table and find ways to live within their means, we in the legislature make tough decisions so we arrive at a balanced budget that provides people with the services and programs they deserve and need.”
Whether it is funding a new class of state troopers to patrol communities or making sure classrooms across the state have the resources they need, Miller said effective budgeting is an investment in the future and well being of Michigan families.
“We will go line-by-line through each department budget to ensure that we are getting the most out of every dollar,” Miller said. “You deserve to know that we have carefully considered how the money you entrust to us is being spent.”

Pagel bill for parole hearings signed into law
LANSING — State Rep. Dave Pagel, R-Berrien Springs, joined Gov. Rick Snyder last week for a ceremonial bill signing of his parole reform legislation.
The bill corrected an injustice in the parole system for certain prisoners serving long-term sentences. Some of these prisoners were being unfairly denied access to the possibility of having their cases heard by the parole board, and Pagel’s legislation corrected this situation.
“This bill is a common-sense improvement that allows all prisoners an equal chance at the possibility of parole hearings,” Pagel said after the bill signing. “It allows our professionals on the parole board to carry out their responsibilities properly. All prisoners should be treated fairly.”
While no prisoners will be granted parole based on this legislation, some that were being denied the possibility of parole hearings will now be able to have their cases considered by the parole board.
Many have written to Pagel expressing their appreciation for now having greater hope for the possibility of receiving parole, said spokespeople with Pagel’s office.