Last week, legislators came together in an overwhelmingly bipartisan fashion to pass historic legislation that will change auto insurance in our state and make it more affordable for generations to come. This has been my number one priority since taking office in January, not only because it was the long-overdue and right thing to do, but also because making auto insurance more affordable has consistently been the number one thing I have heard from residents throughout the 21st Senate District.

Solving this problem itself took generations. The current auto insurance system in our state has been in place for decades and, despite numerous failed attempts to correct, it has continued to cost families and businesses throughout southwest Michigan.

The high cost of auto insurance has put a strain on family budgets, forcing some to choose insurance over other priorities or worse — forgoing insurance altogether. Some have even left the state, many choosing to live in nearby Indiana with its cheaper rates. With rates only continuing to rise, something had to be done.

Under the plan, drivers would have the option to choose the auto insurance coverage that is the best fit for their circumstances and will provide guaranteed rate reductions based on the choices they make.

It also requires auto insurers to offer Michigan drivers five new personal injury protection coverage options, including the ability of drivers with qualified medical coverage — such as health insurance or Medicare — to opt out of PIP coverage since they already have medical coverage for injuries. The plan would also reduce out-of-control medical costs that are passed on to drivers via higher rates, cut fraud and conflicts of interest in the auto insurance system, and reduce the announced $220 annual Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association fee by 80 percent for all options other than unlimited coverage.

I am pleased that, after months of public hearings and hard work to develop this legislation, leaders were able to agree on a compromise that will guarantee lower auto insurance rates and make insurance more accessible to more drivers. This is a win for everyone, and I was proud to vote yes.

One of the great benefits of serving in the state Senate is the opportunity to meet so many of you and discuss the issues that you care about most. Your priorities helped guide our efforts to approve this historic auto insurance reform, and I look forward to hearing from you more as we continue our work to make Michigan the best place for people to work and raise their families.

Kim LaSata, R, represents the 21st District, which includes Berrien, Cass and St. Joseph counties. She can be reached at (517) 373-6960 or SenKLaSata@senate.michigan.gov