Capitol News

State Representative Luke Meerman has voiced his support for Michigan farmers following a House Oversight Committee hearing. The committee listened to testimonies from farmers regarding the regulatory challenges imposed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). Prior to the hearing, a tractor rally was held in Lansing by farmers aiming to highlight concerns over EGLE's regulations.

Meerman stated, "More than 95% of Michigan farms are family-run operations, and when you run a business as a family, your number one priority is preserving the heritage and way of life that was passed on to you. More and more, families are facing a tough decision: is there a future in this industry for my children? It’s difficult to reconcile, and the administrative state is raising the cost to do business year after year. When your farm needs to contract out with consultants anytime you need to work with the state, you are taking food off your family’s table and resources from your children’s futures."

He emphasized that the oversight hearing provided an opportunity for farmers to express their concerns about their industry. "Bureaucrats and lawmakers don’t always hear from farmers," he said. "Farmers operate on restricted schedules, but that does not mean they don’t have strong opinions on the regulatory environment they face."

Meerman further expressed concern about how current regulations affect farming businesses in Michigan. "The rules and regulations impacting farmers are driving people out of business and pushing industry to other states," he noted. He highlighted that many farmers feel their voices go unheard within EGLE and fear repercussions if they speak out. "As a state, we have committed an unspeakable injustice if farmers are afraid to advocate for themselves and their family."