We hear all the time about partisan politics – this time of year more than ever. But when push comes to shove, people in Oakland County and throughout the state want a better place to live, work and raise a family regardless of their political leanings.

Michigan voters are asked to make a wide range of important decisions on the November ballot – some getting significant attention, and some flying a bit under the radar.

State Rep. Hank Vaupel, of Fowlerville, today announced House Republicans have created a data-driven COVID-19 response plan which will give the people of Michigan more certainty on COVID-19 precautions that reflect conditions in local communities. The plan relies on established safety measures and more specific health data to guide decisions.

House Transportation Committee Chairman Rep. Jack O’Malley says traffic fatalities are up in 2020 in Michigan, despite there being fewer traffic crashes and fewer cars on the road. Through late September, 12 more traffic-related fatalities had been recorded in Michigan than the same time in 2019.

State Rep. Julie Calley this week helped lead a group of House Republican lawmakers who announced a plan aimed at giving the people of Michigan more certainty and control by allowing for data-driven COVID-19 responses that reflect conditions in local communities.

State Rep. Julie Alexander’s plan removing a financial barrier for Michigan families to obtain a certificate of stillbirth was recently been signed into law by the governor. The new law comes during the month of October, which is Pregnancy and Infancy Loss Awareness Month in Michigan.