State Rep. Ken Borton
Recent News About State Rep. Ken Borton
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Rep. Borton: DNR budget fails to address needs of rural Michigan
State Rep. Ken Borton, representing Gaylord, expressed disappointment as the Department of Natural Resources budget failed to address the needs of rural Michigan. During a recent House Appropriations Subcommittee meeting, Borton and Rep. Greg Alexander, the only other committee Republican, put forth amendments that were ultimately rejected by the Democrat majority.Borton voiced his commitment to representing rural communities, stating, "Even when Democrats refuse to listen, we have a responsibility to ensure our rural communities have their voices heard during the budget...
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Rep. Borton introduces plan to protect property owners from squatters
State Rep. Ken Borton has put forth a plan aimed at safeguarding Michigan property owners from the challenges posed by squatters illegally occupying private property. The proposal, known as House Bill 5634, seeks to provide property owners with a more efficient process to remove squatters from their premises.Borton emphasized the importance of addressing this issue promptly, stating, “Michigan residents should not have to undergo lengthy legal battles to regain control of property they legally own and pay taxes on.” He underscored the principle that trespassing is a...
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Rep. Borton Calls for Reforms in Michigan Liquor Control Commission
Rep. Ken Borton has strongly criticized the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) following revelations of mismanagement within the organization. According to the Office of the Auditor General (OAG), over 62,000 state-owned bottles of liquor worth nearly $1 million are missing from the MLCC's inventory.Borton, expressing his dismay, stated, “In a time where families are making every dollar count because of the devastating impact of inflation, it is completely inexcusable that any state department can just lose a $1 million worth of inventory. This is another...
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Rep. Borton Criticizes Governor's Proposal to Cut Funding for Auditor General's Office
Rep. Ken Borton has criticized Governor Gretchen Whitmer for her proposal to cut funding for the Office of the Auditor General (OAG), calling it a move to undermine transparency in government. Borton, a Republican from Gaylord, expressed his concerns about the potential consequences of slashing the OAG's budget, which plays a crucial role in uncovering mismanagement and failures in state agencies and programs.“This proposed crippling of the OAG is a perfect example of the misguided leadership we’ve experienced under Gov. Whitmer,” said Rep. Borton. “Normal people in...
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Rep. Borton Urges Small Businesses to Apply for Federal Assistance Amid Warm Weather Impact
State Rep. Ken Borton is encouraging small businesses impacted by the warm weather to seek federal assistance through the Small Business Administration (SBA). Borton, representing 42 counties in Michigan, highlighted the financial struggles faced by businesses in the region due to the lack of snowfall this winter.“Northern Michigan has a vibrant tourism economy that relies on snowfall for different outdoor recreational activities. The complete lack of snow this year has left many folks with very little income. I’d encourage anyone affected by this warm winter weather to...
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Rep. Borton: Public Gains Opportunity to Denounce New Wind, Solar Siting Laws
State Rep. Ken Borton expressed his concerns over a new state law that diminishes local control over large-scale wind and solar projects. Borton emphasized the importance of allowing local communities to make zoning decisions, stating, “Zoning decisions are meant to be made at the lowest level of government because no two municipalities are alike."Borton, who voted against the controversial plan, highlighted the upcoming opportunities for the public to voice their opinions on the matter. He urged residents of rural Michigan to participate in the Michigan Public Service...
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Rep. Borton: Feet-dragging on school safety must end
State Rep. Ken Borton, R-Gaylord, has urged action on a bipartisan school safety plan that has yet to receive attention from the House Education Committee. Borton emphasized the importance of prioritizing school safety resources and initiatives, especially in the wake of the Oxford High School shooting in 2021.“A bipartisan package to keep our kids safe seems like the perfect thing for the House to work on while we’re split 54-54,” Borton stated. He further added, “We need to refocus our attention away from inconsequential bills with limited impact and get back to the...
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Rep. Borton: House falls into chaos under Democrat leadership
Rep. Ken Borton, a Republican representative from Gaylord, expressed his frustration with House Democrats after they failed to pass any legislation on a day when three votes were scheduled. The House, which is evenly split with a 54-54 partisan divide, has been unable to make progress as Democrats refuse to negotiate with Republicans.In a statement, Rep. Borton criticized the Democrats for their lack of willingness to work across the aisle. He stated, "Sometimes in this job I really have to remind myself that it’s impossible to help people who don’t want to help...
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Rep. Borton Criticizes Governor's Budget Recommendations
Rep. Ken Borton, R-Gaylord, expressed his concerns regarding the governor's executive budget recommendations in a statement released today. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee and the vice chair of the Agriculture and Rural Development Appropriations subcommittee, Borton questioned the governor's approach to spending taxpayer dollars.Comparing the governor to a friend who enjoys an expensive dinner but conveniently disappears before the bill arrives, Borton highlighted the potential burden that the public might have to bear. He stated, "I hope the public...
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Rep. Borton: Interchange a valuable investment in Gaylord community
Rep. Ken Borton, a representative from Gaylord, expressed his support for the recent announcement by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) regarding plans for a $55 million interstate interchange along I-75 and M-32 in Gaylord. In a statement released on Monday, Rep. Borton commended MDOT for recognizing the deteriorating condition of the current interchange and the increasing congestion experienced by motorists, particularly during tourism seasons.“It’s great to see MDOT recognize both the poor condition of the I-75 interchange in Gaylord and the growing...
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Rep. Borton Honors Local Veteran at Tip Up Town Celebration
State Rep. Ken Borton recently recognized Earl Jones of Prudenville as the hometown hero during the Tip Up Town celebration in Houghton Lake. The event was held to honor Jones for his extraordinary service to the country and his community.During the ceremony, Rep. Borton presented Jones with a flag that had been flown above the state Capitol. The flag was given to Jones by the Forgotten Eagles of Michigan, a nonprofit organization that supports veterans. In a statement, Rep. Borton expressed his admiration for Jones and his dedication to serving others:“Earl Jones had a...
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Rep. Borton Calls for Immediate Reduction in State Income Tax to Help Struggling Families
State Representative Ken Borton, a Republican from Gaylord, is urging action on a recently introduced plan that would lower the state income tax rate to 3.9%. The aim is to provide relief to families who are struggling to keep up with the high cost of living. Borton's call comes as tax-filing season begins in Michigan, with some filers expected to receive higher-than-expected returns due to a temporary reduction in the state income tax rate implemented by Republicans. However, Lansing Democrats have pushed for taxes to be raised again in 2024.Borton criticized the...
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Rep. Borton: Former State Rep. Gernaat leaves lasting legacy
State Representative Ken Borton paid tribute to the late former State Representative John Gernaat, who served in the Michigan House from 1991 to 1999, by introducing a memorial resolution. Gernaat, who passed away at the age of 84 last fall, was remembered for his dedication to public service and his positive and caring demeanor.During a House floor speech, Rep. Borton spoke fondly of Gernaat, stating that he was "well-loved by many people and sought out ways to help others." He highlighted Gernaat's cheerful and friendly nature, stating that others appreciated his kind...
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Rep. Borton: Amazon distribution center will boost Gaylord economy
Rep. Ken Borton, a Republican from Gaylord, expressed his enthusiasm for the recent announcement that an Amazon distribution center will be constructed in Gaylord's Industrial Park. The facility, covering an area of 42,500 square feet on nearly eight acres, is expected to bring numerous benefits to the local economy.In a statement released on Thursday, Rep. Borton emphasized the positive impact that the arrival of Amazon will have on the community. He highlighted the creation of new jobs and the injection of fresh capital into Gaylord's economy as the primary advantages....
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Rep. Borton: Wildlife feeding legislation necessary to protect private citizens
State Representative Ken Borton has voiced his support for wildlife feeding legislation currently being reviewed by the House Natural Resources Committee. The proposed House Bill 4593, which Borton sponsors, aims to permit residents to feed small animals for recreational viewing. Additionally, Borton has cosponsored HBs 5298 and 5299, which seek to repeal the ban on feeding deer.In defense of the legislation, Borton argues that there is no discernible difference between private citizens feeding wildlife in their backyards and wildlife grazing on farmland. He questions the...
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Rep. Borton wraps up 2023 with ‘naughty and nice’ legislative update
Michigan Representative Borton has recently released a "naughty and nice" list to wrap up the legislative year of 2023. With the Democrats in power for the first time in over 40 years, Borton believes that there have been more bad bills than good ones. Here is a breakdown of the bills that made it to the "nice" list and those that ended up on the "naughty" list.Starting with the "nice" list, Borton highlighted the Guardianship Package, specifically HB 4912, which he sponsored. This legislation aims to improve Michigan's guardianship program and offers new protections for...
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Rep. Borton: MPSC approves rate hikes less than a week after governor signs energy package
The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) has approved a rate increase for DTE Energy, authorizing the company to raise customer rates by $368 million, a 6.4% increase. This decision has drawn criticism from State Rep. Ken Borton, who expressed concern over the speed at which the rate hike was approved following the signing of the state's new energy package by Governor Gretchen Whitmer.Borton, a Republican representing Gaylord, voiced his disapproval, stating, "The governor's appointed bureaucrats didn't even let her signature dry before helping utility companies pass...
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Rep. Borton Urges Hunters to Focus on Harvesting Does
State Representative Ken Borton is joining other state officials in calling on hunters to prioritize doe hunting this year. Concerns have been raised about the rising deer populations, which can lead to various problems such as damaged crops, the spread of diseases, and an increase in car accidents."Too many deer can become dangerous for Michigan," stated Borton, a Republican from Gaylord. "Hunters are Michigan's first line of defense in conserving our environment. This year, we are asking them to let a couple of big bucks walk and instead focus on hunting does."...