State Reps. Timmy Beson (R-Bay City), Matthew Bierlein (R-Vassar), Tim Kelly (R-Saginaw Township) and Bill G. Schuette (R-Midland) today issued the following joint statement urging Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to call for a special election to fill the open 35^th State Senate seat vacated by Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet. The statement comes on the heels of a joint letter from the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, the Midland Business Alliance and the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce urging a special election to be called:

“Every day that goes by without a special election being called is a day people across our area will be without constituent services they expect and deserve. While members of the Michigan House remain committed to answering people’s questions, hearing their concerns and helping them navigate state government, multiple layers of representation provide the best return for taxpayers.

“Gaps in these layers put people at a disadvantage compared to other residents and communities. House members can help with services but can’t vote on the people’s behalf in the Senate or ask questions in Senate committees regarding issues that impact their everyday lives. These are critical times in our state, and right now nearly 300,000 workers, small business owners, parents, teachers, first responders, local officials and others in this impacted area have less of a voice than they did before.

“We call on Gov. Whitmer to immediately call for a special election and deliver clarity for hardworking people and their families across our communities.”