Op-Eds
Detroit Free Press: Peters and Stabenow: Progress made, but more work to do to help Flint
by Senator Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow
Too many families in Flint still can't drink the unfiltered water that comes out of their faucets. After pushing congressional leaders for a year, we finally have achieved a major step forward in the long overdue - and needlessly difficult - fight to fix Flint's water pipes. It's been too long that the people in Flint have had to figure out how to get safe water to their house every day for drinking, cooking and bathing. It's been too long for parents who continue to worry about their children… Continue Reading
09.16.16
Space News Magazine: The Next Frontier in Deep Space Exploration
by By Senator Gary Peters
As a Senator from Michigan, the epicenter of the automotive world, I see striking similarities between human space exploration and the automotive industry. Following a long period of growth and prosperity through the 1990s and early 2000s, the automotive industry was shaken by the Great Recession, which closed factory doors and cost thousands of American jobs. But Detroit responded by doing what America does best - they endured, they innovated and they rose to the challenge. With record sales in… Continue Reading
08.01.16
The Hill: Highlighting contributions of entrepreneurs, startup companies
by Senator Gary Peters and Senator Steve Daines
For many Americans, a cornerstone of the American Dream is the opportunity to take an idea and turn it into a successful business. Our nation's economic prosperity was built on a foundation of American ingenuity and the drive to turn dreams into reality. As members of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, we share a common goal of supporting the small businesses that are a key part of the American economy. This year we are joining together to celebrate the 4th Annual Startu… Continue Reading
07.15.16
The Hill: Reaffirming America's commitment to science and technology
by Sen. Gary Peters, Sen. Cory Gardner, and Norm Augustine, Bipartisan Policy Center board member
For decades, American hard work and ingenuity has driven our country's unprecedented economic prosperity. Our scientific curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit led to innovative discoveries that helped establish the United States as the world's largest economy and premier thought leader in the scientific arena. But as other nations increasingly invest in science and innovation to help grow their economies, we must recommit to promoting our own national science policy and maintaining American compe… Continue Reading
06.30.16
Between the Lines: After Orlando, The Fight For Equality Goes On
by Senator Gary Peters
In the same month - and more significantly during Pride Month - when we are celebrating the one-year anniversary of marriage equality, we are also mourning the loss of 49 Americans who were killed and 53 others who were wounded in not just the worst mass shooting in our nation's history, but a clearly targeted attack against the LGBT community. Our country has made great strides towards equality for all Americans. In recent years, public polling has shown that hearts and minds across the countr… Continue Reading
06.24.16
Macomb Daily: Senator Peters: MMTC helps boost Macomb County manufacturing sector
by Senator Gary Peters
From autos to aerospace and defense, manufacturing has always been the heart of our economy in Michigan and Macomb County. The vast majority of American manufacturing companies are small or medium-sized businesses, employing fewer than 500 workers. These small and mid-sized manufacturers are driving innovation, creating good-paying jobs and bolstering our economic competitiveness around the world. We can help support these smaller manufacturers as they grow and strengthen their businesses by en… Continue Reading
06.02.16
The Detroit News: Michigan inventing the future of mobility
by Gary Peters
Michiganians know something about inventing the future. We invented the auto industry, large-scale manufacturing, and the American middle class. During World War II, Michigan's booming automotive factories fueled the Arsenal of Democracy, building the aircraft, munitions and vehicles that powered the Allied forces to victory. Today, our state is once again poised to lead the world - this time into the next frontier of automotive technology. The automotive industry is undergoing a technological… Continue Reading
01.22.16
Michigan Chronicle: Bring our communities together to fulfill the promise of every child
by Senator Gary Peters
Young people in Detroit and cities across the country are facing an ongoing cycle of violence and incarceration that tears apart our communities, prevents kids from reaching their full potential and costs precious lives. Youths under the age of 24 are more likely to be victims of violent crime than any other age group. In Michigan, homicide is the third leading cause of death for 15-24 year olds, and the number one cause of death for African Americans in that same group. This continuous cycle o… Continue Reading
12.15.15
Eos Magazine: Invest in Scientific Research to Drive Innovation
by Senator Gary Peters
Since World War II, the United States has led the world in groundbreaking innovation that grows our economy and propels our nation forward. At the heart of this innovation is basic scientific research, which drives everything from developments that improve our daily lives, like the Internet and smartphones, to medical discoveries that save lives, like mapping the human genome. Today, however, as our competitors in Asia and around the world are making critical investments in their own research p… Continue Reading
11.18.15
MLive: To prevent Great Lakes oil spills, map the risks and strengthen rules
by Senator Gary Peters and Senator Debbie Stabenow
An oil spill on the Great Lakes would be disastrous - and unfortunately, Michigan families know firsthand the devastating consequences a pipeline break can have on our state. Five years ago, our state experienced one of the largest inland oil spills in U.S. history, contaminating 35 miles of the Kalamazoo River. Oil flowed for nearly 17 hours before it was shut off, spilling over 800,000 gallons of heavy crude, and racking up a cleanup cost of $1.2 billion. We are deeply concerned about the po… Continue Reading
11.10.15
Marquette Mining Journal: Proper care of our veterans must be a national priority
by U.S. Senator Gary Peters
Every Veterans Day, we honor the sacrifices of the brave servicemen and women who put their lives on the line in defense of our nation and our values. Since our country's founding, the United States has been a beacon of hope and freedom throughout the world, thanks in large part to the dedication and sacrifice of our armed forces. America owes a debt of gratitude to our servicemembers and veterans, and we must support them from their first day of basic training through their transition back to… Continue Reading
07.28.15
MLive: Prevailing wage gets it done right the first time, for everyone
by U.S. Senator Gary Peters
Nearly a decade after the Wall Street collapse that shook Michigan's economy to its core, we are finally on our way back. The unemployment rate is going down, but we still need to do more to improve stagnant wages here and across the country. Despite our fragile recovery, special interests are now pushing to repeal long-standing prevailing wage laws at the federal and state level. If they are successful, the result will be a double punch in the gut for working families and our economy. In the … Continue Reading
07.16.15
MLive: Revive the Export-Import bank to keep Michigan competitive
by U.S. Senator Gary Peters
Last month, I had the opportunity to visit Mill Steel Company in Grand Rapids, one of hundreds of Michigan businesses that work with the Export-Import Bank of the United States to export their made-in-Michigan products across the globe. Mill Steel is one of North America's premier flat-rolled steel suppliers, and it's also a family-owned business that strives to reinvest in the community by making Michigan products and hiring Michigan workers. By partnering with the Ex-Im Bank to secure loan g… Continue Reading
07.13.15
Lansing State Journal: Guarantee students a second chance after loan default
by U.S. Senator Gary Peters
Thousands of college students across Michigan recently celebrated a pivotal, hard-earned milestone: graduation. These young people are now embarking on their next chapter in life. Whether that means graduate school, a new career or something still unplanned, the weight of student loan debt has the potential to undermine their promising future. As a father of three, I know firsthand that higher education has become an increasingly essential part of getting ahead in today's economy. At the same t… Continue Reading
06.12.15
Detroit Free Press: Overhaul of criminal justice system is long overdue
by U.S. Senator Gary Peters
Over the last year, scenes from communities like Ferguson, Staten Island, Baltimore and Inkster have gripped the nation's attention. These interactions between law enforcement and the communities they serve have invoked strong emotional responses for Americans, and we can no longer deny that there is a troubling and growing problem in our country. Although our national attention has been focused on police practices, this is only one part of our complex criminal justice system that needs attent… Continue Reading
04.06.15
Grand Rapids Press: How remanufactured car parts can save taxpayers big money
by U.S. Senator Gary Peters and U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga
In Michigan, cars are more than something you purchase; they are a way of life. Whether it is rebuilding a classic car in the garage, working for a parts supplier in West Michigan, or being directly employed by one of the "Big Three," nearly every Michigander knows someone or has a family member who is involved in the auto supply chain in some way. The impact of Michigan's highly skilled workforce and manufacturing sector can be seen across the globe. We want to harness that "Pure Michigan" tale… Continue Reading
