Rep. Tom Barrett: My focus is on results for the 7th District
I knew when I decided to run for Congress that I was entering a world of non-stop partisan warfare.
I wish I could tell you I was wrong.
I was barely sworn in before dark money ads started attacking me – $6 million worth in the first 18 months of my term – distorting my record and making outrageous claims, before I’d barely even voted.
That includes my opponent, who started organizing political protests outside my office before I’d even hired our full staff. It was clear William Lawrence had an agenda; what wasn’t as obvious was that his plan was to run for Congress. While he and his activist allies harassed my first hires, vandalized my office, staged political stunts and hurled accusations, I was focused on doing the job I was elected to do.
And I’m proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish for our communities in my first term. Extremely proud. I’ve led the charge to take on the big insurers driving up our health care costs, passed a historic law that will help build more homes and lower the cost of housing, and secured tax relief for tips, overtime and Social Security.
I’ve also delivered critical wins for Greater Lansing. Michigan State University is a world-class institution and a critical part of mid-Michigan’seconomy and cultural identity. I was able to secure $125 million in federal funding for MSU’s Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB), where professors, scientists, and students conduct advanced nuclear physics research with applications for national security, energy, medicine, industry and more. I also secured $3 million for agricultural research at MSU in plant science, coordinated in a partnership with scientists across the country.
The Capital Region International Airport is a critical transportation hub for mid-Michigan and as we grow and diversify our regional economy, our global transportation infrastructure must meet the moment. I was able to secure nearly $8 million in funding for five new passenger jet bridges, which will create a better experience for travelers and more economic activity for the region. Over the last few years, Lansing has become one of the most violent cities in America. Crime is impacting our safety and hurting our communities. While my opponent has repeatedly called for defunding the Lansing Police Department, I’ve secured new funding for LPD, East Lansing PD and other agencies to make sure they have the tools to keep our communities safe. However, we can’t just police ourselves out of this crisis; we also need to make sure young people have options. I was able to secure $750,000 in funding for the United Mentoring Program (UMP), a local nonprofit that connects middle and high school students with mentors, as well as help UMP secure a permanent building for the program. UMP not only provides teens with positive role models, but it offers academic tutoring, life skills education, community service opportunities and career development.
The program is designed to reduce crime and put young people on the path to success. In addition to the $146 million I’ve been able to secure for infrastructure, public safety, mentoring and other 7th District priorities, I’ve also been able to help everyday people navigate government and resolve problems.
In my first term, I’ve personally been involved in 563 meetings, visits and tours. My office had more than 74,460 constituent engagements, resolved 1,140 constituent cases, and returned $6,541,732 to residents.
That’s a real impact on people’s lives and livelihoods.
I’ve also been willing to break with my party on important principles. I was one of only four Republicans to vote with Democrats four different times to require the Trump Administration to get congressional approval for the war with Iran. I was one of the first Republican co-sponsors of Rep. Thomas Massie’s legislation to force the Trump Administration to release the Epstein Files.
And I’ve opposed President Trump on data centers, warrantless surveillance and allowing Chinese-made cars to be sold here in the U.S.
Serving in Congress is an honor, just as wearing the U.S. Army uniform for 22 years was. I am grateful to the people who entrust me to represent them, and I hope you will give me that opportunity for two more years. Regardless of your party, know that I am committed to representing all the people of the 7th District.
Editor’s note: City Pulse invited candidates for governor, U.S. Senate and the 7th Congressional District to speak directly to our readers. Their responses appear at these links and in this week’s issue of City Pulse.
