Representative Mike Simpson – an Independent Leader
Representative Simpson was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2006. In his first term, Rep. Simpson distinguished himself as a true leader and an independent thinker. He served as a member of the House Insurance Policy Committee, the House Tourism and Natural Resources Committee, as well as the House Commerce Committee and as the Majority Vice-Chairman of the House Health Policy Committee.
He also served on the Health Policy Committee for the National Conference of State Legislators, and by special appointment of the Speaker of the House, he served as the exclusive State Representative on the Board of Directors for the Michigan Center for Rural Health, housed at Michigan State University.
Representative Simpson's record of accomplishments in his first term includes:
- Moving key legislation to protect millions in federal funding for the expansion of Jackson County Airport
- Playing a key role in assisting the Leoni Sewer authority in its efforts to secure a $1 million grant and a $34 million low interest loan to upgrade the sewer system that serves a large part of Jackson County
- Playing a key role in securing Capital Outlay funding for a proposed $22 million expansion and renovation project at Jackson Community College
- Sponsoring legislation out of the House to repeal Michigan's one of a kind drug immunity law. The repeal would hold drug companies accountable when their products harm or kill our residents
- Worked with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation in assisting several companies in mid-Michigan to create or retain hundreds of jobs
- Passing legislation that allowed Jackson County to become designated as a SmartZone
Representative Simpson’s committee assignments for the 95th (2009-2010) Legislature:
- House Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources Committee
- House Health Policy Committee
- House Government Operations Committee
- Chairman, House Agriculture Committee
Before serving in the House, Representative Simpson was:
- A member of the U.S. Army Reserve
- Vice-President of Crown Freight Inc
- Vice-President of Elander Enterprises Freight Brokerage Services
- Owner of American Graphics Advertising
- Owner of Poppa's Place restaurant
- Owner of the Pizza Factory pizzeria
Representative Simpson has a long history of community involvement:
- Member of the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce
- Member of the Brooklyn-Irish Hills Chamber of Commerce
- Member of the Grass Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce
- Member of the Onsted Area Chamber of Commerce
- Member of the Eaton Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce
- Member of the Brooklyn Area Kiwanis Club
- Member of the American Legion Post #252
- Member of the Michigan Farm Bureau
- Member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #70
- Host of annual Earth Day tree give-away
- Host of annual Christmas Food Drives
- Host of the Spirit of Education Award Program for local elementary students
- Has raised more than $30,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan
Education:
- Graduate of the U.S. Army Combat Training School
- Graduate of the U.S. Army Administrative Training School
- Graduate of the ASI Insurance Adjusters program at Michigan State University
- Graduate of the Legislative Leadership Program at Michigan State University
Personal:
- Rep. Simpson resides in Blackman Township with his wife, Debbie
- He has four adult children