Lindsey calls Growing Michigan Together Council “a sham..putting forth Governor’s agenda-driven goals”

(Gary Stevens contributed to this report)

LANSING, MI (WTVB) – A blue-ribbon panel charged with proposing ideas for stemming Michigan’s population drain has completed its work but Branch County representative in the State Senate was not impressed.

The Growing Michigan Together Council was nearly unanimous on Thursday in submitting a comprehensive population growth report to Governor Whitmer and both chambers of the state Legislature.

Former US Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates John Rakolta was one of the council’s co-chairs.

Republican State Senator Jonathan Lindsey of Allen said in a statement issued by his office, “This council had the potential to be a good thing for Michigan, but it’s proven to be a sham that put forth the governor’s already-determined, agenda-driven goals.

Lindsey was nominated for the Council by Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt but his nomination was rejected. Lindsey says, “I was proud to be nominated by Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt, however after my nomination was refused and the wagons began to circle, it quickly became clear that this effort was not being taken seriously and the council was not open to new ideas on how we can grow our state’s population or economy.”

The Council formed three so-called “strategies” after meetings and listening sessions were held at various locations.

• Build a lifelong education system focused on future-ready skills and competencies to thrive
• Create a transformative economic growth strategy that establishes Michigan as the “Innovation Hub of the Midwest and America’s Scale-Up State;”
• Create thriving, resilient communities that are magnets for young talent