Barrett Hears About Agriculture, Education, and Transportation During Week of Meetings Across Mid-Michigan

Lansing, Mich. - Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) this week met with hardworking mid-Michiganders in agriculture, education, and transportation to hear from them about the issues that matter to their families and local businesses.

Throughout the week, Barrett toured local farms, held a roundtable discussion on free and fair agricultural trade, learned about research on crops and mobility technology at Michigan State University, visited a tutoring center, and hosted U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy for conversations about infrastructure and transportation.

"Meeting directly with mid-Michiganders, seeing their work firsthand, and hearing about their needs is the most important part of my job," said Barrett. "This week, I appreciated listening to farmers, educators, scientists studying crop diseases and developing vehicles, local transportation leaders, and other hardworking residents. These helpful and informative discussions enable me to better represent the people of our communities and make sure their voices are heard in Washington."

On Monday, Barrett visited Certain League Farms in Williamston and met with Mike and Roseann Bills, who raise asparagus, sunflowers, corn, horses, and puppies. The Billses have a daughter with special needs, and they founded the farm with a vision to offer adults with special needs the opportunity to reach their full potential and work a job that gives them dignity and purpose.

Barrett then visited the Plant Pathology Field Laboratory at Michigan State University and met with scientists who are conducting critical research to help farmers across mid-Michigan and the United States manage and mitigate crop diseases.

On Tuesday, Barrett met with Michigan farmers and agricultural industry leaders at AgroLiquid in St. Johns for a roundtable discussion hosted by Farmers for Free Trade. They discussed trade policy and priorities for the administration's negotiations around extending the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

Barrett then attended AgroExpo, an annual outdoor farm show in St. Johns, where he met with local residents participating in the event. AgroExpo brought together farmers, manufacturers, and others to make connections, showcase their work, and continue advancing the future of Michigan agriculture.

Barrett next attended Michigan State University's Mobility Summit in East Lansing. He met with educators, students, and other researchers and addressed attendees about his work to invest in infrastructure and promote innovation that will ensure Michigan's universities and industries continue leading in developing the next generation of transportation technology. He also highlighted the federal investment in autonomous vehicle research he secured on behalf of MSU.

On Wednesday, Barrett visited Sylvan Learning of Brighton, where Jessica and George Rollins shared about the tutoring and support their educators provide for local students.

On Thursday, Barrett welcomed U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy to Lansing for a discussion with local transportation and infrastructure leaders, a tour of the Capital Region International Airport, and a visit to Dean Transportation.

On Friday, Barrett toured Two Sparrows Farm in Eaton Rapids, where Dan and Whitney Belprez raise livestock. Their first-generation family farm is especially focused on providing healthy meat and milk to mid-Michigan families.