Rick Outman

Rick Outman is a Republican politician currently serving as a member of the Michigan State Senate, representing the 33rd district. His political career has spanned over a decade, during which he has held various positions, including a prior tenure in the Michigan House of Representatives. Outman has been involved in several legislative initiatives and has focused on a range of policy issues during his time in office. He is a resident of Six Lakes, Michigan, where he lives with his family.

Early life and career

Rick Outman was born on December 15, 1963, in Lakeview, Michigan. He spent his formative years in Montcalm County, which has shaped his understanding of the local community and its needs. Outman pursued higher education at Grand Valley State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree. This educational background provided him with a foundation for his future endeavors, both in business and politics.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Outman has a diverse professional background. He is the owner and operator of Outman Excavating, a family business that has been passed down through generations. This role has given him practical experience in managing a business and understanding the challenges faced by local enterprises. His work in the excavation industry has likely influenced his perspective on economic development and infrastructure issues within his legislative role.

Outman also has a military background, having served in the U.S. Army and the Army National Guard. This experience may have contributed to his leadership skills and understanding of the importance of service to the community. Furthermore, he has worked as a substitute teacher, which has provided him with insights into the educational system and the challenges faced by educators and students alike.

Legislative service

Rick Outman's political career began in earnest when he sought the Republican nomination for the Michigan House of Representatives in the 70th district in 2008. Although he was not successful in this initial attempt—finishing fourth in a competitive primary—he continued to pursue a career in public service. In 2010, Outman ran again for the same seat and successfully defeated the incumbent, Mike Huckleberry, marking the beginning of his tenure in the Michigan House.

During his time in the House, which lasted from 2011 until 2017, Outman was elected to two additional terms in 2012 and 2014. His campaigns during these years were managed by James Lower, who later succeeded him in the House after Outman was term-limited out of office. Throughout his legislative service in the House, Outman participated in various significant votes and discussions that shaped Michigan's policies.

One of the notable votes he cast was in favor of a "right-to-work law" in 2012, which prohibited labor unions from collecting fees from workers who were represented under collective bargaining agreements. This law was a significant point of contention in Michigan politics and reflected broader national debates about labor rights and union influence. In 2013, Outman voted against a Medicaid expansion bill that ultimately passed with bipartisan support. His opposition to this legislation highlighted the divisions within the Republican Party regarding healthcare issues.

In 2014, he again voted against a compromise bill to increase Michigan's minimum wage. This legislation aimed to raise the minimum wage to $9.25 an hour by 2018 and was signed into law by Governor Rick Snyder. Outman's votes on these key issues illustrate his alignment with certain conservative principles, particularly regarding labor and economic policy.

After serving in the House, Outman was unable to run for reelection in 2016 due to term limits. Subsequently, he took on a role as a legislative staffer, serving as a district liaison for Republican state Senator Judy Emmons. This position allowed him to remain engaged in the legislative process and maintain connections within the political landscape.

In 2018, Outman successfully ran for the Michigan Senate, winning election to represent the 33rd district. His victory in the Republican primary was significant, as he garnered a substantial percentage of the vote. In the general election, he won by a considerable margin, taking office in 2019. Following his election, Outman hired Emmons to serve as his district liaison, continuing their collaborative relationship in the Senate.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Michigan Senate, Rick Outman has been involved in various legislative initiatives and has focused on issues pertinent to his constituents. He has worked on bipartisan legislation, including efforts to ban minors from using electronic cigarettes, which reflects a growing concern about youth vaping and public health. This initiative, co-sponsored with Senator Marshall Bullock, indicates his willingness to collaborate across party lines on issues that affect the well-being of young people.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Outman was vocal in his criticism of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's restrictions aimed at controlling the spread of the virus. His stance on this issue resonated with constituents who were concerned about the impact of these measures on businesses and individual freedoms. This position also aligns with broader Republican sentiments regarding government intervention during public health crises.

In the wake of the 2020 presidential election, Outman was one of several Republican senators in Michigan who supported claims of election fraud. His involvement in promoting these assertions reflects the contentious political climate surrounding the election and the ongoing debates about electoral integrity. This engagement has positioned him within a faction of the Republican Party that has been vocal in contesting the election results.

As of 2022, Outman held the position of chair of the Department of Health and Human Services sub-committee budget and served on the Environmental Quality Committee. These roles indicate his involvement in critical areas of state governance, particularly concerning health services and environmental policies.

The 33rd Senate district, which Outman represents, originally included several counties in West Michigan, such as Montcalm, Clare, Gratiot, Isabella, and Mecosta. However, following the 2020 redistricting process, the district was modified to encompass seven counties, including all of Montcalm and Newaygo counties, along with portions of Kent, Ionia, Lake, Muskegon, and Ottawa counties. This change reflects the evolving demographics and political landscape of the region, and Outman has sought reelection in this newly drawn district.

Rick Outman's political career has been characterized by his commitment to representing the interests of his constituents in Michigan. His background in business, military service, and education has informed his legislative priorities and approach to governance. As he continues to serve in the Michigan Senate, Outman remains an active participant in the state's political discourse, addressing a range of issues that impact the lives of those in his district.