Would You Pay to See this Look on Utica Rep. Jeff Farrington's Face?

Utica Rep. Jeff Farrington takes a polar plunge to raise money for Special Olympics of Michigan.

If your answer is "yes," you're among the supporters who contributed to Utica Rep. Jeff Farrington's campaign to raise money for Special Olympics of Michigan. Farrington, along with 20 other state legislators, took the plunge into a cold pool on the Capitol steps in Lansing on Feb. 23. During the first Legislative Polar Plunge, organizers raised more than $20,000 for Special Olympics of Michigan. Editor's Note: Thanks to Rep. Farrington for supplying Patch with this photo - which is an instant classic.

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Columnist Criticizes Farrington's Bill Requiring Welfare Drug Testing

Columnist Brian Dickerson wrote in an opinion piece in the Detroit Free Press that if Utica Rep. Jeff Farrington had it his way, everybody from politicians to entrepreneurs to students receiving school loans should be subjected to drug testing.

Does the GOP have Michigan on the Right Track?

State Rep. Jeff Farrington of Utica writes in the Detroit Free Press that Republicans have Michigan headed in the right direction. Vote in our poll to let us know what you think.

Jeff Farrington, a Republican state representative from Utica, said that the GOP has Michigan headed in the right direction in an opinion piece he wrote for the Detroit Free Press. Farrington cited the state’s decreasing unemployment rate, the elimination of the Michigan Business Tax and a balanced budget as positive signs. Farrington has played a central part. He introduced 12 bills in his first year in Lansing, according to michiganvotes.org. Among the bills he introduced was one calling for drug tests to be used to determine eligibility for welfare benefits. Not everyone agrees with Farrington, of course. Rudy Hobbs, a Democratic state representative from Southfield, wrote a dissenting opinion in the Free Press arguing that Republicans …

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Check Out New Michigan Laws That Go Into Effect For 2012

Statutes regulating film incentives, heating aid, business taxes and public safety mergers also take effect.

Local residents, workers and employers are affected by Michigan laws that took effect in late December or will do so as calendars flip to 2012. Gov. Rick Snyder this year signed legislation regulating home foreclosures, charter schools, student bullying, teachers' unions and other areas. Take a look at some of what's now the law of our state as a new year starts: Mortgage lenders must provide a list of nonprofit consumer counselors with the first foreclosure step so borrowers can seek immediate advice. Two bills signed Dec. 22 also provide additional time and ways for owners to arrange modifications such as interest rate reduction and principal reduction to cut monthly payments. To minimize solicitations by for-profit "rescue" advisers, …

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POLL: Do you Think Welfare Recipients Should Be Subjected to Drug Tests?

State Representative from Utica, Jeff Farrington, introduces bill to Michigan House demanding that welfare recipients should have to take drug tests.

Republican Rep. Jeff Farrington of Utica introduced a bill Tuesday calling for drug tests to be used to determine eligibility for welfare benefits. House Bill No. 5223 states, "If an applicant tests positive for substance abuse, the applicant is ineligible to receive Family Independence Program Assistance benefits under this act." The bill also states that even if an applicant passes the test, the cost of  administering the test should be deducted from their first welfare check.  "Welfare benefits are for those who truly need temporary assistance," Farrinton said. "After recipients leave the welfare rolls and re-enter the workforce, many of them will be required at the job application stage to complete a drug screening before gaining …

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georgine martin

9:52 am on Saturday, December 31, 2011

Drugs are expensive too - I have no problem helping the sick or unemployed - the unemployed should be working after llooking for a job...however, why look when you get more money than you would working - sickly people have every right to help - I don't think we help enough - however, those sick with alcohol and drug abuse I have no pity for and no money - I have to get my own needles for insulin…   more ›

State Rep. Jeff Farrington Gets Real with Patch

Patch sits down with State Rep. Jeff Farrington (R-Utica) for a little Q and A.

Shelby-Utica Patch: What issues are you most concerned with? Rep. Jeff Farrington: It’s basically everything. 1. Job growth in Michigan and a creating a culture for jobs. 2. Taking control of government spending and stop spending more money than the government has.  Shelby-Utica Patch: What are your plans/goals for the future? Farrington: 1. Lower taxes for business owners. 2. Get NITC Bridge, New International Trade plan from Detroit to Canada approved. 3. Lower regulation: Too many companies are being pushed away from doing business in the state. 4. Make access to capital easier for small and midsize businesses. Shelby-Utica Patch: How are you handling the recall efforts against you? Sidebar information: The MEA, Michigan Education …

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Patch Summer Tour

Rock and Roll! Shelby-Utica Patch Goes on Tour

Welcome to the first-ever Shelby-Utica Patch Summer Tour, where I'll be taking a trip around the cities and bringing my highlights live on Facebook and Twitter.

Shelby-Utica Patch Editor Marina Cracchiolo is going on her first-ever Patch Summer Tour. That’s right—rock stars aren’t the only ones who can go on tour. This tour is about getting out into the community—not for the purpose of playing rock and roll and inspiring a generation of hippies—but to experience the city with a fresh set of eyes.  I want to visit new businesses, attend a great community event and even get you more connected with your local state representatives. I’ll tell you where I am going to be and what stories I plan on covering all week long in the hopes that you’ll come out and say “Hi.” I am even willing to give out gifts. In return, I want to hear what you have to say. Give me feedback on the site (but not about my funky …

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Free Press: State Legislator from Utica Targeted in MEA Recall Effort

State Rep. Jeff Farrington said he will "let the chips fall where they may," according to a report in the Detroit Free Press.

Jeff Farrington shrugs off efforts by the Michigan Education Association that target the freshman state representative, according to a report in the Detroit Free Press. Farrington, a Republican from Utica, told the Free Press he is doing what he was elected to do, and he will “let the chips fall where they may.” Farrington is among 12 Republican lawmakers the MEA plans to target for recall, the Free Press reported.

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