Today we welcomed Michigan Representative Laurie Pohutsky who is Speaker Pro Tempore of the House and Chair of its Natural Resources, Enviromental, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Committee. The Speaker Pro Tempore talked about her vision for the Committee as a welcoming one for voices who have not traditionally been heard, such as tribes and animal advocates/non consumptive users. She emphasized that the committee has a broad mandate although many people think of it as the “wildlife” committee.
She is a microbiologist and has been interested in this committee during all three of her terms because of this background. She noted that important issues such as Chronic Wasting Disease in deer, and wolf management both have a lot of data and scientific research behind them and her background is useful in assessing policy.
We talked about other areas of expertise that she expects to tap during the next two years, including the economics of funding these activities. We can expect the committee to have a broader purview under her leadership.
Rep. Pohutsky also has an important leadership role in the House. The Speaker Pro Tempore is often the one who runs the House sessions and coordinates with the Majority Floor Leader, Rep. Abraham Ayash. The Speaker, Rep. Joe Tate is in charge of the entire process.
There is much more to learn about her views that will be of interest to animal advocates. View the full video here.
“Looking at everything through the lens of consumption is not a sustainable model. It’s beyond time that we bring those voices [tribal and animal welfare] in. We haven’t brought you to the table as much as we should.”
Rep. Laurie Pohutsky, Speaker pro tempore, April 3, 2023, Lunch + Legislation