For Immediate Release
July 28, 2010

Michigan Credit Union League endorses Kuipers for Congress

HOLLAND —The Michigan Credit Union League (MCUL), a statewide trade association representing nearly 300 credit unions in Michigan, today announced its support of Senator Wayne Kuipers for the 2 nd Congressional District seat.

“Senator Kuipers recognizes the value that credit unions provide to communities as non-profit, consumer-owned financial institutions,” said MCUL President and CEO David Adams. “He has been a strong advocate in the Legislature for our mission because he realizes that institutions owned by their own members are going to be especially sensitive to consumer needs and interests. In this economic environment, people need financial institutions that are looking out for them, rather than their bottom line.”

Organized in 1934, the MCUL is recognized nationally as one of the most prominent and innovative state credit union trade associations in the U.S. There are currently more than four million residents in Michigan who are members of a credit union.

“Credit unions are an integral part of the communities where their members ive and work,” said Kuipers. “Given the state of our economy, now more than ever before, we need organizations who are dedicated to helping people better manage their money and solve issues, such as financing a home or car.”

Kuipers has also been an active participant in the organization’s efforts to teach financial literacy to youth.

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For Immediate Release
July 27, 2010

Law enforcement group endorses Kuipers for Congress

HOLLAND —The Kent County Law Enforcement Association (KCLEA) today announced its support of Wayne Kuipers for the 2 nd Congressional District seat.

“Senator Kuipers has been a strong advocate for law enforcement during his time in the Legislature,” said Tom Raymond, vice president of KCLEA. “As chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Wayne has worked tirelessly to protect our neighborhoods by supporting policies that give law enforcement agencies the tools they need to do their job.”

The Kent County Law Enforcement Association is comprised of every law enforcement deputy and emergency dispatcher employed by the Kent County Sheriff’s office. The organization has been at work providing vital police and communications services for more than 150 years.

“I am honored to have the support of these fine men and women who are willing to put their lives on the line every day so the families in our communities can feel secure,” said Kuipers. “They deserve all the credit for keeping the citizens of West Michigan out of harm’s way and making our roads safe.”

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For Immediate Release
July 26, 2010

Former U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige endorses Kuipers

HOLLAND — Former U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige today announced his support of Wayne Kuipers for the 2 nd Congressional District seat.

“During his tenure as chair of the Michigan Senate Education Committee, Wayne has proven to be an effective advocate for promoting excellence in education,” said Paige. “His tireless efforts have raised the quality of education for children and opened doors of opportunity for parents.”

Paige served as Secretary of Education from 2001 to 2005 under President Bush. A former Dean of the College of Education at Texas Southern University and Superintendent of Houston Public Schools, Paige built his career on the belief that education equalizes opportunity. Paige was the first African-American to serve as the nation’s education chief.

“I am honored to receive Dr. Paige’s endorsement of my bid for Congress,” said Kuipers. “His reputation as an education reformer is unparalleled across the nation.”

Kuipers, who received his undergraduate degree in Special Education, first served as chair of the House Education Committee for two years before being appointed to his current role as chair of the Senate Education Committee in 2002.

Kuipers has received numerous education accolades including: the Michigan Parent, Teacher and Student Association’s “Legislator of the Year;” the Michigan Council for Social Studies’ “Great Influence Award;” the Michigan School Counselor Association’s “Legislator of the Year;” and the Michigan School Business Officials’ “Friend of Education” award.

Most recently, Kuipers was one of four national recipients to receive the prestigious “Champion for Charters” award by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools.

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For Immediate Release
July 22, 2010

Pro-Life, Pro-Family conservative organization announces support of Kuipers

HOLLAND - A conservative group that champions the conservative values of protecting life, strong families and less government today announced its support of Wayne Kuipers for the 2 nd Congressional District seat.

The group, Citizens Alliance for Life and Liberty (CALL), is a grassroots organization that was founded to uphold the principles of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” as found in the Declaration of Independence.

“Michigan Senator Wayne Kuipers has been a friend for many years of those who understand Judeo-Christian values,” said CALL leader Steve Dennison. “We believe he would represent the residents of the 2 nd Congressional District well.”

CALL’s goal is to educate and empower citizens to get involved in the political process for conservative causes including the sanctity of life, lower taxes and the rights of parents to homeschool their children.

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For Immediate Release
July 19, 2010

Former RNC committeeman and conservative family values champion endorses Kuipers for Congress

HOLLAND - Former Republican National Committeeman and conservative leader Keith Butler today announced his support of Wayne Kuipers in the 2nd Congressional District race.

“I’ve known Wayne for many years and feel he’s the most qualified candidate to fight the liberal policies of President Obama and Speaker Pelosi,” said Butler. “Sen. Kuipers has a proven track record of cutting spending, reforming government and creating jobs as a state legislator so he’ll be able to fight for West Michigan from day one.”

Keith Butler is the founding pastor of the nondenominational Word of Faith International Christian Center Church, which has a 22,000 member congregation. In 2006, Butler won the support of a majority of Republicans in Ottawa County when he sought the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate to challenge incumbent Debbie Stabenow.

In February 2008, Butler replaced Chuck Yob as a Republican National Committee member from Michigan. Mr. Butler is on the Executive Board of Christians United for Israel, the pro-Israel organization founded by Rev. John Hagee.

“Residents of the 2nd Congressional District know that with Wayne Kuipers you’re not just getting a bunch of talk – you’re getting a conservative leader with a proven track record of fighting for core family values,” said Butler.

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The Kuipers for Congress campaign headquarters is open for business. The office is located at 234 Central Avenue, Holland, MI 49423.

Residents of the 2nd Congressional District can stop by for campaign information, to pick up yard signs or to visit with Wayne. Contact the headquarters at 616-392-2600.

Call or stop by for a yard sign!

For Immediate Release
June 24, 2010

Former MDA director and MFB president, West Michigan agricultural leaders unite to endorse Kuipers for Congress

HOLLAND – Former Michigan Department of Agriculture Director Dan Wyant, former Michigan Farm Bureau President Jack Laurie, and a group of agricultural leaders from across West Michigan today officially announced their endorsement of Sen. Wayne Kuipers, a Republican candidate for the 2nd Congressional District.

“The agriculture industry serves a critical role to the state’s economy,” said Kuipers, R-Holland. “We need policy makers who recognize the true importance of this industry. I have tremendous respect for each of these agricultural leaders and businesses, and I am proud to have their support.”

During his service in the Legislature, Kuipers led the way on many agricultural issues, including measures to:

• Urge the Environmental Protection Agency to rescind a government mandate on dairy farmers;
• Reject the governor’s Executive Order to remove authority from the Michigan Commission of Agriculture;
• Defend against overly burdensome government regulation of the livestock industry; and
• Encourage the governor to rescind her “Michigan Meatout Day” proclamation.

“Often times, support for the agricultural industry can be just empty words,” said Wyant. “Wayne has shown otherwise by his actions and willingness to serve as an active advocate for Michigan agriculture. West Michigan would be fortunate to have his representation in Congress because he’s the best candidate for the job.”

A member of the Ottawa County Farm Bureau, Kuipers worked within the landscaping sector of the agricultural industry for more than 25 years. He worked for 15 years in management at Hollandia Gardens Inc., as a management consultant for three years at Bosch’s Landscape Inc, and as the owner/manager of Compost Soil Technologies, Inc. for five years. He was also employed at landscape operations during highs school and college.

“ Wayne has been a real supporter of agriculture during his public tenure,” said Laurie. “I look forward to having his service at the federal level because I know that he will continue advocating for issues that are so important to Michigan agriculture.”

In addition to Wyant and Laurie, some of the agribusinesses and agricultural leaders supporting Kuipers include:

• Former State Senator George McManus, McManus Farms;
• Harley and Rick Sietsema, Sietsma Farms;
• Stephen and Greg Herbruck, Herbruck’s Poultry Farms;
• Ed Hannenburg, River Ridge Farm;
• Rob Steffens, Steffens Orchards;
• Denny Heffron, Heffron Farms;
• Richard and William Patmos, Sunrise Acres;
• Ron and Linda Reister, Reister Grower Services;
• Frank and Shari Konkel, Silver Sky Dairy;
• John and Judy Christian, Green Valley Agriculture;
• Dale and Liz Deppe, Spring Meadow Nursery;
• Don Debski, Debski Trucking;
• Treavor Young, S.Hacksel Farms LLC;
• Miguael Ochoa, A & L Farms, Inc.;
• Phil Schwallier, MSUE district horticultural and marketing educator; and
• Kyle Fiebig, Montague agriscience educator.

Kuipers has been recognized by the Michigan Agribusiness Association with the “Outstanding Legislator Award” and the Michigan FFA Association for his support of the agricultural industry.

For more information about Kuipers, his past experience and the campaign, visit www.kuipersforcongress.com.

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For Immediate Release
June 24, 2010

Kuipers earns Citizens for Traditional Values endorsement

HOLLAND – Sen. Wayne Kuipers, a Republican candidate for the 2nd Congressional District, is pleased to announce the endorsement from the Citizens for Traditional Values Political Action Committee ( CTV-PAC).

“I’m pleased to receive an endorsement from an organization that focuses on principles that build strong families and promote good government,” said Kuipers, R-Holland. “During my time in office, I have worked to protect the traditional family values that are such a big part of West Michigan. I will continue to do so in Washington D.C.”

Kuipers has authored numerous pieces of legislation that focus on protecting life, abstinence education, smaller government, public safety, anti-gambling, and education choice for parents.

“I don’t just talk about the importance of conservative values,” Kuipers said. “I practice them with my family and have fought to help preserve them for families in Michigan.”

Kuipers and his wife, Jodi, have three children. The family attends Faith Christian Reformed Church in Holland, where he serves as an Administrative Elder.

For more information about Kuipers, his past experience and the campaign, visit www.kuipersforcongress.com.

The CTV-PAC is non-partisan and supports candidates based on their positions on traditional family values.

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For Immediate Release
June 22, 2010

HOLLAND – State Sen. Wayne Kuipers today called on U.S. House Democrats to approve a budget blueprint for 2010, as Democratic leadership announced they will not pass a budget plan.

Failure to pass a budget blueprint has not happened since 1974.

"Government spending is out-of-control,” said Kuipers, R-Holland. “We need a budget plan in place that will reign in spending and start to address the debt, which is the highest in our nation’s history.”

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For Immediate Release
June 15, 2010

“I’ve had the honor of being endorsed by Right to Life of Michigan every time I’ve run for office in the Michigan Legislature,” said Kuipers. “The other candidates can talk, but I’m proud to be the only candidate in this race with a proven 100% pro-life voting record in both chambers of the Legislature. My track record on this issue speaks for itself – people know that I'll continue leading on the issue of protecting life in Congress.”

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For Immediate Release
June 10, 2010

LANSING– Sen. Wayne Kuipers’ resolution urging the Environmental Protection Agency to rescind a recent ruling that will create unnecessary regulatory burdens and additional costs for dairy farmers in Michigan was approved Thursday by the Senate Agriculture and Bioeconomy Committee.

The EPA has classified milk as oil, making it subject to federal regulation. As a result, small and large dairy farms would be required to develop oil spill prevention plans for milk storage tanks.

“We must restore common sense to our regulatory system. The federal Clean Water Act requirements were meant to protect the environment from petroleum-based oils, not milk,” said Kuipers, R-Holland. “Subjecting dairy farmers to these laws represents a clear overreach of government and is a classic example of misplaced priorities in Washington D.C.”

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Check out these stories in the media about Wayne's EPA dairy resolution:
Holland Sentinel - 6/19/10
Grand Rapids Press - 6/16/10
Grand Rapids Press - 6/14/10
WZZM 13 - 6/11/10
Channel 9 & 10 - 6/10/10

For Immediate Release
Jan. 14, 2010

HOLLAND – Sen. Wayne Kuipers, candidate for the 2nd Congressional District, today announced that he signed the Club for Growth’s Repeal It! pledge agreeing, once elected, to sponsor and support legislation to repeal the Obama health care reform bill.  

The Club for Growth launched the Repeal It! pledge program today. Kuipers became one of the first candidates in the nation to sign the pledge and the first candidate in Michigan’s 2nd Congressional District.

"The last thing that Michigan residents need right now is the federal government picking their pockets with higher health care premiums,” said Kuipers, R-Holland. “This administration and the House Democrats continue to drive our nation further into debt with their liberal spending policies.”

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For Immediate Release
Oct. 24, 2009

HOLLAND – Sen. Wayne Kuipers today officially announced he will run for the open 2nd Congressional District seat being vacated by gubernatorial candidate U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra.

Kuipers, who served two terms in the Michigan House of Representatives and is nearing the completion of his second term as senator for the 30th Senate District, made the announcement at the Holland Home Builders in front of a large crowd of family, friends and supporters.

“Our nation today faces misguided liberal policies, high taxes and out-of-control spending,” said Kuipers, R-Holland. “To get our economy moving, we need leaders in Congress with the courage to stand up for what they believe. I believe in smaller, limited government, personal freedom, responsibility and family.”

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