Steve Johnson (Michigan politician)

Steven B. Johnson[2] (born December 2, 1990)[3] is an American politician. He is a Republican member of the Michigan House of Representatives, elected to represent Michigan's 72nd House of Representatives district in 2016.

Steve Johnson
Member of the Michigan House of Representatives
from the 72nd district
Assumed office
January 19, 2017
Preceded byKen Yonker
Personal details
Born (1990-12-02) December 2, 1990
Allegan County, Michigan[1]
Political partyRepublican
Alma materCommunity College of the Air Force
Liberty University
WebsiteMichigan House Republicans Bio
Military service
AllegianceUnited States of America
Branch/serviceUnited States Air Force
RankStaff Sergeant

Early life

Johnson attended South Christian High School in Byron Center, Michigan. After graduating in 2009, he joined the United States Air Force and served for four years working on nuclear missile electronics in Montana.[4] He received an associates degree in electronic systems technology from the Community College of the Air Force.[3]He later graduated with an online bachelor's degree from Liberty University using the G.I. Bill.[4]

In the summer of 2015, he interned for representative Cindy Gamrat. He stayed briefly in Canada before moving to Alaska to start a handyman company with a friend.[4]

Michigan House of Representatives

Johnson said he returned to Michigan due to politics. He defeated Democrat Steve Shoemaker with 59% in the November 2016 election to win the Michigan's 72nd House of Representatives district, replacing termed-out Ken Yonker. The district includes southern Kent County and western Allegan County, Michigan.[4]

Johnson had a self-described "constitutionally-driven agenda" going into his first term. He wanted to lower taxes by eliminating the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and lowering the corporate income tax. Johnson and Representative Tom Leonard were in favor of transitioning the teacher pension system to the 401(k) plan. He supported a Religious Freedom Restoration Act in Michigan. The law allowed legal requirements for religious objections but was struck down at the federal level in 1997, leaving its adoption to individual states. Johnson also took a "life at conception" stance on abortion.[4]

During the COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan, Johnson voted against Governor Gretchen Whitmer's stay-at-home order extension in April 2020, citing concerns about potential negative economic impacts and contradictory language regarding who is and isn't allowed outside.[5][6]

Personal life

Johnson is a deacon at Wayland Christian Reformed Church.[3]

References
  1. "Legislator Details - Steve Johnson". Library of Michigan. Retrieved November 16, 2019.
  2. "Michigan Committee Statement of Organization". Michigan Secretary of State. Retrieved November 15, 2019.
  3. "Legislator Details > Steve Johnson". Michigan Legislative Biography. Library of Michigan.
  4. Biolchini, Amy (2017-01-06). "Meet the 26-year-old state lawmaker who left Alaska to run for office". MLive.com. Retrieved 2020-12-10.
  5. Cummings, Ryan (2020-04-10). "'Stay Home' extension has lawmakers and business owners concerned". WXMI. Retrieved 2020-12-10.
  6. Marini, Miriam (April 10, 2020). "Yes, you can mow your lawn under Gov. Whitmer's executive order". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved 2020-12-10.
Political offices
Preceded by
Ken Yonker		 Michigan Representatives
72nd District
2017–present		 Succeeded by
Incumbent
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