Beyond the Bill: Rep. Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph)

Beyond the Bill is a segment that features a Michigan Legislator for Detroit Regional Chamber members to get to know on a more personal level and highlight their legislative priorities.

State Rep. Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph) is currently serving his second term representing Michigan’s 38th District, encompassing parts of Allegan, Berrien, and Van Buren counties. Before serving in the House, Andrews attended Law School at Wayne State University, became a licensed attorney, and was a former small business owner of Parasol Solar LLC, a small solar panel installation company. Andrews currently serves on the Communications and Technology Committee, Energy Committee, and Transportation and Infrastructure Committee 

When asked about the policy issue he is most passionate about, Andrews pointed to Nuclear Energy, where he believes Michigan has a unique opportunity to lead. Andrews sees significant potential for Michigan to become a hub for emerging nuclear technologies, attracting investment while supporting the state’s manufacturing base for decades to come. That perspective has shaped his support for the Legislature’s bipartisan Nuclear Energy Package, which passed the Michigan House and is currently awaiting consideration in the Senate.

“The bills would position us to attract talent, research emerging nuclear and hydrogen technology, and position us as a lead state in the industry,” Andrews says, “I believe investment flows downstream of the ecosystem we create and having abundant energy and making investments in technology are part of creating an ecosystem that draws in investment from advanced manufacturing and tech that need that power, along with the high-paying jobs that come with those investments.”

Andrews believes that Michigan can continue strengthening its workforce through deeper partnerships between schools, employers, and industry. He highlighted the Berrien Talent Collaborative, a partnership involving Lake Michigan College, the Berrien ISD, and the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, that gives students early exposure to workforce opportunities while helping employers identify future talent.

“We’ve already taken some steps with free community college,” he said, but believes additional opportunities exist to expand apprenticeship-style programs that connect students directly with employers. “The Berrien Talent Collaborative is piloting an incredible model…to get kids into the talent pipeline early, learning the skills employers say they need with the promise of employment on the other side.”

He also emphasized that Michigan’s automotive sector is evolving and should increasingly be viewed through the lens of technology and innovation. Today’s automotive industry relies on robotics, software, semiconductors, and advanced technologies that require a different set of workforce skills than previous generations. To remain globally competitive, Andrews believes Michigan should build on its manufacturing heritage while investing heavily in technology education and workforce development.

“We have to start thinking about the automotive sector as tech, not just traditional manufacturing,” Andrews said. “We should be leaning into our manufacturing base and our incredible state universities and start investing in robotics, tech, and a truly modern workforce ready to build the vehicles of the 21st century.”

Serving a district that stretches along Michigan’s Lake Michigan shoreline, Andrews sees housing as one of the most pressing challenges facing local communities. When asked what issue in his district needs more statewide attention, Andrews pointed to short-term rentals.

“The tourism explosion since COVID-19 has resulted in a boom in the Short-Term Rentals industry, putting massive pressure on our local housing supply and residential neighborhoods,” Andrews said. “I have introduced bills in both sessions to address this, which would also help across the state and would fully fund Pure Michigan by extension.”

Beyond local challenges, Andrews offered a broader observation about governing in Lansing.

“The most surprising thing I’ve learned since becoming a legislator is how little will there is in Lansing to tackle complicated and hard problems,” Andrews said.  “I hope this changes because our state faces significant and serious challenges that will only be solved if we really put our heads down and decide to tackle big and complex problems, knowing it won’t be quick, easy, or fit in a good soundbite.”

Outside of policymaking, Andrews highlighted a pair of local favorites in the district. He praised the Mason Jar Cafe in Benton Harbor as “the best breakfast place, bar none,” and pointed to Tiscornia Park as one of his favorite beaches along the Lake Michigan shoreline because it attracts fewer visitors than some of the area’s more well-known destinations.