Beyond the Bill: Rep. Tom Kunse (R-Clare) 

Beyond the Bill is a rotating segment that features a Republican or Democrat Michigan Legislator for Chamber members to get to know on a more personal level and highlight their legislative priorities for Michiganders.

Michigan Rep. Tom Kunse (R-Clare) is serving his second term representing Michigan’s 100th House District, which includes portions of Mecosta, Osceola, Lake, and Clare counties. Before being elected to the House, Kunse owned Northern Dry Bulk, a specialized transportation company, for 30 years, which he sold in 2024. He is heavily involved in his community, serving as a youth sports coach, a math tutor, a USA Hockey official, and a Michigan High School Athletic Association Basketball official in his spare time. Kunse currently serves as Vice Chair of the Communications and Technology Committee and is a member of the Agriculture Committee, Education and the Workforce Committee, and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.  

When asked about the legislation he believes will have the greatest impact on Michigan’s economy, Kunse pointed to efforts that strengthen the state’s business climate and infrastructure. 

“I’ve supported measures to streamline permitting processes, expand R&D tax credits, and invest in workforce training programs like Going PRO,” Kunse said, believing these policies help “reduce barriers for businesses, encourage innovation, and build the skilled talent manufacturing sectors need.” 

However, Kunse identified road funding as the most significant accomplishment. “The single biggest impact: Road Funding,” he said. “As the only engineer in the legislature, I am the ‘Roads Guy,’ and we made generational changes to how the roads are funded.” 

Looking closer to home, Kunse believes workforce shortages remain one of the greatest challenges facing his district and warrant broader statewide attention: Jobs. 

“We need a workforce that aligns with the job openings,” he said. He also highlighted housing affordability as a growing concern, noting that Michigan’s economy cannot continue to grow if residents struggle to find attainable housing. “Investing in a home is part of the American Dream, and we cannot have that become unaffordable for the next generation.” 

Workforce development sits at the center of Kunse’s legislative priorities. Representing a district that faces longstanding economic challenges, he sees education and career training as the key to creating greater opportunity. He emphasized that many employers struggle to fill open positions while students often lack clear pathways into high-demand careers. 

Kunse also stressed the importance of collaboration between industry, educational institutions, and government to strengthen Michigan’s automotive sector and talent pipeline. He believes apprenticeship programs and stronger partnerships between employers, community colleges, and universities are essential to meeting workforce demands. 

“Industry leaders, community colleges, universities, and state government must collaborate on apprenticeship programs,” he said. He added that aligning educational curricula with real-time industry needs will help ensure Michigan remains a leader in automotive innovation and manufacturing. 

Looking ahead, Kunse sees Career and Technical Education (CTE) as one of Michigan’s greatest opportunities. Through stronger employer partnerships, student support services, and industry-recognized certifications, Kunse believes Michigan can better prepare students for family-sustaining careers while helping businesses compete globally. As he put it, “We will change the world — or at least my District — through CTE.” 

Outside of policy, Kunse is quick to highlight the natural scenery that makes his district unique. While many districts are known for specific destinations, Kunse believes the 100th District’s true hidden gem is its abundance of green space and outdoor recreation opportunities. 

“The amazing part of my district is the numerous outdoor opportunities,” he said. “We have lakes, rivers, parks, woods, trails, great golfing, you name it.”  

When asked about the best advice he has ever received, Kunse shared a lesson from his father that continues to shape his approach to policymaking. 

“‘Don’t tell me what you can’t do, tell me what you can do,’” he said. The advice, passed down from his father, Ron Kunse, encourages a focus on solutions rather than obstacles. “This puts the focus on what we can build together, not what divides us.” 

That philosophy guides his bipartisan approach in Lansing. “Michigan is a purple state, and people want solutions, not partisan finger-pointing,” Kunse said, emphasizing the value of collaboration on issues that affect Michigan families, workers, and businesses.