Beyond the Bill: Sen. Lana Theis (R-Brighton)

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 Senator Lana Theis (R-Brighton) is serving her second term representing Michigan’s 22nd Senate District, which includes portions of Livingston, Genesee, Ingham, Oakland, and Shiawassee counties. Before being elected to the Senate, Theis served as state representative of the 42nd District for two terms, beginning in 2015. Theis got her start in public service as Brighton Township treasurer from 2008-2014. During that time, she served as chair of the Brighton Area Fire Authority, the Livingston County Republican Party, the Livingston County Treasurers Association, and was a member of the Brighton Township Planning Commission. 

Theis currently serves as the Minority Vice Chair on multiple Appropriations Subcommittees and is a member of the Appropriations Committee, Finance, Insurance and Consumer Protection Committee, and the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. 

Education remains at the center of Theis’ policy priorities, particularly regarding literacy outcomes and ensuring students are prepared for long-term career success.

When asked about the issue she is most passionate about, Theis highlighted her work to expand LETRS training for teachers and implement Science of Reading practices, noting that while many of those efforts initially faced setbacks, there is now broader recognition of the need to improve reading proficiency. Despite that progress, she emphasized that Michigan “remains in the bottom 10 nationally in reading performance” and still has significant work to do to improve early educational outcomes.

That focus on educational outcomes extends to workforce development. Theis identified stronger alignment between education and employer needs as the biggest opportunity to strengthen Michigan’s talent pipeline. “Closing the gap between the skills students gain and what employers actually need, especially at the postsecondary level,” is critical, she said, adding that better workforce alignment can support economic growth, talent retention, and student success. She also emphasized the importance of ensuring students pursue pathways that lead to meaningful career opportunities and sustainable earnings.

When asked what policy area could have the biggest economic impact on Michigan, Theis pointed to government spending and accountability.

“Ensuring fiscal responsibility and accountability in state spending” is among her top focuses, she said. “Pandemic-era spending significantly expanded the state budget, but without clear improvements in economic or educational outcomes, Michigan now ranks 40th in per capita income and 44th in education.” Theis highlighted future spending decisions should be accompanied by stronger measures to evaluate results and outcomes for taxpayers.

Theis also discussed the importance of stronger coordination between industry, education, and government to support Michigan’s economy and automotive sector.

“We need better alignment between policy incentives and market demand,” Theis said. She added that stronger communication among stakeholders can help ensure policies are “practical, adaptable, and grounded in real-world conditions” to allow the auto industry to thrive.

Closer to home, Theis identified the erosion of local control as an issue in her district that she believes deserves greater statewide attention.

“Local governments should be partners in decisions, not sidelined,” Theis said, explaining that policies driven from the top down can create unintended consequences for communities and future development efforts.

For young professionals interested in public policy, Theis encourages early engagement in civic and community organizations. Her advice is simple: “Stay informed and get involved early.” She recommended serving on local boards, commissions, and policy committees as a way to “contribute meaningfully, build relationships, and ensure your perspective is part of the decision-making process”.

Outside of policymaking, Theis highlighted Bourbons in Brighton as one of her favorite local hidden gems. She praised the owners’ entrepreneurial spirit, noting how they have grown multiple businesses while investing in their employees and community. “I see them working hard to ensure the happiness of their customers every time I’m there,” she said.