Coldwater Daily Reporter: Peters' bike tour stops in Coldwater

COLDWATER — With mud splashed on his face and shirt, Michigan U.S. Senator Gary Peters roared across a wet stretch of ground then up a dirt slope and over the top of a hill. He was at the wheel of an off road truck behind the research and development center for Sport Trucks USA Inc., on Garfield Road Friday morning.

Peters is the newest, and only Democratic Senator, elected two years ago. He took the seat held by retiring Carl Levin. The senator was in Coldwater for the fifth and final day of his #RideMI Motorcycle Tour. The retired Navy Reserve Lt. Commander circled the lower peninsula aboard his Harley bike visiting businesses, and individuals, to learn more to help him in making decisions in Washington.

Sports Truck was on his agenda because as a distributor it has grown to service the off road truck market worldwide. But, now has gone into manufacturing and design and development of new products. He also wanted to hear about how the company was originally owned through an employee stock ownership plan. Peters considers this as one way the country can expand the middle class, and raise incomes.

Peters was also given a tour of the restored Tibbits Opera House. He has worked for tax benefits and help for preservation of historic structures.

On Thursday Peters was at Rolling Meadows Farm in Cass County, where he met with members of the Michigan Farm Bureau to discuss the importance of agriculture to Michigan's economy and to hear about the challenges facing farmers.

"Our agricultural diversity is one of Michigan's greatest strengths. From our cherries and blueberries to our soybeans and livestock, Michigan's agriculture sector contributes over $100 billion to the state's economy and employs nearly one out of every four Michiganders," said Senator Peters.

"To protect and grow this vital industry, farmers need the flexibility to maximize their investments. I was proud to support legislation to extend small business expensing so that farmers are able to invest in new technology and equipment," he added.

The senator also met with a Van Buren County broadband internet provider. Data on broadband coverage is often overstated, making it difficult to identify areas most in need of broadband investment and calling into question the reliability of the National Broadband Map. The Commerce Committee passed Peters' amendment to update the National Broadband Map by requiring the Federal Communications Commission to report on existing data collection practices for fixed and mobile broadband coverage and offer recommendations for improvements.

The senator expects to take what he has heard from Michiganders to help him when he returns to Washington after the Labor Day summer recess of Congress.

The senator left Coldwater Friday afternoon with a group of Harley riders who joined him to return to his Oakland County home. He returns to Washington Tuesday when Congress returns for its fall sessions.