Oakland Press: Sen. Gary Peters discussing apprenticeships and veterans on statewide motorcycle tour

U.S. Sen. Gary Peters has been riding since he was 11 years old. 

The BloomfieldHills resident kicked off his fourth annual statewide motorcycle tour Monday at Motor City Harley Davidson in Farmington Hills. He was joined by motorcycle rights advocates, local officials, and fellow riders. 

The five-day tour, which includes stops in Flint, Grand Rapids, Escanaba, Traverse City and Grand Ledge, allows Peters to highlight and spotlight his legislative priorities and speak with residents across the state about issues they believe need to be addressed in Congress. About 25 riders joined Peters on the first leg of his tour from Oakland County to Flint.

Some of the tour stops include Mott Community College in Flint to discuss skilled trades and worker training programs with students and educators. 

"One thing in particular that I'm going to focus on is the college's veterans program, which helps make sure veterans coming out and being discharged can get their skills enhanced," said Peters. "Those coming out of the military already have incredible skills, but we need to enhance those skills to make sure they are job ready moving forward." 

Rodrick Beaton, state awareness director for the American Bikers Aiming Toward Education (ABATE) Michigan chapter, will be joining Peters on the tour once again. He said the nonprofit organization helps support the rights and safety of motorcyclists, which includes pushing for legislation that enhances those efforts. 

"We do a lot of work helping people, which included a recent event for a local girl with brain cancer," said Beaton. "We need help and support from anyone that is involved with veterans or motorcycle rights. We are not special, but we do need help. We appreciate all the support."

In addition, Peters will be discussing the expansion of apprenticeship programs, preserving the Great Lakes, drinking water, and strengthening national defense and border security. 

Peters, who was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2014, is seeking reelection. He's running against Farmington Hills Republican John James, who was narrowly defeated by Sen. Debbie Stabenow in 2018.