Michigan Lawmakers Advocate for U.P. Mining, Budget Priorities at D.C. Summit

State Rep. Parker Fairbairn says meetings with federal officials focused on strengthening partnerships and regional economic development.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Michigan House Republicans recently traveled to Washington, D.C. for a leadership summit focused on advocating for state priorities and building stronger relationships with federal officials. State Rep. Parker Fairbairn said the meetings highlighted the potential for mining in the Upper Peninsula, as well as budget and policy coordination between state and federal leaders.

Why it matters

The summit provided an opportunity for Michigan lawmakers to directly engage with federal decision-makers and advocate for the economic interests of the Upper Peninsula, which has historically relied on mining as a major industry. Strengthening these state-federal partnerships could lead to new investments and policy changes that benefit the region.

The details

During the summit, Fairbairn said Republican lawmakers met with federal cabinet leaders and trade representatives to discuss economic development and policy coordination. One key focus was the future of mining in the U.P., which Fairbairn described as having "some of the richest nickel ore bodies on the planet." Federal officials expressed interest in the region's mineral resources and potential for growth. The trip also included meetings with U.P. Congressman Jack Bergman, which Fairbairn said helped improve communication between state and federal leaders.

  • The leadership summit took place in Washington, D.C. in February 2026.

The players

Parker Fairbairn

A Michigan state representative who attended the leadership summit in Washington, D.C.

Jack Bergman

The U.S. Congressman representing Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

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What they’re saying

“If you look at the U.P., especially on the west end, we have some of the richest nickel ore bodies on the planet, and we're not tapping into that.”

— Parker Fairbairn, State Representative (wzmq19.com)

“How can we work with the administration and the feds on policies that are good for both the state of Michigan and for us and then all of America... but do it in a way that's synergized?”

— Parker Fairbairn, State Representative (wzmq19.com)

“We're all human at the end of the day, and we're trying to do what's best for our districts. For these folks, it's America. For me, it's Northern Michigan in the Upper Peninsula.”

— Parker Fairbairn, State Representative (wzmq19.com)

What’s next

Fairbairn said House Republicans plan to focus on lowering energy costs, reducing health care expenses and exploring property tax reforms as state lawmakers begin negotiating Michigan's next budget.

The takeaway

The D.C. summit provided an opportunity for Michigan lawmakers to directly advocate for the economic interests of the Upper Peninsula, particularly around the potential for mining development. By strengthening partnerships between state and federal leaders, the region may see new investments and policy changes that support its key industries and communities.