Yesterday, a Canadian trash truck dumped over 15 tons of raw sewage all over I-275 in western Wayne County on its way to dump that human waste in a Michigan landfill. Less than a day before the spill, State House Republicans engaged in yet another round of self-congratulation for solving Michigan’s trash crisis. My question is this: If the Republicans in the State House have “solved” the problems with Canadian trash, then what’s with the sludge covering one of Michigan’s major highways?

The facts on this issue are clear. Michigan took in over 6 million tons of Canadian and out-of-state trash last year – an all time record – and according to a DEQ report last month we’re on pace to see an increase over that record amount this year. The federal legislation on which the House GOP puts all its hopes is stalled, and even Republican Congressman Mike Rogers sees little hope for its success. And according to a classified Department of Homeland Security report that Senator Carl Levin has commented on, Michigan’s continued acceptance of Canadian trash poses threats to both our national security and our environment.

In the face of these facts, however, Republicans in the State House have chosen to play politics, offering nothing but rhetoric while my opponent refuses to even allow a vote on a Democratic solution to this crisis in the committee he chairs. We deserve better. And it needs to happen now.