Steve Marino – Michigan Politician Who Kept His Word and Left a Lasting Legacy

Steve Marino, a former Michigan State Representative, has left an indelible mark on the world of politics with his unwavering commitment to keeping his promises. In a landscape where campaign rhetoric often fades into the background once candidates assume office, Marino’s dedication to his constituents stands out as a beacon of integrity and reliability.

Marino’s journey into politics began with a strong passion for service. After serving as Senior Class President in high school and later becoming the Student Body President at Michigan State University, he embarked on a career path that would shape his future in politics. Armed with three bachelor’s degrees in Economics, Public Policy and Public Administration, and Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy, Marino possessed a formidable understanding of how the political system operates. His journey then led him to become a lobbyist and a member of the Macomb County Board of Commissioners before he decided to run for the Michigan House.

During his tenure in the Michigan House, Marino ran as a Republican with a clear emphasis on fostering small businesses and overall economic growth. However, what truly sets him apart is his commitment to delivering on his campaign promises.

One of Marino’s primary campaign promises in 2016 was to prioritize job creation. He recognized that for Michigan to thrive, it needed to attract businesses and create employment opportunities for its residents. True to his word, Marino consistently voted in favor of policies that supported small businesses and economic growth, achieving a remarkable 100% voting record in this regard. His dedication earned him accolades such as The Small Business Association of Michigan’s Legislator of the Year award in 2021 and the title of Legislative Economic Development Champion from the Michigan Economic Developers Association (MEDA). Marino’s efforts also resulted in the authorship of over 20 Public Acts aimed at boosting economic development incentives, assisting small businesses, and promoting economic diversification. His collaboration with the MEDC led to record-breaking investments between 2020 and 2022, while his work on a small business acceleration package yielded state grants and spurred entrepreneurial growth.

Furthermore, Marino’s commitment to keeping taxes low for workers, job creators, and families was unwavering. In 2022, he voted to reduce specific tax rates and expand credits and exemptions, resulting in a substantial $2.5 billion reduction in state taxes. In 2021, he also voted to establish multiple Property Tax Exemptions and, in 2017, to create Tax Incentives for Job Creation by businesses, demonstrating his dedication to fiscal responsibility.

Education was another key area of focus for Steve Marino. He understood that a strong education system is essential for ensuring a bright future for individuals and the state as a whole. Marino sponsored a bill in 2021 that mandated students to complete a Personal Finance Course before graduation, emphasizing the importance of financial literacy. He consistently advocated for vocational training and dual enrollment, recognizing the diversity of educational needs. Additionally, he voted to increase funding for public schools and to raise pay for student teachers, demonstrating his commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for Michigan’s youth.

Perhaps one of Marino’s most notable attributes is his dedication to protecting freedom and defending values. In his 2016 campaign, he vowed to uphold the Constitution and safeguard individual rights. When the COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges and infringements on personal liberties, Marino rose to the occasion. He consistently voted to return power to the people, opposing governmental mandates such as vaccine passports and supporting the repeal of the Governor’s Emergency Powers Act of 1945. His commitment to preserving personal freedoms was further evident when he voted in favor of legislation that granted immunity to businesses from COVID-19 exposure lawsuits.

At just 34 years old, Steve Marino has a promising and impactful career ahead of him. His consistency, straightforward approach to critical issues, and unwavering commitment to his campaign promises set him apart as a politician of integrity and dedication. As he continues to pursue his Master’s in Public Policy and Administration at Northwestern University, his journey is one to watch closely, for he is all but guaranteed to make a lasting impact on the highest levels of government. Steve Marino is proof that in politics, as in life, keeping one’s word is a legacy worth leaving behind.