LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. Peter MacGregor, R-Rockford, offered to pay the ticket price for any veteran or active military personnel who wants to see the new film “12 Strong” at the NorthStar Cinemas in Rockford.

“This film is an inspiring tribute to our heroes in uniform,” MacGregor said. “I’ll cover the ticket price for any veteran or active service member who wants to see the movie and spend an evening celebrating the glory and sacrifice of the real-life men who inspired the making of the film.”

“12 Strong” is an action film based on the true story of the first U.S. Army Special Forces (“Green Berets”) unit in Afghanistan who led the military response against the Taliban following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

NorthStar Cinemas in Rockford will provide a free ticket to veterans and active military members courtesy of MacGregor on Thursday, Feb. 1, at the 4:25 and 7 p.m. showings. Vets and military servicemen must provide a military identification or a driver’s license with military designation to receive free entry.

“Taking care of our veterans has been a major focus of my time in the Senate,” MacGregor said. “I’ve been honored to meet so many great service members at different events around the state and this is just another small way I want to show my appreciation for their patriotism and courage.”

Last year, MacGregor honored Vietnam era veterans at a lapel pinning ceremony in commemoration of the 50-year anniversary of the war. In 2016, MacGregor helped pass legislation to modernize and improve the quality of long-term veteran care services and to establish a state Veteran’s Facility Ombudsman position to respond to veteran concerns.

“Enjoy the movie, and if you have any veterans issues that you would like to see addressed, contact my staff at SenPMacGregor@senate.michigan.gov,” MacGregor said. “As always, thank you for your service.”

NorthStar Cinemas in Rockford is located at 11699 Northland Drive and can be reached at 616-863-0358.

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Sen. Peter MacGregor

LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. Peter MacGregor, R-Rockford, issued a reaction on Tuesday following Gov. Rick Snyder’s 2018 State of the State address.

“Governor Snyder emphasized the tremendous strides that Michigan’s Republican leadership has made to cultivate a positive business environment,” MacGregor said.

“We went from being the prime example of economic depression to the region’s economic powerhouse. Because of our smart policy decisions, more than 540,000 new jobs, many in revived manufacturing industries, are boosting wages, driving down unemployment and attracting talent to stay in and move to Michigan.

“We did all this while maintaining fiscal responsibility: paying down state debt and building a windfall rainy day fund of just under $900 million. I was particularly pleased that the governor mentioned Michigan’s agriculture and tourism industries, which not only contribute to the economic wealth of the state, but also set Michigan a rung above our neighbors.”

MacGregor also expressed his enthusiasm for Snyder’s comments on education.

“I appreciate the governor’s continued focus on investing in education and improving learning opportunities for our youth,” MacGregor said. “STEM fields and the skilled trades are increasingly important; it’s our obligation to make sure our youth are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow. We have already invested $2.1 billion in education, including $96 million for skilled trades training, and we have introduced career pathway legislation to create new talent pools — but there’s still more that we can do.

“That is why I sponsored a bill that was part of a package of legislation recommended by the governor’s Career Pathways Alliance. My bill would give students clear information about the skills demanded in the marketplace and would empower administrators to guide their students to make smart educational decisions.

“Michigan, now more than ever, is a great place to live and to work. There’s still a lot to do, but there’s no question that the last seven years of Republican governance have created a tremendous turnaround for Michigan. I look forward to working with the governor in 2018 and building on our amazing successes for the good of all Michiganders.”

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LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. Peter MacGregor, R-Rockford, welcomed the Rev. Michael Cisler and his family to the Michigan Capitol on Wednesday. Cisler serves as pastor at North Kent Bible Church of Rockford and delivered the invocation before Senate session.

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Editor’s note: Print-quality versions of the above photos are available by clicking on the images or by visiting the senator’s website at www.SenatorPeterMacGregor.com. Click “Photowire” under the Media Center tab.

Top photo caption: MacGregor (left) and his guest, the Rev. Michael Cisler, who delivered the first Senate session invocation of 2018.

Bottom photo caption: MacGregor (right) with the Rev. Michael Cisler, his wife Melinda, and their children Makenna, Charles and Angela. Cisler is pastor at North Kent Bible Church in Rockford.