Mike Rogers claims to be a champion of housing affordability, but his record during his time in the Michigan Senate tells a very different story. According to the Detroit Metro Times, Rogers introduced and sponsored legislation that compromised safety and worsened energy efficiency for Michigan housing. Rogers was warned that the legislation would heighten the chance of structural errors and increase Michiganders’ utility bills. At the time, Rogers was co-owner of EBI Builders and stood to profit from the legislation’s weaker regulations.
“Rogers has made housing affordability a focal point of his campaign, but his record shows that he was more than willing to compromise Michigan housing if it meant lining his own pockets,” said American Bridge 21st Century Spokesperson Gus Nathanson. “He pushed legislation that boosted his profits while leaving Michiganders worse off. Anyone who does that has no place representing Michigan in the Senate.”
Read more about Mike Rogers weakening housing regulations:
- Mike Rogers was a co-owner of EBI Builders, a family-owned manufactured housing business in Brighton, while serving in the state Senate.
- In 1995, Rogers sponsored legislation that would eliminate requirements for licensed architects or engineers to ensure the safety of certain residential and commercial projects, including structures of up to 20,000 square feet.
- Officials warned that eliminating the professional review could increase the chance of errors and leave local governments with more liability.
- His fellow home builders applauded Rogers for sponsoring the bill, arguing the professional-design requirements increased costs.
- Also in 1995, Rogers introduced legislation to repeal Michigan’s newly adopted energy code, which increased insulation requirements for new homes and additions.
- The Michigan Association of Home Builders (MAHB) strongly supported the rollback, calling it, “the most visible victory for the MAHB in the past 10 years.”
- Critics warned that whatever buyers saved upfront would eventually be swallowed by higher utility bills.
- After the rollback was signed into law, Michigan had some of the worst energy efficiency standards in the country.
Published: Aug 25, 2026