Steve Johnson recently joined State Policy Network as a fellow for SPN’s Center for Practical Federalism—a new initiative that aims to educate the American public and policymakers on the benefits of federalism. Federalism is a system of government where some authority belongs to the national government, and much more resides with states, communities, and the American people.

We sat down with Steve to learn more about his background, what he learned as a former state lawmaker in Michigan, and how he plans to help the Network in his new role at SPN.

SPN: Can you tell us a little about your background?

I grew up with a love and appreciation of America and the liberties that we enjoy. Naturally, I enlisted in the U.S. Air Force right out of high school to ensure these freedoms could be preserved for another generation. However, during this time I began to realize that the greatest threat to our liberty was not foreign enemies but an ever-growing federal government.

Shortly after leaving the military, I decided to run for elected office in Michigan where I served in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2017-2022.

SPN: What insights did you gain from your time as a state lawmaker?

My experience as a state lawmaker opened my eyes to two truths. One, state governments are far too restricted by the federal government and too reliant on federal funding. And two, many of the ‘laws’ that we must follow today were not voted on by elected officials but rather promulgated by government bureaucrats that never received a vote in a ballot box.

I worked under both a Republican and Democrat administration, yet many of these bureaucrats who come up with these ‘laws’ persist regardless of who is in power. In fact, you might say that they are the ones who are really in power.

My last term I had the opportunity to serve as the Chairman of the Oversight Committee where we attempted to shine a light on the out-of-control bureaucracy. We gave a platform to high school athletes that were prohibited from playing sports because of an Executive Order. We held the Unemployment Agency accountable for their repeated failures including billions of dollars lost to fraud. We gave a voice to employers that were harassed by the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). In short, we shined a light on the government agencies that previously lived in the shadows.

SPN: How were you introduced to the liberty movement?

The Mackinac Center for Public Policy invited me to Annual Meeting to speak on a panel about the importance of legislative oversight. That was my first interaction with the Network and it was great to see the freedom infrastructure that exists in every state. After Annual Meeting, State Policy Network shared with me their plan to launch the Center for Practical Federalism. So many organizations talk about federalism but I was excited to see a tangible plan to actually restore federalism.

SPN: What will you be doing in your new role? How can you be of service to state think tanks?

My role with the Center for Practical Federalism is to equip and encourage state lawmakers to conduct more robust oversight of their state’s bureaucracy. I will be leaning on my experience as an oversight chairman to educate lawmakers on what works and more importantly what does not work when conducting oversight. We are also identifying opportunities for states to push back on federal overreach and highlighting the success stories in hopes of encouraging other states to do likewise.

I am looking forward to working with state think tanks on how legislative oversight can be an important part of their strategy to restrain the growth of government. The Center for Practical Federalism is a great resource for state think tanks as they work with their state legislatures in pushing back against the administrative state.

SPN: What advice do you have for others who are considering a career in public policy?

My advice to anyone would be to read as much as they can. Don’t just skim information but take the time to read every word and fully comprehend it. In a world full of people that get by on reading headlines, go the extra step and you will reap the dividends in the long run.

SPN: Where can you be found when you’re not at work?

When I’m not at work, I am probably off on an adventure with my lovely wife. We fully take advantage of the freedoms we fight for!