Grand Valley State University’s recent decision to pay health care benefits for employees’ unmarried partners came as quite a shock. I have been a strong proponent for the university -- for its educational excellence, community support and other services it provides to the region and state.

Months ago when I opposed public colleges and universities that extend employees’ health care benefits to live-in partners, I never dreamed Grand Valley would soon be crossing the line into this issue.

Obviously, this is America and people are free to live together without being married. But Michigan voters and the Supreme Court did however support the legal definition of marriage as between one man and one woman, reinforcing the public’s view on lawfully recognized bonds between individuals.

It is irresponsible for any public institution that receives tax dollars to use those funds for anything that goes against the accepted majority view. To reflect those wishes, I continue to propose a 5-percent reduction in state funding to any college or university that offers health care benefits to employees’ unmarried partners.

Unfortunately, my proposals keep getting slapped down by the Democrat majority.

While people can argue that individuals should be able to live their lives how they want, the public should have the ability to direct its dollars where they want.

The strong reaction to GVSU’s decision to extend health coverage benefits to its employees’ unmarried partners, its additional cost, and the icing on the cake that Grand Valley tuition is being increased by 13 percent, all go toward helping me gather increased support for the 5-percent funding reduction measure to be reintroduced in the Legislature.

My original work to define this important policy for the state of Michigan as an amendment to the higher education budget did not receive the time of day. Armed with the public opinion response generated by the GVSU action, I look forward to pursuing the 5-percent funding reduction in legislative bill form and will share the final version once it is drafted and introduced.

I welcome continued support and encouragement from the public as we work together to ensure our values and morality are reflected in the decisions made by all Michigan leaders.