Dear Neighbors,

Dare I say, spring is here? Though the temperature keeps dramatically rising and falling, the lack of snow and sunny skies are invigorating for me to get through what will, no doubt, be a challenging budget season, hopefully completed by July! 

But in the meantime, it was a wonderful winter throughout the district. I attended so many events — from the ice sculpture festival in Dexter to the Walk for Warmth in Howell — that made me so proud to live in House District 48. Our community does not just care about one another, we also care about the land we live on, the air we breathe and the water we drink. I am grateful that the environment continues to be a bipartisan issue that always brings us together. To that end, I’m excited to tell you about the legislation I introduced last week to help farmers and the town hall I held regarding data centers.

Legislative Update:

Farm Grants to combat PFAS

Recently, I introduced House Bills 5893–5894, which would establish a grant program to provide direct relief for farmers who are affected by PFAS. This program would help farmers remediate their land, assist with medical bills due to PFAS related health issues, and help pay for testing to screen for PFAS in groundwater and livestock. Additionally, it would provide income replacement for affected farmers, and help invest in the removal, filtration or destruction of PFAS in our communities. 

Our community knows all too well just how devastating these chemicals can be; in fact, a farm in our district was forced to shut down completely because of PFAS. This is why I am proud to sponsor such a simple yet lifesaving program that will provide relief to folks who are struggling through no fault of their own.

These bills are part of a larger legislative package aimed at regulating toxic PFAS aka “forever chemicals.” You can read more about this package here. 

Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC)

Last month, I heard that many of you had concerns about a potential lapse in Michigan’s participation in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, which protects the licenses of roughly 8,000 physicians who practice across state lines. Make no mistake, failing to renew our participation in the compact — which streamlines licensing for qualified doctors in Michigan and multiple other states — would have had catastrophic consequences on our state. Losing these doctors would have discontinued the care of hundreds of thousands of patients and increased wait times as physicians attempted to accommodate those who would have been without care. 

This issue was, and remains, of great importance to me. As many of you may know, I originally sponsored a piece of legislation last term, House Bill 5964, which would have renewed the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. However, because the Legislature did not pass HB 5964 before the end of the 102nd term on Dec. 31, 2024, the legislation had to be re-introduced this term. 

Despite numerous delays in the process this session, I am thrilled that Democrats and Republicans were able to come together and reach an agreement on such an important issue for our state by passing House Bill 5455. This legislation renewed Michigan’s participation in the IMLC, and was approved by the governor before the compact’s March 28 sunset date. 

Genoa Township Funding Request

I recently testified alongside Genoa Township Supervisor Kevin Spicher, Township Manager Kelly VanMarter, and Township Trustee Todd Walker in support of a funding request to revitalize a piece of land in the township, located on Brighton Road east of Chilson Road. This particular piece of land was previously left abandoned with significant environmental damage. Genoa Township’s plan to turn it into a green space is not only a massive environmental improvement but will also provide recreational opportunities for Genoa Township and Livingston County residents while protecting the land from further degradation. 

I truly appreciated the opportunity to work with Genoa Township to help make this plan a reality and look forward to continuing to do so as this year’s budget process takes shape.

DEMYSTIFYING DATA CENTERS TOWN HALL:

On March 30, I held a Demystifying Data Centers Town Hall with special guest Attorney General Dana Nessel at Cleary University. We had great attendance, and a very engaged group of constituents who listened attentively to our panel of experts who discussed energy regulations, the environment, water usage and the lack of transparency when it comes to data centers. The Q & A that followed was particularly communicative, as we learned the community’s deepest concerns and desire for the state to legislate guardrails to help local communities with ordinances. Additionally, many attendees expressed support for the AG to continue her diligence in monitoring and questioning the Michigan Public Service Commission, which oversees data center contracts.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to attend and ask questions, and for all those who are staying engaged on such an important issue for our state and community! 

MARCH IS READING MONTH WRAP-UP:

I had the pleasure of visiting several schools in our district to celebrate March is Reading Month! 

First, I kicked off the festivities at A2 STEAM with three fourth-grade classes, which had been learning about government! The students told me about how their classrooms run their own version of government, with class presidents, legislators, ambassadors and even Supreme Court justices! 

Next, I stopped off at Logan Elementary School, where I read with third, fourth and fifth graders. Their curiosity and enthusiasm truly made it a fun visit. 

Finally, I closed out March is Reading Month at Three Fires Elementary School in Howell! I had the opportunity to read with six classes, ranging from Begindergarten through fourth grade, including a Spanish immersion kindergarten class. 

 

It’s always wonderful to spend time with students and talk about the importance of reading, learning, and asking questions about the world around us. I was so encouraged to see so much excitement for reading in the classroom, and appreciated the warm welcome from all of the students and teachers I spoke with in March!

RECENT EVENTS:

To see ALL the events I have attended, take a look at my Facebook page.

But here are some particularly special highlights:

I was proud to attend the Washtenaw County Conservation District (WCCD) Annual Meeting in Dexter to celebrate the past year’s accomplishments, community awardees and socialize with WCCD staff, farmers, volunteers, partners and county residents. Environmental issues and the concerns of our farming and conservationists are always top of mind for me representing this gorgeous district of inland lakes, parks, rivers and farms.

March 18 was a busy and productive day in Lansing, where I met with several groups advocating for important issues affecting House District 48 and communities across Michigan.

I met with members of the Michigan Academy of Family Physicians to discuss their 2026 legislative priorities and talk about the important role family physicians play in keeping Michigan communities healthy.

I also had great conversations with advocates from End Gun Violence Michigan about legislation aimed at reducing gun violence, including proposals related to permit-to-purchase, gun dealer licensing, and personal protection order reforms (HBs 5120–5121 and HBs 5065–5066). It was inspiring to meet students from Huron High School who were part of the conversation and are actively engaged in advocating for safer communities!

I also had the opportunity to meet with members of The United Methodist Church during their Advocacy Day to discuss the ongoing challenge of food insecurity in Michigan and the importance of ensuring families have access to nutritious meals.

Thank you to all who have come to Lansing to share your perspectives and advocate for issues that matter to our communities. Civic engagement is the most important part of our government.

Finally, it was great to meet up with the Trinity Ann Arbor leadership team and learn the challenges our hospitals are facing due to Medicaid cuts. We also learned about all they are planning to do to educate patients on how to navigate the new requirements coming in the new year to keep one’s current health care benefits. At the state level we are also working on these crucial issues. It was great to hear how we can partner on these crucial issues to be sure Michiganders have access to health care under the new federal policies.

Sincerely,

 

Jennifer Conlin 

State Representative 

House District 4