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Dear Neighbor: Here is some information that I hope you will find helpful, including some updates and news from your state government.
MI House Passes Bipartisan Budgets, Historic Investment in Education The Michigan House approved a $64.7 billion budget on Thursday that includes an 8% funding increase for K-12 schools. This historic $16.7 billion investment in education will increase classroom funding by $421 million and allocate $262 million in targeted payments to guarantee that all school districts are equally funded. School districts in the 67th House District will receive a combined total of $119 million. Other highlights of the budget deal include:
I was encouraged that we were able to pass a bipartisan budget that funds so many vital programs and services that working families all over the state rely on.
House Dems Reintroduce Package to Support Working Families Last week, my colleagues and I reintroduced the “Working Hard for Working Families” package. The goal of these bills is to reduce strain on Michigan families by equipping workers with the tools they need to support their families and improve their financial security. Before the pandemic, many workers struggled to make ends meet. The past year and a half has only worsened their situation. I sponsored the Fair Scheduling Act (House Bill 5136), which would require that certain employers provide a written work schedule 14 days before the first day of that schedule. I also reintroduced the Temporary Workers Bill of Rights (House Bill 5135), which would require that temporary workers receive the first chance at a permanent position if one becomes available. See the Michigan House Democrats Working Hard for Working Families Video here.
Funding Sought for Violence Prevention Program I recently introduced a bill to help fund the Advance Peace Peacemaker Fellowship, Ingham County’s and the city of Lansing’s joint effort to curb gun violence. As the recent spate of gun violence around the country and here in the Lansing area shows, we need to act quickly to save lives. Advance Peace has succeeded elsewhere to reduce gun violence. There’s every reason to believe this community-focused approach can work here.
Holt Kindergarten Teacher Named Michigan Teacher of the Year Last week, I recognized Leah Porter, the 2021-2022 Michigan Teacher of the Year. Leah has taught kindergarten at Holt’s Wilcox Elementary for the past 15 years. As a state honoree, she will be considered for National Teacher of the Year. It was an honor to have Leah and her family as my guests in the House.
Sunrise Grant Program Application Open Through June 30 The $11 million Ingham County Sunrise Grant Program will help small businesses and nonprofits with pandemic-related financial needs. Awards of up to $25,000 are available to eligible applicants. Qualifying businesses and nonprofits must have 100 or fewer employees and be located within the county. The application window opened Monday and closes tomorrow, Wednesday, June 30, at 11:59 p.m. Find more information and apply here.
Please don’t hesitate to contact my office at (517) 373-0587 or by email at karahope@house.mi.gov if we can help.
Sincerely,
Kara Hope State Representative |
