Friends and Neighbors, Here’s a look at what I’ve been doing at the Capitol and in the district. Capitol Update Last week, Gov. Whitmer presented her fiscal year 2020-21 budget recommendations, which prioritize education, healthcare and the environment. I was happy to see more resources for special education and at-risk students, as well as funds to reimburse teachers when they use their own money to buy up to $250 in classroom supplies. The budget also includes $20 million towards emergency containment grants for rapid response environmental cleanups. These resources would make a major difference in containing and removing harmful chemicals after environmental contamination occurs. Another program I support is the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Initiative, which aims to lower infant mortality rates, reduce racial disparities in birth outcomes, and improve support for mothers. This $37.5 million proposal in next year’s budget would make a huge difference for families in our state and set children up for a lifetime of success. To see more details about the proposed budget, visit https://www.michigan.gov/budget. District Update Congratulations to Molly Turner for receiving the Excellence in Education Award from the Michigan Lottery! This award is given out weekly to a Michigan public school educator who goes the extra mile for their students. Ms. Turner teaches chemistry at Leslie High School and is known for engaging her students with lab experiments and activities. During her time at Leslie High School, she has also developed a free school snack program. She is the chair of the school improvement team and a coordinator for the high school power play program. You can read more about Ms. Turner and the Excellence in Education Award here. Thank you to everyone who came out to our coffee hour on Monday at the Sam Corey Senior Center in Holt! If you didn’t get a chance to come join me, I hope you can make it to my next Coffee and Conversation event on Monday, Feb. 24, 12 noon – 1 p.m., at the South Lansing Library. We are still taking submissions for our 67th House District Awards! If you know of a young person in the district who deserves to be recognized for going the extra mile to make our community a better place, please nominate them using the form here. If you own or know of a business in the 67th House District that deserves to be recognized for making our community a better place, please nominate them for recognition here. Tax Season Tax season has arrived! If you would like a copy of the State of Michigan’s Taxpayer’s Guide for the 2019 Tax Year or the Top 10 Questions to Ask a Tax Preparer, you can find them at government buildings throughout the district. I would also be happy to mail the booklets to you, or you can stop by in person during business hours and pick the publications.
Sincerely, Kara (517) 373-0587 Facebook: @RepHope Twitter: @KaraHope67
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