|
Dear Neighbor:
Here is some information that I hope you will find helpful, including some updates and news from your state government.
Hope Office Welcomes New Constituent Services Aide I am happy to announce that Kristen Swiantek has joined my team as a legislative aide dedicated to constituent services. A Michigan State University senior, Kristen has interned in my office for the past year. She looks forward to helping residents of the 67th House District in this new role. Angie Goulet continues to serve as legislative director.
Alec Findlay recently left the office for a new opportunity with the Secretary of State’s office. I wish him well in his new career opportunity. I am sure he will be a great asset. I am confident that Kristen will offer the same great service to constituents. Do not hesitate to call or email my office if you need help.
Webinars to Share More Information About Saving for College The Michigan Education Trust (MET) is hosting webinars in September for College Savings Month to highlight the advantages of saving for your child’s future higher education with MET. This savings program was started in 1986. It was the first prepaid education savings program in the nation. The current MET enrollment period will end Sept. 30. More information about MET is available at SETwithMET.com, 800-MET-4-KID or treasMET@Michigan.gov.
SNAP Recipients Will Receive Additional Month of Food Assistance Benefits All Michigan families who are eligible for food assistance benefits will receive an additional monthly payment in September. Eligible households will see the additional benefits loaded onto their Bridge Cards starting Sept. 18 through Sept. 28. More information can be found at michigan.gov/MIBridges.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15 Through Oct. 15 Yesterday marked the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month in the state of Michigan. This is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of the Latinx, Chicanx and Hispanic communities and to acknowledge their immeasurable contributions to the state of Michigan. This week, I co-sponsored House Resolution 156, which declares Sept.15-Oct. 15, 2021, as Hispanic Heritage Month in the state of Michigan.
Your Right to Vote Town Hall Highlighted MI Election Issues, Generated Good Discussion Thank you to everyone who joined me for the Your Right to Vote Town Hall last week, especially Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum, Donna Mullins from the Lansing Area League of Women Voters and Aghogho Edevbie from All Voting is Local.
We discussed a range of election-related issues, including the redistricting process, the voter suppression efforts underway in Michigan and across the country, the role of election workers, and the increase in threats they are receiving. To help address the latter issue, I recently introduced House Bill 5282, which would make it a misdemeanor to threaten an election official or worker or to interfere with their election-related duties.
Thank you, too, to American Postal Workers Union Central Michigan Area Local 300’s Legislative Director John Greathouse, Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks’ President Mary Clark, Meridian Charter Township Clerk Deborah Guthrie and Delhi Charter Township Clerk Evan Hope for attending.
Sharing accurate information about elections and your right to vote is an important way to protect our democracy. At the town hall, attendees were able to ask questions of elections officials, experts and voting rights advocates. Your participation made the event a success!
Upcoming Event: In-Person Coffee Hour Please join me for an in-person coffee hour next Friday, Sept. 24, from 11 a.m. to noon at the South Lansing Library (3500 S. Cedar St., Lansing). I will give a legislative update and answer any questions you may have. Please email KaraHope@house.mi.gov with any questions or topics you would like covered. I look forward to speaking with you all soon.
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 |
