Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Welcome to my latest e-newsletter! I have some big news:

As promised, I have spent much of the past year focusing on our economic recovery and jobs for our district and Michigan. General Motors announced a $2.1 billion dollar investment in the construction of a new electric vehicle battery plant in Delta Township that will create more than 1,700 new jobs in our district and an additional $500 million investment in the current Delta plant for upgrades. More than $7 billion will be invested in Michigan with over 5,000 good-paying jobs in total! This is the largest General Motors investment in history. I was invited to speak at the international news conference. You can watch me help make the announcement here.

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I’m extremely pleased that Michigan’s proud history in auto manufacturing is continuing right here in Delta Township. I’ve been a strong advocate for the bipartisan legislation that helped make the expanded manufacturing in Delta Township and Lake Orion possible. I’ve worked hard to make Michigan a business-friendly state, and now those efforts are paying off. This new investment fulfills the promise I’ve made to my constituents: I will fight tirelessly to ensure that you and your family prosper.

Your direct input will help me be even more effective in Lansing. I encourage you to reach out to me and my staff with any questions, comments or concerns that you may have regarding our community or state and with any policy ideas.

Please do not hesitate to reach out by phone at (517) 373-0853 or send an email to AngelaWitwer@house.gov.

Sincerely,

Angela Witwer

State Representative, 71st House District

In This Issue:

  • Upcoming Coffee Hours
  • In the District
  • General Update
  • Legislative Update

Upcoming Coffee Hours

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Please join me for one of my virtual or in-person Weekly Wrap-ups with Witwer. You can find the event on my Facebook page. Please also like and follow my page to stay connected with updates from the Capitol. I look forward to seeing you at a coffee hour soon!

Upcoming Coffee Hours:

  • 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 11, at Morninglory Café & Bakery in Dimondale
  • 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 18, virtual on Facebook
  • 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 25, at Charlotte Community Library in Charlotte
  • 11 a.m., Friday, March 4, virtual on Facebook

In the District

Meeting with Grand Ledge Police Department

Recently, I met with the Grand Ledge Police for a presentation on the great work they have been doing. In addition to all their work in the city, the department has been developing policy and procedure to work on sexual assault cases. I’ve received letters from residents to recognize the great detectives of the department. Thank you to Detective Kirk DeWitt and Police Chief Thomas Osterholzer for welcoming me.

January Small Business of the Month Winner: Paw City Pet Care

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I’d like to congratulate January’s small business of the month, Paw City Pet Care in Grand Ledge! They provide professional in-home pet care, such as daily visits, nail trims and cat sitting while you’re away.

If you own a business or know of a business that you think should be recognized for its outstanding service to the community and its customers, please fill out the form here. I look forward to reading your submissions and showcasing a new small business in our community for February!

January Teacher of the Month Winner: Nicholas Niederquell

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I’d like to congratulate our January teacher of the month winner, Nicholas Niederquell! Mr. Niederquell is a seventh-grade math teacher at Waverly Middle School in Lansing. I applaud Mr. Niederquell for all he does for our kids.

If there’s a teacher that you’d like to celebrate for the next Teacher of the Month, you can nominate them here. I look forward to reading your submissions and to celebrating another outstanding teacher next month!

The National Wild Turkey Federation Dinner at Strutting Toms

Bruce and I had a great time sponsoring and attending The National Wild Turkey Federation Struttin’ Toms Dinner in Charlotte. It’s our fourth dinner this year. We are looking forward to all of the great charity dinners in our district. Thank you for the invitation!

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LRCC Delta Township-Eaton County Business Roundtable

I attended the Delta Township-Eaton County Business Roundtable to provide an update from the state Legislature as well as hear updates/concerns from community members. No one is more passionate about our small businesses than I am, and I welcome absolutely every opportunity to connect with them!

Holbrook Elementary Visits the Capitol

A few weeks ago, I joined Holbrook Elementary on their Capitol tour and was able to take two group onto the House floor! I had so much fun teaching them about what we do in the Legislature.

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General Update

KN95 Masks

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is distributing 10 million free KN95 masks to ensure Michiganders can protect themselves from COVID-19 as the state continues to face the omicron variant.

Free KN95 masks provided by MDHHS will be distributed by community organizations, including local MDHHS offices, health departments and Area Agency on Aging offices.

Residents who need masks can pick one up from partner sites across the state. Find a distribution site at Michigan.gov/MaskUpMichigan. Michiganders are asked to refer to partner websites or social media sites to find out about mask availability (as opposed to calling sites).

At-Home Covid Test

We are urging Michiganders to take advantage of the federal government’s free COVID-19 testing program. At-home, rapid COVID-19 tests are available for free at COVIDTests.gov, with every household eligible for four free tests that will be shipped directly to Michiganders’ homes.

COVID-19 testing in Michigan is at an all-time high and these at-home tests will provide the necessary tools directly to Michigan residents to limit barriers to testing access and empower residents to take immediate action after receiving a test result.

When to use an at home test:

  • If experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
  • If exposed to someone diagnosed with COVID-19 (ideally five days after exposure or after experiencing symptoms).
  • Prior to or after traveling or attending a large gathering.

Tampon Tax Repeal

The repeal of the Tampon Tax officially went into effect on Feb. 3. Previously, they had been subject to a 6% sales tax, unlike other hygiene products. I am glad that we could work together in a bipartisan way to make taxes fairer for women.

Black History Month

February is Black History Month. In the struggle to end slavery and promote civil rights, Black Americans have so often forced America to live up to its highest ideal: that all people are created equal. This is a time to celebrate the enormous contributions and achievements of Black Americans throughout our history.

Enjoy Winter in Michigan

Winter is a great time to bundle up and escape to Michigan’s great outdoors!

With more than 3,000 miles of cross-country ski trails, nearly 1,000 downhill ski runs, 6,500 miles of snowmobile trails, 11,000 inland lakes, and tens of thousands of miles of rivers and streams, you are never far from your next outdoor adventure. I hope that you and your families enjoy it!

Legislative Update

Committee on Regulatory Reform       

Last week, we voted on House Bills 5058, 5060, 5061 and 5617 to amend the “Food Law” to modify industrial hemp requirements. I support common-sense, bipartisan reforms that support Michigan’s farmers and lower grocery costs for families. Hemp seeds are safe, healthy and non-psychoactive. They can be a delicious addition to smoothies or salads.

We also heard testimony on HB 5587, which amends the state construction code to exempt restaurant “igloos” from ceiling height requirements. I support all small businesses, including our restaurants that use popular “igloos” to provide a wonderful semi-outdoor dining experience.

Session Updates

Several bills passed the House last week:

  • My bill (HB 4994) allowing cobblers to donate their unclaimed shoes after six months passed the house with bipartisan support! It now heads to the Senate. I’m optimistic that they will pass it and that it will be subsequently signed into law.
  • HB 4953 would allow the Michigan Department of Energy to develop and distribute to students an educational packet about post-secondary school career and educational options.
  • HB 4423 would allow cities with a population of 50,000 or more to develop a landbank.
  • HBs 5433–35 would help veterans receive funding for licensure, registration and exam fees to support their professional development.
  • HB 4194 would prohibit non-consensual invasive bodily examination on an anesthetized or unconscious patient.