Hello Neighbor,

One night when I got home from a meeting at a township hall, I went out to grab the yard waste bin and came upon a skunk slithering under my car.

Now look — I’m kind of like Eddie Arnold playing Oliver Wendell Douglas in “Green Acres,” and I’m not particularly eager to tangle with a skunk, and every time I go outside to look at the stars and wonder about the universe, there’s a skunk hanging around, too, wondering about his place in the universe.

“I’ve got to call Eb and Mr. Haney to trap this son of a [gun],” I thought.

To keep up to date with the happenings in Lansing, you can visit my website or follow me on Facebook @HouseJimH.

Legislative Updates

State Budget Goes to Conference Committees

The House and Senate recently passed their versions of the state’s departmental budgets. Funding for everything from schools to Medicaid to infrastructure goes through these bills. Since the House and Senate didn’t agree on everything, the budget bills now go to conference committee. If you have any questions on how these budgets may affect you and your families, please reach out to my office at (517) 373-0555.

Events and Resources

Infrastructure Listening Tour

Infrastructure has been in the news lately. The state recently accepted billions of federal dollars to support water, roads, electric vehicle charging stations and broadband infrastructure in Michigan. I want to thank everyone who attended and participated in my Infrastructure Listening Tour. If you missed the event, which we held at Full Blast on May 23, we heard from citizens as well as government and nonprofit leaders who have concerns and thoughts on infrastructure in Calhoun County. I think we had another good discussion.

Child Care Center Expansions

It’s estimated that 44% of the state’s population lives in a “child care desert.” This is where there are not enough options to meet the child care demand. Meanwhile, child care for two children can take up to 27% of a Michigan family’s income. The state of Michigan is investing $100 million to expand child care center options. I was recently able to tour a child care facility in Battle Creek with Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist. For a list of grant funding opportunities for expanding child care businesses and deadlines, click here.

Coffee Hours with Me

In-person coffee discussion hours are again held regularly on the first Saturday of each month from 9-11 a.m. at Mr. Don’s and from 1-2:30 p.m. at Stirling Books and Brew. The next will be held on June 4. Please come to discuss state legislation, issues you’re having with the state government, or join me for some good conversation. I enjoy meeting and catching up with constituents (and I buy the coffee).

Respectfully,

Jim Haadsma

State Representative

House District 62