Dear Neighbor,
I’m happy to be back in communication after our July communications blackout! Now that the August primary is finished, I will be back to regularly sharing information with you via our mailing list and social media. We are looking forward to rounding out the summer in district work period this month, and getting back to the legislative session in September.
This month’s Coffee with Christine will be held at the Oshtemo Township Building, 7275 W. Main St. in Kalamazoo, on Aug. 26, at 9:30 a.m. I always look forward to getting to meet constituents face-to-face, answer questions and hear your concerns directly.
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Additionally this month, I will be hosting the second installation of my Summertime Sip Series on Wednesday, Aug. 10, at the Distant Whistle in Vicksburg at 6:30 p.m. I hope to see more folks who want to say hello, but don’t get a chance to make it to my morning coffee hours.
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District Happenings:
- Aug. 7-13 is National Farmers Market week! The 61st district is lucky to have access to multiple farmers markets, which help us to support local vendors and eat delicious locally grown food. If you haven’t gotten a chance yet, August is a great time to take advantage of this resource.
- Portage Market: Sundays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., City Hall parking lot, 7900 S. Westnedge Ave.
- Texas Township Market: Saturdays 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Tuesdays 4 p.m.-7 p.m., 7110 W. Q Ave.
- Kalamazoo Market: Saturdays 7 a.m.-2 p.m., Tuesday & Thursday 8 a.m.-1 p.m., 1204 Bank St.
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News:
As you all know, I am a fierce advocate for bodily autonomy and the right to reproductive freedom. On Monday, Aug. 1, there were several decisions made regarding abortion access in Michigan. First, a decision was made by the Michigan Court of Appeals that county prosecutors would not be bound by the preliminary injunction barring enforcement of Michigan’s 1931 abortion law, meaning county prosecutors would be able to prosecute abortion providers in their jurisdictions. However, this was swiftly blocked by Oakland County Circuit Judge Jacob Cunningham, as requested by Gov. Whitmer’s administration.
On Wednesday, Aug. 3, that block on the abortion ban was extended until Aug. 17, at which point there will be a hearing on the state instituting a preliminary injunction.
It has been a confusing few days, but this is what those decisions mean: currently, abortion is still protected in Michigan, though on a temporary basis. I believe it is of paramount importance that we codify reproductive freedom into law as quickly as we can; the precarious position abortion providers have been put in cannot continue.
As always, I am continuing to fight for the right to reproductive healthcare for all in Michigan.
While I don’t have much news to share this time around, be sure to stay tuned for more news from my office as we get closer to legislative session starting up. It is going to be a busy fall, so let’s enjoy the rest of the summer while we can. As always, if you have friends or neighbors who want to receive my emails, they can register here. Even though session is still on break, my staff continue to maintain the phones and email, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any assistance: christinemorse@house.mi.gov or (517) 373-1774.
Warmly,
Christine Morse
State House Representative, HD 61