Hello friends,

I hope your summer is going well. It appears to be ending soon, so make sure to get as much time outside while the nice weather lasts.

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

Legislative Updates

MI Kids Back on Track

The COVID-19 pandemic affected everyone in so many ways. One of the more concerning issues was the educational losses in schools. I recently introduced a bill that would increase funding for tutoring and other learning supports in public schools using federal COVID-19 relief funds. My legislation (HB 6279) to get MI Kids Back on Track would target funds to evidence-based, catch-up programming to aid students to get to where they need to be and put them on solid groundwork for the path forward. Let’s do right by Michigan kids and families by getting back to work for them.

Prescription Drug Price Relief for Seniors

While I normally try to keep these newsletters focused on what’s happening at the state Capitol, more good news recently came out of Washington, D.C. On Aug. 16, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which allows Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices. This will save seniors money on prescription drugs by capping their out-of-pocket costs for prescriptions at $2,000 per year.

Events, News, and Resources

Child Care Grants 

The Child Care Stabilization Grant is a non-competitive grant available to about 8,000 licensed centers, group homes, family homes and tribal childcare providers to be used to support operational expenses. All eligible applicants will receive funding. Applications open today and are available through Sept. 9. Providers can learn more and apply here.

Battle Creek Veteran Medical Center 

Great news! Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester of Montana, chair of the U.S. Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, recently joined with 11 other U.S. senators to announce that no VA hospitals will be closing. This means that the Battle Creek VA Medical Center isn’t going anywhere.

Interstate 69 Closures

I-69 and I-94 ramp closures started Saturday, Aug. 13, for rebuilding. As part of the Michigan Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) ongoing $210 million investment to rebuild I-69 between Island Highway in Charlotte (Eaton County) and I-94 in Marshall (Calhoun County), work will continue on the I-94 and I-69 interchange with the rebuilding of the eastbound I-94 ramp to southbound I-69 and the southbound I-69 ramp to westbound I-94.

I Want to Hear from You

During these challenging times, I want to hear from you. What do you need? How can I help you? Please, reach out to me at JimHaadsma@house.mi.gov or give my office a call at (517) 373-0555. In-person coffee discussion hours are again held regularly on the first Saturday of each month 9-11 a.m. at Mr. Don’s and 1-2:30 p.m. at Stirling Books and Brew. Please come to discuss state legislation, raise issues you’re having with the state government or join me for some good conversation. I enjoy meeting and catching up with people (and I buy the coffee). 

Respectfully,

Jim Haadsma

State Representative

House District 62