Happy October, Neighbors!
This month we are breaking from our usual schedule and will be meeting at the Portage Community Senior Center (203 E. Centre Ave. in Portage) again for our Coffee with Christine. This month’s meeting takes place on Oct. 28 at 9:30 a.m. I am looking forward to meeting with new and familiar faces and answering any questions you have! We have had good turnout and great conversations at our recent coffee hours, so feel free to join us!
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Media Updates:
Starting Oct. 8, legislative offices are on a media blackout, which means I won’t be posting on my official state social media or sending out e-blasts like this one until after the election. However, my office remains available for any questions and concerns, and I encourage you to reach out via phone or email if you need anything from myself or my staff.
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Constituent Resources:
The Department of State is hosting a free Road to Restoration clinic to help Michiganders understand the Clean Slate to Drive laws, and how to have a driver’s license restored under these changes.
It will be held on Friday, Oct. 14, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The clinic is hosted by McCoy’s Memorial Church of God in Christ, located at 1840 Union Ave. in Benton Harbor.
Pre-registration to attend these clinics is preferred and encouraged. Pre-registration closes at 7 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 10. You can register to attend by using this link or by following the instructions on the flier.
Walk-in opportunities will be available, but only between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
All attendees are encouraged to bring a copy of their driving record with them so long as it is purchased within 48 hours of the clinic, or they may purchase a copy on site for $12. A copy of an individual’s driving record can be purchased online.
I encourage anyone who thinks they may be eligible to check out this opportunity. More information can be found here. Feel free to reach out to my office with any questions.
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Legislative updates:
September was a flurry of action compared to the last several months. We had two days of session in September, each with more than their fair share of items on the agenda, and some late nights. I am looking forward to when we can be back in session regularly and get work done.
Below are some bills of mine that saw legislative action over the last few weeks:
HB 6040: This bill allows students enrolled in Early Middle College programs to participate in collegiate athletics. HB 6040 was passed through the House of Representatives on Sept. 21, and it now has been referred to the Senate Committee on Education and Career Readiness.
HB 6318: A bill to amend the Drain Code and allow for the creation of water management districts. Rep. Calley, experts from the Drain Commission and I gave testimony on HB 6318 in front of the committee on Local Government and Municipal Finance on Sept. 21.
HB 6390–6391: These bills alter Michigan’s surrogacy laws, protecting the prospective parents and the gestational surrogate. I introduced these bills on Sept. 21 as part of a package with Rep. Steckloff and Sen. Brinks. Brinks’ office put together a great press release on the package, which you can read here.
HB 6407: On Sept. 21, I introduced this bill, requested by Kalamazoo County Sheriff Fuller, which would create an appropriation for bulletproof doors and windows for police patrol cars. This legislation creates an appropriation for Michigan State Police and a grant program for local and county offices, so that each locality can choose if this protection measure fits the needs of their department. Attached is Sheriff Fuller’s full statement on this legislation here.
Thank you all for taking the time to read my updates and for being connected! As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to my office with any questions or concerns, we are happy to lend a helping hand; if we can’t, we’ll be happy to direct you to someone who can. If you have any friends looking to get connected, feel free to direct them to my website. My staff and I can be reached at (517) 373-1774 or ChristineMorse@house.mi.gov. I hope everyone has a great October — I look forward to connecting again soon!
Warmly,
Christine Morse
State Representative, HD 61