Capitol and Community Update

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

It is an honor to represent the residents of the 69th House District and Genesee County. The purpose of this e-newsletter is to keep you updated on my work in Lansing and around our community.

Please follow me on Facebook or Instagram where we post frequent updates. You can also always get in touch with us through our website, office number (517) 373 -1786 and by email (JasperMartus@house.mi.gov).

We are here to serve you.

Jasper R. Martus

In this Edition:

Lansing Updates
District Updates
Upcoming Time with Jasper
Resources

LANSING UPDATE

State of the State

On Jan. 25, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered the State of the State address before a joint session of the Legislature at the Capitol in Lansing. In the speech, the governor discussed her legislative agenda for the new term, which includes bolstering the economy, increasing public safety, lowering costs for families, protecting fundamental rights, supporting Michigan workers, investing in early childhood education, and attracting talent to Michigan.z

I was honored to host Jenan Jondy of Flushing Township as my guest for the event. Jenan is a leader in the Genesee County Muslim community. She currently works as the regional economic innovation coordinator for the Michigan State University Center for Community and Economic Development, and she is as kind as she is brilliant. While she often shies away from the spotlight, Jenan was my first choice to be my guest at this year’s State of the State because I wanted to say thank you for all that she does for our community and to show that we will continue to work closely throughout my time in office.

Biggest Tax Cut in Decades

A few weeks ago, my colleagues and I voted on the biggest tax relief for Michiganders in decades. We repealed the retirement tax and expanded the working families tax credit. Michiganders are suffering from the impact of inflation, and the burdensome tax on retirement income and the reduction of the working families tax credit instituted over 10 years ago have only made things worse. I was proud to co-sponsor this legislation and am looking forward to it being signed into law.

Common Sense Gun Reform

Michigan State University and the East Lansing community faced an unspeakable act of violence last Monday. Nearly every semester of my time at MSU, I had at least one class in Berkey Hall. Every member of my staff is or was a Spartan. Members of my team watched from their apartment windows as students ran for their lives and law enforcement sped to campus. My brother and his friends were just a few blocks away, hiding in their dorm’s bathrooms while they prayed that they would be spared.

I gave my first speech on the House floor not just as a representative or Spartan, but as a member of a generation that has been shaped by the fear of mass shootings. Here is a link to my speech.

My colleagues and I are already drafting common-sense gun reforms that would include universal background checks, safe storage and red flag laws. During this historic time in our state, we finally have an opportunity to address this problem that has gotten so out of control. The time for action is now. We must act, and we will.

DISTRICT UPDATES

1961 Flushing Football Team

The Flushing High School Athletic Hall of Fame inducted the 1961 Flushing football team. This team broke records and left a lasting impact on Flushing athletics. I had the honor of presenting a tribute recognizing their accomplishments and was very proud of the co-captain of the Team Ralph Miller… my grandpa!

Flushing Coffee Hour

Our first coffee hour was a success with over 30 participants! Topics included repealing the retirement tax, rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure, and how to create more good-paying jobs in Genesee County. We will continue to host coffee hours and town halls, so that I can hear from folks about what is on their minds and how we can help. Special thank you to the Flushing Senior Center for hosting us and my staffers Ashley Christian and Peyton Klochack for making it possible.

UPCOMING TIME WITH JASPER

Coffee Hour March 3

Join state Rep. Jasper Martus on March 3 for his monthly Coffee Hour! Coffee hours are a great way to ask questions, voice concerns and receive updates on the latest news in Lansing and our district. The upcoming coffee hour will be held from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Mt. Morris Krapohl Senior Center (5473 Bicentennial Drive G).

It is important to our office that community members and neighbors are always able to share their thoughts and concerns with me, so we hope to see you there! If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out by email at JasperMartus@house.mi.gov or by phone at (517) 373-1786.

RESOURCES

Helpful Resources

I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

I want to hear from you! What do you need? How can we help you? My office is here to assist you or answer any questions you may have. Please reach out to me at JasperMartus@house.mi.gov.