Dear Neighbor,
Hi, I’m Jason. I have the privilege of serving as state representative for Washtenaw, Wayne and Oakland Counties. I would like to introduce myself and update you on the important work we are doing in Lansing to build a better Michigan.
Over the last decade, I’ve focused on serving our community. I had the honor of working with Michigan leaders, including Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson; U.S. Reps. Debbie Dingell, Haley Stevens, Elissa Slotkin, John Dingell and Bart Stupak; and Michigan Senate Minority Leader Michael Prusi. As a government teacher at Washtenaw Community College, I’ve loved helping students learn and grow. As a county commissioner for six years and chair of the board, I saw the diverse needs of our residents and the important role of the state in ensuring strong infrastructure. I look forward to serving you in my new role of state representative at the Capitol.
My staff and I are here to help and love hearing from you. Please reach out to my office any time at JasonMorgan@house.mi.gov, (517) 373-0855 or RepJasonMorgan.com.
Yours in service,
State Representative Jason Morgan
Michigan’s 23rd House District
Upcoming Coffee Hours
I want to hear about the issues that matter to you! Join me for our first coffee hours!
- March 20 – 10-11 a.m – Ann Arbor Washtenaw County Learning Resource Center, 4135 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48108.
- March 25 – 11 a.m.-noon. – Superior Township Branch of Ypsilanti District Library, 1900 N. Harris Road, Superior Charter Township, MI 48198.
Legislative Update
Strengthening Workers’ Rights
On March 8, we passed House Bills (HB) 4004, 4005 and 4007. Combined, these bills will work together to uplift working people around our state.
Despite bipartisan opposition, worker suppression laws, also known as “right-to-work” laws, were passed with the support of wealthy corporate interests, led by Betsy DeVos, in 2012. This legislation has resulted in lower wages, worse benefits and lower workplace safety standards for Michigan. I am proud to have voted yes on HBs 4004 and 4005 to repeal these so-called “right-to-work” laws and restore workers’ freedom to negotiate with their employers.
Additionally, HB 4007 passed in the House, reinstates the statewide prevailing wage law. Prevailing wage laws establish minimum wages for skilled construction workers employed on taxpayer projects and protect local construction standards in the competitive low-bid process. This bill means safer and higher quality construction projects completed by highly skilled workers and a fair competitive bidding process for contractors.
Expanding workers’ rights puts more money in the pockets of working families by guaranteeing workers’ rights to join together to negotiate for raises, lifting worker pay to deal with rising costs.
Preventing Gun Violence
Since last month’s deadly mass shooting at Michigan State University, my office has heard from parents, teachers, school administrators and community partners. The resounding response: We need immediate action.
Michigan Democrats answered this call to action by putting forth a long-overdue gun violence prevention bill package. We passed the first of these bills (HB 4138) on last week. This legislation will require background checks for all firearms, instead of just pistols. This is the first step towards making our communities and our state a safer place to live.
Abortion Ban Repeal
I was proud to vote to repeal Michigan’s archaic, criminal abortion ban. The voters spoke loud and clear when they voted for Proposal 3 in historic numbers. HB 4006 repeals the ban from the Michigan Penal Code of 1931, while HB 4032 eliminates the ban from the state’s Code of Criminal Procedure to legalize the procurement of abortion medication. These bills will help secure reproductive rights for all and ensure our laws reflect the will of the people.
Protecting LGBTQ+ Residents from Discrimination
Finally, I spoke in support of, and voted yes on, the historic expansion of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. HB 4003 and its companion, Senate Bill 4, will provide protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. As an openly gay man, I am proud to send a message to the country that Michigan is a safe place where people of all backgrounds and identities can feel included and live their authentic lives safely and equitably. It is clear now more than ever, discrimination, hate and bigotry have no home in our state.
Creating a Rare Disease Advisory Council in the State of Michigan
Last Thursday, I testified before the House Health Policy Committee on my bill, House Bill 4167. My legislation would create a Rare Disease Advisory Council within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to advise the department and other state agencies on research, diagnosis and treatment efforts related to rare diseases.
As someone living with a rare disease (Becker’s muscular dystrophy), I know how hard it can be to access reliable information relating to conditions that affect under 200,000 individuals in the United States. I’m proud to lead the charge on this legislation that will provide resources to and improve the quality of life for the 1 in 10 Michiganders who have a rare disease.