Dear Neighbors and Friends,

Happy March! I am grateful to have this opportunity to connect with you. We have truly hit the ground running in the weeks since the first day of session. Thank you for taking a moment to hear from me about all the great work that we’re getting done.

My office is constantly looking for new opportunities to assist you by providing resources and promoting events in our district. If you work with a group that could use our help, please reach out and send us the relevant information so we can share it.

If you are in need of assistance and don’t know where to begin, send me an email at jennhill@house.mi.gov or call (517) 373-0498.

Stay safe and healthy,

State Representative Jenn Hill

House District 109

The Path to U.P. Energy Security

Those of us who are blessed to call the U.P. home know that it’s the best place in the world to live, work and play. We also know that for too long we’ve been paying some of the highest energy rates in the nation. That’s why I’ve made energy security for our U.P. communities one of my top priorities.

To that end, I was proud to introduce my first bill in the Michigan House. House Bill 4256 would require Michigan’s electric providers to build 2,500 megawatts of grid-based energy storage by 2030, improving reliability and efficiency in ways that are expected to significantly reduce costs to ratepayers. This initiative is also an important step in the transition to renewable forms of energy — like wind, solar and pumped hydroelectric — that can be generated locally, reducing our dependence on foreign markets. I will be working hard to get this legislation signed into law, along with other bills that will curb the costs of power for all Yoopers.

Governor Signs First Bill of the Year into Law

For the first time since 1947, the governor signed a bill into law during the month of January. This historic achievement is a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm in Lansing’s new legislative majorities. Senate Bill 7 (now Public Act 1 of 2023) was prioritized and passed through both chambers during the first month of the new legislative session, and it was signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on January 31.

This bill supports one of our community’s most fundamental needs: affordable housing. It allocates $275 million for community development initiatives, low-income housing construction and filling in the “missing middle” — housing for earners who make too much to qualify for low-income housing but still struggle to make rent. I’ve heard time and again from constituents struggling to find and pay for housing; I’m glad we’re addressing this need in our very first bill.

SB 7 also contains a $200 million incentive to secure an over $1 billion investment in manufacturing in the Upper Peninsula, the largest our region has ever seen. The Escanaba Mill employs roughly 85% of the forest products labor force in the eastern U.P. and 60% of the forest products labor force in the entire U.P. This project will act as a catalyst for additional revitalization of the region as the company makes a significant investment to deploy leading-edge technology and advanced manufacturing capability in the U.S., all while serving as a model of sustainable industrial development. I am proud to say that I spoke in support of this generational and historic investment into the Upper Peninsula.

In addition to these vital measures, this bill contains funding to prevent water shutoffs, support small businesses to keep our downtowns bustling and strengthen our workforce by expanding apprenticeship programs. I was proud to vote ‘yes’ on this bill.

Committee Assignments

I am thrilled to share my committee assignments for the 102nd Legislature! They are:

  • Natural Resources, Environment, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation (Vice Chair)
  • Higher Education
  • Local Government and Municipal Finance
  • Energy, Communications and Technology

I am excited to begin the work I was sent here to do. If you are interested in following my work in committees, please use this link to watch our committee meetings.

Rep. Hill’s Office Resources

  • Booklets: My office has several free booklets available, which contain helpful information and resources. Below please find a list of all of the booklets that are available by request. You can also find all these booklets online.
    • Veterans – Benefits and Services
    • A Practical Guide for Tenants and Landlords
    • Services for Seniors
    • Crime Victims – Rights Act and Constitutional Amendment
    • A Student’s Guide to the Legislative Process in MI
    • 2021–2022 Michigan Citizen’s Guide to State Government 101st Legislature
    • Portraits of MI – History and Facts on Michigan
    • How State & Local Government Operate: Getting to Know Michigan (Coloring book)
    • Child Safety (Coloring and Activity Book)
    • MI Recycles! (Coloring and Activity Book)
  • Website: 
    • Unemployment Insurance Assistance: On my website, you will find a green button that says “Unemployment Assistance Form.” Please use this form for any assistance you may need with unemployment insurance. A member of our team will be in touch to assist you further.
  • Office Staff: 
      • Chris Trubac, Legislative Aide, Policy Services
      • Emma Walters, Legislative Aide, Constituent Services
      • Jennifer Figler, Intern

  • Social Media: Follow us on social media and stay up to date with my day-to-day news in Lansing!