Hi All,

I hope you are having a great spring. Over the past few days, I have caught myself sneezing a few times, so I know the trees are starting to bud. As bad as the allergies may be, my walk up the steps of the Michigan Capitol is far more delightful now that I can’t see my breath freezing in the air.

Legislative Updates

Union Security Clause Restoration 

I am proud to announce my fellow legislators and I have successfully restored workers’ rights by repealing the so-called “right-to-work” law. This instrumental legislative change will strengthen the unions that built Michigan up to what it is today and will provide protection for the workers of tomorrow. As a co-sponsor of the bill and someone who has dedicated my life to defending workers in court, I could not be more excited to see the positive impacts of the bill. Across our state, large corporations will now be forced to pay employees a fair wage, rather than the wage that allows them to make the maximum profit.

LGBTQ+ Protections

Recently, the Michigan legislature also passed a bill that amends the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include protections for members of the LGBTQ+ community. This legislative achievement will help to ensure that all are treated fairly. It will now be illegal to discriminate against members of the LGBTQ+ community in matters relating to employment, housing, public accommodations and education. While my colleagues and I recognize that Michigan still has a long way to go in ensuring that members of the LGBTQ+ community are treated with complete equality, we all believe this bill is a major step in the right direction.

District News

Housing Development in Albion!

The State of Michigan has approved almost $1.5 million in funding to develop nearly 29,000 square feet of unused space in downtown Albion. The area will be used to create several residential units and commercial spaces. Albion Mayor Victoria Garcia Snyder says she believes  “this project will rehabilitate an area of our [Albion’s] downtown that has desperately needed repairs and remodeling.” I believe development will have an amazing impact on the city of Albion, and, more broadly, Calhoun County.

Contact Me

Reach Out

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me at JimHaadsma@house.mi.gov or give my office a call at (517) 373-2616. If you would like to learn more about what is happening in Lansing, you can visit my website or follow me on Facebook @HouseJimH.

Additionally, the first Saturday of each month, I host coffee hours at Mr. Don’s from 9-11 a.m. in Battle Creek and at Stirling Books and Brew from 1-2:30 p.m. in Albion. You can come to meet me face-to-face, discuss legislation, and raise questions or concerns you might have. I enjoy meeting new people and learning about their viewpoints. (Also, the coffee is on me.)

Respectfully,

Jim Haadsma

State Representative

District 44