Dear Neighbor,
Hi, I’m Jason. I have the privilege to serve as your state representative for Washtenaw, Wayne and Oakland Counties. Here is some information that I hope you will find helpful, including updates and news from your state government.
First 100 Days
Our team came to Lansing and hit the ground running! Since gaining control of the chamber in January, Michigan House Democrats have moved at a historic pace, passing more bills during the first month of the term than during the first months of the last six terms combined — all of which were terms when Republicans held the majority. The legislation includes:
- Putting Workers First: repealing the so-called “right-to-work” policy (HBs 4004 and 4005), and restoring the state’s prevailing wage law (HB 4007).
- Lowering MI Costs Plan: fiscally responsible tax cuts expanding the working family tax credit and repealing the retirement tax (HB 4001).
- Gun Violence Prevention: combatting the gun violence epidemic via background checks, safe storage laws and extreme risk protection orders (HBs 4138-48).
- Protecting Rights and Freedoms: protecting personal rights and fighting discrimination by striking draconian criminal abortion laws from Michigan books (HBs 4006 and 4032), and expanding Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include anti-discrimination protections for sexual orientation and gender identity and expression (HB 4003).
April is Community College Month
This week, I’ll be introducing a resolution to declare April 2023 as Community College Month in the state of Michigan. The resolution honors community college teachers, students and employees who make invaluable contributions to Michigan’s educational landscape.
As a former instructor at Washtenaw Community College, I’ve seen firsthand how community colleges transform lives. These institutions help our students pursue further education and attain their dream jobs, all while propelling our economy forward. They provide a great service to our state, which is worthy of recognition.
Michigan’s 31 community and tribal colleges enroll about 270,000 students and grant about 19,400 degrees and 6,100 certificates each year. Over half of the students who earn bachelor’s degrees in Michigan have completed courses at a community college.
Spring Time — Keeping Your Pet Safe
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding pet owners to keep their pets healthy and safe this spring. If there are ever any concerns about your pets’ health now or beyond the spring holiday season, please talk to your veterinarian. Keep pets safe this spring holiday season by following these three easy tips:
Happy tummies: Avoid feeding pets people foods. Foods not specifically formulated for pets should be avoided as they could cause pancreatitis, even when consumed in small amounts. Also, keep candy and other sweets containing chocolate, raisins and/or xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in many candies and gum) away from pets, as these ingredients can be hazardous.
Go natural: As a reminder, in Michigan, it is illegal to sell baby chicks, rabbits, ducklings, or other fowl or game that have been dyed or artificially colored. Violating this law is a misdemeanor.
Search no more: Make sure pets have proper identification — pets can easily sneak out and get lost. Make sure pets have identification tags and microchips updated with your current contact information to ensure they can be returned home.
BONUS! Here’s a picture of me and my pet cat, Joey.
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Yours in service,
State Representative
Jason Morgan
Michigan’s 23rd House District