Capitol & Community Update

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I am most effective at my job when acting on your direct input. I encourage you to reach out to me and my staff with any questions, comments or concerns you may have regarding our community or state and with any policy ideas.

Please do not hesitate to reach out by phone at (517) 373-0822 or send an email to AngelaWitwer@house.mi.gov.

Sincerely,

Angela Witwer

State Representative, 76th House District

In This Issue:

In-District Update
Legislative Update
General Update

In-District Update

May Teacher of the Month Winner – Tina VanSyckle

Congratulations to our May Teacher of the Month, Tina VanSyckle! Tina is a high school teacher with Charlotte Public Schools. In addition to this recognition for her excellency as an educator, we would also like to congratulate Tina on her retirement this year. On behalf of Charlotte and the entire 76th House District, we thank you for all of your hard work throughout your career, and we wish you the best on your future endeavors!

Each month, I highlight one of our district’s teachers. Who hasn’t had a teacher who’s deeply affected our lives? We owe so much to these exceptional teachers. The least that I can do is shine a spotlight on these heroes who give so much of themselves for their communities. So, please, nominate one of the wonderful teachers in our district for June’s Teacher of the Month here, so we can celebrate all they do for our community.

Waverly Middle School Visit

Last week, I had a standout day visiting a school I attended — Waverly Middle School. I was invited to come in and speak to a group of students about being a state representative. They were engaged and thoughtful. I had a great time and appreciated the teacher’s invitation. Go Warriors!

Legislative Doors — Delta Township

We had a great group of volunteers out in our district in Delta Township a few weeks ago, with over 1,200 doors knocked.

We knock doors to hear from you, on the priorities that matter most, and vision for the next few years. Thank you, House District 76, for the great feedback.

General Update

2023 Most Effective Democratic Member of the Michigan House

Last week, I was proud to be named the “most effective Democratic Member of the Michigan House,” based on a MIRS/EPIC-MRA poll of political insiders for 2023.

I’m very honored by the results of this poll. I’ve always tried to put the good of the state before the good of my party and advocate for all of my constituents, whether they voted for me or not. When we work together on the priorities that Michiganders support, our entire state wins. I’m glad that this commonsense, pragmatic approach to politics is being recognized for its efficacy, and I will continue to work hard in Lansing for the people of Michigan.

LeadingAge Michigan — 2023 Legislator of the Year

Recently, I was recognized by Dalton Herbel with LeadingAge Michigan as their 2023 Legislator of the Year. The customized Louisville Slugger bat says, “Thank you for going to bat for Michigan seniors.” I am proud to represent and work on behalf of our seniors here in the 76th House District and across Michigan. Thank you to LeadingAge Michigan for the recognition!

AARP Ask the Doc Series

Introducing AARP Michigan’s first-ever interactive virtual health series taking place every Tuesday in June from 12-12:45 p.m. Listen in as health and medical professionals share practical advice and answer questions on specific health issues that so many of us endure. To register, use the links provided below or call (877) 926-8300.

Pain Points: Ease the Ache

Tuesday, June 13 | 12-12:45 p.m.

Don’t let joint pain limit your mobility. Join us for Session II of our Ask the Doc series for practical strategies to reduce joint pain and improve joint health, including exercise, nutrition and lifestyle modifications. Regain your mobility and improve your quality of life!

What You Need to Know About Gut Health

Tuesday, June 20 | 12-12:45 p.m.

Did you know a healthy gut is crucial for overall well-being? Join us for Session III of our Ask the Doc series as we explore gut health. We’ll discuss common issues and practical strategies to address conditions like leaky gut, food intolerances and microbiome imbalances.

Gotta Go Right Now!

Tuesday, June 27 | 12-12:45 p.m.

Tune in for Session IV of the Ask the Doc series on urinary incontinence and accompanying pelvic and low back pain. Gain valuable insight into the causes, symptoms and treatment options, along with practical tips to improve your quality of life. Join us and take control of your health!

Funding for Local Roads and Transportation

The Michigan Department of Transportation has launched a site to provide additional funds to help small communities with local road and transportation infrastructure projects. The Community Infrastructure Grant program allows the state to match 50% of eligible funds for cities and villages with populations of 10,000 people or less to offset the costs of fixing roads and to invest in reconstruction, replacement, rehabilitation or preventive maintenance projects in these smaller jurisdictions.

I encourage local government leaders to consider applying! Applications and supporting documentation are due to MDOT-OED-CategoryB@Michigan.gov by 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 15, and must be complete (including all required information and documents) to be considered for funding.

Legislative Update

HB 4197 — Senior Financial Protection

This week, the Michigan House of Representatives voted in favor of my bill, HB 4197, and it is on its way to the Senate!

The bill would help prevent the financial exploitation of older and vulnerable adults by allowing broker-dealers and investment advisors to place temporary holds on disbursements of funds or securities when financial exploitation is suspected.

Financial exploitation can be wide-ranging and difficult to prevent — as a result, it often goes unreported. My bill would strengthen the current Financial Industry Regulatory Authority/U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (FINRA/SEC) rule by adding language allowing temporary holds on suspicious transactions. It would also enshrine extra protections for Michigan residents by codifying current FINRA/SEC rules in the Michigan Uniform Securities Act and providing local and state jurisdictions better tools to protect vulnerable adults.

HB 4337 — Ensign Francis Flaherty, Medal of Honor Recipient, Memorial Highway

The House Committee on Transportation, Mobility, and Infrastructure voted in favor of my bill, HB 4337.

The bill amends former legislation to update the road marker located within my district at the portion of highway M-50 in Eaton County, beginning at the intersection of highway M-50 and highway I-69 and extending west to the intersection of highway M-50 and Courthouse Drive, to include “Medal of Honor Recipient” on the marker. The sign would read “Ensign Francis Flaherty, Medal of Honor Recipient, Memorial Highway.”

Ensign Flaherty was an officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve. During the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Flaherty saved the lives of his fellow crewmates by making sure they escaped the sinking of the USS Oklahoma by holding the door open when they were told to abandon ship.

This sacrifice of his own life is what made him the recipient of America’s highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor, and this legislation aims to reflect that in the memorial highway signage.