Dear Neighbor,

Welcome to the latest edition of my e-newsletter!

Included in this issue are some important updates, along with a few resources I hope you find helpful. Remember, our government is most effective when we engage with it, so please do not hesitate to reach out to my office by phone at (517) 373-2575 or email at KellyBreen@house.mi.gov with questions about what is included here or any other state-level issue. I want to hear what matters most to you, how I can help address your needs or concerns and what you want me to fight for at the Capitol.

Feel free to also follow me on Facebook and Twitter to get regular updates as well.

Proudly working for you,

Kelly Breen  

State Representative

21st House District

In this issue:

  • Upcoming Events
    • Coffee Hours
    • Community Events
    • Celebrating Holidays
  • Legislative Updates
    • Bills on Revenue Sharing
    • Legislation on Human Trafficking
  • Serving the Community
    • Creation of Outdoor Learning Spaces
    • Providing Parks for Kids
  • State Updates & Resources
    • Helpful Resources

Upcoming Events

Save the Date: Coffee Hour on Oct. 27

Please mark your calendars for Friday, Oct. 27, from 11 a.m. to noon for my next “Capitol Conversations” coffee hour at Novi Coffee and Tea in Novi. I’ll provide an update on legislation that’s being worked on in Lansing, and you should come with questions and bring any concerns that you may have.

Rep. Breen Coffee Hours

Community Events

Come and join the community for the following events!

  • MSU Tollgate Farm Pumpkin Fest, Oct. 7-8.
    • Join us for an additional pumpkin fest at MSU Tollgate. Proceeds from the event will go towards supporting educational programming along with schools and individuals who might otherwise not be able to attend programs and camps.

  • Pink Out at Fountain Walk, Oct. 14
    • October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Come share your love and support at the Pink Out where proceeds go towards the Ascension Providence Hospital Believe in Miracles Fund. Live music, face painting and plenty of other activities will be offered.

  • Community Blood Drive, Oct. 19, Peary CT Novi
    • Blood drives are a great opportunity to help others. Blood donations are a crucial part of helping researchers and saving lives.

  • South Lyon Downtown Kids Trick-or-Treat, Oct. 26
    • A pre-Halloween event to truly get into the Halloween spirit. Downtown South Lyon will be hosting this fun trick-or-treat event.

  • Farmington Hills Police Department Trunk or Treat, Oct. 7
    • The Farmington Hills Police Department is hosting this fun event to give kids an early chance to trick or treat. Additional activities will be provided alongside K9 Ozzie.

Holidays

October is a month filled with a beautiful variety of Jewish and Baháʼí holidays that are observed:

  • Oct. 2-4: Rosh Hashanah
  • Oct. 11-12: Yom Kippur
  • Oct. 16-23: Sukkot
  • Oct. 20: Birth of the Bab
  • Oct. 23-25: Shemini Atzeret
  • Oct. 24: Birth of Baháúllah
  • Oct. 24-25: Simchat Torah

Legislative Updates

As your state representative, I have had the honor of helping move bills that expand funding for our community and help victims of the horrific act of human trafficking. It is my highest priority to protect my community and ensure the best progress we can achieve.

Rep. Breen working in Lansing

Revenue Sharing has Moved to the House Floor

House Bills 4274 and 4275 have been voted on and passed by the Local Government and Municipal Finance Committee on Sept. 13. This bill package would create a Revenue Sharing Trust Fund that would distribute money from sales tax revenue to local units of government. This will help to better secure local resources and provide additional funds that can be put towards the community.

Legislation on Human Trafficking

House bills regarding human trafficking are currently being drafted to be introduced to the House. These bills would ensure that a person is not convicted of a crime if the offense was committed directly as a result of being a victim of human trafficking. The main goal of these bills would simply help to protect and provide for victims of human trafficking. This bill package is a necessary step in helping deal with this awful activity and helps to keep people safe.

Serving the Community

The passing of the state budget provided our community with many wins to celebrate. The Novi Community School District will receive $1 million to create a school wellness center featuring on-site physical and mental health support, a tutoring hub, house several community organizations and provide a staff wellness area. Additionally, $200,000 will go towards helping Novi Parks develop the Jessica Star Splash Pad for kids and families. I was also able to help first responders keep the community safe by securing a renovation for the fire station in Farmington and an upgrade to the Farmington Hills Emergency System. Lastly, I secured grants for the Northville Living and Learning Enrichment Center and Farmington Hills CARES, two fantastic organizations that greatly serve and benefit our community. It is my greatest privilege to be able to secure funds for these organizations and projects that make our community amazing.

Not only were these funds able to be secured, they have already been put into action within the community. Construction has begun on the Jessica Star Splash Pad. Our innovative and brilliant students at Village Oak Elementary and Novi Woods Elementary have already put outdoor learning spaces to great use. Giving students an opportunity to learn in an outdoor environment will not only increase their desire to learn, but also give them exciting new activities outside the classroom. I am honored as a mother to have the chance to help kids learn and grow.

State Updates and Resources