Dear Neighbors,
It’s been a busy start to the year! January was a month for holding meetings with constituents and legislative stakeholders, and legislative updates. In the coming months, my colleagues and I will be busy researching and writing legislation, and attending committee meetings to hear testimony about proposed legislation.
I look forward to talking with you at an upcoming coffee hour or event. In the meantime, if you are in need of support or resources, have any questions regarding legislation or state government in general, please feel free to reach out to my office by email or by phone; my staff and I are here for you.
Sincerely,
Veronica Paiz State Representative
11th House District
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Pictured with me are my office staff: James Sklar, Legislative Aide/Policy, left; Abby Locke, Legislative Aide/Constituent Services, right; and my intern, Meg Brady.
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In This Issue:
- Coffee hours, including virtual meetings
- State of The State
- Legislative Updates
- Events, Tour, and Meetings
Upcoming Coffee Hours
and Community Conversations
Third Monday of every month: 5:30-6:30 pm at the Harper Woods Library (19601 Harper, eastbound, next to City Hall)
First Friday of every month with Seniors: 10-11 a.m. at the Senior Activity Center in St. Clair Shores (20100 Stephens Road, next to Civic Ice Arena)
Virtual Coffee Hour for Harper Woods Residents, Saturday, March 2, 10-11 a.m. (Please contact my office for Zoom link: VeronicaPaiz@house.mi.gov)
In need of more information? Check with your local library or senior center for a variety of booklets and pamphlets from my office about everything from the U.S. and state constitutions to tenant/landlord law and consumer protection.
Contact my office if you would like to have a coffee hour or meet-and-greet, or arrange for an event or town hall.
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State of the State
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The governor’s State of the State address was Jan. 24, and I hope you were able to watch it. Gov. Whitmer addressed her agenda for 2024, which includes lowering costs for Michiganders, expanding educational opportunities, and strengthening the state’s economy. She also highlighted some of our greatest achievements of 2023, including the increased Earned Income Tax Credit for working families and repealing the retirement taxes so retirees can keep the money they worked for. I believe it’s time for us to continue building on our successes. I’m working to make Michigan equitable for seniors and people with disabilities, protecting our natural environment including our water resources, and making housing affordable.
My guest at this year’s State of the State was Joe Rashid, executive director of Detroit’s East Warren Development Corp., a community and economic development organization supporting the revitalization of the East Warren business corridor.
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I was joined by Joe Rashid, left, executive director of Detroit’s East Warren Development Corp., and Sarah Feldman of the East Warren Development Corp.
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Legislative Updates
Over 100 hundred laws will take effect on Feb. 13. The Michigan House of Representatives had a busy 2023 working on legislation in the best interests of all Michiganders. These laws include everything from protecting workers’ rights to education and gun legislation. You can read the new laws here: Countdown to a Better Michigan!
In January, I attended City Council meetings in Harper Woods and St. Clair Shores to give an update of legislation passed last year and new laws taking effect this year, and what I’m working on in Lansing.
Harper Woods High School Parade
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From left, Wayne County Commissioner Tim Killeen, myself and Sen. Kevin Hertel attend the Harper Woods High School Parade
I was thrilled to be a part of the Harper Woods High School Parade celebrating the varsity football team state championship win in November. Sen. Kevin Hertel and I presented Coach Rod Oden and his team with a congratulatory tribute, and we look forward to hosting the team at the Capitol later in February.
Macomb Correctional Facility Tour
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Also in January, I toured the Macomb Correctional Facility in northern Macomb County. I was glad to get a much needed education about Michigan’s prisons/corrections facilities, especially because I’ve met with constituents concerned about prison reform. The tour did not disappoint. I was very impressed by the Michigan Department of Corrections, the new warden and his staff, and the programs offered both to reduce prisoner recidivism, recruit and retain staff, and encourage better relationships with and among incarcerated inmates. It’s a huge facility with multiple buildings. I toured everything from inmate residences to laundry and dining and medical facilities. I spoke with inmates. Only my car keys and i.d. were allowed in the building, so I have no photos to share. I appreciate the warden’s time and patience with my many questions, the information he shared and the accessibility I was afforded.
St. Clair Shores Lakeview Public Schools
Later in the month, I met with Superintendent Karl Paulson of St. Clair Shores’ Lakeview Public Schools. We had a very long talk about dual enrollment programs for high school students to get college credits and school district finances and state budgets. It was both educational and enlightening and has spurred me to review current school funding laws. Mr. Paulson is a very strong advocate for his school district and for Macomb County schools; I’m sure we’ll both meet again to discuss more about problem solving for school funding issues.
Detroit Marquette Elementary School
Students and Civics
It was my pleasure to meet with the fourth-grade students of Detroit’s Marquette Elementary School. I’m impressed that the school has a government and civics class. Their teacher, Mr. B., invited me to talk with students about state government and my job as a state representative. Curious and concerned kids! They are very interested in a possible law requiring class recess! When I asked what law they would like to have, one of them said a law about littering and the other students wanted laws about gun safety. I was rather saddened that 9-year-olds were concerned about security and adult safety matters rather than kid-specific issues. However, I’m sure one of these thoughtful students will grow up to be a community leader — maybe even a state representative!
January Wrap-up
In addition to attending coffee hours and city council meetings, I attended a South Lake Public Schools Board meeting and had meetings with the Michigan Environmental Council and Michigan Professional Firefighters Union.
What am I working on?
Check out my House of Representatives website at RepPaiz.com to find out which bills I have sponsored (written) and co-sponsored (supported). Have you ever thought “there ought to be a law?” If you have, let me know your ideas! My office will research it, find out if a law about it already exists and possibly work with you to start the process to “make it so.”
Tributes
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Sen. Kevin Hertel, Superintendent Karl McGee and I presenting a tribute to Harper Woods High School football coach Rod Oden at pep rally
I love to honor and celebrate the many people, organizations and businesses that make House District 11 unique. Official state tributes recognize local residents and businesses, commemorate important milestones such as anniversaries, grand openings, championships and more! Know someone deserving of a tribute? Visit my House website to complete a form and my staff will get back to you within the week.
See you in February!