Hey Neighbor,

I hope you’re doing well and enjoying this unseasonably warm weather in any way you can!

This month, we’ve been back to our regularly scheduled session days and are continuing to do the work for YOU and your families.

In this E-Newsletter: 

  • Legislative Updates.
  • Black History Month.
  • Carol in the Community.
  • Coffee Hours.
  • Events.

Legislative Updates:

Tax Season: Tax season is upon us. We recently passed legislation that will put more money in YOUR pockets.

  • Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): We expanded the EITC for working families from 6% to 30%, increasing the average refund by $600. Our local community stands to see an additional $4.2 million returned to over 6,000 families. The Working Families Tax Credit directly benefits half the kids in Michigan by increasing their parents’ tax refunds. Parents who benefit can then use the extra money to pay the bills, put food on the table and buy school supplies. From small towns to downtowns, the Working Families Tax Credit empowers families. Every eligible Michigander is encouraged to take advantage of the credit when they file this year. For details on qualifications and how to apply, visit this website.

Testifying for HB 5434: I recently testified in front of the House Committee on Transportation, Mobility and Infrastructure on behalf of my bill, HB 5434, that would designate a portion of M-11 as the Korean War Veterans Memorial Drive. Thank you to Doug Voss, President of Korean War Veterans Association Chapter 306, for championing this bill and joining me for testimony. The bill has been referred to the House for a full vote. Follow this link to view a video of our testimony (beginning at 18:30).

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House Resolution 0194: This month, I sponsored HR 0194 declaring February 2024 as School-Based Health Care Awareness Month in the state of Michigan. There are 196 school-based health centers across the state serving 37,000 students annually. These centers offer a range of primary, preventative, early intervention and mental health services to children and youth ages 5-21 at no cost, as long as they have parental consent. The convenience of school-based health centers leads to decreased absenteeism and provides an important community benefit as they help kids develop lifelong wellness habits. I recently visited both the Innovation High and Union High School clinics which operate in partnership with Cherry Health. The clinic at Union has been in service since 1999, promoting health, wellness and general support to students and families for 25 years! Follow this link to view my resolution speech (beginning at 1:14:15).

Black History Month: 

Black History Month is a time to reflect on the historical and systemic challenges of racial barriers and to celebrate those who have put themselves forward to carry forth the work of equality and justice. With that in mind, I’d like to highlight a few members of our current legislature who joined the storied list of bold leaders and activists in this space. It is truly an honor to serve alongside them.

  • Rep. Kristian Grant (D-Grand Rapids): the first Black woman elected to the House to represent Grand Rapids.
  • Reps. Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit): and Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe): the first Black legislators elected to represent areas of Macomb County.
  • Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit): the first Black woman elected to serve Ferndale, Royal Oak Twp., Royal Oak and Pleasant Ridge in Oakland County.
  • Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing): the first Black woman to chair the Appropriations Committee in either chamber.
  • Rep. Brenda Carter (D-Pontiac): the first Black woman elected to represent Pontiac and the first Black woman to lead the House Insurance and Financial Services Committee.
  • Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit): first Black legislator elected Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives.

For more information about Black History in Michigan, visit Black History in MI, and to learn more about Black History in the Michigan Legislature, visit the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus website.

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Carol in the Community:

Governor’s Universal Pre-K Event: This month, I attended an event celebrating the announcement of Gov. Whitmer’s proposal to make pre-K accessible for all. Our community stands to gain numerous benefits, including lower costs for families with young children, enhanced workforce retention and a commitment to lifelong learning.

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Walk for Warmth: I had the pleasure of participating in Kent County Community Action Agency’s Annual Walk for Warmth. KCCA hosts this event to raise money in support of their many services which include utility assistance to keep the heat on over the winter.

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Area Agency on Aging: One thing I enjoyed this past month was speaking at the Area Agency on Aging’s monthly Advocates for Senior Issues Meeting. Always an engaged group, we discussed the need for affordable housing, funding for education and legislative priorities for 2024. To learn more about the Area Agency on Aging and Senior Advocates, follow this link to their website.

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Coffee Hours:

One of my favorite things I get to do as a state representative is meet in-person with you over a warm cup of coffee. This past month, we were hosted by El Granjero in Grand Rapids as we welcomed members from the community to discuss updates from Lansing.

Our next coffee hour will be downtown at the Main Branch of the Grand Rapids Public Library Saturday, March 9, from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. March is Reading Month, so come on down to the library to hear from me about what is happening in Lansing and grab a book or two to get reading!
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Events:

  • Saturday, March 9: Coffee Hour at the Grand Rapids Public Library, 4th floor, Vander Veen Center for the Book, from 10:30 -11:30 a.m.
  • Friday, April 19: Constituent Services on the Road, a special event for you to attend. We’ll have a number of resources accessible to you and your families from 4:00-6:00 PM at the Grandville Public Library (4055 Maple St SW Grandville, MI 49418)

Finally, thank you for reading my newsletter. As your elected official, I want to hear from you about your questions and concerns. Please, don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at (517) 373-0476 or email me at CAGlanville@house.mi.gov. You can also follow me on social media to stay informed on what I’m up to.

Thank you,

Glanville Signature

Carol Glanville
State Representative
House District 84