Dear Neighbor,

 

Welcome to my e-newsletter! I’m honored and humbled to serve as our community’s voice at the Capitol in Lansing. As we continue into the term, rest assured that the challenges families in our community and state are facing are at the top of my legislative priorities. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office by phone at (517) 373-0837 or email at AmosONeal@house.mi.gov if we can help.

 

Sincerely,

 

Amos O’Neal

State Representative, 94th House District

 

In this issue:

  • Legislation
    • HB 5225-26: Messiah’s Law
    • HB 4308: Sickle Cell License Plates
  • Saginaw Public Schools Grant Awarded
  • EGLE Affordability and Planning Grant
  • Double Up Food Bucks

 

HB 5225-26: Messiah’s Law

Earlier this week, I was honored to sit alongside state Rep. Cynthia Neeley, Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley and Genesee County Sheriff Christopher Swanson to testify in the House Criminal Justice Committee on our House Bills 5225 and 5226, known as Messiah’s law.

Representative Neeley and I introduced these bills that will increase the penalties that are in place for when a firearm is shot at an occupied building resulting in harm or death of a minor. This unfortunate situation should never occur, and yet I met with the family of young Messiah Williams, who fell victim to this kind of violence.

I am eager to see this important package pass into law and save lives.

 

HB 4308: Sickle Cell License Plates

We recently passed my House Bill 4308 out of the House, and I am pleased to see the Senate committee take up the bill right away!

This bill would create a fundraising license plate recognizing sickle cell disease education and treatment. Thousands of Michiganders would benefit, not only from the revenue generated, but also from the visible show of public support the license plate would create. I was honored that former state Rep. Ronnie Peterson testified as well.

 

 

Saginaw Public Schools Grant Awarded

Saginaw Public Schools has been awarded a $5,500 grant from the fiscal year 2024 State School Aid Act on behalf of eligible teachers to pursue National Board Certification for the first time.

Intermediate school districts and local education agencies, both traditional public school districts and public school academies, applied on behalf of 185 teachers. Funds must be used to cover the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification fees for first-time candidates in Schoolwide Title I schools.

Supporting our schools and our educators is so important. Saginaw deserves this funding, and I know our teachers will benefit immensely.

 

EGLE Affordability and Planning Grant

The city of Saginaw has been awarded an Affordability and Planning (AP) Grant totaling $500,000.

As part of Michigan’s Clean Water Plan, the AP Grant is designed to address water infrastructure needs across the state and support improvements and sustainability of drinking water infrastructure as well as affordability and access to healthy drinking water for Michigan residents.

 

Double Up Food Bucks

Buying food is expensive right now, especially for our neighbors already struggling to put food on the table. Double Up Food Bucks is here to help. For those who shop for groceries with a SNAP/Michigan Bridge Card, they can double their benefits to purchase fresh, Michigan-grown fruits and veggies using Double Up Food Bucks. The program is available at over 230 participating farmers markets, farm stands and grocery stores across Michigan. With farmers market season around the corner, it’s a great time to use the program! Learn how it works and find a participating location near you at DoubleUpFoodBucks.org.