Dear Neighbor,
Welcome to this month’s Capitol and Community Update e-newsletter!
Please encourage your neighbors and friends in House District 56 — Troy, Clawson, Royal Oak, Birmingham and Bloomfield Township — to also sign up for these updates at RepMacDonell.com. And let us know if you have any thoughts on state-level issues or want to meet with me. Reach out to us by phone at (517) 373-2617 or by email at SharonMacDonell@house.mi.gov.
I can also be found on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. I would be happy to hear from and work with you to make the 56th House District a better place!
In Service,
Sharon MacDonell
State Representative
House District 56
In this newsletter you will find information on:
- My next Community Conversation
- Updated legislation I have introduced
Upcoming Events
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Coffee Hour in Clawson
Join me on Saturday, June 15, for a community coffee hour! I will be there to give a legislative update and answer your questions. Events like this are a great opportunity to share your thoughts and concerns directly with me.
Legislative Updates
The following are highlights from my recent work in the Legislature. All my sponsored and co-sponsored legislation from this term are available at the provided hyperlink. You can also see my press releases page for additional updates.
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As the chair of the Disability Caucus, I hear many stories of those with disabilities and the challenges that they face in day-to-day life. This book, which I proudly display in my office, tells the true story of a young girl who advocated on Capitol Hill to pass the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Skilled trades and MiABLE bills
Last week, I introduced legislation that would expand students’ options for paying for education in the skilled trades. I am a strong supporter of skilled trades education and hope that more young Michiganders will consider a career in the trades as a reliable pathway to a fulfilling, well-paying job.
I also introduced legislation that would increase access to MiABLE accounts, the tax-advantaged accounts that Michiganders with disabilities can store their savings in. Both pieces of legislation, I believe, will make it easier for people of all backgrounds and walks of life to thrive in Michigan.
Community Recognitions and Resources
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Last month, I was very happy to get a visit in Lansing from Wyleigh, Canine Advocate for the All for Oxford and United Resiliency centers. You can follow Wyleigh on Instagram at @wyleighgoestowork.
Honoring Troy High Student for Outstanding Academic Achievement
Troy High School senior Aanya Shah has been named a US Presidential Scholar, our country’s highest honor for high school academic achievements. Only 100 students are so honored every year, and Aanya is one of only two Michigan students to receive the honor this year. On behalf of my office, I want to commend Aanya for this tremendous achievement and hard work. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for her!
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Wishing a Happy Pride Month to all community residents!
June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month! One of my proudest moments as a legislator so far was when I voted last year to add sexual orientation and gender identity or expression into our civil rights law. However, I know that more work must be done to ensure that all LGBTQ+ Michiganders feel safe and respected wherever they go. I will always stand with the LGBTQ+ community, whether in my district or across the state.
Submissions for Small Business of the Month AND Teacher of the Month
Each month, I recognize a small business in the community from our communities as our small business of the month. To nominate your favorite company for this recognition, please fill out this form for Small Business of the Month. I am also excited to recognize a Teacher of the Month! Teachers are the backbone of this nation, and our district has the BEST! Please fill out this form to recognize a Teacher of the Month.
Tributes, Letters, and Certificates
Do you know someone in the district who is retiring and would like a legislative tribute to celebrate their years of service? Has a local team or group reached a milestone that they would like to be acknowledged with an official certificate for each member? Our office can provide legislative tributes, letters, and certificates on a wide range of recognitions for constituents. If you would like to request any of these materials for yourself or others, please email my office at SharonMacDonell@house.mi.gov with as much information as possible on the requested recognition, and we will work with you to arrange delivery or presentation of the recognition!