Hi Neighbor,

Happy New Year! I hope your family is well, and your new year is off to a great start. As we all know, the winter months in Michigan can often make keeping your home warm a challenge. Below you will find some resources available to help you mitigate the colder weather, as well as an update on what I’ve been up to in Lansing.

I am honored to continue representing and advocating for our community in Lansing. Please feel free to visit my website at RepFitzgerald.com to stay up-to-date on our work and to email at JohnFitzgerald@house.mi.gov or call at (517) 373-0835 to voice your opinion, ask a question or express a concern. My dedicated staff is here to support you and answer any questions you may have.

 

Respectfully,


John Fitzgerald

State Representative

House District 83

 

Michigan State Representative John Fitzgerald standing with his family while being sworn into the 103rd Legislature by Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra Harris Bolden.

 

Rep. Fitzgerald with his wife, Kellie, daughter, Audrey and mother, Ruth Fitzgerald while being ceremoniously sworn in by Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra Harris Bolden.

 

Floor Leader John Fitzgerald

 

I am excited to announce I have been entrusted to serve as the minority floor leader for the Michigan House of Representatives. As I was ceremoniously sworn into the 103rd Legislature last week, I did so knowing I have an opportunity to ensure the 103rd Legislature prioritizes bipartisan collaboration and transparent governance to move Michigan forward.

I do not take this leadership role and responsibility lightly. I am ready and excited to uplift our community’s values and prioritize policy that improves the lives of working families — from bringing down everyday costs to strengthening public safety. As floor leader and your representative, listening and taking action on your behalf is my top priority. I encourage you to continue sharing with me the issues that matter to you most.

 

Michigan State Representative John Fitzgerald standing with his office staff on the House Floor.

 

From left to right stands Madaline Lankford, Legislative Aide/Constituent Services, Paul Egnatuk, Legislative Aide/Policy Services, myself and Chris Wardell, Legislative Aide/Policy Services, will serve as my staff in the new year.

 

Home Energy Assistance in Michigan

 

Cold weather can have a huge impact on energy bills here in Michigan. Michigan offers several assistance programs to help customers who are behind on their electric, natural gas or propane/heating fuel bills. 

A customer may be eligible for assistance if their income falls below 150% of the Federal Poverty level and they have:

  • Received a past due or shut off notice from their electric or natural gas utility, or
  • Have a need for home heating fuel (propane, fuel oil, wood).

Anyone who needs help paying their home heating or electric bill can reach out to 2-1-1 to find out what resources may be available to help.

 

Utility Shut Off Protections in Michigan

 

In addition to assistance, there are also a variety of shutoff protections customers may qualify for, including:

  • Low-Income Winter Protection Program
    • Protects income-qualified customers against utility shutoff from Nov. 1 to March 31.
  • Senior Citizen Shutoff Protection
    • Protects customers 65 years and older from utility shutoff from Nov. 1 to March 31.
  • Medical Emergency Protection
    • Provides a 21-day shutoff hold when a customer or member of their household experiences a medical condition that would be made worse by lack of utility service. This protection may be extended up to 63 days per-household member and up to a total of 126 days per household.
  • Critical Care Protection
    • Provides shutoff protection when a disruption of utility service would be immediately life threatening to the customer or a member of their household.
  • Active-Duty Military Shutoff Protection
    • Provides a 90-day shutoff protection for utility customers and their spouse when either is called to full-time active military service under certain circumstances.

Go to Michigan.gov/MPSC/GetHelp to learn more.

 

Weatherization Assistance

 

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services also provides for some weatherization assistance to qualified Michigan homeowners or renters, covering services like:

  • Wall insulation
  • Attic insulation and ventilation.
  • Foundation insulation.
  • Air leakage reduction.
  • Smoke detectors.
  • Dryer venting.

Services are administered by a variety of local non-profit organizations. Check out MDHHS’s Weatherization webpage for more information about services and eligibility criteria.

Many utilities also offer energy efficiency and weatherization services for low-income customers. To learn more about these programs, customers should contact their utility.

Each assistance program or shutoff protection may have different requirements and/or income qualifications. For more information on these protections, along with other assistance programs available in Michigan, visit our Get Help webpage or MDHHS’s webpage.