Hi Neighbor,
Welcome to the latest edition of my e-newsletter! Read on to learn more about my upcoming office hours and events, as well as some key legislation we’ve been working on in the Legislature.
I am honored to continue representing and advocating for our community in Lansing. Please feel free to go to 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
Minority Floor Leader
State Representative
House District 83
In this edition:
- Office Hours and Events
- Community Update and Resources
- Legislative Update
Office Hours and Events:
I hold office hours twice a month to hear your thoughts, questions and concerns. This is a great opportunity to meet with me in person to discuss the issues that affect our community. I look forward to meeting with you!
When: Every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month from 10-11:30 a.m.
Where: Wyoming City Hall, 115 28th St. SW
Community Update and Resources:
Honoring Disability Awareness Month
I was honored to join my colleagues at a panel event to speak about the importance of Disability Awareness Month in Michigan. House Resolution 42, introduced by state Rep. Sharon MacDonell, declares March 2025 as Disability Awareness Month in our state to recognize the importance of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and call upon Michigan legislators to not just celebrate the contributions of individuals with disabilities in our state, but actively pursue policies that promote their rights, workforce contributions and achievements. I will always support initiatives to increase accessibility in Michigan, so our state can be shaped into a leader for disability rights and advocacy.
Non-Profit Breakfast with Legislators
Last week I attended the MNA and Michigan Association of United Ways’ Nonprofit Breakfast with Legislators event to deepen my understanding and relationships with key nonprofits who work and advocate within our community. I was grateful for the opportunity to share key updates from our work in the Capitol, and to connect with organizations about their work to uplift Michiganders’ needs.
Tribute Presentation to my Office Intern
I had the privilege of honoring Lea McGregor with a tribute certificate and send-off on the House floor for her months of dedication to House District 83 as a legislative intern in my office. Lea is a bright leader and student learning at James Madison College at Michigan State University. She has been working hard to advocate for our community in Lansing since she joined us in January. Thank you for all your hard work!
Submit a Tribute to Celebrate a Community Member
Do you know anyone celebrating a milestone birthday or retirement? What about an anniversary of a homegrown business or a sports achievement? A great way to celebrate the immense work of people in our community is to request a tribute certificate from my office.
Click here to suggest a tribute.
I look forward to recognizing the great achievements of our community!
Legislative Update:
Autism Awareness Month Resolution
I was honored to introduce and speak on my resolution, House Resolution 58, to declare April as Autism Awareness Month in Michigan. This month, we honor the strength, diversity and experiences of Michigan’s autistic communities while committing to more than just awareness. Autism is a part of the human experience, and our policies should reflect that.
I called upon my fellow members to pursue policies that invest in research and training, so we can enhance education, health care and community services to better support autistic individuals. I also celebrated the educators and employers who recognize the unique strengths autism brings to classrooms and workplaces. I encouraged this Legislature to continue building a Michigan where every voice is heard, and every policy works for the people we serve.
Public Safety and Violence Prevention Fund
I was proud to vote for a bipartisan package that establishes a Public Safety and Violence Prevention Fund to help local communities address their unique public safety needs. House Bills 4260–61 will provide recurring funding to communities across Michigan from a $115 million fund, investing in community violence intervention programs to get to the root of violent crime and better supporting our local police and county sheriff departments.
After hearing from countless of our community’s public safety and city officials, I am especially proud to support this package that outlines $3.2 million for the city of Grand Rapids. This is necessary funding for local governments to reduce violent crime and expand victim services, including access to shelters and counseling. This is a historic public safety effort I was honored to support and help push forward to the state Senate.
Sextortion Legislation Update
In February, a package of bills sponsored by me and state Rep. Kara Hope to better help Michigan’s prosecutors fight back against online sexual extortion was signed into law. “Jordan D’s Law” honors the memory of Jordan DeMay, a 17-year-old from Marquette who tragically died by suicide after becoming a victim of an online sextortion scheme in 2022.
Earlier this month, five people charged in the sextortion scheme that targeted more than 100 victims and led to Jordan’s death pleaded guilty. Jordan D’s Law will ensure that these individuals who profited from this awful scheme will face consequences that measure up to the extent of their crimes. These laws ensure the criminal sentences for committing sextortion are commensurate with the severe consequences and grief this crime brings to the children, families and communities it affects.