Dear Neighbor,

Hi, I’m Jason. I have the privilege of serving as your state representative for Washtenaw, Wayne and Oakland Counties. 

While a lot of the work I do is focused on making government work for you, one of the most important parts of my job is getting out in the community — seeing firsthand what matters to you and hearing your stories. 

Over the last few weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to travel across our district and connect with students, teachers, organizers, families and community leaders doing incredible work. From South Lyon and Plymouth to Superior Township and Ann Arbor — your voices are guiding the work we’re doing in Lansing. Whether it’s advocating for a clean environment, better infrastructure (and fewer potholes) or showing up for your community through volunteer work, hearing your unique perspectives helps shape the policies we fight for. 

Here are some highlights, and some upcoming opportunities to connect and share your thoughts:

Upcoming Events

  • Community Conversation: Friday, June 20, at 2 p.m. at MoonWinks Cafe, 5151 Plymouth Road in Ann Arbor. 

South Lyon: Leadership in Action

I had the chance to meet with the South Lyon High School GSA and hear directly from students and teachers about the issues that matter to them and the LGBTQ community. These young leaders are creating real change within their school and community — and they continue to inspire me to keep fighting for equality and inclusion across Michigan.

At the 21st Annual South Lyon Area Creek Cleanup, I was joined by Rep. Haley Stevens alongside incredible local volunteers and leaders like Suzann Martin, Larry Ledbetter, Alex Hansen, Steve Kennedy and the South Lyon Water Guardians. It was another great year of rolling up our sleeves and cleaning up the community!

Congratulations to Audrey LaChance from Troop 36 on earning the rank of Eagle Scout! Audrey is the first-ever female Eagle Scout from her troop — a trailblazer and a shining example of what leadership and service look like in action.

Ann Arbor Stories!

The Ann Arbor District Library had a special visit from Chasten Buttigieg, who came by for a book signing and a Q&A session. Our local libraries play a vital role in strengthening our communities, providing access to information that changes lives, teaches people about the world and history and providing free events that brighten the lives of everyone! Thank you to the amazing library staff for your hard work supporting our communities!

Superior Township

It was such a joy to join the dedication of the Infant/Toddler Early Head Start playground at Beatty Early Learning Center in Superior Township! Head Start has played a vital role in our community and to our children and families throughout Michigan for over 50 years. I’ll continue to prioritize opportunities and programs that give our kids a better future.

Later, I stopped by The Farm at Trinity Health and left inspired. Since 2010, they’ve been growing fresh local produce to fight food insecurity and improve health outcomes across our community and state. I’m proud to see their work in action!

Important Conversations in Plymouth Township

I joined Plymouth Township residents and trustees for a critical discussion of the proposed Salem Township Sewage Plant. When it comes to local decisions, my role is to support, provide information and resources, and share my best recommendations.  

Let me be clear: I believe the best outcome for residents would be for the state to deny the sewage plant permit and say no to the development. However, that is likely not a viable option available to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). We’ve been pushing back hard against the siting of a sewage plant negatively impacting our residents in Plymouth and Northville Townships and will continue to do so. Through our conversations with EGLE, we’ve made sure that all possible information is shared transparently with our communities and local leaders. We were also instrumental in securing ELGE staff representation at the Plymouth Township meeting to have all questions answered in this public forum and I appreciate the department meeting our request. At this point, EGLE has shared with us that if there is no alternative option available for sewage disposal for the Salem Springs development, then they will likely need to approve the permit. 

It is up to our local leadership in Plymouth, Northville, Canton and Van Buren Townships to either approve a pipeline connecting Salem to the Ypsilanti treatment plant or potentially be saddled with a sewage plant and/or a protracted legal battle.

Constituents in Lansing

When I’m not in the district, I continue to represent you and your priorities in Lansing. Recently, I’ve:

  • Met with the Michigan Nurses Association about the challenges nurses face across our state and how we can give the support and resources they need to make our health care system work better.

  • Sat down with Equality Michigan, an amazing organization working to further the rights and protections of the LGBTQ community.

  • Had a conversation with the Michigan Railroads Association, advocating for crucial freight rail that pushes our economy forward.

 

Yours in service,

 

Jason Morgan

State Representative

Michigan’s 23rd House District