📰 E-Newsletter | Dec. 12

Dear Neighbor,

Welcome to the latest edition of my e-newsletter. I am excited to share with you updates from Lansing!

As we close out the year, I want to wish you and your loved ones a warm, safe and joyful holiday season. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve our community, and I look forward to continuing our work together in the new year.

Remember: our government is most effective when we engage with it. I want to hear what matters most to you, how I can help address your needs and what you want me to fight for at the Capitol. My staff and I are always here to talk about ways we can improve our community. You can reach me at RepKellyBreen.com or (517) 373-2575.

In service,

Rep Kelly Breen's Signature
Kelly Breen
State Representative
House District 21

Upcoming Events

 

☕Legislative Coffee Hour with Rep. Breen – Today, Dec. 12

 
 

This is an opportunity to sit down with me and discuss matters related to our district and my work in Lansing.

When: Friday, Dec. 12, 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Where: Lyon Township Public Library, 27005 Milford Road, South Lyon, MI 48178

🎄Lighting Up the Grand 2025

 
This is a collection of fun events for the whole family taking place in downtown Lyon Township and culminating in a tree lighting at 6 p.m.

You can find more information on what’s happening and where at: Lyon Township DDA

 

When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
To find more events in our community, you can visit the following link: 

🗓️ Community Events

Legislative Updates

 

📜 Michigan Legislature Passes FY 2025-26 Budget

 

With the end of the year fast approaching, here’s a quick look back at some of what’s been going on in Lansing recently.

Cracking Down on Human Trafficking: Bipartisan Reform Package Introduced

 

In September, I led the introduction of a package of bipartisan bills (House Bills 5009–5028) aimed at addressing human trafficking. This package aims to protect victims, empower survivors and help put criminals behind bars.

It does so by, first: giving survivors the opportunity to expunge their convictions that were a direct result of being trafficked. Secondly, the bills will give survivors a voice in court by creating an affirmative defense for those charged with crimes that they were forced to commit while trafficked. Additionally, the package will protect children from exploitation by strengthening safe-harbor protections for minors trapped in trafficking so that kids are treated as victims and not offenders. Currently, the package awaits a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee.

Boosting Transparency: Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Budget Accountability Bills

 

Just last month, the Governor signed two bipartisan bills that increase government transparency and protect taxpayer dollars in state budgets. Increased transparency has been a goal of the Governor’s since she took office. I was glad for the opportunity to vote in support of this legislation and do my part in making sure public money is spent fairly and transparently.

To read more about this, you can check out the official press release by visiting the following: the Governor Signs Bipartisan Bills to Increase Government Transparency and Protect Taxpayer Dollars in State Budgets, Delivering on Promises Made.

 

Expanding Free Pre-K: 51,000 Michigan Children Enrolled Through Great Start

 

Next, some more good news! The Great Start Readiness Program has reported over 51,000 four-year-olds have enrolled for free pre-k this year. The legislation that laid the groundwork for this program was initially passed in 2023 and then expanded in 2024. This year, we were able to put forth a budget that included funding allowing all four-year-olds, regardless of family income, to receive free pre-k.

Modernizing Michigan’s Workers’ Compensation System

 

More recently, I signed on to a bill package (House Bills 5177–5191) that seeks to update and modernize the worker’s compensation system in our state. This has long been an issue in Michigan and one that I hope we can address this term. Currently, these bills sit in the House Committee on Economic Competitiveness where they await a hearing.

Your Voice Matters: Share Your Legislative Priorities

 

If there is any legislation that you are especially passionate about, please feel free to contact my office. You may also want to reach out to the House Speaker or the chair of the committee that the bill is in if it is awaiting a hearing.

ℹ️ Helpful Resources