Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I am most effective at my job when acting on your direct input. I encourage you to reach out to me and my staff with any questions, comments or concerns you may have regarding our community or state and with any policy ideas.

Please do not hesitate to reach out by phone at (517) 373-0822 or send an email to [email protected].

Sincerely,

Angela Witwer

State Representative, 76th House District

 

In This Issue:

  • Weekly Wrap-Ups
  • In-District Update
  • General Update
  • Legislative Update

 
A blue and red graphic that reads "Weekly Wrap-Up with Witwer" next to a cartoon coffee cup. Along the bottom, the graphic reads "State Representative Angela Witwer."

 

Weekly Wrap-Up with Witwer:

Please keep an eye out on my Facebook page for upcoming Weekly Wrap-ups scheduled in the coming months.

  • Friday, Feb. 13, from 10-11 a.m. at Eaton Rapids City Hall, located at 200 S. Main St.
  • Friday, Feb. 27, from 10-11 a.m. at Charlotte City Hall, located at 111 E. Lawrence Ave. #1573.
  • Friday, March 6, from 10-11 a.m. at the Delta Township Building in Public Meeting Room A, located at 7710 W. Saginaw Hwy.

 

In-District Update:

 
Michigan State Representative Angela Witwer speaking to a crowd of community members.

 

Hosted First Coffee Hour of 2026

We have had great turnouts for our community conversations last month. You can find information on our upcoming events in the local Eaton County papers or sign up for notifications at RepWitwer.com.

We have had lively conversations about a lot of local issues including the drain commission and roads. We also discussed the state budget and canceling of grants.

 

January Teacher of the Month — Kristen Toadvine

Congratulations to our January Teacher of the Month winner, Kristen Toadvine from Charlotte Public Schools.

To quote her nominator, “She deserves to be nominated for Teacher of the Month because she consistently goes above and beyond to support her students and make them feel valued. She is patient, understanding and always willing to take extra time to help anyone who is struggling. Her passion for teaching is clear in the way she encourages students to believe in themselves and push past challenges. She creates a positive and welcoming classroom environment where everyone feels comfortable asking questions and learning. Through her dedication and kindness, she makes a lasting impact on her students’ success and confidence.”

Congratulations again and thank you for all that you do in the Charlotte community!

 

February Teacher of the Month Nomination Form
February is here, and our office is taking nominations for District 76’s Teacher of the Month program. Follow the link above to nominate a teacher you believe should be recognized as an outstanding teacher in our district!

 
Students at the Michigan Center for Civic Education, the Citizen and the Constitution Program's Star Finals and Showcase.

 

Attended the Michigan Center for Civic Education, The Citizen and The Constitution Program’s Star Finals and Showcase
I was recently invited to attend Michigan Center for Civic Education, The Citizen and The Constitution Program’s Star Finals and Showcase. High school students from around the state were challenged with a topic or question to prepare a response to and then engage in extended dialogue with the judges. This was the toughest competition I have attended with appellate judges and professors judging these students. The students were prepared and intelligent on case law. The Center is looking to extend this civic education to the general public. I encourage schools in the state to participate in this engaging education. Congratulations to the well-prepared students who participated.

MDOT Road Changes to Charlotte: M-79
I’ve been working with the Michigan Department of Transportation and some of Charlotte’s city council members and the former mayor on the lane changes for downtown Charlotte to rework a stretch of M-79, converting it from four lanes to three to improve safety and traffic flow downtown. I appreciate the state understanding the needs of our local government and their willingness to make safety changes.
A stage with speakers at the 41st Annual MLK Day of Celebration in Lansing.

 

Attended the 41st Annual MLK Day of Celebration in Lansing
I had the honor to attend the 41st Annual MLK Day of Celebration. Lansing hosts the largest and oldest MLK celebration in the nation.

We listened to the historic words of Dr. Diane Nash who coordinated the 1961 Freedom Ride in Birmingham, AL, to Jackson, MS. She spoke about our freedom and how we are responsible for the outcome of our country and thinking about the future generations. She was inspirational.

It was also a surprise and honor to hear from my friend, Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra Harris Bolden. Justice Bolden spoke of her family history, justice and emulating the life she wants others to have, because you can’t be what you can’t see.

Congratulations to Waverly High School student, Sunshine Morgan-McIntyre Jr. for her first place MLK essay contest win in 9th-11th grade.

Dr. King said and did many things I’ve always admired. On MLK Day and beyond, he gives me and others another reminder to protect justice and freedom.

“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”

 
Michigan State Representative Angela Witwer with a class of elementary schoolers from Charlotte Public Schools on the House floor.

 

School Tours at the Capitol
We have recently had many guests from Charlotte Public Schools visit to tour the Michigan State Capitol. I try to get every school district a tour, as it’s pretty special to come onto the floor of the House of Representatives. We talk about the history of the room, what state representatives do for their job and some interesting facts. Civics is really important.

 
Michigan State Representative Angela Witwer and her Legislative Director Jocelyn Bundy holding an award from Michigan Ducks Unlimited.

 

Michigan Ducks Unlimited Luncheon at the Capitol

For several years, our office has helped facilitate the legislative luncheon for Ducks Unlimited. At the luncheon a few weeks ago, Ducks Unlimited took the time to honor my legislative director, Joci. Joci leads the development of our legislation and district issues with grace and great knowledge. Ducks honored her for her years of service to conservation. She and my constituent services aide, Yvonne, worked to put on the luncheon again this year. Our district has a great team working with them.

 

General Update:

 

Eaton Rapids High School Resource Officer Creates “Food with Ferg” Lunch/Career Development Program

I want to give a huge shout out and thank you to Office Jason Ferguson for creating the “Food with Ferg” weekly program to take three students out for lunch free of charge at an Eaton Rapids restaurant to discuss their options for the future, from college to trades to military programs. Ferguson has 34 years of experience serving the community through the Ingham County Sheriff’s Department and has been an Eaton Rapids High School resource officer for four years. He is an incredible mentor and public safety and security person in our community. Thank you for your work!

 

Waverly Senior Recognized in McDonald’s Black History Makers of Tomorrow Program

Congratulations to Callan Maxwell from Waverly High School for being one of 21 students statewide being honored as Black History Makers of Tomorrow. Each honoree receives a $1,000 scholarship, awarded on behalf of Michigan McDonald’s Owner/Operators. Callan was nominated by school staff and selected for her leadership in serving as:

  • An active member of my Youth Advisory Council;
  • A member on the Council of Michigan Foundations Youth Board where she reviews grants for youth-focused organizations;
  • A College Ambassador to advocate for college access and opportunity, alongside her work as a peer mentor in advanced classes;
  • Business Team Lead for the Waverly Robotics Team;
  • Anda FIRST Robotics Dean’s List Semi-Finalist.

 

Olivet’s Schaefer Nominated for U.S. Service Academies Spot
Congratulations to Evan Schaefer from Olivet High School on his nominations to the U.S. Service Academies. Evan has helped my office establish our first Youth Advisory Council this term for Eaton County students in grades 9-12 to learn more about and actively engage in our state government. Check out the news story in The County Journal for more about Evan’s recognition.

 

Legislative Update:

 
Michigan State Representative Angela Witwer, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Waverly High School student Callan Maxwell pose for a picture at the bill signing of school cell phone legislation in front of a row of school lockers.

 

Wireless Cell Phones in Classrooms Legislation Passed the House
This week, I was able to go back to my high school, Waverly High School, and be there for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s signing of the cell phone bill. It was also great watching a student, Callan Maxwell, from our Youth Advisory Council, introduce the importance of the legislation and the Governor.

The bills limit phone use in the classroom starting this fall so students can focus on what matters most — learning. These bills help our students learn more at school and form healthier phone habits, breaking dependency, improving mental health and restoring attention spans.

Thank you to the Legislature and the Governor for working together to bring forth good bipartisan legislation.