August Capitol and Community Updates

Dear Neighbor,

Can you believe summer is already wrapping up? ☀️ As we say goodbye to backyard barbecues and beach days, it’s time to welcome back the excitement of a new school year. Whether you’re heading back to class, sending kids off with fresh backpacks, or enjoying the change of seasons, I hope you have a smooth start and lots to look forward to.

As always, if there’s anything my office can help you with, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Best,

Kristian Grant
State Representative
House District 82

Last month I hosted our second annual Health & Wellness Fair. I was joined by special guest health care advocates from all over Kent County to bring resources and support right to our doorstep. I was overwhelmed by the wealth of knowledge and access that our partners brought. Thank you to EVERYONE who was involved and to the folks who came out — you are amazing!

It was a pleasure to celebrate 100 years of service with Fuller Avenue Christian Reformed Church recently. It was such a joy to see everyone in the neighborhood out together celebrating the impact Fuller has had on us all.

From serving approximately 40 families a week in the food pantry, creating an amazing community garden, being a general resource to neighbors and much more, the MLK neighborhood is better because you all are here. I look forward to many more years!

The ribbon cutting for the new Boston Square Early Learning Center was perfect. Given the moment we are in, it was motivating to remember what we can do together. Investing in early education for children is more important today than ever before.

Thank you BSELC and all the partners! I’m excited to see all the amazing things at HUB 07 come to life!

We teamed up with the Michigan League of Conservation Voters to check in with neighbors in the Garfield Park area. We talked about how neighbors feel about increasing utility costs, clean energy plans and how to better make their voices heard.

Thank you so much to everyone who took time to speak with us. You help inform the work that we do. Also thank you to the volunteers — you are appreciated!

My top legislative priority this month remains the state budget. We’ve officially passed Michigan’s statutory deadline of July 1 without a finalized budget, which has left schools and local agencies navigating uncertainty as the new fiscal year looms.

The Senate has already released its recommendations, and the Republican-led state House of Representatives passed their version this week. I am against the proposal because I believe the current proposal doesn’t reflect the needs of our communities and would push families struggling to make ends meet even further behind. With the constitutional deadline of October 1 approaching, it’s crucial that we finalize the budget in time to avoid a potential government shutdown.

I’m fully committed to working across the aisle and getting this done for the people of Michigan — our schools, families and communities deserve stability and certainty.

Also, here is a full look at what bills the House has taken up for a vote. You can go to the public record and follow along in the journals here.

We’re hosting two Community Conversation events: one in September and another in October. This is a chance to hear legislative updates, ask questions and share your priorities directly with me! From housing and education to jobs and public safety, your input helps guide our work here in Lansing.

September 

• When: Monday, Sept. 22 from 4-5 p.m.
• Where: Scorpion Hearts Club Cafe (1035 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506)

October

• When: Monday, Oct. 17 from 9-10 a.m.
• Where: AYA Youth Collective (320 State St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503)

For more updates, events and resources, you can . . .

Our community is truly a special one for businesses big and small. I’m pleased to announce that my office will be honoring a different 82nd District small business each month based on nominations from you. Nominate your favorite small business in Grand Rapids and Wyoming!

Our office is taking nominations for House District 82’s Teacher of the Month. Nominate a teacher you believe should be recognized as an outstanding teacher in our district this month by clicking the button below.

A reminder that you can reach out to our office for a multitude of reasons including but not limited to:

• Navigating state agencies like the Unemployment Insurance Agency, Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, etc.
• Answering questions and hearing your concerns, including your ideas for legislation.
• Hosting student groups at the Capitol who may be in town for a tour  or presenting certificates and resolutions in the district.
• And much more… reach out with any questions; if we can’t help, we will try to connect you with someone who may be able to!