Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Welcome to my latest e-newsletter! As always, I am most effective in 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 that you may have regarding our community or the state and with any policy ideas.
Please do not hesitate to reach out by phone at (517) 373-0853 or send an email to AngelaWitwer@house.gov.
Sincerely,
Angela Witwer
State Representative, 71st House District
In this issue:
- Upcoming Coffee Hours
- General Updates
- MDHHS Update
Upcoming Coffee Hours
Please join me for one of my in-person or virtual Weekly Wrap-ups with Witwer. You can find the event on my Facebook page. Please also like and follow my page to stay connected with updates from the Capitol. I look forward to seeing you at a coffee hour soon!
Upcoming Virtual Coffee Hours
- Aug. 20 at 11 a.m.
Upcoming In-Person Coffee Hours
- Aug. 27 at Willow Tree Bakery in Olivet at 11 a.m.
General Updates
Transportation Grants Awarded to Bellevue and Potterville
Earlier this week, the Department of Transportation announced $3.7 million in road funding grants will be awarded to 25 small cities and villages across the state, including the city of Potterville and the village of Bellevue. Bellevue will receive almost $210,000, a 50% match, for repairs to East Jefferson Street and Madison Street, and Potterville will receive $100,000, a 50% match, for repairs to Sunset Drive. Improving our infrastructure will not only fix our road conditions but will also spur growth within our economy. These grants will go a long way toward ensuring greater safety and convenience for our roads.
Walking in Our Community
During the Legislature’s in-district work period, I have been busy talking to folks in our community about the issues that are important to them. Since April, my team and I have knocked on almost 9,000 doors and plan to knock some more next month. I want to especially thank the more than 50 volunteers who came out last week. If there’s anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at AngelaWitwer@house.mi.gov or (517) 373-0853.
August Small Business of the Month
Do you know a great small business you would like to see recognized? My office is currently taking nominations for August’s Small Business of the Month. Submit a nominee today!
MDHHS Update
Emergency Food Assistance Benefits
All Michigan families who are eligible for food assistance benefits will receive an additional monthly payment in August in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eligible clients will see additional food assistance benefits on their Bridge Card from Aug. 7-13. All households eligible for SNAP receive an increase of at least $95 monthly, which will be loaded onto Bridge Cards as a separate payment from the assistance that is provided earlier in the month.
Eligible families do not need to re-apply to receive the additional benefits. People who receive food assistance can check their benefits balance on their Michigan Bridge Card by going online to michigan.gov/MIBridges or calling a consumer service representative toll-free at 888-678-8914.
COVID-19 School Guidance
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently updated its recommendations for schools to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in classrooms.
Key prevention strategies recommended for schools include:
- Promoting COVID-19 vaccination for eligible staff and students.
- Correctly and consistently using well-fitted masks that cover the nose and mouth.
- Social distancing.
- COVID-19 screening, testing, and contact tracing.
- Encouraging students and staff to stay home if sick or having COVID-19 symptoms.
- Maintaining healthy environments.
For more information, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.