Dear Friend,
Welcome to my latest Capitol Update! As your state representative, one of my most important jobs is to keep you updated on issues at the state Capitol and in our community. My staff and I are always ready to answer any questions about state government and provide any help you need in contacting state departments. I also look forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas on how to make state government work better for you.
You can also reach me at (517) 373-0159 or by email at billsowerby@house.mi.gov. You can also visit my website at sowerby.housedems.com to find up-to-date information and news on my work in Lansing. I hope you find my updates useful and informative.
In this issue:
- Upcoming Coffee and Conversation
- House Dems pass $70 Billion 2022 Budget
- Green Home Tax Credit Legislation
- Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission Public Comment Hearings
Sincerely,
Bill Sowerby
State Representative, 31st House District
Upcoming Virtual Coffee Hour
On Friday, October 29 from 10 AM to 11 AM, please join me for coffee and conversation via Zoom. We will be discussing the recently passed budget, potential supplemental appropriation priorities, state legislation, and other issues of the day. I look forward to hearing your thoughts, ideas, and concerns that you may have. Please use the link below to join and feel free to share with any residents who might be interested. I hope to see you there!
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85189941210?pwd=dWMwZHI3eG4vZjc4Q0JIcFN5UGxnQT09
Meeting ID: 851 8994 1210
Passcode: 630715
If you wish to participate via phone, the Dial-In number is: 312 626 6799
House Dems pass $70 billion FY 22 budget
I was proud to work with my House colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass a budget that will make transformational investments in Michigan’s future.
My House Democratic colleagues and I fought to ensure this budget works for Michigan families across our state, and I am so proud to deliver critical funding for several key priorities:
A historic investment in childcare that will decrease costs for working families, expand access, and support childcare providers.
- Fully funding for Michigan Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners tuition scholarship programs
- $100 million in new community revitalization grants to redevelop neighborhoods and support small businesses
- New investments in drinking water, the great lakes, contaminated site cleanups, and high-water infrastructure grants
- $24 million for direct care worker wage increases
This budget is a far cry from the budget originally proposed last Spring, which included a 75% funding cut for most departments. House Democrats fought hard to negotiate a real budget that works for working families, students, seniors, and everyone in our community.
In the wake of the worst crisis we’ve seen in our lifetime, it’s more important than ever that we invest in our communities and ensure everyone in our state has the support they need to not only recover but thrive.
I look forward to continuing negotiations around the remaining federal dollars available to Michigan and bringing even more funding home to our community.
Green Home Tax Credit Legislation
Last week I introduced House Bill 5389 that would provide tax credits for the 2021 tax year and each year after up to $5,000 for the purchase of a newly constructed energy efficient residential structure in Michigan, or for the renovations to an existing building to meet accredited energy efficiency standards.
Our state must do everything possible to combat the threat of climate change and creating more energy efficient structures is a great way to do that while also saving families money. This legislation is a win-win to put more money back in resident’s pockets and encourage the development of greener, more earth-friendly homes.
Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission Public Comment Hearings
The Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission has been hard at work creating draft congressional and state legislature maps. Before being finalized, the commission will hear public input on their published drafts. Below are the upcoming public hearings and helpful links for understanding the process. You can also submit comments online through their public comment portal or comment directly on their published draft maps.
Upcoming Public Hearings:
Public Hearings run from 1-3:30 and 5-8 on the following dates:
- 10/18 Grand Rapids – Amway Grand Plaza
- 10/20 Detroit – TCF Center
- 10/21 Lansing – Lansing Center
- 10/25 Gaylord – Treetop Resorts
- 10/26 Flint – Dort Center