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Hello Neighbor,
I am honored and humbled to be your state representative. As I begin my term, I am aware that we are facing some of the hardest times in our community. Please know that my staff and I are here for you.
If you are in need of support or resources, have any questions regarding legislation or state government in general, please feel free to reach out to me via email at SamanthaSteckloff@house.mi.gov or by calling (517) 373-1793.
Sincerely, Samantha Steckloff State Representative, 37th House District
IMPORTANT DATES April 10 at 10:30 a.m. – Coffee and Conversation Virtual Townhall Join me virtually at home with a warm beverage as we talk about the issues facing our state. I will be live on Facebook .
April 30, 2021 – Youth Government Council Applications Due Applicants should be residents of Farmington and Farmington Hills and at least a freshman in high school, on top of being enthusiastic about expanding their knowledge. To apply, please fill out the application no later than April 30.
For other events and frequent communication follow me on Facebook, Instagram (@sstecklo) and Twitter (@Ssteckloff).
MEET THE OFFICE Rep. Sam Steckloff I am a lifelong resident of Farmington Hills, and my community has given me a passion for public service. Before being elected to the State House, I served as a City Councilmember for Farmington Hills. At age 31, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, so I know how difficult it is to get ahead in life with high health care costs and surging prices for basic living-expenses. It’s why I will always be an advocate for bringing down the cost of insurance while ensuring people everywhere have enough money to raise a family. No matter where you live or who you are, I’ll always fight for you and the district.
Emily Collins My Legislative Director, Emily, helps me write and craft legislation to benefit our state and the Greater Farmington Area. Emily brings a wealth of experience on the issues.
Emma Seidel If you contact my office by phone or email, you’ll most likely be talking with Emma. As my Constituent Director, she ensures District 37 gets the help it needs when it comes to government assistance.
Noah Peterson I believe that everyone should be fairly compensated for their labor, even interns. That’s why I had my staff look for qualified individuals who would positively benefit District 37. Whether it’s researching legislation for Emily or assisting Emma with constituent work, I’m so excited to have Noah help the Greater Farmington Area and my office.
IMPORTANT UPDATES COVID-19 Vaccine Everyone above the age of 16 is now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Interested in getting vaccinated? Sign-up below to save your spot. Ford Field FEMA Clinic – Text EndCovid to 75049 or register here
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Sunshine Week Sunshine Week shines a light on areas where government transparency needs to improve. Earlier this month, a 10-bill package was introduced to ensure Michigan’s government is no longer overly secretive. I’m very proud this package was passed out of the House during Sunshine Week.
Groundbreaking Health Care Reform Bills passed in the House On March 24, a 15-bill package that made huge strides in transparency and regulation for prescription drugs and hospitals was passed by the MI House. A few highlights include bills to require insurance companies to cover oral chemotherapy options at the same rate as intravenous chemotherapy, cap the cost of a 30-day supply of insulin at $50 and better monitor and regulate Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), the middlemen between pharmacies and insurance companies that usually contribute to higher drug costs.
Anti-Discrimination and Prevailing Wage Bill Packages In March, I sponsored two bills in separate bill packages aimed at ensuring equal pay for equal work and restoring prevailing wage in the construction trades. My bill in the equal pay for equal work package, led by Rep. Pohutsky and the Progressive Womens’ Caucus, makes it illegal to ask applicants for their past compensation information, which disproportionately impacts people of color, and especially women of color.
My bill in the prevailing wage package would repeal the “Local and Open Competition in Government Construction Act”, which prohibits local municipalities and labor organizations from entering into local project labor agreements on publicly-funded local projects to ensure the work is being done by skilled laborers who live within their community. This has stifled the quality of construction on local projects and led to out-of-state workers being shipped in by less than scrupulous contractors to work on these local community-based projects across the state. I’m proud to be a part of both of these packages that protect Michigan workers.
UIA Roll Out Michigan House and Senate Democrats support expanding and extending unemployment benefits to help ensure no worker is left behind during this time of crisis. Read more here.
Michigan Reconnect Community members who are 25 or older, lived in MI for at least a year, have earned either a GED or high school diploma and who have not yet earned a college degree are eligible for free tuition for in-district community colleges! Learn more and apply here.
What We’re Currently Working On Like I said above, health care access and affordability is my main focus. Right now, my staff and I are working on several health-care-related bills, including access to mammograms starting at age 35. More and more younger women are being diagnosed with breast cancer at an early age, but by the time it’s discovered, it’s already in stage 3 or 4. Mandating that insurance companies cover mammograms for women beginning at age 35 means increasing the likelihood of detection and lifesaving treatment. This is just one of several health-care-related bills we’re working on. Be sure to follow me on Twitter, Instagram and like my State Rep. page on Facebook to keep up with our progress! |
