Dear Neighbor,

Welcome to my e-newsletter! I’m honored and humbled to serve as our community’s voice at the Capitol in Lansing. 2020 was a year unlike any other; as we continue into the new year and new term, rest assured the challenges families in our community and state are facing are at the top of my legislative priorities.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office by phone at (517) 373-0152 or email at AmosONeal@house.mi.gov  if we can help.

Sincerely,

Amos O’Neal

State Representative, 95th House District

In this issue:

  • Legislative Update
    • Federal COVID Relief Funding
    • Library in Every School Package
    • Marijuana Reform Bill

Legislative Update

Federal COVID Relief Funding

Last week, House Republicans proposed amendments to House Bills 4419–4421 that would finally use the billions of unused federal COVID funds that have been available to us. Unfortunately, these were still tied to limiting the governor’s powers through House Bill 4082.

This week in Appropriations, I again voted against these partisan games. We have been asking the Republican majority to stop holding our taxpayer dollars hostage and let go of their agenda that is costing our constituents the necessary funds they need now more than ever.

Library in Every School Package

Recently, I joined with my colleagues Darrin Camilleri and Matt Koleszar to introduce a package of bills to improve and increase library access for students across Michigan. The three bills, House Bills 4663 – 4665, would require that every public school in Michigan has a library equipped with both print and electronic resources and staffed by a certified media specialist.

My bill, HB 4665, would specifically require a principal or other appropriate administrator to supervise students when the certified media specialist is not present. Every student deserves access to a library. I am so excited to bring legislation forth that can change the entire educational path to a student’s academic success.

Marijuana Reform Bill

 Last week, the House unanimously passed my House Bill 4184, which would create better efficiency in our court systems by allowing magistrates to conduct informal hearings for civil infractions under the Michigan Regulations and Taxation of Marijuana Act. I am honored to see this common-sense fix for our judicial system and look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to get my first bill to the governor’s desk as quickly as possible.