Hello,

When I was a child, I used to read side panels of breakfast cereal boxes while chomping on Sugar Frosted Flakes, and I’d wonder about this city called Battle Creek, Michigan. Moving to Calhoun County was one of the best decisions of my life. One of those reasons is because most of my kids went to Albion College. I am truly honored to call this place home.

To keep up to date with the happenings in Lansing, you can visit my website or follow me on Facebook @HouseJimH.

Legislative UpdatesGovernor Signs Bipartisan Budget, Supports Child CareThe recently signed state budget will help Michigan emerge from the pandemic better than ever. It provides the type of investments that will foster genuine and lasting improvements for families and businesses. One area of the budget that I am especially proud of is the investments in child care. The budget will:

  • Make 105,000 more children eligible for child care by increasing the income eligibility.
  • Waive parent copays for child care.
  • Increase payments to child care providers.
  • Expand the number of child care spaces for infants and toddlers.
  • Provide one-time $1,000 bonuses to child care staff.

Events and ResourcesContinue to Work Toward Back Unemployment Compensation

If you are due pandemic unemployment compensation for weeks certified before Sept. 4, you may still be owed back pay. If you’re currently working with the Unemployment Insurance Agency, consider signing up for an in-person appointment in Kalamazoo or Lansing. Our office will also try to help you.

Individual Health Insurance Open Enrollment – Nov. 1 through Jan. 15

Health insurance subsidies for those purchasing coverage on their own were expanded in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The chance to change or pick up coverage and gain access to additional monthly savings begins on Nov. 1, 2021. If you don’t have health insurance, it’s worth checking out.

COVID-19 Vaccines are Readily Available at No-Cost

Getting vaccinated is a personal choice, but it is the best way to protect yourself and help slow the spread of COVID-19. As the virus spreads, it has new opportunities to mutate and may become more difficult to stop. By restricting the spread, we can reduce the chance of new variants emerging. COVID-19 vaccines used in the United States help protect against delta and other known variants. Find a vaccine near you: www.vaccines.gov.

Attorney General Dana Nessel to Host Power Outage Roundtable in Battle Creek

Myself, Attorney General Dana Nessel and a representative from the Michigan Public Service Commission will be in Battle Creek at Full Blast on Oct. 25 from 5-7 p.m. We will be discussing recent power outages in the area, what work is being done to prevent them and concerns from the public. It would be an honor if you joined us.

Coffee Hours with Me

In-person coffee discussion hours are again held regularly on the first Saturday of each month from 9 to 11 a.m. at Mr. Don’s and 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Stirling Books and Brew. Please come to discuss state legislation and any concerns you have about state government, or join me for some good conversation. I enjoy meeting and catching up with constituents (and I will generally pay for your coffee).

Mr. Don’s: 341 N. 20th St., SpringfieldStirling Books and Brew: 119 N. Superior Street, Albion

News from the DistrictState Budget Includes $1 Million for BC City Hall, $2 Million for McCamly Plaza

The state budget includes $1 million to help repair Battle Creek’s City Hall façade. It also has a $2 million state investment in the McCamly Plaza Hotel revitalization project led by Battle Creek Unlimited. These state funds will go a long way in the vitality and economic development of Battle Creek.

Detroit Lions Surprise BC Central Football With Award of $45,000, Plus New Helmets

Through the Detroit Lions’ Touchdown In Your Town program, the Battle Creek Central football team was awarded $43,000 from the Detroit Lions Foundation. In addition, they also received $2,000 worth of chocolate milk from the United Dairy Industry of Michigan and new helmets and shoulder pads from Riddell. Congrats Bearcats!

I hope this information has been helpful to you. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please reach out. You can email me at any time at JimHaadsma@house.mi.gov or call my office at (517) 373-0555.

Respectfully,

Jim Haadsma

State Representative

House District 62