Capitol and Community Update

Dear Neighbor,

I would like to invite you to my upcoming coffee hour on Friday, Oct. 22 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. These events provide an excellent opportunity to receive updates on my work at the Capitol and discuss any other questions or concerns you may have.

We have begun to meet in-person. This month’s Coffee with Christine will be held at the Portage Senior Center located at 320 Library Lane.

**Due to construction at the Portage District Library, the Currier Drive entrance to the parking lot is closed. When driving to the Portage Senior Center, please access the parking lot via Library Lane.**

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

I introduced House Resolution 171, along with state Rep. Samantha Steckloff, to declare October 2021 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Michigan. As breast cancer survivors, Rep. Steckloff and I understand all too well the need to increase awareness about breast cancer, especially regarding potential diagnosis in young women.

In the U.S., 1 in 196 women under 40 are diagnosed with breast cancer. I was one of those women when I received a breast cancer diagnosis in 2010. Fortunately, I was able to seek medical treatment and fight before the cancer reached its late stages. However, regular mammograms and breast exams that can catch breast cancer early are required only for women 40 and older. While older women may be more likely to develop breast cancer, women under 40 are 39% more likely to die of breast cancer than older women, even if diagnosed in the early stages.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer type among women in the United States. In 2021, an estimated 8,700 Michigan women have been diagnosed with breast cancer, with 281,550 newly diagnosed across the nation. Sadly, about 1,420 Michiganders, and 43,600 Americans, succumbed to their breast cancer battle this year.

Self-advocacy and self-breast exams are incredibly important in combating breast cancer and saving lives.

For breast cancer resources in Kalamazoo, use this link.

View our Breast Cancer Awareness Month floor speeches here.

Legislative Updates

House Dems Pass $70 Billion Fiscal Year 2022 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 a number of my key priorities:

A historic investment in childcare that will decrease costs for working families, expand access and support childcare providers.
$196 million for over 100 local bridges.
Fully funding 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 one 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 else in our community.

In the wake of the worst public health 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.

Portage Senior Center Funding

State Sen. Sean McCann and I were able to secure $1.5 million in grant funding to help build a new Portage Senior Center. We are thrilled to bring these funds back to our community to create a space and access to resources for friends and neighbors in Portage and beyond.

Water Management and Infrastructure Bill Introduction

This week I introduced HB 5330, which will create the Water Management Infrastructure Fund.
- Managed by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy.
- Fund will allow county, city, township and village governments to apply for loans and grants to build, repair or relocate infrastructure for flood mitigation and other projects may include:
- Stormwater retention or treatment.
- Sewage treatment.
- Flood control or mitigation, including but not limited to:
  - Repairing, rebuilding or relocating roads.
  - Repairing or removing an existing dam.
  - Relocating water treatment or wastewater treatment.
  - Building or improving green infrastructure projects.

Community Connections

Mental Health Listening Tour

On Monday, Oct. 18, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., I will host a virtual Mental Health Listening Tour. Joining me are special guests state Reps. Felicia Brabec and Julie Rogers, along with various mental health professionals.

This event will be a roundtable discussion focusing on the current state of Michigan’s mental health system, barriers within the system and ideas for improvement. Join experts and interested community members for this important conversation, with time at the end of the program available for public comment.

We ask that you please share this event with your email lists, family and friends. Reach out to our office at christinemorse@house.mi.gov or at (517) 373-1774 with any questions.

Sincerely,

Christine Morse

State Representative, 61st House District