Hello,

Life is better when you take the time to express gratitude — so happy holidays to you and yours. I am thankful that I will be a grandfather in January for the first time. I am also grateful to have the opportunity to serve in the Michigan House and advocate for the citizens of Battle Creek and Albion.

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

Legislative Updates

Federal Dollars Will Expand Internet Access

The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, recently signed into law by President Joe Biden, will send billions of dollars to Michigan to improve our infrastructure, including $100 million to expand high-speed internet access to an additional 398,000 Michiganders.

House Votes to Expand Law Enforcement Funding

The MI Safe Communities Plan would utilize federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act to minimize the court backlog, expand resources available to law enforcement and invest in jobs programs, counseling, school resource officers and education. The recently passed $328 million supplemental budget will also support retaining and recruiting Michigan law enforcement officers. The bill passed overwhelmingly with the support of every Democrat, while a handful of Republicans voted no. This funding package will combat crime, support our local law enforcement, and help keep our state safe.

Independent Redistricting Commission Seeking Public Comments

In 2018, Michigan voters passed Proposal 2, which created an Independent Redistricting Commission to draw state and congressional legislative maps. Yesterday, the Redistricting Commission approved the Hickory House map. You can view the new map to see the changes that were made to current House districts.

Two of My Bills Pass the Michigan House of Representatives

I’m proud to announce that two of my bills passed the House with strong bipartisan support. House Bills 4618–4619 both passed 102-0 and make amendments to the uniform fraudulent transfer act and coincides with qualified dispositions in the trust act.

Events and Resources

Albion Mental Health Roundtable

Access to mental and behavioral health care is a critical issue. I want to thank everyone who participated in or attended the Mental Health Listening Tour stop in Albion on Nov. 22. I think we had another great discussion about patients’ and providers’ needs, opportunities, and challenges in Michigan’s behavioral health system.

Water Repair Assistance Program

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services urges low-income households to take advantage of a new program for people who do not have access to water in their homes to ensure safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Low-income Michiganders who lack access to water in their homes for washing and disinfecting surfaces or need a plumbing repair to ensure safe and efficient water services can contact their local Community Action Agency.

Coffee Hours with Me

In-person coffee discussion hours will once again be held regularly on the first Saturday of each month starting Feb. 5, from 9-11 a.m. at Mr. Don’s and 1-2:30 p.m. at Stirling Books and Brew. January’s coffee hour is canceled in observance of New Year’s Day. Please come to discuss state legislation, bring up issues you’re having with the state government, or join me for some good conversation. I enjoy meeting and catching up with constituents (and I buy the coffee).

Mr. Dons: 341 N. 20th St. N., Springfield

Stirling Books and Brew: 119 N. Superior St., Albion

Respectfully,

Jim Haadsma

State Representative

House District 62