Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Welcome back to my e-newsletter. It is an honor representing the residents of the 50th House District and Genesee County. To stay updated on my work in Lansing and around the district, visit my website at www.RepSneller.com, follow me on Facebook (@StateRepSneller) or follow me on Instagram (@reptimsneller). I want to make sure I keep you as informed as possible.

Tim Sneller

State Representative

 In this Edition:

  • Lansing Updates
  • District Updates
  • Upcoming Time with Tim
  • Resources

LANSING UPDATE

White Shirt Day

On Feb. 10, I introduced House Resolution 229, which would declare Feb. 11, 2022 as White Shirt Day.

This year marks the 85th anniversary of the United Auto Workers (UAW) historical Flint Sit-Down Strike that ended in 1937, resulting in the first contract with General Motors. The Flint Sit-Down Strike was one of the most important strikes in American history that paved the way for higher pay and improved benefits, creating a positive atmosphere for all of America’s working men and women.

The origin of the UAW’s White Shirt Day can be traced back to 1948, when a member of Local 598, Bert Christensen, suggested that workers wear the white shirts traditionally worn by managers to show the company that they were equally important to the business. The dedication and commitment of the UAW and its members shaped the strong backbone upon which today’s workforce relies.

Workers today would not enjoy such generous benefits and pay if it were not for the sacrifice and strength exhibited by the first UAW members, who paved the way for the rest of us so many years ago. I personally come from a third-generation UAW family and was a member of the Local 598 UAW. I know how important our unions are.

Whitmer’s Budget Recommendations 

Gov. Whitmer recently released her fiscal year 2023 budget recommendation, and she has laid out a budget that works for all Michiganders. Her budget makes the tax system fairer and gives relief where it’s needed most. Expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit will give working families a boost, putting more money in their pockets that they’ll spend in the local economy. The budget will also responsibly phase out the retirement tax that has hit Michigan elders hard so they can enjoy their golden years and retire with dignity. Her budget includes $3 billion for our essential workers, including health care workers, first responders and frontline workers. These heroes risked their lives during the pandemic to keep our society functioning. They helped us when we needed it the most, and they deserve to be rewarded for their service.

Gov. Whitmer has also proposed an $18.4 billion investment in education. Every child deserves access to a quality education, no matter where they live. While last year’s historic investments in preK-12 education were a great first step, we must continue to repair the damage done to our public schools by years of underfunding. The proposed budget would include a 5% increase for per-student funding, making it the largest amount in state history. It would also include additional funding and enhanced support for rural school districts and those with a greater proportion of students receiving special education services, English language learners, and at-risk economically disadvantaged students.

To see more of the governor’s budget recommendations, you can visit here.

Infrastructure Survey 

We want to hear from you! The House Dems want to hear from constituents about how and where to spend federal infrastructure funding. The page hosts a survey that lets people choose what their community needs to be added or upgraded. Follow the link below to let us know what you would like to see us do to improve District 50!

County Commissioner Terms

I have worked on legislation that will lengthen the terms of county commissioners from two years to four years. This allows commissioners to spend less time focused on reelection and more time focused on the people’s business and working in the community. This term change will begin in 2024.

DISTRICT UPDATE

Recent Coffee Hours

Thank you to those of you who showed up to my most recent coffee hours! I always appreciate getting to hear and connect with constituents.

UPCOMING TIME WITH TIM

2022 Coffee Hours

My favorite part of this job is getting out into the community to talk to folks and hear what issues matter to them. I’m hosting a series of coffee hours this year, and I invite you to stop by to express your thoughts on the issues that surround our community.

If you haven’t got the chance to stop by yet, I hope to see you there!

  • Feb. 25: Grand Blanc Senior Center, 1 p.m.
  • March 4: Scotti’s Coney Island, 10 a.m.
  • March 21: Sam’s Italian Restaurant, 6 p.m.
  • March 25: Burton Senior Center, 1 p.m.
  • April 1: Scotti’s Coney Island, 10 a.m.
  • April 29: Grand Blanc Senior Center, 1 p.m.
  • May 6: Scotti’s Coney Island, 10 a.m.
  • May 16: Sam’s Italian Restaurant, 6 p.m.

UPCOMING EVENTS

CrimFit Training Program

The CrimFit Training Program is a 15-week guided training program designed for participants of all ages and fitness levels to help you prepare for your Crim 10 Mile, Half Crim or 5K. The program consists of a weekly training session and monthly training calendars for guidance. Groups will follow the most up-to-date state and local guidelines on gatherings, with the plan to have groups train in-person as long as it is safe to do so. All participants and groups will have the option to train virtually if they choose so.

For more information, please visit the link here. Prices increase after Feb. 28, so sign up soon if you are interested.

Flint Native Opens Genesee County’s First Bartending School

Flint’s Sheena Harrison opened Drinks of Essence, Genesee County’s first and only bartending school, in late 2021. The school offers a three-day, 30-hour training course to allow aspiring bartenders and mixologists to hone their skills behind the bar. Students will learn how to mix, shake and enjoy exciting cocktails. Drinks of Essence also hosts a virtual mixology experience for $20.

For more information on upcoming classes and events at Drinks of Essence, click here.

RESOURCES

 Helpful Resources

I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

During this challenging time, it is more important than ever to stay in touch. I want to hear from you. What do you need? How can we help you? My office is here to assist you or answer any questions you may have. Please, reach out to me at TimSneller@house.mi.gov.