Dear Neighbor,

Welcome to my Capitol & Community Update e-newsletter! I am so excited for all of the colorful celebrations this month. June is Pride Month, and I want to wish safe and happy festivities to those who observe. We are also nearing Juneteenth, our newest federal holiday. Please note that per the Michigan House calendar, my office will be out to observe the occasion this coming Monday.

As always, please encourage neighbors and friends in HD 41 — Troy and Clawson — to also sign up for these updates at kuppa.housedems.com, and let us know if you have any thoughts on any state-level issues or requests for scheduling. My office can be reached by phone at (517) 373-1783 or by email at PadmaKuppa@house.mi.gov. Be sure to also check out the latest on my social media platforms — @PadmaKuppaMI41 (Twitter) and @MIRepPadmaKuppa (Facebook)!

In Service,

Padma Kuppa

State Representative

House District 41

Upcoming Events

Monthly Community Conversations

Please join me for my in-person office hours where I will be giving legislative updates and taking your questions about the issues facing our state and community! They are a great way to find out what policies I’m working on and share your ideas and concerns with me. Please refer to the policy of the venue regarding masks and physical distancing. Our June meeting information is as follow:

When: Monday, June 27, from 4:30-6 p.m.

Where: Troy Community Center (3179 Livernois Road in Troy)

Community Conversations

Legislative Update

The following are highlights from recent legislative developments. You can see all of my sponsored legislation and co-sponsored legislation from this term at the provided hyperlinks. Please also see my press releases page for additional updates and information.

Addressing Recent Firearm Violence

The recent tragedies of Oxford, Buffalo, Uvalde and too many other communities across our nation are horrifying and heartbreaking. In the wake of these mass shootings, I am even more committed to ensuring more innocent lives are not lost and that the loss of life that has happened is not ignored. As a member of the Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention Caucus, I have supported legislation that does not interfere with responsible gun ownership and will curb our nation’s unique pattern of firearm violence, promoting public safety for all. Several pieces of legislation have even gained bipartisan support, proving that these bills are viable enough to have their merits discussed over a committee hearing, where all parties can come together to share thoughts and concerns. House legislation related to firearms are typically considered by the Committee on Military, Veterans and Homeland Security.

Justice for Allie

My legislation to prevent vulnerable adults, including seniors and those with disabilities, from being sexually exploited online continues to languish in the House Judiciary Committee. The bills are House Bill 4159 and House Bill 4160, with the latter being sponsored by Rep. Julie Calley to make this a bipartisan package. This legislation is very close to our community, having been inspired by a Troy family, and supported by people across the state. Thank you to everyone who has continued to advocate for the advancement of this important legislation with the chair and members of the Judiciary Committee. Our advocacy continues!

Financial Relief for Michiganders

Globally, rising costs are hitting people everywhere, from fuel to groceries, due to a variety of factors, such as international supply chain issues. While others seem interested in playing the blame game, I am committed to bringing real and immediate financial relief to Michiganders. I recently voted in favor of tax relief for all Michiganders. While the Legislature has yet to negotiate the plan with the governor to ensure we do not leave funding holes for our roads, schools and local government services, such as police and fire, I voted in favor of the plan to keep the conversations going. It is a good start and includes an expansion to the Earned Income Tax Credit, a goal Democrats have long sought and that I strongly support, but such large funding gaps need to be addressed before the plan is signed into law. I will continue to prioritize relief for Michigan families as well as sufficient funding for Michigan’s critical services such as roads, schools and police.

Unemployment Update

The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) recently announced they are working aggressively to identify people who were asked to repay unemployment benefits because of unclear instructions regarding gross earnings versus net earnings. As this group of claimants is identified, they will receive a waiver for the overpayment of benefits related to this issue. View the full press release here.

I am thrilled to see that the UIA is continuing to take steps to remedy overpayment issues. No Michigander who did the right thing when applying for benefits should be required to pay anything back resulting from errors and poor guidance at the federal level. If you are experiencing non-judicial issues with your UIA claim, please contact my office using this form, and we will be in contact about how we can assist you. Additional unemployment resources are below.

  • Contact UIA
    • Via MIWAM account.
    • Chat with an agent Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
    • Call the Customer Service at (866) 500-0017, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    • Schedule an appointment to speak with a Customer Service agent. A closed-captioned virtual meeting option is available for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Fostering Futures Scholarship Application

The Michigan Department of Treasury is reminding young adults who have experienced foster care on or after their 13th birthday that they are eligible to apply for a scholarship from the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund.

The priority deadline for the Fostering Futures Scholarship application for academic year 2022-23 is Aug. 1. Eligible students enrolled at a Michigan degree-granting college or university may now apply to receive scholarship funds for tuition, fees, room, board, books and supplies. Applications received after Aug. 1, may be placed on a waitlist.

To learn more about the Fostering Futures Scholarship, go to fosteringfutures-mi.com.

Fostering Future Scholarship applicants with questions should contact the state Treasury Department’s Student Scholarships and Grants area at mistudentaid@michigan.gov or call toll-free at (888) 4-GRANTS (888-447-2687).

Community Recognitions and Resources

Small Business of the Month

Each month, I recognize two small businesses in the community, one in Troy and one in Clawson, as our small businesses of the month. To nominate a business for this recognition, please fill out this form on my website.

Tributes, Letters and Certificates

Do you know someone in the district who is retiring and would like a legislative tribute to celebrate their years of service? Has a local team or group reached a milestone that they would like to be acknowledged with an official certificate for each member? Our office can provide legislative tributes, letters and certificates on a wide range of recognitions for constituents. If you would like to request any of these materials for yourself or others, please email my office at PadmaKuppa@house.mi.gov with as much information as possible on the requested recognition, and we will work with you to arrange delivery or presentation of the recognition!

E-News Archives and Constituent Downloads

My e-news archive is available on my website here. Constituent downloads are also available on my website here.