Dear Neighbor,
Welcome to this month’s Capitol and community update e-newsletter!
As always, please encourage neighbors and friends in House District 56 — Troy, Clawson, Royal Oak, Birmingham and Bloomfield Township — to also sign up for these updates at RepMacDonell.com. Please let us know if you have any thoughts on state-level issues or want to meet with me. My office can be reached by phone at (517) 373-2617 or by email at SharonMacDonell@house.mi.gov.
You can also follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. I want to hear from you and work with you to make the 56th House District a better place!
In Service,
Sharon MacDonell
State Representative
House District 56
Upcoming Events
Community Conversation in Royal Oak
Please join me for a town hall in Royal Oak early next month! Events like these are a great opportunity to share your thoughts and concerns directly with me
When: Monday, Dec. 4, from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Where: Royal Oak Senior Community Center, 3500 Marais Avenue, Royal Oak, MI 48073
Legislative Updates
The following are highlights from my recent work in the legislature. All of my sponsored and co-sponsored legislation from this term are available at the provided link. You can also see my press releases page for additional updates.
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Here I am in front of the Capitol earlier this year with Allie Hayes and Dawn Calnen of the Arc of Oakland County.
Justice for Allie now ready for the governor’s signature!
After years of tireless advocacy, the Hayes family’s wait is almost over. Last week, the Senate passed both bills in my Justice for Allie bill package, which would make it a crime to take advantage of a vulnerable adult to obtain sexually explicit images of them. Now, the bills simply await the governor’s signature for them to be made law. We are almost there!
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My team and I show off the matchbox cars we gave as a token of appreciation to my fellow representatives who voted for my EV charging bill.
EV charging legislation ready for the governor’s signature
My legislation to improve Michigan’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure also passed the Senate last week. Once signed by the governor, the legislation will unlock millions of dollars in federal funding for businesses that want to start selling EV charging services. This legislation will accelerate the growth of the state’s EV charging infrastructure, reducing range anxiety and encouraging more customers to buy EVs. The future of mobility is electric!
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Here I am testifying with Reps. McKinney and Hill for our legislation to abolish one of the “polluter panels.”
Bills abolishing a “Polluter Panel” clears the House
This legislation, which I’m sponsoring with state Reps. Donavan McKinney and Jenn Hill, would abolish an industry-dominated state committee that has the power to delay new environmental rules. Created during the Snyder administration, this panel is a classic example of the foxes guarding the henhouse. By removing industry control over environmental rules, the legislation will empower the government to protect our air, water and people from pollution. I look forward to these bills being taken up in the Senate.
Community Recognitions and Resources
November is Diabetes Month: What You Need to Know
Did you know that nearly 1 in 2 Americans has diabetes or prediabetes? Our country’s diabetes epidemic includes the ever-growing number of people with Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. With the knowledge that this disease is hurting too many people, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) is committed to fighting diabetes through a focus on advocacy, education and research. If you are an individual living with diabetes, or if you are a parent, caregiver, health care provider or an individual worried about your risk, the ADA has a wealth of resources to support you, available in English and Spanish.
Many people are not aware they have prediabetes or even type 2 diabetes. Whether for your own information or to share with another, please consider taking the risk test on ADA’s website.
You can also call 1-800-DIABETES to speak with someone live and receive general information on diabetes. This is a great way to learn or expand your current knowledge about diabetes — from symptoms and treatment to management and medication. Arm yourself with the knowledge to prevent type 2 diabetes or live well with diabetes. Our resources can also help you navigate the journey you are on — with the tools, health tips and food ideas you need. Wherever you are with diabetes, you can still live your best life.
Submissions for Small Business of the Month
AND Teacher of the Month
Each month, I recognize a small business in the community from House District 56 as our small businesses of the month. To nominate a business for this recognition, please fill out this form for Small Business of the Month. I am also excited to recognize a Teacher of the Month! Teachers are the backbone of this nation, and our district has the BEST teachers! Please fill out this form to recognize a Teacher of the Month.
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 SharonMacDonell@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!