Dear Neighbor,

It’s been a busy and productive year, and my colleagues and I have accomplished a tremendous amount during this time. As we gather with our families and reflect on the events of the past year, I want to wish you a safe and happy holiday. Below are some of the great things we’ve been able to accomplish in Lansing this year, and the promises we’ve kept to directly benefit the people of Wayne, Washtenaw, Monroe and Lenawee counties.

2023 Summary Stats

During our first year in office, the Michigan House of Representatives has been able to pass 454 bills. This includes legislation that puts money back into Michiganders’ pockets, like repealing the retirement tax and increasing the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) from 6% to 30%. The EITC does not take effect until February 2024, and is retroactive for the 2022 tax year. 2023 tax return forms and instructions (e-file and paper format) will reflect the expanded Michigan EITC created in the new law. Our office will be sending you more information regarding this much-needed tax credit in the coming weeks. In the meantime, more information about the EITC can be found here.

My office has attended over 375 meetings and over 100 events, both in district and in Lansing. We’ve sponsored or co-sponsored over 275 bills and resolutions, and I have a 100% attendance record. In addition to this, I secured over $15 million for in-district projects, including funding for a full replacement of the Denton road bridge causeway in Belleville, funding for the Milan wastewater treatment plant, and funding for the Iron Belle Trail expansion.

My Bill to Prohibit a Cap on Annual and Lifetime Health Insurance Benefits Was Signed Into Law

This spring, my colleagues and I introduced a package of bills that codifies key provisions from the Affordable Care Act (ACA) into Michigan law. My bill in this package, House Bill 4622, prohibits a cap on annual and lifetime benefit limits on insurance. This package of bills ensures that millions of Michiganders will have access to quality and affordable healthcare. This bill was passed in June with immediate effect, and Governor Whitmer signed my bill into law in late October.

We Passed the Right to Repair Bill Through Agriculture Committee

In May of this year, I introduced House Bill 4673. It was referred to the Agriculture Committee, where I sit as chairwoman. This bill gives farmers the right to repair their own farm equipment. I’m proud to say that we passed this bill through the Agriculture Committee in late October, and I look forward to the next steps in this process.

As it currently stands, farmers must have their equipment repaired and serviced by an authorized dealer or technician. My bill bans equipment manufacturers from restricting farm equipment maintenance to authorized service providers, and will require manufacturers to provide access to all necessary tools, computer codes and related service information. This will enable independent repair shops to properly and efficiently make repairs. If enacted, this legislation would save farmers critical time and money when their equipment needs service.

We Passed a House Budget Plan That Reinvests in the People of Michigan

My colleagues and I passed a budget for the 2024 fiscal year that will greatly invest in the people of Michigan. Mental health care is a high priority of mine, and this budget reflects that as it invests in the mental health of our communities. This budget includes funding for mental health services in schools, funding for behavioral health recruiting and retention, funding for mental health courts, and funding for behavioral health services and support with community partners. Further, this budget provides support to our first responders who are exposed to trauma while doing the hard work in our communities. Funding our schools is another priority of mine. This budget will provide universal school breakfast and lunch to our public-school students, fund school readiness preschool programs for low-income families, fund before- and after-school programs, modernize our school transportation vehicles, and forgive outstanding debt for distressed districts.

I’m Fighting for the Future of 4-H in Michigan

As chairwoman of the House Agriculture Committee, supporting our current 4-H members and future farmers is important to me. To achieve these goals, I’ve been working across the aisle with my Republican colleague state Rep. Matt Bierlein. This fall, we introduced bipartisan legislation to create a special fundraising license plate for 4-H Michigan with the goal of raising over $100,000 for the organization. In addition to this, we co-hosted the first ever 4-H Day at the Capitol with MSU Extension.

We Held the Growing Michigan Together Council Town Hall in Belleville

In November, we held a town hall with the Growing Michigan Together Council at the Belleville Area District Library. This event was an opportunity to discuss with residents ideas for growing Michigan’s economy, population and resources. We were able to have a focused discussion about jobs and the economy, preK-12 and high education, and infrastructure issues.

Upcoming Events with Rep. Miller

Coffee Hour with special guest state Sen. Darrin Camilleri: Monday, Dec. 18, at 1 p.m.

  • Belleville Area District Library, 167 4th St., Belleville, MI 48111

Sincerely,

State Representative Reggie Miller
Michigan’s 31st District
Office Phone: (517) 373-0159
Email: ReggieMiller@house.mi.gov