Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I am most effective at my job when acting on your direct input. I encourage you to reach out to me and my staff with any questions, comments or concerns you may have regarding our community or state and with any policy ideas.
Please do not hesitate to reach out by phone at (517) 373-0822 or send an email to AngelaWitwer@house.mi.gov.
Sincerely,
Angela Witwer
State Representative, 76th House District
In This Issue:
- Weekly Wrap-Ups
- In-District Update
- General Update
- Legislative Update
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Weekly Wrap-Up with Witwer
Please keep an eye out on my Facebook page for upcoming Weekly Wrap-Ups scheduled in the coming months.
In-District Update
May Teacher of the Month
Our office is taking nominations for District 76’s Teacher of the Month program. Follow the link to nominate a teacher you believe should be recognized as an outstanding teacher in our district! Nomination Link
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Hosted Healthy Aging Fair
On Saturday, we held our annual Healthy Aging Fair in the Lansing Mall. We had a great turnout of constituents. Thank you to everyone who attended the fair, and thank you to the local organizations who brought their resources to the event.
Attended Launch of EATRAN’s Second Connector Service in Grand Ledge
I’ve been working with Eaton County Commissioner Terrance Augustine and Capital Area Transit Authority (CATA) since 2018. We’ve been working on transit expansion in our county. I was invited to cut the ribbon on our new route from the Grand Ledge Community to Delta Township and back. After the ribbon-cutting, many officials rode the route and picked up guests on our way — it’s already loved by our county. You can easily access and track routes live by downloading the Transit app.
Welcomed the Waverly HS Robotics Team to the Capitol
I had the privilege of welcoming the Waverly High School robotics team on the House floor. Their visit to the Michigan State Capitol comes after qualifying for their first World Championship in Houston.
Out of Michigan’s 514 robotics teams, Waverly ranked 81st. Accomplishments like these make me proud to serve the young, bright minds of Eaton County. Go Warriors!
Spoke and Participated in the MSHDA Press Conference for the Eaton Village in Eaton Rapids
I went to Eaton Rapids to celebrate the groundbreaking of its 10 new single-family rental homes supported by the Missing Middle Housing Program. Funded through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), the purpose of this program is to provide gap financing to housing projects for middle-class Michiganders.
This event marks a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to address Michigan’s housing crisis. By investing in projects that will create quality, attainable housing for working families, we’re not just building homes — we’re building stronger communities and a brighter future for all Michiganders. I truly can’t wait to see the successes pioneered in Eaton Village repeated across our state.
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Staff Attended Tour of Asphalt Plant
Recently, members of my staff toured an asphalt plant. Located in Eaton County, Rieth-Riley Construction assists in paving Michigan’s roadways. We learned about the recycling of materials to make asphalt, as well as the machinery needed to do so.
Ninety-four percent of our nation’s roads are asphalted, emphasizing their significance. Businesses like these keep Michiganders and our visitors on the road, whether it be to a job, grocery store or family vacation. Thank you to the Asphalt Pavement Association of Michigan for hosting such an informational event. It is always great to see the positive impacts of investing in our state.
Welcomed Success Virtual Learning Center Students to Capitol
I recently welcomed the students of Success Virtual Learning Centers of Michigan Lansing West and Success Virtual Learning Centers of Michigan Lansing South for their tour of the Michigan Capitol.
The students joined me on the House floor, where we talked about all of the beauty and history this building has to offer. I always enjoy connecting with Eaton County’s young, bright minds.
Attended and Participated in Groundbreaking Ceremony with Capital Area Housing Partnership
I joined the Capital Area Housing Partnership in its groundbreaking ceremony. The event celebrated the kickoff of the construction of several affordable, single-family homes in the greater Lansing area.
Investments like these create quality, attainable housing for working families. It makes me proud to know that we’re building stronger communities and a brighter future for all Michiganders. Thank you to the Capital Area Housing Partnership for hosting this event, as well as Mayor Andy Schor and Bob Robinson, Eaton County treasurer, for attending. I look forward to seeing the lasting impact these homes will have on Michigan’s families.
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Tribute Presentation for Hmong American Day
I was joined by state Rep. Mai Xiong in celebrating the 48th anniversary of Hmong American Day at Lansing City Hall. The purpose of this celebration is to honor the brave efforts of Hmong veterans who later settled in communities in Michigan and the United States.
I additionally presented a tribute to the Hmong Family Association of Lansing to recognize the positive impact that Hmong American Day has had.
Today, Michigan is home to a significant number of Hmong refugees. The diversity of the Hmong community and the shared culture, traditions, food and practices of faith adds to the vibrancy of our cities and the state.
With all that the Hmong community has given to Michigan, we certainly have reason for gratitude and appreciation.
General Update:
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MiLEAP “Reach for the Pie” FAFSA Initiative
Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist has joined the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) to launch “Reach for the Pie.” This initiative encourages Michigan students to complete their FAFSA forms and increase access to student aid.
By completing the FAFSA, class of 2024 students will be eligible to enter the contest for a chance to win free Hungry Howie’s pizza for a year. The prize will be awarded to 100 randomly selected students. The deadline to enter the contest is June 30.
To learn more about the program, click here.
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Constituent Services on the Road Resource Fair
My office is partnering with the Executive Office of the Governor and state Sen. Sarah Anthony‘s office to offer an in-person resource fair in the Spartan Room of the Charlotte Community Library, located at 226 Bostwick St. S. on Monday, June 10, from 10 a.m. to noon.
We will be joined by representatives from the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Secretary of State’s Mobile Unit.
Learn about the event here.
Legislative Update
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May 2024 is Drug Treatment Court Awareness Month Resolution
On May 1, I spoke on the House floor in support of my resolution to recognize the month of May as Drug Treatment Court Awareness Month.
Addiction is a battle that too many of our loved ones fight. As public servants, we must help them win. Drug treatment courts offer a beacon of hope, providing a path to recovery and a second chance at life. They not only help individuals overcome addiction, but also reduce crime, improve community safety and save taxpayer dollars.
By recognizing May as Drug Treatment Court Awareness Month, we’re affirming our commitment to supporting those battling addiction and acknowledging the remarkable achievements of these courts. This resolution underscores the important role they serve in our communities, public health and overall quality of life in the state — and how supporting them will continue to directly benefit us all.
Invocation During House Session
I was recently joined by Father Bob Bacik on the House floor to give an invocation at the start of session. Father Bob serves as the pastor of my church, St. Gerard Catholic Church in Delta Township.
Father Bob, thank you for attending. I am proud that you took part in this long-standing tradition in the Legislature.
Session / Votes:
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House Passed the Budget
I joined my colleagues in passing the House budget. While it took a lot of work, our fiscally responsible and locally focused investments are making Michigan and its people stronger.
With smart investments in housing, infrastructure, families and working people, Michigan is the place where people can find good-paying jobs, comfortably raise a family, start a thriving small business and retire comfortably.
Thank you to the subcommittee chairs and committee members who have worked diligently on the fiscal year 2025 House budget. I look forward to seeing the progression of the budget process in the coming months.
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This budget focuses on putting Michiganders first by attracting businesses, creating more jobs, supporting working families and helping students succeed.
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At the heart of this budget is a commitment to the safety of Michiganders.
By investing $111 million into the Public Safety Trust Fund, we are making Michigan a safer place to live. This will be done through supporting law enforcement, emergency response services and violence prevention initiatives.
This expansion of public safety lays the foundations for new growth and prosperity that all of our neighbors can build upon. Every dollar invested here leads to vibrant towns, comfortable villages and booming cities.
Last week in session, the following bills were voted on:
- House Bill 5147 (Rheingans): This bill would repeal section 7 of the Higher Education Authorization and Distance Education Reciprocal Exchange Act. This would remove the act’s current sunset of Sept. 30, 2029, which was instituted by 2023 PA 127. By removing this sunset, the Legislature would no longer be required to periodically reauthorize the act.
- Senate Bills 415–16 (Klinefelt): Senate Bills 415 and 416 would amend the General Sales Tax Act and the Use Tax Act, respectively, to revise certain documentation requirements for persons licensed as micro brewers under the Michigan Liquor Control Code.
- House Bill 5462 (Markkanen): This bill would amend the Michigan Memorial Highway Act to designate highway M-26 in Adams Township, from Academy Street to Hubbard Avenue, as the “Private Wesley Vietti Karna Memorial Highway.”
My Sponsored Legislation Signed Into Law This Term:
This bill repeals the retirement tax that has impacted our Michigan retirees living on a fixed income. Now, half a million households with public pensions, private pensions, IRAs and 401ks with an employer match will all benefit from this law and save about $1,000 a year.
However, HB 4001 does more than repeal the retirement tax. It also quintuples the Michigan working families tax credit match of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to 30%, up from 6%. It will lift 25,000 working families out of poverty and deliver an average combined tax refund of $3,150 to 700,000 families, directly impacting nearly one million kids — almost half the kids in Michigan.
This bill was a supplemental appropriations bill that made historic investments in hospitals and health-care workers, supported home energy solutions, protected our environment, funded affordable housing and attracted investments in manufacturing.
This bill renames a portion of a Michigan Highway, I-96 in Ionia County beginning at mile marker 76 and extending East to mile marker 77, in memory of Barry Lyn Hause, a road construction worker who tragically lost his life while on the job after being struck by a vehicle.
This newly designated Barry Lyn Hause Memorial Highway stands as a lasting memorial and serves as a reminder to us all to drive safely and to respect the sacrifices made by road construction workers like Barry.
This bill helps prevent the financial exploitation of seniors and other vulnerable adults by allowing broker-dealers and investment advisors to place temporary holds on disbursements of funds or securities when there is reason to believe that financial exploitation of a customer has occurred.
This bill amends a portion of M-50 in Eaton County currently named the, “Ensign Francis Flaherty Memorial Highway” to be named the “Ensign Francis Flaherty Medal of Honor Recipient Memorial Highway.”
This bill was the omnibus appropriations bill. As the Chair of House Appropriations, it was an honor to lead the House in listening to our communities to include their priorities. Our district had big wins – wins it has never seen before. Our wins include funding for local roads, sewer infrastructure for continued developments, police support, a new senior center, education support, a new city hall, teen center and much more.