2021 Year in Review

Friends and Neighbors,

The people of Grand Rapids are tough. While we’ve experienced much hardship this year, we’ve also stepped up to the challenge. Despite the cards we’ve been dealt, we’ve come together and grown stronger as a community because of it.

As 2021 comes to an end, and with 2022 on the horizon, I’d like to share some of the important work we accomplished this year on behalf of the city of Grand Rapids and the state of Michigan.

  • This month, in response to the tragedy at Oxford High School, we introduced a bill that would create a seven-day wait period for all pistol sales in the state. This type of legislation is already law in many other states and widely supported by both gun owners and non-owners.
  • In October, I introduced legislation as part of the House Bipartisan Lead package that would strengthen prevention, identification and treatment of lead exposures. We were excited to have our first hearing on Dec. 10 and look forward to continuing to move this common-sense package through the legislative process in the new year.
  • As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I fought for and helped pass the fiscal year 2022 budget, which includes $7 million for the Grand Rapids Whitewater Rapids restoration project, $4 million for the Kent County Sustainable Business Park, $500,000 for the Grand Rapids Public Museum Riverfront project and $500,000 for the Grand Rapids Center for Transformation capital campaign.
  • In May, state Rep. Padma Kuppa and I introduced a pair of bills that would offer state IDs and driver’s licenses to all Michiganders, making it easier for immigrants and undocumented people to contribute to our economy and community.
  • In April, I introduced bipartisan legislation that would allow Michigan residents and communities to participate in small-scale solar energy projects, increasing access to clean, renewable energy. This bill package received its first hearing in November, and we are excited to continue to move this package of bills expanding energy freedom and clean energy projects in our state.
  • In February, I introduced a bill that would waive penalties and interest for property and business owners who were unable to pay taxes in the summer of 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses have suffered enough from the effects of the pandemic, through no fault of their own. We owe it to them to help in any way we can.

I am honored to continue to have the opportunity to serve our community as your state representative. While I’m thrilled with what we achieved this year, I can’t wait to share with you the new ideas and legislation we have planned for 2022! I hope you are able to take some time to safely relax with friends and family and reflect on the past year. As always, if there is anything our office can assist with, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,

Rachel Hood

State Representative, 76th House District