Dear Neighbor,
Here is some information that I hope you will find helpful, including news and resources from your state government.
Legislation to Protect Free Speech Reintroduced in House
Last week, I re-introduced legislation (House Bill 4045) to allow a court to dismiss what are known as strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP). SLAPP suits are retaliatory lawsuits intended to silence, intimidate or punish an individual who speaks out on an issue of public interest. They have been used against environmentalists, scientists, citizen activists and sexual assault survivors. Michigan is one of only 15 states that has not enacted an anti-SLAPP law. Individuals should be able to exercise their First Amendment rights without fear of being sued and buried in legal fees.
Bills to Improve Maternal and Infant Health Outcomes Signed Into Law
Several pieces of legislation to improve the health and well-being of mothers and infants across Michigan were recently signed into law. This includes my bill that requires hospitals to provide information on the health insurance enrollment process to parents of newborns (House Bill 5173).
DNR Plans to Hire Over 1,300 Seasonal Employees
The Department of Natural Resources is hiring over 1,300 seasonal employees. This includes summer park workers, seasonal park rangers, seasonal park interpreters and nature educators. Find out more information and apply at Michigan.gov/DNRjobs.
State of the State Scheduled for Feb. 26, Student Art Contest Announced for Program
The governor will deliver her annual State of the State address at the State Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 26. The State of the State program’s cover will again feature student art. Students (K-12) are encouraged to submit a design on the theme, “Think Michigan.” Go to michigan.gov/artcontest for more information. Submissions must be received by Friday, Feb. 14.
Sincerely,
Kara Hope
State Representative
In Case You Missed It…
Tri-County Office on Aging Will Host Memory Loss Caregiver Workshops
The Tri-County Office on Aging (TCOA) is hosting a 3-session workshop series for those caring for an individual with dementia or Alzheimer’s. The series will be offered at two different locations:
- In Lansing at PACE Lansing, 1921 E. Miller Road, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on Thursdays, Feb. 6, Feb. 13 and Feb. 20, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- In Eaton Rapids at the First Congregational Church of Eaton Rapids in the Bible study room from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Tuesdays, Feb. 11, Feb. 18 and Feb. 25.
These events are free to the public. To register, call (517) 887-1465 or email histedc@tcoa.org.