Dear Neighbor,
Here is some information that I hope you will find helpful, including news and resources from your state government.
House Majority Commits to Blocking Nine Bills from Last Year
House Republicans recently approved a resolution (House Resolution 41) that directs the house clerk to present to the Governor only bills that passed during the current legislative session. This would effectively prevent the clerk from presenting the nine bills that are languishing from last session.
As you might recall, a Michigan Court of Claims judge recently ruled that the Michigan Constitution requires that the nine withheld bills be presented to the governor. However, because of separation of powers concerns, the judge said that she cannot order the bills to be presented despite affirming the constitutional language requires it. Senate Democrats are appealing this ruling.
I had hoped that the Speaker of the House would voluntarily send the bills to the governor’s desk. I believe this resolution indicates no interest in following the state constitution in favor of blocking bills that would help Michiganders.
The nine bills, if signed, would benefit Michigan’s working families. They include bills to lower health care costs for public employees; add corrections officers to the Michigan State Police’s pension system; and protect certain assets — including the Earned Income Tax Credit — from garnishment. I sponsored the garnishment legislation to keep families in debt from facing extraordinary hardship (House Bill 4900 of 2023). As more Michiganders struggle to pay their bills, HB 4900 takes on even greater urgency.
Anti-LGBTQ Resolution Passes House
While many Michiganders are worried about the cost of living and the precarious status of their retirement and health care, House Republicans put forward a non-binding resolution (House Resolution 40) to direct the Michigan High School Athletic Association to ban transgender girls from participating in women’s school sports. Sadly, the resolution passed. I voted no. This resolution does nothing to protect our kids. It has zero legal effect, but I believe it will undoubtedly hurt kids. And I believe the resolution legitimizes discrimination against an already marginalized and vulnerable group. I didn’t get into public service to harm children and I refuse to promote ignorance and bigotry. This was an easy vote for me.
March is Reading Month Visit to Lyons Elementary
I recently kicked off March is Reading month by reading to two first-grade classes at Lyons Elementary School in Lansing. This month is a great time to encourage our children to get excited about reading. The kids and I enjoyed reading “Knuffle Bunny” by Mo Willems.
Coffee & Conversation with Senator Anthony
I look forward to my next Coffee & Conversation with special guest Senator Sarah Anthony on Monday, April 14, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., at the Sam Corey Senior Center, 2108 Cedar St., in Holt. You can register for the event and share any questions or topics you would like covered here. See you then!
Sincerely,
Kara Hope
State Representative
In Case You Missed It…
2025 Michigan Fishing Licenses Now Available
Michigan’s new fishing license and regulation season begins Tuesday, April 1. Fishing licenses are now available for purchase and are valid through March 31, 2026. All anglers 17 and older are required to purchase a fishing license to fish in Michigan. Anglers can purchase:
An annual fishing license at $26 for Michigan residents or $76 for nonresidents (both carry an additional $1 surcharge).
A daily fishing license for $10 per day.
An optional youth fishing license, which is available for only $2 for anglers ages 16 and younger.
Fishing licenses can be purchased at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or by downloading the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app and purchasing through the app.
U.S.-127 Road Construction Begins
Construction began in March to rebuild the southbound side of U.S. 127 between interstates 96 and 496. The northbound portion of this highway was rebuilt last year. Both directions of US-127 traffic from I-96 to I-496 will be shifted to the northbound side of the freeway, with northbound and southbound traffic separated by a concrete barrier.
The following ramps will be closed and detoured from March 18 until mid-June:
- Westbound I-96 to southbound US-127
- Southbound US-127 to westbound I-96
- Southbound US-127 to eastbound I-96
- Dunckel Road to southbound US-127
The following ramps will be closed from March 18 until mid-November:
- Northbound US-127 to westbound I-496
- Eastbound I-496 to Trowbridge Road
- Southbound US-127 to Trowbridge Road
- Trowbridge Road to southbound US-127
- Kalamazoo Street/Howard Street to southbound US-127
For project news and updates, visit www.Michigan.gov/127Corridor or contact MDOT-127Corridor@Michigan.gov.
Individual Income Tax Returns Due Next Month
Tax season is quickly approaching, with state and federal taxes due on April 15. Below are some resources that provide free tax assistance:
- Disabled, low income, or 60+ year-old taxpayers may be eligible for free tax help from IRS-certified preparers.
- The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program offers free tax help from IRS-certified volunteers. VITA services are available to people who generally earn $58,000 per year or less, people with disabilities and people who speak limited English.
- The AARP Tax-Aide program offers free tax help to people over 50 or people with low to moderate income. AARP membership is not required to receive services.
- Those making $73,000 or less may be able to use the IRS Free File site to prepare federal and possibly state tax returns.
- Those making more than $73,000 can prepare and file taxes for free using IRS Free Fillable Forms. This allows taxpayers to prepare and file taxes online, but still requires them to follow IRS instructions and fill out the forms.
- Additional free tax services can be found at michiganfreetaxhelp.org or by dialing 2-1-1.
For information about individual income tax returns and refunds, visit the Treasury eServices website.