Dear Friend,

It is my honor to represent the 38th House District at the Capitol as your state representative.

My staff and I are always here to help you with any questions you may have, and we strive to do our best to answer them or put you in touch with someone who can. If you have any other questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to call my office at (517) 373-0827 or email me at JoeyAndrews@house.mi.gov.

Be sure to also check out the latest happenings on the Lakeshore and in Lansing on my social media platforms on Facebook and Twitter!

Sincerely,

Joey Andrews

State Representative

Michigan’s 38th House District

In this issue:

  • Office Hours
  • Capitol Update
  • Community Update

Office Hours

Join me for upcoming Community Conversations in South Haven (4/25) and New Buffalo Township (5/2). These monthly events offer a chance for me to update you on my work in the state House and provide a great opportunity for you to share your thoughts on the issues that matter most to you and your family.

◆ Community Conversations:

◆ Special Event:

I am thrilled to announce the Federal Actions Town Hall on Thursday, April 10, from 6-7:30 p.m., with special guest Attorney General Dana Nessel. The event will be held in Benton Harbor, and the exact location will be provided to registered attendees 24 hours in advance.

Join me for an informative town hall to discuss Michigan’s legal strategies against unlawful executive orders. Learn about the constitutional checks in place, recent legal actions and how these measures impact our communities. Engage in a candid conversation with state leaders and gain insight into the steps being taken to uphold the rule of law.

Seating is limited. You can register online: 

https://forms.office.com/g/cwFYwF2Wcw

Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation in this meeting should contact JoeyAndrews@house.mi.gov at least 24 hours before the scheduled town hall to request mobility, visual, hearing or other assistance.

Capitol Update

◆ Governor Whitmer Signed Data Centers Bill!

On January 21, 2025, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bill 4906 into law, which I introduced to incentivize the expansion of data centers in Michigan. Now Public Act 207 of 2024, this new law exempts data center equipment from sales and use taxes for a set period, encouraging investment in Michigan’s growing tech industry. Data centers are critical to the future of technology, supporting cloud computing, AI and internet infrastructure. With our abundant freshwater resources and reliable nuclear energy infrastructure, our region is perfectly positioned to attract investment in data centers. This legislation will help drive economic growth, create high-paying jobs and keep Michigan competitive as demand for data centers continues to rise.

◆ Committees for the 103rd Legislature

I’m excited to announce my committee assignments for the 103rd Michigan Legislature! I’ll serve on the Energy, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Communications and Technology Committees. I look forward to working with my colleagues to improve the everyday lives of Michiganders.

◆ Bipartisan Nuclear Energy Package Advances

On February 25, 2025, my colleagues and I introduced House Bills 4124–4129, a bipartisan package aimed at advancing nuclear and hydrogen energy production in Michigan. Sponsored alongside state Reps. Pauline Wendzel (R-Watervliet), Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park), Samantha Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills), Jamie Thompson (R-Brownstown Twp.) and Greg VanWoerkom (R-Norton Shores), this package is designed to make Michigan a leader in clean, reliable energy.

The package had a hearing on March 4, 2025, before the House Energy Committee and was passed out of committee on March 25, 2025. The bills work together to promote the development of advanced nuclear reactors and hydrogen energy, while also creating educational and workforce opportunities to support these industries. This is a critical step toward strengthening Michigan’s energy grid and securing energy independence for the future.

Bill Package Overview:

  • HB 4124 (Wendzel): Would create a tax credit for research and development expenses tied to the design, development or improvement of advanced nuclear reactors.
  • HB 4125 (McFall): Would establish a scholarship initiative providing direct grants or tax credits, or both, to in-state and out-of-state graduates who commit to employment at a new or existing nuclear or hydrogen energy facility for at least three years.
  • HB 4127 (Thompson): Would define advanced nuclear reactors in state law.
  • HB 4128 (VanWoerkom): Would create tax credits for small modular reactor-generated power.
  • HB 4129 (Andrews) and HB 4126 (Steckloff): Would establish a grant program to award funds to colleges and universities in Michigan that establish or expand educational programs for degrees or credentials that support the nuclear industry, the hydrogen industry or both.

This legislation would help build a clean energy future, create high-paying jobs, and position Michigan to lead the way in sustainable energy production while bolstering energy independence. We look forward to continuing to work toward its passage.

◆ Bipartisan Legislation to Support Methane Digesters

On March 18, 2025, my colleague state Rep. Jerry Neyer (R-Shepherd) and I introduced House Bills 4257 and 4265, a bipartisan effort to support the continued use of methane digesters for energy production in Michigan. This legislation responds to recent regulatory changes by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) that have created uncertainty for medium to large-sized farming operations.

Methane digesters convert organic waste into biogas, providing a renewable energy source while helping farmers with waste management and offering natural fertilizer. In response to these regulatory challenges, the bills aim to define methane digesters in state law and ensure that co-owned and commercial digesters can continue to operate under reasonable, predictable regulations. They also seek to streamline the approval process by setting clear timelines for permitting decisions, ensuring these facilities can contribute more effectively to Michigan’s clean energy goals while supporting local farmers and reducing waste.

The bills were referred to the House Agriculture Committee on March 18, 2025, for further consideration.

◆ Bipartisan Legislation to Support Aviation Industry

On February 25, 2025, state Rep. Steve Frisbie (R-Battle Creek) and I introduced House Bills 4119 and 4120, which aim to provide sales and use tax exemptions for certain aircraft and aviation equipment. The bills were referred to the House Finance Committee and received a hearing on March 11, 2025.

These bills are currently under consideration by the House Finance Committee.

Community Update

◆ Allegan County Community Foundation: 2nd Annual Pride Fund Grant

The Allegan County Community Foundation has announced that the application cycle for the 2nd Annual Pride Fund is now open. Applications will be accepted until May 5, 2025.

The Pride Fund, established in 2023, supports organizations in Allegan County that create safe, healthy, and affirming environments for the LGBTQIA+ community. Last year, the fund awarded $15,000 to five organizations, strengthening their programs and initiatives.

Eligible organizations may apply for grants to support programs that:

  • Increase visibility and allyship
  • Strengthen multigenerational support
  • Expand access to resources
  • Promote physical and mental health

For more information and to apply, visit the Allegan County Community Foundation website.

For questions, contact grants@alleganfoundation.org or call (269) 673-8344.

We will continue to share more grant opportunities as they become available.