Hi Neighbor,

Welcome to the latest edition of my e-newsletter! As we kicked off the 103rd Legislature last month, I am excited to share some legislative updates with you, as well as some resources to help you and your family stay warm this winter.

I am honored to continue representing and advocating for our community in Lansing. Please feel free to visit my website at RepFitzgerald.com to stay up-to-date on our work and to email at JohnFitzgerald@house.mi.gov or call at (517) 373-0835 to voice your opinion, ask a question or express a concern. My dedicated staff is here to support you and answer any questions you may have.

Respectfully,

John Fitzgerald

State Representative

House District 83

 

In this edition:

  • Office Hours
  • Legislative Updates
  • Community Resources

 

Office Hours:

A graphic from Michigan state Representative John Fitzgerald advertising his office hours on the second and fourth Monday of the month from 10 to 11:30 AM in Wyoming city Hall.

I hold office hours twice a month to hear your thoughts, questions and concerns. This is a great opportunity to meet with me in person to discuss the issues that affect our community. I look forward to meeting with you!

When: Every 2nd and 4th Monday of the Month from 10-11:30 a.m.

Where: Wyoming City Hall, 115 28th St. SW

 

Legislative Updates:

Legislation Protecting Michiganders from Sextortion Signed into Law

Democratic Floor Leader Fitzgerald and state Representative Kara Hope standing with Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer while holding newly signed bills.

Democratic Floor Leader Fitzgerald and state Rep. Hope joined Governor Whitmer to celebrate the bill signing of Public Acts 261 and 262.

I was proud to see my legislation to better help Michigan’s prosecutors fight back against online sexual extortion signed into law. “Jordan D’s Law,” a package of bills sponsored by myself and Rep. Hope, honors the memory of Jordan DeMay, a 17-year-old from Marquette who tragically died by suicide after becoming a victim of an online sextortion scheme in 2022.

These laws ensure the criminal sentences for committing sextortion are commensurate with the severe consequences and grief this crime brings to the children, families and communities it affects. This legislation will hold perpetrators accountable to justice, deter potential offenders and better protect young and vulnerable Michiganders.

Read more about these laws in my press release.

Governor Whitmer’s Budget Recommendation

A graphic from Michigan state Representative John Fitzgerald featuring a photo of him and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer speaking to the press with a quote from Fitzgerald that reads "The governor's budget recommendations set us on a great path to lower everyday costs. I am excited to work to further these investments to build up working families, keep neighborhoods safe and strengthen our schools."

Governor Whitmer presented her executive budget recommendations for the fiscal year 2025-26 this month, which included key investments in child care, public safety and education. I look forward to working with my colleagues to further develop a responsible budget that continues and builds upon these foundational investments to support working families.

It is especially important that we deliver a balanced budget on time, by the July 1 deadline, to ensure our schools and educators have the resources they need to support our kids. Just a few highlights from the budget recommendation include:

  • Expanding 4-year-old universal pre-K with a pre-K pilot program for 3-year-olds
  • Continuing free breakfast and lunch for public school students
  • Maintaining the increased Working Families Tax Credit
  • Investing $75 million for the Public Safety Trust Fund to support community violence intervention and victim support services across the state for years to come

 

Community Resources:

Warming Centers in Kent County

You and your family can stay warm this winter by visiting one of the many warming centers near you, including libraries, churches and other community spaces.

Some warming centers in Kent County include:

  • Grand Rapids Public Library
    • All locations are open during regular hours
  • Alano Club of Kent County
    • 1020 College Ave. NE
    • Open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Matthew’s House
    • 766 7th St. NW
    • Open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • Lotus Brew Coffee
    • 211 Diamond Ave. SE
    • Open Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Westminster Presbyterian Church’s Open Door Ministry
    • 47 Jefferson Ave. SE
    • Open Monday and Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  • Mel Trotter Ministries
    • 225 Commerce Ave. SW
    • When in Code Blue, the warming center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Emergency shelter hours are 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily. Curfew is 7 p.m. unless documentation of reason.
  • Exodus Place
    • 322 Front Ave.
    • Open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • West Grand Rapids Neighborhood Organization
    • 754 Leonard St. NW #2
    • Open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Kent District Library
    • All locations during regular hours.
  • The Vault
    • 121 Sheldon Ave. SE
    • Open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Home Energy Assistance in Michigan

Cold weather can have a huge impact on energy bills here in Michigan. Michigan offers several assistance programs to help customers who are behind on their electric, natural gas or propane/heating fuel bills.

A customer may be eligible for assistance if their income falls below 150% of the Federal Poverty level and they have:

  • Received a past due or shut off notice from their electric or natural gas utility, or
  • Have a need for home heating fuel (propane, fuel oil, wood).

Anyone who needs help paying their home heating or electric bill can reach out to 2-1-1 to find out what resources may be available to help.

Utility Shut Off Protections in Michigan

In addition to assistance, there are also a variety of shutoff protections customers may qualify for, including:

  • Low-Income Winter Protection Program
    • Protects income-qualified customers against utility shutoff from Nov. 1 to March 31.
  • Senior Citizen Shutoff Protection
    • Protects customers 65 years and older from utility shutoff from Nov. 1 to March 31.
  • Medical Emergency Protection
    • Provides a 21-day shutoff hold when a customer or member of their household experiences a medical condition that would be made worse by lack of utility service. This protection may be extended up to 63 days per-household member and up to a total of 126 days per household.
  • Critical Care Protection
    • Provides shutoff protection when a disruption of utility service would be immediately life threatening to the customer or a member of their household.
  • Active-Duty Military Shutoff Protection
    • Provides a 90-day shutoff protection for utility customers and their spouse when either is called to full-time active military service under certain circumstances.

Go to Michigan.gov/MPSC/GetHelp to learn more.

Weatherization Assistance

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services also provides for some weatherization assistance to qualified Michigan homeowners or renters, covering services like:

  • Wall insulation
  • Attic insulation and ventilation.
  • Foundation insulation.
  • Air leakage reduction.
  • Smoke detectors.
  • Dryer venting.

Services are administered by a variety of local non-profit organizations. Check out MDHHS’s Weatherization webpage for more information about services and eligibility criteria.

Many utilities also offer energy efficiency and weatherization services for low-income customers. To learn more about these programs, customers should contact their utility.

Each assistance program or shutoff protection may have different requirements and/or income qualifications. For more information on these protections, along with other assistance programs available in Michigan, visit our Get Help webpage or MDHHS’s webpage.