Dear Neighbor,
Here is some information that I hope you will find helpful, including news and resources from your state government.
Hope Sponsors Legislation to Address Assaults on Health Care Workers
This week, I introduced legislation to improve safety for hospital workers and health care providers on hospital property. These bills build on legislation passed in 2023 that addressed violence by hospital visitors, and would extend those protections to include violence by patients, especially in situations where the assault causes harm or threatens safety in the workplace. Patients with serious mental health conditions would be diverted to assisted outpatient treatment to avoid facing criminal conviction.
According to a January 2024 poll of American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) members, 91% of emergency physicians said that they, or a colleague, were a victim of violence in the past year. In a 2022 ACEP survey, 85% of emergency physicians said they believe the rate of violence experienced in emergency departments has increased over the past five years.
Democrats Introduce Resolution to Censure Member After Racist Floor Speech
House Democrats introduced a resolution (HR 105) last week to censure state Rep. Josh Shriver after he made racist statements during a speech on the House floor. Republican House leadership did not adopt the resolution, and instead referred it to the House Government Operations Committee. This is commonly referred to as the committee where proposed legislation goes to “die.”
Before the resolution was introduced, I joined my colleagues at a press conference to unequivocally condemn the hateful rhetoric voiced by Schriver.
Equality Michigan Advocates for LGBTQ+ Michiganders
Last week, I met with activists from Equality Michigan, a statewide organization that educates and advocates to change Michigan laws and address issues that harm LGBTQ+ individuals throughout the state.
An immediate concern for these advocates is discriminatory anti-trans legislation recently introduced in Michigan, like bills to discriminate against transgender children in sports and bills to ban the use of gender-affirming hormones for minors. Neither of these ill-conceived policies, which would violate state civil rights laws, would protect social safety net programs like Medicaid or help Michiganders with the cost of groceries and other necessities. I appreciate these advocates sharing their personal experiences and working to create positive change in our communities.
Ingham County Offers Free Property Fraud Alert Service
The Ingham County Register of Deeds Office offers a free Property Fraud Alert Service for all Ingham County property owners. This service will alert property owners if any documents are recorded at the Register of Deeds Office under their name that affects their property. A no-cost subscription is required. Contact the Register of Deeds office with questions at (517) 676-7294. Sign up to receive notifications here.
While this service does not prevent fraud, it detects potential fraud early, allowing property owners to respond quickly.
Regional Trail Connections Project Seeks Public Input
The Tri-County Regional Planning Commission is seeking public input on their Regional Trail Connections project. The commission is looking to connect trails in Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton Counties, with the Lansing River Trail at the central point. Residents can submit their feedback here.
Follow my official Facebook account for the most up-to-date information. Enews contains a lot of good information, but it takes several days — up to a week — to get approved by the House Business Office.
Sincerely,
Kara Hope
State Representative
In Case You Missed It…
City of Lansing Now Collecting Curbside Yard Waste,
Delhi Township Offers Free Brush Drop-Off Dates
The city of Lansing is collecting yard waste on a weekly basis. Residents should follow yard waste guidelines and leave materials at their curbside to be picked up on their regularly scheduled collection day. More information can be found here.
Delhi Township is offering free brush drop-off on Saturday, June 21, from 8 a.m. to noon, at Delhi Publicly Owned Treatment Works, 5961 McCue Road, in Holt (enter through Recycle Center on Grovenburg Road). Waste will only be accepted in paper yard waste bags, and bags over 30 gallons will not be accepted. Brush and tree trimmings should be no longer than four feet and less than four inches in diameter and tied with string or twine into 12 inch bundles. Each bag or bundle should not exceed 30 pounds. Load sizes are restricted to no trailers larger than five by eight feet or the back of a full-size pick-up truck. Tandem trailers or cube type vehicles will not be permitted. Proof of residency is required. More information can be found here.