Capitol and Community Updates

Dear Neighbor,

Here is some information that I hope you will find helpful, including news and resources from your state government.

Upcoming Event: Coffee & Conversation with Rep. Hope

Mark your calendar! Join me for a Coffee & Conversation event on Monday, June 23, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Residences at Walter French, 1900 S. Cedar St., in Lansing. You can register for the event and share any questions or topics you would like covered here. See you then!

Proposed Medicaid Cuts Could Increase Opioid-Related Deaths, Put Recovery Out of Reach

Proposed Medicaid cuts could interfere with Michigan’s progress in reducing the number of opioid-related deaths while limiting recovery options for Michiganders with substance use disorder. Over the past decade, Michigan dropped from 13th to 36th on the ranking of states with the highest number of opioid-related deaths. Public health officials and advocates working to combat this crisis are concerned that cuts at the federal level will significantly impact this progress.

One of the primary ways that Michigan has reduced opioid overdose deaths is by making naloxone widely available in health departments, emergency rooms, and other public places like community centers and libraries. Last fiscal year, over 91% of the naloxone kits distributed in the state were federally funded. Additionally, Medicaid allows recipients in Michigan to get expensive drugs like methadone to treat their dependency. Cuts to Medicaid would leave many of these people without the medication they need to recover.

Walk-In Passports Available at Lansing City Hall

The City of Lansing is holding a walk-in passport application event on Monday, June 9 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Lansing City Hall, 124 W. Michigan Ave., in Lansing. Applicants need to bring a completed passport application, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a photo ID for applicants age 16 and older. Every applicant must provide a check or money order to send with the application and to pay a separate fee to the City of Lansing with card, cash, or check. More information can be found here.

Lansing Seeks Feedback on Safety Action Plan

The City of Lansing is seeking community input on their draft Safety Action Plan, which aims to create a comprehensive strategy to reduce roadway fatalities and serious injuries. The plan is available to view online, and feedback can be shared via survey. This is part of the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant that the city received from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Free Fishing, ORVing, and State Park Entry This Weekend

This weekend, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources will offer free fishing, off-roading, and state park entry for “Three Free” weekend. On June 7 and 8, residents and non-residents can fish without a license; ride an ORV on state designated routes, trails, and scramble areas without a license or trail permit; and enter any of Michigan’s state parks or state-managed boating access sites.

Follow my official Facebook account for the most up-to-date information. E-news contains a lot of good information, but it takes several days — up to a week —  to get it approved.

Sincerely,