It has been a busy couple months in Lansing, and I want to make sure you know what I have been up to. Check out some updates and news below and be sure to keep an eye out for other communications from my office. If you ever need to contact me, you can call my office at (517) 373-1800 or email me at KristianGrant@house.mi.gov.

Sincerely,

Kristian Grant
State Representative, District 82
Southeast Grand Rapids

In Lansing

Floor Speech on Fair Housing for Realtors Bill

This month, my bill HB 4717 passed out of the House! This bill would require fair housing law standards to be added to Michigan Realtor and property manager continuing education requirements. By keeping those in charge of housing up to date on fair housing laws, this ensures that they can best represent their clients. I appreciate the Michigan Realtors for supporting this bill.

Testimony at Expungement Bill Hearing

I recently partnered with state Rep. Will Snyder (D-Muskegon) on a set of bills, HBs 4948 & 4960, that recently passed out of the House. These bills would prohibit landlords and employers from requiring disclosure of previously expunged convictions from prospective tenants and employees. We need to ensure that everyone who receives an expungement is treated the same as those who already have a clean slate.

The Clean Slate reform laws have resulted in hundreds of thousands of Michiganders seeing their criminal record cleared of nonviolent offenses. These bills will close the gap in the current laws and ensure better access to employment and housing opportunities.

Equity for Adoptees Bill Package

This year, I worked closely with advocates to create policy that will give adoptees in Michigan easier and simpler access to their records. HBs 5148 & 5149 are a huge step toward ensuring equity and transparency in the lives of adoptees, as they can more easily obtain their original birth records. It’s time we fix this complicated and, at times, traumatizing process for so many Michiganders. I was happy to partner with state Rep. Pat Outman (R-Six Lakes) on this legislation, our work together allowed these bills to pass out of the House 99-8 with bipartisan support.

Domestic Gun Violence Bill Package

I am a proud co-sponsor of HB 4945, introduced by state Rep. Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw). This bill prevents those convicted of domestic violence from buying or possessing a firearm for eight years after their sentence. The bill gives survivors and parents some peace of mind and justice for the experiences they’ve gone through.

Testimony on Maternal Health Bill Package

Earlier this month, I gave testimony on my bill HB 5171. This bill would require Medicaid to cover mental health screenings after someone gives birth. During my testimony, I emphasized the importance of a new mother’s mental health and how we must support them as they bring in new life to this world. We must equip new parents with the tools to make the best decisions for themselves and their families.

Floor Speech on Renaissance Zones

This month, my bill, HB 5096, passed through the Michigan House of Representatives. This bill would update renaissance zone laws to better enable Michigan to compete with other states for investments in our local economy. Renaissance zones are designated areas where companies can take advantage of reduced state and local taxes. This helps encourage job growth in underinvested areas.

In The Community

UAW Strike

It was a pleasure to be out with my legislative staff supporting UAW members on strike across the state. I stand in support of the UAW in its fight for fair contracts that represent the interests of workers across the state. We’ve been working day in and day out to #ReinvestInMichigan by building a brighter future for Michiganders and making Michigan a true workers’ rights state.

Treetops Collective Facility

Last month, I joined Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) on a tour of the Treetops Collective. The Treetops Collective is a cross-cultural movement that connects with and invests in New American (refugee) women leaders, together transforming communities into places of belonging. While there, we learned more on how the Treetops Collective is a critical resource for refugees who hope to make West Michigan their home. We also assisted in putting together supplies for the community. State Sen. Brinks and I are both passionate about helping nonprofit organizations like the Treetops Collective. This is an incredible organization that provides vital programs to women and teen girls.

Michigan Youth In Government

I recently spoke with West Michigan students at the opening ceremony of the YMCA Michigan Youth in Government’s annual conference. We talked about topics such as civic engagement, getting involved and finding our voice. If you know me, then you know that I am passionate about investing in our youth. It was amazing to have this opportunity, as it’s important that we continue to mentor and grow our future leaders.