Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I am most effective at my job when acting on your direct input. I encourage you to reach out to me and my staff with any questions, comments or concerns you may have regarding our community or state, including any policy ideas.

Please do not hesitate to reach out by phone at (517) 373-0822 or send an email to [email protected].

Sincerely,

Angela Witwer

State Representative, 76th House District

 

In This Issue:

  • Weekly Wrap-Ups
  • In-District Update
  • General Update
  • Legislative Update

 
A blue and red banner for Michigan state Representative Angela Witwer's Weekly Wrap-Up with Witwer coffee hour

 

Weekly Wrap-Up with Witwer:

Please keep an eye out on my Facebook page for upcoming Weekly Wrap-ups scheduled in the coming months.

 

In-District Update:

 

 

Groundbreaking for the Delta Township Senior Center
Last Monday was a very exciting day for our district! I joined Delta Township and Waverly Community Schools officials and community members for the groundbreaking for the new Delta Township Senior Center.

From the moment I first ran for office, I have been working to make this idea a reality for our community, and I am beyond excited for the benefits this center will bring to our seniors and their families. This project is truly an example of how state leaders can ensure people’s tax dollars come back to their own communities, and I am proud to have seen through this project that will help build Eaton County into a vibrant environment for all ages. As chair of the House Appropriations Committee last term, I championed $10 million for the much-anticipated project, and continued my work to protect Seniors by championing the repeal of the pension tax.

Delta Township’s senior community members, their loved ones and the students, families and staff of the Colt Early Childhood Education Center have been long awaiting the new center, with many showing up to support the groundbreaking. The new designated space for older adults and their communities will offer programming, bingo, lunches, a variety of classes, walking track and opportunities to spend time with friends and neighbors while playing cards, working on puzzles or participating in other games.

Read more here.

 

September Teacher of the Month — Lexi Michalski
Congratulations to our September Teacher of the Month, Lexi Michalski! Lexi is a school social worker and social emotional learning educator at Maplewood Elementary in Vermontville.

To quote her nominator, “Lexi does so much for her students to make them feel seen, safe and secure! She organizes events, mediates between students and teaches them how to handle big emotions, which can be so hard at that age and in this current time of uncertainty for so many. She went above and beyond with her work on March is Reading Month last year and makes sure her students have what they need, even when it falls outside the scope of her role. Her care and passion is always there and she even supports her fellow teachers and staff members as well, making them feel appreciated.”

Congratulations again on this recognition!

 
Michigan state Representative Angela Witwer and Olivet Firefighter's Chief John Collins and his wife.

 

9/11 Memorial Ceremony at the Michigan Capitol
The Michigan House of Representatives remembered the lives lost on 9/11 and honored the bravery of all first responders who ran toward danger. Additionally, we also thanked our local firefighters, EMTs and police officers who continue that legacy of service and sacrifice here at home. I invited Olivet Firefighter’s Chief John Collins and his wife to attend the ceremony with me.

 
Michigan state Representative Angela Witwer and Bellevue Community Fire Department retirees holding tribute certificates in front of a fire truck.

 

Retirement Tributes to Two Bellevue Firefighters
Prior to the district lines being redrawn, Bellevue was my district. I really enjoyed and miss the parts of Eaton County that other representatives now have the honor to cover. I recently went back to Bellevue to honor retirees from the Bellevue Community Fire Dept. I attended as a special guest to join their current state Rep. Rachelle Smit and state Sen. Sarah Anthony to honor them with tributes from the State of Michigan.

 
A group of people standing outside of a residential building holding a long blue ribbon.

 

Staff Attended the Grand Opening of The McDaniel Apartments at Andy’s Place
Two weeks ago, while I was in committee meetings in Lansing, my Legislative Director Joci attended the grand opening celebration for The Mark McDaniel Apartments at Andy’s Place in Jackson.

The Mark McDaniel Apartments is the second phase of Andy’s Place, offering safe, affordable homes for families in recovery. Phase two has 26 new units, focusing on and expanding resources for families recovering from opioid addiction.

I attended the groundbreaking for phase two in October of last year. It is great to see this project be completed and ready to help families on the path to healing and stability.

 
Staff members presenting a tribute certificate to members of the Spartan Fire Chassis in front of a large balloon display and a banner that reads "Purpose Built For 50 Years" with a picture of a firetruck on it.

 

Staff Attended the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Spartan Fire Chassis
Recently, the Spartan Fire Chassis of Charlotte held their 50th Anniversary Celebration event. Yvonne and Tabitha attended the event and presented them with a tribute on behalf of the State of Michigan in recognition of their efforts over the last five decades in designing and manufacturing fire apparatus chassis.

Congratulations again to the entire Spartan Fire Chassis team on this great achievement!

 
Michigan state Representative Angela Witwer holding a baby while presenting staff at the Big Tree Worx LLC with a tribute certificate.

 

Presented August Small Business of the Month Award to Big Kid Tree Worx, LLC
I recently visited Evelyn Bay Coffee Shop in Charlotte to present our August Small Business of the Month award to Big Kid Tree Worx, LLC.

Please read my news release here.

 
Michigan state Representative Angela Witwer standing with staff from the new McLaren Delta Township Grand Ledge Emergency Department and Ambulatory Care Center behind a celebratory McLaren ribbon. Above them is a blue and white balloon display.

 

Spoke at the Ribbon Cutting for the new McLaren Facility in Grand Ledge
I recently spoke at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new McLaren Delta Township Grand Ledge Emergency Department and Ambulatory Care Center. One of my top priorities has been ensuring that every person, no matter their place of residence, can receive and afford the health services they need. This new center will ensure our neighbors can live with peace of mind knowing that life-saving care is just miles away. Thank you again to the leaders, health care providers and staff at McLaren for working with us to secure this invaluable health care resource for our residents.

 

 

Visited the Lansing Construction Expo
Since I was a young girl, I always wanted to work in construction. I loved the thought of working with heavy equipment. Although it didn’t work out exactly how I thought, I do get the opportunity to work with the trades while being elected. Thank you for the invitation to attend and experience the Construction Science Expo at Impression 5.

More than 500 students from Lansing Public Schools had the opportunity to explore careers in construction, skilled trades and engineering firsthand through industry presentations, demonstrations and hands-on activities.

It was great spending time with the Michigan Department of Transportation, Operating Engineers Local 324, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Michigan Aggregates Association, Asphalt Pavement Association of Michigan, American Council of Engineering Companies – Mi, Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association, Sheet Metal Workers Local 7 and many others.

 

General Update:


Michigan Achievement Scholarship Webinars
Students and their families looking to secure more financial aid for college are encouraged to register for an informational webinar about the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which is the newest State of Michigan scholarship program expected to impact the majority of students.

Participants will be able to gather the following information:

  • Information about the Community College Guarantee
  • Michigan Achievement Scholarship eligibility requirements
  • Michigan Achievement Scholarship award amounts
  • Important action items for students and families
  • Additional resources and program information

There are multiple dates and times to choose from and all sessions are free of charge and open to the public. Register for one session only, as space is limited.

MiLEAP Office of Higher Education Hosting Student Loan Webinars This Fall
The Office of Higher Education will be hosting webinars that will cover borrowing student loans and student loan repayment.

Borrowing Student Loans

This webinar is intended for students who are interested in borrowing student loans or are current student borrowers. This webinar will cover:

  • Types of loans
  • Requirements
  • Rates/limits
  • Repayment
  • Borrower benefits and more!

Webinar Schedule:

  • Wednesday, Oct. 8, at 6:30 p.m.
  • Monday, Dec. 8, at 12:30 p.m.

Student Loan Repayment

Did you recently graduate (or will graduate soon) from college/university and borrowed federal student loans? Are you an education professional looking to learn more about student loan repayment to better assist your students? The Student Loan Repayment webinar will cover all areas related to loan repayment. Topics include:

  • Loan servicers
  • Repayment plan options
  • Deferment and forbearance
  • Loan forgiveness and more!

Webinar Schedule:

  • Monday, Oct. 13, at 6:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 12:30 p.m.

Link to Register: Student Loan Webinars

 

Legislative Update:

 

 

FY26 Budget Update
Early Friday morning we passed a budget that makes real improvements for Michigan’s families and communities. It improves and funds public safety, protects universal free school meals, continues protecting our repeal of the pension tax, cuts taxes for tips and social security, invests nearly $2 billion to repair our roads every year into the future and much more.

Our school budget also increased funding to record levels and restored critical support.

This budget was hard fought to keep important services for Michiganders. It was bipartisan and an important step for our future.

 

Learn about the work I’m doing for the 76th district!