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 and with 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 graphic that reads "Weekly Wrap-Up with Witwer" next to a cartoon coffee cup. Along the bottom, the graphic reads "State Representative Angela Witwer."

 

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:

 

November Teacher of the Month Nomination Link
Our office is taking nominations for House District 76’s Teacher of the Month. Follow the link above to nominate a teacher you believe should be recognized as an outstanding teacher in our district this month!

Announcement: Eaton Rapids and Dimondale Road Funding Grants
Exciting news for our district! The City of Eaton Rapids and the Village of Dimondale have been selected to receive road funding grants awarded through the Community Service Infrastructure Fund Category B program. This program is a stop-gap program established by the Legislature and administered by MDOT to help fund road projects in small communities.

Eaton Rapids is receiving $250,000 for E. Knight Street and S. Center Street, and Dimondale is receiving $75,809 for Hamilton Street and Ash Street.

Presented Two Veteran of the Year Tributes at Community Baptist Church of Lansing
I recently presented Veteran of the Year tributes to James Bosse and Gary Price at the Community Baptist Church of Lansing.

Panelist for the Clinton County RESA, Eaton RESA and Ingham ISD Event
I was a panelist for the Clinton County RESA, Eaton RESA and Ingham ISD legislative discussion event for local district and school leaders from across our three counties.

 
Michigan state Representative Angela Witwer speaking at the Delta Waverly Rotary Club Veterans Day Brunch Event.

 

Spoke at the Delta Waverly Rotary Club Veterans Day Brunch Event
I spoke at the Delta Waverly Rotary Club Veterans Day brunch event and brought three U.S. flags that have flown over the Michigan Capitol.

 
Michigan state Representative Angela Witwer presenting a framed certificate to Maggie Robison in a high school classroom.

 

Presented October Teacher of the Month Award to Maggie Robinson at Charlotte High School
I recently visited Charlotte High School to present Maggie Robinson with her October Teacher of the Month certificate.

 
Michigan state Representative Angela Witwer with the Eaton Rapids Youth in Government group.

 

Spoke to the Eaton Rapids Youth in Government Group
Last week, I spent some time at Eaton Rapids High School speaking to the Eaton Rapids Youth in Government students. It was great to see so many of our future leaders actively engaged in our state government.

 
 

Presented Tribute to Erik Smith for his Excellence in Education Award
While at Eaton Rapids High School last week, we also were able to present Erik Smith with a tribute from the State of Michigan recognizing him for winning the Excellence in Education Award from the Michigan Lottery.

 

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:

  • 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:

  • Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 12:30 p.m.

Link to Register: Student Loan Webinars

 

Legislative Update:

 

My Future Farmers of America (FFA) Bill Passed the House!
Recently, the House passed my bill, House Bill 4665. This bill would designate a student’s absence from school as an excused absence if they are attending a scheduled competition, exhibition or event offered by the National or Michigan FFA organization, a 4-H club or any other agricultural organization approved by the school board.

The FFA and similar agricultural organizations provide opportunities to young people across Michigan to gain the training and leadership skills they need to grow into the next generation of agricultural workers. My bill ensures that kids can participate in these events and explore careers in farming and agriculture without being penalized with unexcused absences on their attendance records.

I would like to thank Doug Pennington, FFA advisor at Olivet Community Schools, and Samantha Stanke, the Administrative Assistant for the Michigan FFA State Staff, who both joined me for testimony in the House Education Committee in Lansing.

In Case You Missed It: FY 2025-26 Budget
In early October, the governor signed the FY 2025-26 budget into law. The budget makes real improvements for Michigan families and communities. It improves and funds public safety, protects universal free school meals, continues protecting our repeal of the retirement tax, cuts taxes for tips and Social Security, invests $2 billion to repair our roads every year into the future and much more.