Dear Neighbor,

Happy Holidays! I am honored to serve as the state representative for the 53rd House District and proud to be a strong advocate in Lansing for our community. Please encourage your friends and family to stay connected and subscribe to this e-newsletter. The e-news keeps everyone up-to-date on legislation and policies coming from the Capitol, coffee hours and other virtual and in-person community events.

As always, feel free to get in touch:

In service,

 

 

Brenda Carter
State Representative
53rd District

In this Issue:

  • Upcoming Events
  • State Budget Update 
  • NCOIL President 
  • Coat Drive 
  • Tour of Pace

Upcoming Events:

  • Community Toy Drive 
    • All are welcome! Come join us and celebrate the holiday season.
    • Friday, Dec. 19, from 10 a.m.-noon
    • Owen-Kennedy School, 1700 Baldwin Ave. in Pontiac

State Budget Update:

As many of you may have heard, the Republican-controlled House Appropriations Committee voted along party lines to claw back $645 million in state work projects. I am hearing a variety of claims about what was included in the funding that have now been rescinded. What we do know is that this decision will create ripple effects in House District 53. For example, the RxKids program was cut by $18.5 million.

Equally important, however, is that we do not yet know the full extent of these disapprovals. My priority as your state representative is to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information possible. The State Budget Office is currently reviewing more than 200 work projects to determine which were affected by the committee’s vote. As soon as I receive definitive information, I will share it with you. Until then, we must wait for these reviews to be completed. In the meantime, I’m including a link to the House Fiscal Analysis that offers helpful context during this uncertain time. As always, please feel free to reach out to my office with any questions.

Rep. Carter Elected to National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) Leadership:

It is deeply meaningful to come from a community that has faced so many challenges, and to now step into national leadership alongside colleagues from across the country. This is not my achievement alone; it belongs to the people of Pontiac, Waterford Township and Auburn Hills whose lived experiences I carry with me. Their resilience, strength and stories have shaped my work, and they will continue to guide me as I ensure national insurance policy reflects the needs of real families.

Michigan families deserve a voice at every policy table. I am honored that my colleagues across the nation recognize the importance of the lived experiences from our community and have entrusted me with this responsibility. To my colleagues, I say thank you, and I look forward to serving NCOIL as its next Secretary. 

HOPE Shelters Coat Drive:

My team and I had a wonderful time at our annual winter coat drive for HOPE Shelters in Pontiac, located in one of the poorest ZIP codes in Michigan (48342).

This coat drive was dedicated to our neighbors experiencing homelessness. No one should ever freeze to death because they are not able to afford season-appropriate clothing. 

HOPE Shelters provides critical support to families across Oakland County, including:

  • A 24-hour, year-round walk-up pantry
  • A Wednesday Wave traveling shower
  • Emergency shelter and essential services

Tour of PACE Southeast Michigan:

I had a great time touring PACE Southeast Michigan’s Pontiac Center to discuss long-term care access for seniors.

PACE has a proven model that integrates Medicare and Medicaid services, providing every level of long-term care support — from medical treatment to transportation and social programming — under one roof. This type of coordinated care helps seniors avoid institutionalization and remain safely at home.

As our district’s senior population grows, expanding access to high-quality long-term care options remains one of my top priorities.

I think PACE CEO Mary Naber said it best: “PACE programs have enjoyed bipartisan support for over 50 years thanks to lawmakers like Rep. Carter taking the time to see our life-changing model firsthand and then spreading the word. We’re so grateful for our state lawmakers here in Michigan who support the independence and dignity we strive to give older adults every day.”