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Hi Neighbor, Happy New Year! As the Legislature comes together this week for the first sessions of 2026, I want to share my policy priority for the year: making your lives more affordable. From rising health care premiums due to federal inaction on renewing the ACA premium tax credits, to the painful task of finding affordable child care options, Michigan’s families need their leaders to stand up for them. My colleagues and I are dedicating our legislative work to getting you the relief you need to not just live in Michigan, but to thrive and excel. Read on to learn about the latest legislative updates, more on my policy priorities for the year, and community events and recognition from the last month. I am honored to represent and advocate for our community in Lansing. Please feel free to go to my website at RepFitzgerald.com to stay up to date on my work. You can also email at [email protected] or call at (517) 373-0835 to voice your opinion, ask a question, or bring an issue to my attention. My dedicated staff and I are here to help you and answer any questions you may have. In service, John Fitzgerald State Representative House District 83
In this edition:
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Office Hours
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I hold office hours twice a month to hear your thoughts, questions, and concerns. This is a great opportunity to meet with me in person to discuss the issues that affect our community. No appointment is necessary, but you are welcome to call ahead if you would like to schedule a specific time or a meeting outside of regular office hours. I look forward to meeting with you! When: Every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month from 10:00-11:30 a.m. Where: Wyoming City Hall, 115 28th St. SW
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Legislative Update
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Michigan Attorney General Deems House GOP Funding Clawbacks as Unconstitutional In December, the Republican-led House Appropriations Committee voted unilaterally to reject nearly $645 million in previously promised funds from the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. Included in the disapproved funding was a wide range of programs, including $18.5 million for Rx Kids, a program that supports expecting parents and newborns, $56,600 for a program to provide wigs to children with cancer, $500,000 for upgrades to Wyoming’s Veterans Park, and so much more. After weeks of calling out these clawbacks for what I believe they are — a corrupt, unilateral weaponization of government — I am glad to share that the Michigan Attorney General issued an opinion on Jan. 7 concluding that this attempt to clawback previously approved funding was unconstitutional. Now more than ever, it is critical that we stand up for good process in government and for the rights of the people to have a say in decisions made by those who represent them. While the fight to safeguard this funding is still ongoing, I am asking for and will be working to have the House take immediate action on House Bill 5389, House Democrats’ legislation to improve work project oversight and protect funds that rightfully belong to and are best used in our communities. You can read my full statement on the AG opinion here.
Protecting Access to Affordable Health and Child Care My top priority for 2026 is bringing genuine relief to families, seniors, and working Michiganders. The financial pressure everyday Michiganders are feeling is real, and a huge part of that pressure comes from health care and child care costs. On top of federal funding cuts and uncertainty surrounding lifelines like Medicaid and SNAP this past year, the enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits expired at the end of 2025. Without congressional action, tens of millions of Americans will see their premiums skyrocket this month and throughout the year. I am laser-focused on advocating for state funding solutions to these man-made crises in D.C., to ensure no one in Michigan has to choose between health care and keeping food on the table. But tackling one affordability crisis is not enough. I am working on solutions to jumpstart more affordable child care and expand access to universal pre-K for Michigan families. I welcome your feedback on these issues and more because your voices are always at the forefront of my work.
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Community Update and Resources
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Thank You for Joining My December Office Hour
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Last month, members of our community joined me for my December office hour at Cook Library Center in Grand Rapids. It was a great opportunity to discuss our community’s needs with neighbors and share updates from Lansing. I encourage everyone to continue making your voices heard.
Happy 50 Years of Marge’s Donut Den in Wyoming!
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It was my pleasure to present the owner of Marge’s Donut Den with a tribute certificate honoring 50 years in business. Marge has been a cornerstone of the small business community in Grand Rapids and Wyoming since 1975, providing friendly service and a warm atmosphere to enjoy donuts and good company. To see any business grow and thrive for five decades in a single community is an accomplishment worth celebrating!
Suggest a Tribute to Honor a Community Member or Accomplishment Do you know anyone celebrating a milestone birthday or retirement? What about the anniversary of a homegrown business, an athletic accomplishment, or exceptional academic performance? A great way to celebrate the immense work of people in our community is to submit a suggestion for a tribute certificate from my office. This is a high honor to receive, and I look forward to hearing about all the great things happening in our community! Click here to suggest a tribute. I look forward to recognizing the great achievements of our community! |