Dear Neighbor,
As winter settles in and we move through February, I want to share an update on the work underway in Lansing and here at home as House session and budget season begins to ramp up. I was glad to kick off the new year by hosting a drop-in hour and town hall in our district, giving residents the opportunity to share their priorities, ask questions, and connect directly with my office. Those conversations are especially important as we look further into the new year, and they help guide my work every day as the legislative session moves forward.
As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at (517) 373-0839 or [email protected] if you need assistance or have questions.
In service,
Rep. Mike McFall
Michigan State Representative, District 14
Serving the communities of Center Line, Hazel Park, Madison Heights, and part of Warren
Upcoming Events
I am hosting a Community Conversation, Saturday, Feb. 21, from 10-11 a.m. at Gather + Grounds, 25709 Van Dyke Ave., Center Line, MI 48015. Make sure to mark your calendar! Join me to receive an update on what is going on in Lansing and ask questions as I address concerns the community may have. I hope to see you there!
Legislative Updates
McFall Applauds AG Determining House Republican Funding Clawbacks Unconstitutional
Michigan State Attorney General Dana Nessel issued an opinion on Jan. 7 concluding that House Republicans’ maneuver to claw back $645 million in previously-approved funding was unconstitutional. In response to Nessel’s opinion, I issued a statement supporting this opinion which you can read here.
Edwards, McKinney, McFall, Meerman Reintroduce Returning Citizens Initiative Package
Alongside my colleagues, state Reps. Kimberly Edwards, Donavan McKinney, and Luke Meerman, I recently reintroduced the Returning Citizens Initiative package.
Returning citizens need to be provided the opportunity to be successful. Prison is intended for rehabilitation and atonement, not eternal punishment. By guaranteeing IDs upon release, we are providing a necessary tool for people to become productive members of society.
The legislative package aims to protect in law the Returning Citizens program, established in 2020 to help individuals leaving the state corrections system to reintegrate into their communities by providing them with a driver’s license or state ID.
Under this program, the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) works with individuals eligible for parole to collect required documents and photos. MDOC then transfers this information to the Michigan Department of State, which processes the materials into a driver’s license or state ID. Upon release, individuals receive their license or ID, are registered to vote unless they opt out and are provided information to support their reentry into the workforce.
As of late 2021, more than 5,000 state identification cards and driver’s licenses have been processed under this program, demonstrating both the demand for this service and its effectiveness in supporting successful reentry.
State Rep. Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park) speaks on the House floor at the Capitol building in Lansing.
McFall Condemns Pattern of Deadly Federal Agent Enforcement in Minnesota
On Saturday, federal immigration officers fatally shot resident Alex Jeffrey Pretti in Minneapolis.
I am horrified by the news of yet another fatal shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis. The killing of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, less than three weeks after the death of Renee Good, is an injustice that cannot be ignored.
I stand with the people of Minnesota in demanding an immediate, independent investigation. Those responsible must be held accountable. Contrary to what the presidential administration says, federal agents are not above the law.
Michigan Capitol building in Lansing.
MiCare Town Hall
Thank you to everyone who braved the cold to attend our MICare Town Hall. I really appreciated the honest conversation about where our health care system is falling short and why we need to do better for families across Michigan.
MiCare is a proposal to create a universal, publicly financed health care system in Michigan. With health care costs becoming more and more unaffordable, these conversations are a critical step toward making sure every Michigander can access the care they need.
I’m grateful to state Sen. Stephanie Chang for joining us, and a big thank you to state Rep. Carrie Rheingans for leading the discussion on her MICare legislation and helping move this important conversation forward.
Find the legislation here: House Bill 4407
Helpful News and Resources
Warming Centers
As our community faces icy roads and dangerously low temperatures, we encourage Michiganders to check in on one another and make a plan for winter weather emergency preparedness. Warming centers are available to help keep residents safe. To find a location near you, please visit the links below:
Utility Assistance Programs
Winter can become stressful with high utility costs. Low-income Michiganders may qualify for assistance through MEAP. We are prepared to ensure everyone across the state stays warm this winter.
- State Emergency Relief – State Emergency Relief is a crisis intervention program that provides assistance for energy-related expenses like heating fuel, electricity, and home repairs. Those who can demonstrate need are encouraged to apply online through MI Bridges.
- Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) – The Michigan Public Service Commission administers MEAP. The purpose of MEAP is to establish and administer statewide programs that provide energy assistance and self-sufficiency services to eligible low-income households. To seek help, contact 2-1-1 or your utility company to find programs in your area.
- Weatherization Assistance Program – The Weatherization Assistance Program provides free home energy-conservation services to low-income Michigan homeowners and renters. These services can reduce energy use and lower utility bills. Some of the services include insulation, air leakage reduction, smoke detectors, and dryer venting. These services are conducted by local Community Action Agencies and non-profit organizations. You can contact your local weatherization operator to start the application process.
Community Events
Below are some links and details for finding events in your area. Click on your community’s event calendar link to find events occurring in your neighborhood.
| City Calendar | Library Calendar | Parks & Recreation Info | |
| Center Line | Center Line Event Calendar | Center Line Library Calendar | Center Line Parks & Recreation Info |
| Hazel Park | Hazel Park Event Calendar | Hazel Park Parks & Recreation Info | |
| Madison Heights | Madison Heights Event Calendar | Madison Heights Library Calendar | Madison Heights Parks & Recreation Info |
| Warren | Madison Heights Parks & Recreation Calendar | Warren Library Calendar | Warren Parks & Recreation Info |
| Oakland County | Oakland County Event Calendar | Oakland County Library Info | Oakland County Parks & Recreation Info |
| Macomb County | Macomb County Event Calendar | Macomb County Parks & Recreation Info |
Public School Websites and District Calendar Information