Capitol and Community Updates

Hi Neighbor,

Happy Spring! As we begin to experience warmer weather, I wanted to share with you information about what has been happening in the legislature, as well as upcoming events around Kent County this season.

As the weather gets more enjoyable, it’s a great time to get outside and recharge. Visit the Wyoming and Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department websites to learn more about great programming this season. Our parks and natural areas help to improve safety and value in our neighborhoods. It’s the perfect time to get active and enjoy these great community spaces!

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 our work. You can also email at [email protected] or call at (517) 373-0835 to voice your opinion, ask a question or express a concern. My dedicated staff and I are here to support you and answer any questions you may have.

In service,

John Fitzgerald

Minority Floor Leader

State Representative

House District 83

Office Hours

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: Monday, Feb. 9 and every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month from 10-11:30 a.m.Where: Wyoming City Hall, 115 28th St. SW.

Legislative Update

My Bill to Help Schools and Parents Protect Kids from Online Sextortion Unanimously Passed its Committee Vote

Last term, I led a legislative package alongside my colleagues to create new laws to better protect our kids and vulnerable individuals from online sextortion, bringing justice to families and putting perpetrators behind bars. Coined “Jordan D’s Law” in the memory of 17-year-old Jordan DeMay from Marquette, Public Acts 261-62 create tiered penalties, including more severe consequences for repeat offenders, to ensure all perpetrators are brought to justice. This year, I have continued this work by introducing House Bill 4848, which would require and help disseminate materials to schools to provide teaching and training to parents and teachers on how to protect children from online sextortion. I was proud to testify to this bill in the House Committee on Government Operations last month, where it was unanimously voted out of committee, and will now soon be up for a full vote in the House.

Earth Day is April 22: What I’m Doing to Protect West Michigan’s Green Spaces

I have strongly supported legislation to protect our community’s well-being and improve our quality of water, air and life, including:

• Passing legislation requiring drinking water filtration systems in our schools and child care facilities.
• Securing funding for grants to improve Grant Rapids parks and Wyoming’s City Center project to improve our trails.
• Supporting legislation to hold corporate polluters more accountable for clean-ups.
• Investing in lead service line replacements for communities who need it.

Community Updates and Resources