Dear Neighbor,
I hope that you’re doing well, staying warm and enjoying the snow in any way you can! The cold weather won’t stick around forever, but here is a list of warming centers in your area should you lose heat or electricity.
This month, we came back together in Lansing to continue to get things done for Michiganders. We reconvened our committees, which you can view live, and we continue our work in the district hearing from YOU, our constituents.
In this E-Newsletter:
- Legislative Updates
- State of the State Address
- Carol in the Community
- Coffee Hours
- Events
 |
Legislative Updates:
- Addressing Veteran Housing: No Michigander — and especially no veteran — should have to live on the streets. Yet, there are nearly 2,500 homeless vets in Michigan. House Democrats funded initiatives that address veteran homelessness and help our heroes get back on their feet. Read more about this effort here.
- Retirement Tax Repeal: Public Act 4, formerly House Bill 4001, provided $1 billion in tax relief for workers and retirees. This is going to save around half a million senior households an average of $1,000 a year. This bill will go into effect on February 13th, just in time for this tax season. Read more about the repeal here.
- Working Families Tax Credit: In case you haven’t heard, we quintupled the Working Families Tax Credit, also known as the Earned Income Tax Credit. This important tax credit increases tax refunds for working families, helping Michiganders pay down debts and afford basic necessities. For more information, click here.
|
State of the State Address:
This month, Governor Gretchen Whitmer gave her 6th State of the State Address where she outlined a roadmap for what she hopes to accomplish this year in the legislature, which you can watch here, and to read the address as delivered in English, Spanish, Arabic, or Chinese, click here.
- Lowering Costs: The cost of living continues to be a significant hurdle for Michiganders. Meeting expenses for groceries, mortgages, and bill payments poses considerable difficulty. This year, I’m focused on making these big expenses in your budget more affordable.
- Education: We’re poised to guarantee our youngest Michiganders a solid start to school with free pre-K for 4-year-olds. And for our graduating seniors, we’re dedicated to providing two years of free community college so they can get a solid start on what comes next. Guaranteed education from pre-k through community college will level the playing field for all Michiganders, opening the door to a future with expanded opportunities without the financial burden.
- Finding Success in Michigan: This year, the Governor proposed upgrading Michigan’s bipartisan economic development toolkit to keep bringing supply chains and good paying jobs home to Michigan. I am dedicated to this effort, as every Michigander deserves a chance to work hard, follow their dreams, and build a great life.
 |
 |
|
Carol in the Community:
 |
- MLK Day Breakfast: Despite the weather, the Urban League of West Michigan hosted a packed house for their annual breakfast to honor the legacy of MLK and celebrate those in Grand Rapids who keep moving forward the values he embodied.
- Growing a Greener Grandville: In August, the Grandville City Council supported the Environmental Sustainability Committee’s aim to certify Grandville as a Community Wildlife Habitat. The initiative, “Growing a Greener Grandville,” includes an invasive plant removal project at Mill Race Park on Feb. 10 at 9 a.m. Learn more and RSVP by clicking here.
- Interview with Rick Albin: Take a listen to my most recent interview with WOOD TV8’s Rick Albin, where we discuss the wins of 2023 and what we hope to accomplish in 2024.
|
Coffee Hours:
One of my favorite things I get to do as a state representative is meet in-person with you. Every first Friday of the month, we come together in-district over a warm cup of coffee to discuss what I’ve been up to in Lansing, as well as addressing your questions and concerns. In the past, we’ve met at Pop’s Coffee Shop, Blandford Nature Center, and our most recent Coffee Hour took place at the new Walker Senior Neighbors’ Center.
 |
|
|
Events:
- Monday, Jan. 29: Community Violence Intervention Town Hall with State Representative Christine Morse at West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology (614 First St. NW STE 300, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504) from 6-7:30 p.m.
- Friday, Feb. 2: Coffee Hour at El Granjero (950 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504) from 9-10 a.m.
- Saturday, Feb. 10: KCCA Annual Walk for Warmth from 8:30-10 a.m.
- Saturday, Feb. 10: Growing a Greener Grandville’s Mill Race Park Project at
9 a.m.
Finally, thank you for reading my newsletter. As your elected official, I want to hear from you about your questions and concerns. Please, don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at (517) 373-0476 or email me at CAGlanville@house.mi.gov. Follow me on social media to stay informed on what I’m up to.
Thank you and GO LIONS!
Carol Glanville
State Representative