Hello Friends,

I would like to start off by recognizing Tuesday, Feb. 13, of this week as the one-year anniversary of the horrific mass shooting on Michigan State’s campus that took the lives of Arielle Anderson, Alexandria Verner and Brian Fraser. One year ago this week, the life of every Spartan and Michigander changed forever.

This week, we honor Arielle, Alexandria and Brian’s memory and the profound impact these young adults had on their communities. As a legislator, I will continue my work to honor with action.

Every single child deserves to be safe, and to feel safe, in the places they go each day to learn and play. Following the Oxford shooting in November 2021, and then the Michigan State shooting in February 2023, students near and far have demanded that Michigan pass common-sense gun reform. And last year, House Democrats did just that.

Exactly one year after the MSU mass shooting, on Feb. 13, 2024, new common-sense gun reform laws took effect in Michigan that:

  • Allow extreme risk protection orders.
  • Require safe storage of firearms.
  • Strengthen background checks.

There is still much work to be done, and I will continue to work every day to ensure our kids and communities are safe, welcoming places for every single Michigander.

As always, if our office can ever be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,
Ranjeev Puri
State Representative, 24th District
Proudly serving Canton Township

In this Edition:

  • Upcoming Time with Ranjeev
  • Legislative Update
  • Executive Update
  • Teacher of the Month
  • Resources

UPCOMING TIME WITH RANJEEV

Stay tuned for the announcement of our next coffee hour!

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

On Feb. 13, over 100 laws enacted last year went into effect. From supporting workers to improving education, protecting elections to lowering costs, Michigan Dems are ushering in a wave of change. A few of the highlights include:

  • Common-sense gun reform.
  • “Right-to-work” repeal.
  • Earned Income Tax Credit expansion.
  • Prevailing wage reinstatement.
  • Protections for LGBTQ Michiganders through the expansion of ELCRA.
  • Reproductive Health Act.
  • Clean energy climate legislation.

I am so excited to build upon all the great work we did in 2023!

EXECUTIVE UPDATE

Gov. Whitmer’s 2024 State of the State Address

On Wednesday, Jan. 24, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer gave her annual State of the State address in front of a joint session of Michigan’s House and Senate. The State of the State address struck the right balance of celebrating our 2023 accomplishments and laying out our 2024 priorities.

Dems in the Capitol are laser-focused on lowering costs for workers, families and seniors; increasing opportunities with more and better education; and making Michigan a place where businesses want to start or expand and where families want to put down roots.

Our record from 2023 backs that up, and we’re ready to continue that work in 2024 to deliver positive results for Michiganders.

The major proposals the governor discussed include the following:

  • Largest investment in housing.
  • MI Vehicle Rebate Program.
  • Universal pre-K for 4-year-olds.
  • Tuition-free community college.
  • Ramp up economic development toolkit.
  • Tax-saving incentives for caregivers.
Rep. Puri stands with Sommer Foster and Anne Marie Graham-Hudak on the Michigan House Floor.

I was also lucky to be joined by two special guests from Canton on the House floor: Canton Township Trustee Sommer Foster and Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak.

Gov. Whitmer Signs Rep. Puri’s Legislation to Combat Hate Crimes

In November, Gov. Whitmer signed the Institutional Desecration Act into law. This act is a two-bill package introduced by myself and state Rep. Noah Arbit (D-West Bloomfield). The Institutional Desecration Act is part of the broader legislation we introduced last year to update Michigan’s hate crime laws.

This legislation will address the rising hate crimes of vandalism, destruction, defacement, desecration, etc., of institutions associated with targeted communities. Currently, these crimes are not appropriately addressed in our criminal code. This legislation names a new crime of “institutional desecration.” This approach gives the Michigan criminal code an appropriate tool with which to pursue justice and accountability for hate crimes targeting houses of worship and other communal institutions, including digital and online assets.

This package represents just the beginning of the work that is required to transform Michigan into a national leader in hate crime response and ensure that our state is welcoming and inclusive of people from all backgrounds.
Rep. Puri and Rep. Noah Arbit, holding their signed laws, stand with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and stakeholders.

EGLE Launches Rep. Puri’s Filter First Program

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) recently announced plans to implement new protections against lead in school drinking water under my bipartisan “Filter First” legislation passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer last October.

Filter First is a first-of-its-kind legislation specifically designed to protect children from exposure to lead in drinking water in schools and childcare centers.

Under this legislation, schools must develop a drinking water management plan, install lead-reducing filters on all drinking water fixtures and test filtered water annually. Child care centers must follow the same protocols and test their water every two years. The legislation also creates a fund with money provided by the state to help cover the cost of installation.

EGLE launched the Filter First webpage this week containing more information about the program for school and childcare administrators.

No amount of lead exposure is safe for children. Filter First ensures our kids have safe, clean drinking water. Filter First legislation will make crucial progress toward providing free, clean water to Michiganders, and I am proud to have been the lead sponsor of this package.

TEACHER OF THE MONTH

January Teacher of the Month 

Congratulations to Richard Mui, House District 24’s January Teacher of the Month!

Mr. Mui is an educator in the Social Studies Department at Canton High School, teaching courses such as AP U.S. History and Civics. In his second year of teaching at Canton, he worked with students to launch the Asian Pacific American Club to allow students a forum to share their personal experiences.

My office worked closely with Mr. Mui on the formation of my Youth Advisory Group. He has been a leading voice in the education community for inclusivity and heightened awareness and understanding of all cultures. Our community is lucky to have such a great educator helping shape the lives of our kids and future leaders!
Rep. Puri stands with Teacher of the Month Mr. Richard Mui and his certificate of recognition.

If you’d like to help us recognize our amazing educators, you can nominate one for “Teacher of the Month” here.

RESOURCES

Tax Preparation Assistance

With the quintupling of the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit for Working Families from 6% to 30% and other tax benefits on the table this year, the Michigan Department of Treasury is encouraging low-to-moderate income taxpayers to find qualified professional or volunteer tax preparers to ensure no benefits are left behind.

The Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free basic return preparation to qualified individuals. Generally, assistance from VITA or TCE is available to taxpayers who meet one of the following conditions:

  • Your income is $60,000 or less.
  • You are a person with a disability.
  • You speak limited or no English.
  • You are age 60 or older.

For information about free tax help, go to irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep or dial 2-1-1. Additional free tax help can be found at www.michiganfreetaxhelp.org.

The Michigan Department of Treasury provides guidance online about finding a qualified, paid tax preparer.

Under state law, taxpayers are responsible for the content within their tax returns and for any additional payments, penalty and interest that may result from a tax preparer’s error. While the state of Michigan does not require tax preparers to be licensed, many are licensed, certified and belong to professional organizations that require a minimum level of education and provide ongoing training.

To learn more about Michigan’s individual income tax and choosing a tax preparer, go to www.michigan.gov/incometax.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Our office is always here to answer any questions or concerns, or listen to any thoughts you have on any particular issue. The best way to reach us is by email at RanjeevPuri@house.mi.gov. We also hope you will join us for upcoming coffee hours so that we can meet and hear what is on your mind.