Dear Neighbors,

Welcome, spring! As the season begins to change, I want to reflect on the progress we’ve made so far this year and look forward to the brighter, longer days ahead. Thank you to all who have attended events in the district and shared your concerns and ideas. Your input continues to guide my support of legislation to address issues including health care access, education, infrastructure, the environment and local projects.

Thanks for reading my e-newsletter! For even timelier updates, please connect with me on Facebook and Instagram. As always, if you have any questions, concerns or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office at (517) 373-0852 or KimberlyEdwards@house.mi.gov.

Respectfully,
Rep. Kimberly L. Edwards
House District 12

Celebrating Kennedy Park Splash Pad Funding
Eastpointe City Council accepted a $1.5 million Community Center Grant from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) in March to fund a new splash pad at Kennedy Park. I’m thrilled! We’ve all longed for the Kennedy Park pool on the hottest days of summer, and I look forward to when we can all cool down on the new splash pad. I’m excited to add this new recreation for all age to our family town.

Governor Delivers Executive Budget Recommendation
On Feb. 7, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer presented her recommended budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year. The fiscally responsible budget recommendation totals $80.7 billion, including a General Fund total of $14.3 billion and a School Aid budget totaling $19 billion. Fiscal responsibility is at the heart of this budget, leveraging money from paying down debt early to fund programs, like free preschool, that benefit families across the state.

I share the governor’s commitment to helping the workers, families, seniors and students of Michigan thrive. I look forward to the budget process beginning in earnest and delivering real solutions to the people of our great state.

Breaking the Stigma: Community Health Resource Fair Recap

Rep. Edwards spins a prize wheel provided by one of the tablers at the Stigma Resources Fair.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by my Community Health Resource Fair last month in Eastpointe! As you may know, I have been holding events about breaking the stigma around mental health during my time in the Legislature. This event featured some wonderful organizations with valuable resources, including over 30 naloxone kits and several gun locks being handed out. Special thanks to all the organizations that participated!

Women’s History Month
I recently sent a printed newsletter to constituents highlighting achievements Michigan House Democrats have made for women, in honor of Women’s History Month. If you missed it, you can read the full newsletter on my website. Here are a few highlights:

  • Repealed the 1931 criminal abortion ban in line with Proposal 3 so doctors and nurses won’t be at risk of criminal charges for providing the health care Michiganders need.
  • Passed the Reproductive Health Act to ensure that all people in Michigan can make the decision that’s right for them about if, when and how to start or grow a family. The act repealed medically unnecessary restrictions on abortion providers aimed at limiting access to reproductive health care.
  • Introduced legislation to protect maternal health. The United States has the highest rate of maternal deaths compared with other high-income countries and is the only one in that group where maternal mortality rates are rising. Also, maternal deaths are the highest among people of color. We are working to combat this disparity.
  • Passed domestic abuse survivor protections. Most domestic violence crimes are classified as misdemeanors, allowing those convicted of domestic violence the opportunity to access a deadly weapon. Our new laws limit convicted abusers from accessing firearms for a number of years after their sentence.
  • Banned child marriage. About 95% of child marriages are between girls and adult men. Legislation was signed into law to finally ban child marriage in the state of Michigan, protecting our children and ensuring girls have a future that is theirs.

 

Social Work Month
As a social worker, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of making sure vulnerable Michiganders can get the support they need, and that perspective informs my legislating. I was proud to sponsor the School Social Work Week resolution in the House this year and stand with my fellow legislators in honoring Social Work Month last week.

 

March is Reading Month!

Photo of Rep. Edwards reading a picture book to elementary school students.

Reading Month is a great opportunity to instill a love of books in young readers or pick up a new book yourself. As a mom, I love visiting schools across the district and reading to classes. Thank you to the teachers who let me share some of my favorite stories with their students!

Resources

Mental Health

  • Suicide & Crisis Hotline: 9-8-8
  • Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network 24 Hour Helpline: (800) 241-4949
  • Macomb County Community Mental Health 24 Hour Helpline: (586) 307-9100

Seniors

  • Social Security Administration: (800) 772-1213
  • Ageways, formerly Area Agency on Aging 1-B: (800) 852-7795
  • Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program: (800) 803-7174
  • Disability Network of Eastern Michigan Oakland/Macomb office: (586) 268-4160
  • AARP Friendly Voice: (888) 281-0145
  • Please reach out to our office if you are interested in a printed publication covering services from the State of Michigan.

Additional Resources

  • U.S. Veterans Administration Benefits: (800) 827-1000
  • Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency: (866) 500-0017
  • OK2SAY Student Safety Program: 855-565-2729
  • Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline: (855) 444-3911
  • Adult Protective Services 24-Hour Hotline: (855) 444-3911
  • Foreclosure Hotline: (866) 946-7432
  • 2-1-1 Michigan: 2-1-1 or (844) 875-9211
  • St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher Center: (313) 535-9200