Dear Neighbors and Friends,
Congratulations to our Upper Peninsula high school and college graduates! I offer my best wishes to all of you and for all the opportunities the future may bring. I’m focused on continuing to fulfill commitments we have made and pass laws that support the Upper Peninsula. I appreciate you taking a moment to hear from me about the work I am getting done. I am always grateful to have an opportunity to connect with you.
My office is constantly looking for new opportunities to assist you by providing resources and promoting events in our district. If you work with a group that could use our help, please reach out. If you are in need of other forms of assistance and don’t know where to begin, I encourage you to send me an email at JennHill@house.mi.gov or call (517) 373-0498.
In service,
STATE REPRESENTATIVE
Jenn Hill
(517) 373-0498
JennHill@house.mi.gov
RepJennHill.com
Mandatory AEDs in Michigan Schools
This month, I was proud to vote to pass a law requiring all Michigan public schools to have automated external defibrillators (AEDs). This legislation will provide peace of mind to Michigan families, who can now feel safer sending their child to school and extracurricular activities. I had the honor of personally delivering defibrillators to Westwood High School and the Superior Shores Educational Program on May 24. We must continue supporting these kinds of policies that improve the safety of our schools.
Bill Testimony
On May 22, I had an opportunity to testify to the House Committee on Energy, Communications and Technology on House Bill 5682. I introduced this legislation to exempt federal broadband grants from state taxation so that more money can be invested in expanding access to affordable high-speed internet where it’s needed. With Internet connectivity having fundamentally changed the way we live, work and interact with one another, high-speed internet is now a necessity for all Michigan residents.
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Pictured: State Representative Jenn Hill testifying to the House Committee on Energy, Communications and Technology on her bill.
Graduation
It is an honor to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the college and high school graduates in House District 109. Your dedication, perseverance and hard work have culminated in this remarkable achievement, and you have made your families, schools and communities immensely proud. Michigan has a long tradition of belief in the value of education. As your state legislator, I strive to promote policies that put students first. This is why I was proud to vote yes on the House Budget for higher education and community colleges, which increases funding for higher education and maintains scholarships and grant programs like Michigan Reconnect.
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UPCAP Spring Conference
The Upper Peninsula Commission for Area Progress held its annual spring conference on May 16. I spoke at the event about some of the investments we have secured for the U.P., as well as policies that will benefit residents and small businesses. For example, in 2023, we invested $50 million in the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. Those funds are used in a down payment assistance program for buyers and to support contractors to build more housing. The recently passed House budget contained an additional $200 million for housing. I have bills to ensure that all federal grant dollars go directly to expanding high-speed internet access construction. Finally, I sponsored legislation that would bring both current and future corrections officers working in the state prisons into the Michigan State Police retirement system and provide signing/retention bonuses.
Upper Peninsula Energy Report Request for Comments
As we continue our statewide transition to clean energy, the Michigan Public Service Commission has opened a public comment period to gather feedback on the unique energy landscape of the Upper Peninsula. This information will be used by the commission to produce a report for the implementation of new renewable energy requirements. Please share your thoughts and concerns!
To facilitate your engagement and provide more information, I have included a link to the U.P. Energy Study webpage, where you can learn more about the project. The website also provides an option to register your email address to receive updates regarding the U.P. Energy Study. Comments may be submitted via mail to: Executive Secretary, Michigan Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 30221, Lansing, Michigan 48909, or by email: MPSCedockets@michigan.gov.
Rep. Hill’s Office Resources
- Booklets: My office has several free booklets available, which contain helpful information and resources. Below is a list of the booklets that are available by request. You can also find all these booklets online.
- Veterans — Benefits and Services
- A Practical Guide for Tenants and Landlords
- Services for Seniors
- Crime Victims — Rights Act and Constitutional Amendment
- A Student’s Guide to the Legislative Process in MI
- 2021–2022 Michigan Citizen’s Guide to State Government 101st Legislature
- Portraits of MI — History and Facts on Michigan
- How State & Local Government Operate: Getting to Know Michigan (Coloring book)
- Child Safety (Coloring and Activity Book)
- MI Recycles! (Coloring and Activity Book)
Website:
- Unemployment Insurance Assistance: On my website, you will find a green button that says “Unemployment Assistance Form.” Please use this form for any assistance you may need with unemployment. A member of our team will be in touch to assist you further.
Office Staff:
- Chris Trubac, Legislative Aide, Policy Services
- Emma Walters, Legislative Aide, Constituent Services
Contact My Office:
The input my staff and I receive from constituents like you is important to me. Your voice matters, and I am dedicated to representing your interests in our state capital. Reach out to me at JennHill@house.mi.gov or give my office a call at (517) 373-0498.
Thank you for reading my newsletter. For updates on the happenings in Lansing, please visit my website and follow me on Facebook or Twitter.