Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I am most effective at my job when acting on your direct input. I encourage you to reach out to me and my staff with any questions, comments or concerns you may have regarding our community or state and with any policy ideas.

Please do not hesitate to reach out by phone at (517) 373-0853 or send an email to AngelaWitwer@house.gov.

Sincerely,

Angela Witwer

State Representative, 76th House District

In This Issue:

  • In-District Update
  • Coffee Hours
  • Legislative Update
  • General Update

In-District Update

January Teacher of the Month Winner

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Congratulations to our January Teacher of the Month award winner, Mrs. Britney Becht! Mrs. Becht teaches sixth grade at St. Gerard Catholic School. As one of her nominators wrote, “Mrs. Becht is an incredible teacher who forms true bonds with her students and encourages a love of learning. Sixth grade is a year of change for students, and many have begun to believe there are things they are not good at. Many students believe if they struggle with math concepts, that means they are bad at math. Mrs. Becht changed that way of thinking for so many students! She makes learning fun, helps each student individually and truly cares about their success. My student’s attitude on math did a complete 180 and now loves math and school. Mrs. Becht deserves this recognition!”

Thank you for all of your work here in House District 76, and congratulations again!

Each month, I highlight one of our district’s teachers. Who hasn’t had a teacher who’s deeply affected our lives? We owe so much to these exceptional teachers. The least that I can do is shine a spotlight on these heroes who give so much of themselves for their communities. So, please, nominate one of the wonderful teachers in our district for February’s Teacher of the Month here, so we can celebrate all they do for our community.

January Small Business of the Month Winner

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Congratulations to Choupli – Wood-Fired Kabob located in Delta Township, our January Small Business of the Month! As quoted by their nominator, “The owner of Choupli is always so friendly. He let me try samples of food I had never eaten before to see if I liked it. I really appreciated his attention to customer service.”

Congratulations again on this recognition, and thank you for your efforts in House District 76!

If you own a business or know of a business that you think should be recognized for its outstanding service to the community and its customers, please fill out the form here. I look forward to reading your submissions and showcasing a new small business in our community for February!

Coffee Hours

  • 10 a.m., Feb. 3 — BlackDog Coffee
  • 10 a.m., Feb. 10 — Evelyn Bay Coffee Shop
  • 10 a.m., Feb. 17 — NONE
  • 10 a.m., Feb. 24 — Delta Library (Not confirmed)
  • 10 a.m., March 3 — BlackDog Coffee
  • 10 a.m., March 10 — MorningLory Café & Bakery
  • 10 a.m., March 17 — Evelyn Bay Coffee Shop

General Update

Capitol Club Luncheon

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On Monday, I was asked to speak before the Capitol Club during its luncheon meeting. It was a great opportunity to provide a legislative update on my work as chair of the House Appropriations Committee and answer questions from members who represent various associations in Michigan. Thank you to the Capitol Club for the invitation!

Legislative Update

Swearing-In/Appropriations Chair

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Earlier this month, I was sworn in as state representative for my third legislative term. The swearing-in ceremony marked the formal opening of Michigan’s 102nd Legislature. I recently served as the chair of the Committee on Committees, and Speaker Joe Tate appointed me as the chair of the House Appropriations Committee, which sets expenditures for the state of Michigan, including making decisions on the state’s annual and supplemental budgets. I look forward to using this position to make fiscally responsible investments to support Michigan families.

Retirement Tax Repeal Legislation

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In my first act this term, I introduced the very first bill of the 102nd Legislature, House Bill 4001, to repeal the 2011 retirement tax, which I am proud to announce passed the House this week. The tax has caused significant financial hardship for Michigan retirees since it was signed into law. I introduced this bill previously in 2019 and 2021, but it never received a hearing in committee. Responsible Michiganders who have saved and planned for their retirement for their entire lives should not see their fixed incomes reduced.

We cannot balance the budget on the backs of seniors. It is time to eliminate this unfair tax burden heaped upon Michigan’s retirees. I can’t wait to deliver relief to the seniors in our district and across the state.

First Appropriations Committee

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I gaveled in our first House Appropriations Committee meeting of the 102nd Legislature. We heard from Rep. Brixie on her House Concurrent Resolution 1 to waive the legislative notice requirement for increases in rates of compensation for certain employees in the state classified service.

We are ready to get to work to create a thoughtful budget for the people of Michigan.

Pre-State of the State Roundtable

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I joined Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and state Sen. Sarah Anthony at The Brew Cafe in Delta Township for a pre-State of the State roundtable with constituents on this session’s legislative priorities, such as the working families tax credit and the repeal of the retirement tax. Hearing directly from constituents about how these last few years have impacted them is so important as we continue to work together to find solutions for all Michiganders.

State of the State

Gov. Whitmer gave her State of the State address before a joint session of the Legislature at the Capitol on Wednesday. In the speech, the governor discussed her legislative agenda for the new term, which includes bolstering the economy, increasing public safety, lowering costs for families, protecting fundamental rights, supporting Michigan workers, investing in early childhood education and attracting talent to Michigan.

These are a great set of priorities, and I look forward to working with the governor and across the aisle to deliver the common-sense solutions that Michiganders need and deserve.