Dear Neighbor,

Last week, my team and I were readying our first official e-newsletter to our constituents.  While preparing this communication, our community was struck by an unfathomable tragedy.

Like you, my heart is absolutely broken at the loss of three young lives and the wounding of five others and for their families, friends, and loved ones.

And for those still fighting for their lives in the hospital, please know this — we are with you. We are grieving with you. We are angry with you. We are with you.

There are no words any of us can say that will make things better at this time.

Let the actions of the Michigan Legislature speak louder than any words or condolences we can offer.

Below are resources available to our community for those in need of assistance.

FOR MSU STUDENTS AND STAFF:

  • Walk-in counseling is available at the Hannah Community Center.
  • MSU students are encouraged to contact MSU Counseling & Psychiatric Services.
  • MSU Faculty and Staff are encouraged to contact MSU’s Employee Assistance Program.
  • All community members are welcome to contact the Community Mental Health Authority of Clinton, Eaton and Ingham Counties at (517) 346-8460.
  • The Families Forward Mobile Crisis can be reached at (517) 346-8008. Adult Crisis Services can be reached at (517) 346-8460.
  • Common Ground: Helps community members in crisis. Call (800) 231-1127 or text “Hello” to chat with a crisis counselor.
  • The National Parent Helpline offers emotional support from a trained advocate Monday through Friday, from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., at (855)-4 A PARENT ((855) 427-2736).

In the coming days and weeks, I’ll be meeting with my neighbors, community stakeholders and experts. I will also be advocating for common-sense gun safety legislation.

Please hold your loved ones close and stay well.

Our originally scheduled newsletter is below.

Welcome

Welcome to my first e-newsletter!  I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself and my team, update you on the work we’ve been doing, and share upcoming events.

Please know that our office is hard at work for the families of Michigan’s 75th House District and at your disposal, should you need assistance or would like to discuss legislation or provide any feedback.

Serving our community is truly the honor of a lifetime.

Thank you for this incredible opportunity,

Penelope

Capitol Updates

Since taking office about a month ago, I’ve been taking time to learn the ropes, meet with stakeholders and community members, and acclimate myself to the legislative process.

I am proud to announce that I have been selected to serve as chair of the House Elections Committee. So far, we’ve welcomed Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Attorney General Dana Nessel and the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks to testify about how we may best work alongside them to ensure that Michigan continues to serve as the national model for secure, efficient and fair elections.

1

As chair of this important committee, I am committed to ensuring every Michigander has the ability to vote either in-person or by mail, without fear of threat or intimidation; our clerks and election administrators have the resources they need; we successfully implement the directives of 2022’s Proposal 2; and we make access to voting easier for young people, college students, the elderly and rural voters.

If you are interested in learning more about our work on the Elections Committee, below are links to our hearings:

  • Committee Hearing with Benson and Nessel: video here
  • Committee Hearing with Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks: video here.

I am also serving as a member of the Criminal Justice and Judiciary committees and the Subcommittee on Housing.

Meet the District

The 75th House District comprises the following municipalities:

Clinton County:

Bath Township

Bingham Township

Olive Township

Ovid City and Township

Victor Township

Saint Johns

Ingham County:

East Lansing

Meridian Township (North of Grand River Ave.)

Williamstown Township

Shiawassee County:

Sciota Township

Laingsburg

Woodhull Township

2

Meet the 75th District Team

I take the work of serving the residents of the 75th District, as well as improving our great state as a whole, very seriously. Fortunately, I don’t have to do it on my own!  Meet our wonderful team below!

Alex Birkle, Legislative Director

Alex grew up in the Ann Arbor area before attending Michigan State University, where he graduated from the MSU Honors College. Since graduating, he’s worked for a number of representatives, including former Democratic Leader Donna Lasinski.

Shannon Higgins, Constituent Services Director

Shannon grew up in DeWitt, before attending Michigan State University for a degree in political science. In college, she volunteered for many different organizations within the Lansing community. Following graduation, Shannon joined Rep. Tsernoglou, and followed her to the Capitol.

Legislative Updates

On our first day of session, I was proud to co-sponsor seven pieces of legislation that will improve the lives of residents in our district and across our state:

  • Expand the working families tax credit.
  • Repeal the retirement tax.
  • Restore prevailing wage.
  • Repeal the archaic 1931 statute that criminalizes abortion care.
  • Repeal so-called “right-to-work” laws.
  • Expand the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include protections for sexual and gender identity.

To view the full list of legislation I have sponsored or co-sponsored, click here.

Recognizing Outstanding Community Leaders

In an effort to recognize leaders in our district, I invite community members to make nominations in the following categories:

Teacher of the Month

3

We invite you to nominate a teacher for teacher of the month. This program was launched to honor and recognize the educators across the 75th House District that go above and beyond to serve our children, families, schools and communities and truly make a difference in the lives of others.

Each month, we will recognize a teacher from the district. The winning teacher will have the choice of a Capitol tour with their students or a hosted pizza party in their classroom and will receive an official House of Representatives Tribute. The winner will also be highlighted over social media and district communications.

Click here to nominate a Teacher of the Month.

Student Art Contest

4

Students living in the 75th House District are invited to participate in our monthly ’What I Love About Michigan Art Contest!’

Each month, a student’s piece will be selected for display in Representative Tsernoglou’s office for all visitors to admire.  Winning students and their families will be invited to the office for the dedication of the piece, a Capitol tour, and a special tribute honoring the winner.  The piece will also be featured on social media and district communications.

Students may enter here.

State Tributes

If you would like to recognize an individual or organization that deserves our appreciation, Tribute recommendations may be made here.

Upcoming Events

We are excited to announce our first community events taking place across the district.  Each month, we will move our events around the district to be as accessible to you as possible.

  • Monday, Feb. 27, from 4-6 p.m. at the Haslett Library, 1590 Franklin St. in Haslett.
  • Friday, March 3, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Laingsburg Public Library, 255 E. Grand River Road in Laingsburg.
  • Friday, March 3, from 1 -3 p.m. at Main Street Pizza, 207 N. Clinton Ave. in St. Johns.
  • Monday, March 20, from 1–3 p.m. at the East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road in East Lansing.

RSVP’s are appreciated in order for us to anticipate capacity and order enough coffee and treats for everyone. Please RSVP here.

Contact Information

Email: PenelopeTsernoglou@house.mi.gov

Phone: (517) 373-2668

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RepPenelope75/

Address: Anderson House Office Building

124 N. Capitol Ave.

N-1094

Lansing, MI 48933