Dear Neighbor,
Here is some information that I hope you will find helpful, including some updates and news from your state government.
Michigan House Votes to Repeal 1931 Abortion Ban
The Michigan House of Representatives voted to repeal the 1931 abortion ban last week. The passage of Proposal 3 last November amended the Michigan Constitution to guarantee reproductive freedom, including access to abortion care in our state. Getting these antiquated laws off the books guarantees Michiganders’ constitutional reproductive rights.
House Judiciary Committee Begins Gun Reform Hearings
Last week, the House Judiciary Committee began to hear testimony on the 11-bill package to help prevent accidents, suicides and intentional shootings. House Bills 4138–48 would require criminal background checks before purchasing any firearm; require gun owners to safely store their firearm; and establish extreme risk protection orders, which allow the courts to temporarily remove firearms from those who pose a threat to themselves or others. As a co-sponsor of these bills and a member of the Judiciary Committee, I look forward to passing meaningful gun violence prevention in our state. Another hearing on these bills is scheduled for this Wednesday.
Legislature Passes $1.34 Billion Spending Bill
Last week, the Michigan Legislature passed a $1.34 billion supplemental appropriation bill. House Bill 4016 includes funding for Ford Motor Co.’s new electric vehicle battery plant in Marshall and a deposit into the Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve fund. This bill also allocates funds to housing, water utilities and other various projects around the state. The governor is expected to sign this bill in the upcoming weeks.
Recognition for ‘Good Public Health Policy’
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I was recently honored by the Michigan Pharmacists Association with its Good Public Health Policy award for legislation I introduced last term to allow pharmacists to prescribe hormone-based birth control. I plan to reintroduce this bill soon.
At the MPA Convention and Expo, I also took part in a panel discussion on pharmacists’ issues and other legislative issues. My colleagues, Reps. Laurie Stone and Curt VanderWall, were also honored.
Upcoming Event: Coffee & Conversation
I will be holding a Coffee & Conversation event on Friday, March 10, from noon-1 p.m. at the Sam Corey Senior Center (2108 Cedar St. in Holt). Send an email to karahope@house.mi.gov with any questions or topics you would like covered. See you there!
Sincerely,
Kara Hope
State Representative