Capitol & Community Update

Dear Friend,

I have now been the state representative for Michigan’s House District 48 for just over 10 weeks, making this an ideal time to send out my first newsletter updating constituents on what it has been like to be a newly elected member in Lansing.

Everyone said to me the first few months of being a legislator would be like “drinking from a fire hose.” To be honest, I got tired of the phrase, but I now know it accurately describes what it is like to learn as much as possible — as quickly as possible — on myriad subjects. Given Democrats are now in the majority in the House, I have the privilege of serving on four committees (Transportation, Mobility, and Infrastructure; Education; Health Policy; and Military, Veterans, and Homeland Security, which I chair). That has meant attending a lot of meetings informing me of the most pressing and long-term issues affecting our great state in these areas.

Fortunately, I can unequivocally report that I am relishing this chance to serve. As a journalist for the last 40 years, it is fascinating to learn up close how well-crafted legislation can better the lives of Michiganders. Already, we have passed much of the legislation we promised, from repealing so-called “right-to-work” laws and the 1931 abortion ban to passing gun safety laws, including one requiring background checks on all firearm sales.

In between voting on bills and meeting with stakeholders, I also was able to participate in March is Reading Month in schools throughout the district and, in fact, visited my former elementary school, where I spoke with the children about my new role in government.

Legislative Update

In March, I saw my first bill pass the House with an overwhelming majority of the vote. House Bill 4199, once passed by the Senate and signed by the governor, will expand the Michigan National Guard Tuition Assistance Program to allow for the transfer of benefits to spouses and children. It is so important that we, as a state, better support the families of those who serve.

So many Michiganders and Americans struggle to afford prescription medications, like insulin, which is why I sponsored House Bill 4015 to cap the copay for insulin at $35. Many residents are also trapped in a debt cycle caused by payday lending — my legislation, House Bill 4343, would require the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services to conduct a seven-year study on payday lending in the state to better inform government officials as to the greater impact of these predatory practices.

Crafting legislation in key areas that affect our communities is important to me, and I am happy to say that my office has hit the ground running. I have also introduced resolutions to commemorate the achievements of a leading cancer awareness organization in our state, as well as name March of this year “Pay Equity Month.”

Upcoming Coffee Hour

My next district coffee hour will be on Friday, April 28, from 1:30-2:30 p.m., at the Ann Arbor District Library – Traverwood Branch. I hope you join me for a discussion on everything happening in Lansing and House District 48!

When: Friday, April 28, from 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Where: Ann Arbor District Library Traverwood Branch, 3333 Traverwood Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48105

District Programs

Genoa Township Spring Yard Waste Collection Dates

In April and May, Genoa Township will have opportunities for residents to bring their yard waste to the township hall parking lot for proper disposal. Visit the link below for a list of what to bring!

When: Saturday, April 15, from 8-11 a.m., and Saturday, May 20, from 8-11 a.m.

Where: Genoa Township Hall Parking Lot, 2911 Dorr Road, Brighton, MI 48116

Website: https://www.genoa.org/departments/utilities/refuse

Hamburg Township Community Clean Up Day

Next month, Hamburg Township will be hosting a Community Clean Up Day, where residents can help recycle items they no longer use. Check out the link below for a list of items you can bring, as well as how to sign up and get involved.

When: Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: 10405 Merrill Road, Whitmore Lake, MI 48189

Click here to learn more.

Helpful Resources

Do you know of any potholes that need fixing or road issues that need to be solved? Jackson, Livingston and Washtenaw counties all have resources available for residents to report needed road repairs or hazards on their respective websites or by phone. Additionally, each county has a list or map of all upcoming 2023 road projects. You can find links below:

Jackson County Road Commission:

Report Road Issues: (517)788-4230

2023 Projects: https://www.co.jackson.mi.us/2846/2023-Projects

Livingston County Road Commission:

Report Road Issues: https://seeclickfix.com/web_portal/MAw7iBstUbn7iKNEwLg6hNKc/report/category

2023 Projects: https://livingstonroads.org/projects/

Washtenaw County Road Commission:

Report Road Issues:

https://www.wcroads.org/residents/report-an-issue/

Current Road Work and Construction: https://www.wcroads.org/road-work-construction/projects/

Weekly Road Work Schedule: https://www.wcroads.org/weekly-road-work-schedule/

Outside of House District 48: