Dear Friend,

It is my honor to represent the 38th House District at the Capitol as your state representative.

The first half of 2023 in the Michigan House of Representatives has been historic, to say the least. We’ve made tremendous progress as a state by cutting taxes for working families and seniors, restoring workers’ rights, and protecting LGBTQ+ Michiganders from discrimination.

My staff and I are always here to help you with any questions you may have, and we strive to do our best to answer them or put you in touch with someone who can. If you have any other questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to call my office at (517) 373-0827 or email me at JoeyAndrews@house.mi.gov.

Be sure to also check out the latest happenings on the Lakeshore and in Lansing on my social media platforms on Facebook and Twitter!

Sincerely,

Joey Andrews

State Representative

Michigan’s 38th District

In this issue:

  • District Events
  • Capitol Update
  • Community Update

District Events

Join Rep. Andrews for Berrien Brews Friday, July 21st at 5:30 PM

Friday, July 21, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Watermark Brewing Company, 5781 St. Joseph Ave. in Stevensville.

Join Team Andrews and Gov. Whitmer's staff for Constituent Services on the Road!

Thursday, July 27, from noon to 2 p.m. at Joel E. Smilow Teen Center, 190 W. Empire Ave. in Benton Harbor.

Capitol Update

The Michigan House of Representatives recently passed the state’s fiscal 2023-24 budget. This is the first budget in 40 years crafted by a Democratic trifecta — it reflects Michigan’s values by making the largest investment in education in the state’s history, including free breakfast and lunch for every public school student and affordable pre-K, as well as substantial investments in workforce recruitment and retention, water infrastructure, and public safety. My colleagues and I worked in a bipartisan fashion to deliver a timely, responsible budget that ensures federal funding stays in Michigan instead of being sent back to Washington, D.C.

In passing this historic budget, Michigan Democrats accomplished something we haven’t seen in decades: a state budget that truly invests directly in Michiganders and reflects our values. This budget serves every Michigander, from Benton Harbor to Detroit to Marquette — it includes transformational investments in public safety, infrastructure, our schools and teachers, and so much more. I’ve listened to the concerns of my constituents, community leaders and stakeholders, securing critical funding for key projects across House District 38. I’ve secured funding for the first step to repower the Palisades Nuclear Plant, ensuring hundreds of jobs with amazing benefits and family-sustaining wages are protected.

State Fiscal 2023-24 Budget

A graphic listing the 38th Districts budget funding allocations.

Department of State

Last November, Michiganders resoundingly supported Proposals 1 and 2 of 2022. This budget includes $11.5 million to support costs related to implementing both proposals. Funding will be allocated as follows:

  • $10 million to purchase and install an estimated 2,000 ballot drop boxes and security cameras.
  • $1.3 million for IT developers to develop software and update the qualified voter file to accommodate early voting, a permanent absentee voter list, military postmark dates, ballot tracking and other changes.
  • $250,000 for an IT developer to accommodate changes in receiving and reporting electronic filings of annual financial disclosure reports.

Department of Treasury

Our state’s constitution requires that nearly 50% of state spending from state sources be paid to our local counties, villages and townships through the Michigan Department of Treasury. This is known as revenue sharing, and Michigan Democrats were proud to increase these funds in the 2023-24 budget!

County, Village and Township Revenue Sharing funding:

  • $13.9 million (or 5%) increase for standard statutory revenue sharing.
  • $5 million (or 2%) increase for local public safety initiatives.
  • $14 million for local general operations.
  • Additional $14 million for public safety initiatives.

County Incentive Program/Revenue Sharing funding:

  • $17 million (or 7%) increase over the current year’s ongoing funding.
    • Includes $12.1 million for local general operations, and $4.9 million for local public safety initiatives.
  • $24.4 million in one-time funding.
    • Includes $12.2 million for local general operations and another $12.2 million for local public safety initiatives.

Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy

After decades of disinvestment, Michigan Democrats prioritized significant funding for Water State Revolving funds and lead line remediation across the state. Our budget includes $280.5 million for local water infrastructure projects, in addition to federal infrastructure funding.

Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity

Reinvesting in our local communities has never been more important, and our budget reflects that!

  • $50 million to establish the Revitalization and Placemaking Program — a grant program for rehabilitation of vacant, underused and blighted structures to help develop Michigan’s downtowns.
  • $50 million to expand access to affordable housing and support revitalization of downtown areas through the Housing and Community Development Program.
  • $200 million to create the Michigan Regional Empowerment Program — a competitive grant program for multi-jurisdictional partnerships that provide regional and local economic development.
  • $100 million for the Michigan Strategic Fund to create the Community Downtown Economic Development Program, which will help promote placemaking, climate resilient infrastructure and housing in densely populated and walkable areas.
  • $1.6 billion in federal funding awarded to Michigan to ensure all residents have access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet with priority for unserved and underserved areas.

Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

In a time when weather disasters are becoming more frequent and our energy grid is, at best, unreliable, we must do everything we can to ensure that Michiganders have access to safe, dependable energy resources. This year’s budget includes $21.3 million in grant funding for renewable energy and electrification infrastructure enhancement and development.

Department of Judiciary

The Judiciary budget included significant investments in Michigan’s expungement initiatives. A total of $700,000 will be allocated as follows:

  • $650,000 for Legal Aid Defender Association Inc. in Detroit to provide expungement services.
  • $50,000 to Allegan County to provide legal aid services.

House Bill 4237

Rep. Andrews quote "We shouldn't be tying the hands of our municipalities; we need to allow them to do what is best for the folks that live there."

Last month, I was honored to testify before the House Committee on Labor on my bill, HB 4237, which aims to repeal Public Act 105 of 2015, known as the “Death Star” bill. This bill would restore local control over workforce issues — such as wages, benefits and scheduling — which were previously limited by the corporate-backed law.

During my testimony, I emphasized the importance of empowering local communities to make decisions that benefit their residents and drive economic opportunity. I argued that repealing outdated laws is essential to enable cities, townships and counties to set fair wage and benefit standards tailored to their unique needs.

While facing some opposition from committee Republicans concerned about potential business closures and compliance challenges, I highlighted the potential economic benefits and improved quality of life that local control can bring to communities.

Community Update

Funding Opportunity for Small Business Support Hubs

The Michigan Strategic Fund is offering up to $6 million in funding to organizations that identify as, or intend to create, entrepreneurial hubs in support of small businesses disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective:

  • Support small businesses disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
  • Strengthen and establish locally relevant, regionally based ecosystems.
  • Increase the number of businesses served through new and scaled programming.
  • Expand access to regional, statewide and national small business support resources.
  • Extend geographic reach into underserved and rural areas.
  • Raise the national profile of Michigan’s small business ecosystem.

Eligibility:

  • Nonprofit organizations headquartered in Michigan.
  • Self-identified as an entrepreneurial hub.
  • Provide training and resources to entrepreneurs.
  • Types of support may include coaching, workshops, mentorship, etc.

Timeline:

  • Application Window: July 10 through Sept. 8.
  • Application Review: September through October
  • Awardees Announced: November through December

For more information:

Questions can be directed to SBSHProgram@michigan.org.

This funding opportunity is a chance to make a significant impact on small businesses in Michigan. Together, let’s support their recovery and growth.

EGLE State High Water Infrastructure Grant Program

We are delighted to share some outstanding news with you – several projects in our district have been awarded grants under the EGLE State High Water Infrastructure (SHWI) Grant Program! These initiatives aim to address flooding, shoreline erosion and stormwater management while promoting nature-based solutions and resilience planning. Let’s celebrate the achievements of our communities in Benton Harbor, St. Joseph, and South Haven!

City of Benton Harbor, Berrien County – $314,500

With a grant of $314,500, Benton Harbor is developing a phased concept plan and Phase 1 engineering design to combat flooding along the Riverview Drive corridor, adjacent to the St. Joseph River. This innovative plan incorporates nature-based practices to create a sustainable waterfront, enhancing redevelopment opportunities and public use areas.

City of St. Joseph, Berrien County – $114,800

The City of St. Joseph has been awarded $114,800 to address roadway flooding on Anchors Way, a critical access route to the Benton Harbor-St. Joseph Joint Wastewater Treatment Plant. Through an alternatives analysis and engineering design, the city will ensure a resilient roadway, better equipped to handle future weather challenges.

City of South Haven, Van Buren County – $41,920

South Haven has secured $41,920 to conduct a shoreline analysis study of the city’s Lake Michigan shoreline. This study is instrumental in establishing a shoreline protection zoning ordinance, regulating the construction of permanent structures beyond a fixed setback line and protecting our beautiful coastal environment.

South Haven Water Sewer Authority, Van Buren County – $1.5 million

With a remarkable grant of $1.5 million, the South Haven Water Sewer Authority is designing and implementing flood protection measures for the city’s wastewater treatment plant. These crucial improvements will safeguard the plant from excessive flooding caused by extreme weather events and cyclical high water, reinforcing our infrastructure and preserving our environment.