Dear Friends and Neighbors,

It is an honor to represent the residents of the 69th House District and Genesee County. The purpose of this e-newsletter is to keep you updated on my work in Lansing and around our community.

Please follow me on Facebook or Instagram where we post frequent updates. You can also always get in touch with us through our website, office number (517)-373-1786, and by email JasperMartus@house.mi.gov.

We are here to serve you.

Jasper R. Martus

State Representative, House District 69

In this Edition:

  • Lansing Updates
  • In District
  • Upcoming Time with Jasper
  • Resources

Lansing Updates

A Historic Budget

The Michigan House of Representatives passed the state’s fiscal 2023-24 budget on Wednesday. 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. The legislators 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.

From the moment I was sworn in, my top priority has been ensuring that Genesee County always has an advocate in the room and a seat at the table. This budget delivers wins directly to our community, from keeping our young people healthy to maintaining safety in our neighborhoods. The work of my team and colleagues has focused on reversing decades of underinvestment in Michigan. This budget reflects the importance of our community always having a strong advocate in our state’s Capitol. I am proud of the work we’ve done and the standard we are upholding.

State budget wins for the Genesee County include funds for the Tommy’s Heart Memorial Foundation to help conduct heart screenings on student-athletes, tobacco and drug use prevention programs, creation of a new Genesee County water treatment facility to increase access to clean drinking water, record investment for the office of the Genesee County Prosecutor, and support for the construction of a new Beecher High School.

Over the next few weeks and months, we will be following up with more details and discussions on what is included in this historic budget and how you and your family can benefit.

Legislation

Last week, I had the opportunity to testify in front of the House Tax Policy Committee on my bill to restore a tax credit for donations to food banks and homeless shelters. When this tax credit was eliminated in 2011, these types of organizations experienced massive declines in donations. Restoring this tax credit is common sense and will boost programs for folks most in need.

Martus Tax committee

The Great Lakes Consensus

Over the past six months, my colleagues and I have passed a comprehensive agenda that delivers for Michigan and puts people first…and we are only getting started. I summarized in this opinion piece what I am calling the “Great Lakes Consensus.” Click here to read it!

In District

Memorial Day

For Memorial Day, I attended the annual honoring of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice at Flushing Cemetery’s veterans memorial. You can watch my reflection on the event here.

Flushing Art Fair

I enjoyed a fun afternoon at the Flushing Art in the Park. This was a great way to support local small businesses and pick up a few gifts for friends and family members!

Martus Art Fair

UPCOMING TIME WITH JASPER

Coffee Hour 

Join me on Friday, July 7, for my monthly Coffee Hour! Coffee hours are a great way to ask questions, voice concerns and receive updates on the latest news in Lansing and our district. The upcoming coffee hour will be held Friday, July 7, 2023 at 10 a.m. at the Kraphol Senior Center (5473 Bicentennial Drive G, Mt. Morris Township, MI 48458)

It is important to our office that community members and neighbors are always able to share their thoughts and concerns with me, so we hope to see you there! If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out by email at JasperMartus@house.mi.gov or by phone at (517) 373-1786.

RESOURCES

 Helpful Resources

I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

I want to hear from you! What do you need? How can we help you? My office is here to assist you or answer any questions you may have. Please, reach out to me at JasperMartus@house.mi.gov