Dear Neighbor,
Here is some information that I hope you will find helpful, including updates and news from your state government.
Rep. Hope Tours Potter Park Zoo
I recently toured Potter Park Zoo here in Lansing. It was great to hear about the good work the zoo is doing to keep its animals healthy and happy. And I am excited about the zoo’s planned future renovations that will improve visitors’ experiences and the quality of life for the animals.
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Rep. Hope Discusses Opioid Settlement Money with Local Elected Officials
Last week, I joined Mid-Michigan Recovery Services in hosting local elected officials to discuss how the opioid settlement money secured by Attorney General Dana Nessel can be best used.
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MI Achievement Scholarship Leads to Record Enrollment
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently announced that colleges across the state are experiencing record enrollment numbers and historic class sizes for first-year students after the implementation of the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which substantially lowers the cost of college for most high school graduates.
Additionally, the MI Achievement Scholarship program will help us reach Gov. Whitmer’s “Sixty by 30” goal — where 60% of adults earn a postsecondary education or training by 2030.
Cooley Law School and Safe and Just Michigan to Host Expungement Fair
Cooley Law School and Safe and Just Michigan are hosting an expungement fair on Friday, Oct. 27, from noon to 5 p.m. at Cooley Law School, 300 S. Capitol Ave. in Lansing. Those who want to participate in this event must fill out a screening form here.
Expungement removes arrests and convictions from a person’s public criminal record. Criminal offenses that have been expunged are no longer accessible to employers or landlords. Michigan law has always allowed for expungements, but the Clean Slate legislation enacted in 2020 made more individuals and offenses eligible for expungement.
Under Michigan’s “Clean Slate” expungement laws, individuals with up to three felonies and unlimited misdemeanors can have their records expunged. Note that on April 11, 2023, Michigan’s automatic expungement mandate went into effect, which allows for certain convictions to be expunged without an application. Find out more about Michigan’s new expungement laws here. If you are interested in pursuing expungement but are unable to attend the fair, you can fill out Legal Services of South Central Michigan’s Expungement Intake Application.
If you are an attorney or law student who would like to volunteer for this event, please fill out this signup form.
Rep. Hope to Host Coffee Hour in October
Mark your calendar! Join me for a Coffee & Conversation event on Monday, Oct. 23, from 4-5 p.m., at the South Lansing Capital Area District Library, 3500 S. Cedar St. in Lansing. Send an email to KaraHope@house.mi.gov with any questions or topics you would like covered. See you then!
Rep. Hope and AG Nessel Host Senior Scam Event in November
Special Guest Attorney General Dana Nessel and I will host a senior scam event on Thursday, Nov. 16, from 10-11:30 a.m., at Sam Corey Senior Center, 2108 Cedar St. in Holt. The Michigan Department of Attorney General will provide helpful information to protect yourself from being scammed.
Sincerely,
Kara Hope
State Representative