Friends and Neighbors — Happy Friday! Here’s a look at what I’ve been doing this week at the Capitol and in the district. Capitol Update Yesterday, I introduced House Bill 5372 to require a court to dismiss “strategic lawsuits against public participation” (SLAPPs). SLAPP suits are retaliatory lawsuits intended to silence, intimidate or punish an individual who speaks out on an issue of public interest. Individuals should be able to exercise their First Amendment rights without fear of baseless lawsuits and excessive costs. It is time for Michigan to join the thirty other states that have enacted anti-SLAPP laws. Earlier this week, I attended the retirement celebration for Michigan Agri-Business Association President Jim Byrum and presented him with a tribute to commemorate his 20 years of service to the organization. He has been a crucial member of our state’s agricultural industry and I wish him the best in his retirement. District Update Thank you to everyone who came out to our coffee hour at Bestsellers in Mason on Monday morning! If you didn’t get a chance to stop by, I hope you can make it to my next Coffee and Conversation event on Monday, Jan. 27, from noon – 1 p.m. at the South Lansing Library, 3500 S. Cedar St. in Lansing. Do you know a young person in the 67th House District who is working hard to improve our community? I will be selecting a constituent to receive the 67th District Youth Leadership Award. If you know of a young person in the district who deserves to be recognized for going the extra mile to make our community a better place, please nominate them using the form here. I am still accepting submissions for our Community Business Award. If you own or know of a business in the 67th House District that deserves to be recognized for making our community a better place, please nominate them for recognition here. Sincerely, Kara (517) 373-0587 Facebook: @RepHope Twitter: @KaraHope67 Unsubscribe from this newsletter * The Michigan House of Representatives is responsible only for content submitted with House resources and in accordance with the law and House policy. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. ©2019 Michigan House Democrats. All rights reserved |