Hello Friends,
This has been one of the most productive legislative sessions in years. We delivered real, tangible solutions at a historic rate through legislation that puts people first. The passage of legislation for clean energy, record investments in education, reproductive health and expanding workers’ rights are all examples of the people-focused policies we’ve passed so far. Now it’s time for us to get back to our hometown communities and constituents to continue listening and taking action to make the future brighter for all Michiganders.
As we reflect on the past 11 months, here is where we stand:
- The legislature has passed over 150 bipartisan bills so far and will continue working together to make a difference for Michiganders.
- This year, the House voted more days than some previous Republican-led legislatures over the last 20 years.
- Together, the House and Senate have passed 198 public acts as of Nov. 7.
As we quickly approach the end of 2023, and with the holidays coming up, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office for assistance if you need it. My office is working hard to ensure every constituent request, email and phone call is returned in a timely manner so that we may all enjoy what the rest of this year has in store.
As always, if our office can ever assist you, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
Ranjeev Puri
State Representative, 24th District
Proudly serving Canton Township
In this Issue:
- Upcoming time with Ranjeev
- Legislative Update
- Executive Update
- Upcoming Community Events
- Teacher and Small Business of the Month Nominations
UPCOMING TIME WITH RANJEEV
Seniors Coffee Hour
In partnership with Canton Township’s 55+ Club, I will host a coffee hour specifically for seniors this Friday, Nov. 17 at 10:30 a.m. at Summit on the Park (4000 Summit Parkway, Canton, MI 48188) in the Chestnut Room. He will give an update on what’s been happening in Lansing with special focus on topics and resources for our senior citizens.
Our office has not yet scheduled community coffee hours beyond Friday. Be sure to look out for future e-newsletters and posts on social media for upcoming events.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
The last few weeks in the Michigan Legislature have been filled with lots of important policy wins as we reach the end of the legislative year. The House passed dozens of bills last week alone. Some of the highlights are:
- The Reproductive Health Act, which repeals many medically unnecessary state laws that create barriers to abortion and fulfills the promises of Proposal 3.
- Protecting domestic abuse survivors by prohibiting those convicted of domestic violence from possessing firearms.
- The Clean Energy and Jobs Act, which moves our state toward energy independence.
- Supporting our teachers and improving teacher evaluation metrics.
- Safeguarding our elections by protecting election workers from intimidation and by prohibiting firearms within 100 ft of a polling place or absent voter counting place.
Rep. Puri’s Homeowners’ Energy Policy Act Passes out of House
I have heard from many constituents via email and at my coffee hours who have expressed frustrations with their homeowners’ association preventing them from installing energy saving measures on their home, such as solar panels.
I am so excited that last week, my bill, House Bill 5028, passed out of the Michigan House of Representatives. This bill will prohibit a homeowners’ association from preventing a homeowner from making energy-saving modifications and improvements on their home. This means no more all-out bans on things such as rooftop solar panels or EV chargers. I heard you, and we are getting it done in Lansing!
House Passes Rep. Puri’s Legislation to Improve Language Access for State Services
I am proud to say that my legislation to improve language access for state services passed out of the House of Representatives. The Senate version of these bills, SBs 382–83, also recently passed out of the Senate. My legislation, HBs 4720–21, would facilitate equal access to state services for those who are English Language Learners/limited English proficient (LEP) in Michigan. These bills will go a long way in ensuring all Michiganders have access to state services, regardless of English proficiency.
EXECUTIVE UPDATE
Governor Whitmer Signs Rep. Puri’s “Filter First” Legislation into Law
On Oct. 19, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed my bill, HB 4341, into law. This legislation is part of a package known as “Filter First.” This three-bill package requires water filtration systems to be installed in all schools and child care centers.
No amount of lead in water is safe for kids, which is why we need water filtration systems at all schools and child care centers. Safe drinking water is a bipartisan issue. It’s a public health issue, an environmental issue and an equity issue.
Passing this legislation is a huge step forward in protecting the health of our kids.
Governor Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Bills to Assist with Educator Shortage
Recently, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed bipartisan legislation to allow retired teachers and public school employees to return to work while continuing to receive the retirement benefits that they earned, helping end the teacher shortage in Michigan.
Michigan teachers and public school employees step up every day to help students succeed in communities across Michigan. This legislation will make it easier for retired teachers and public school employees to get back in the classroom and continue making a difference for our kids while earning the pensions they deserve.
The signing of this legislation into law is fantastic news for all of Michigan’s public school retirees, families and, ultimately, our students. Now, those with the most experience can re-enter our schools in a variety of capacities to help address staffing shortages.
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
Check out a list of upcoming activities in our community on the Canton Township website. I have highlighted a few below:
Home for the Holidays
Nov. 14-16, 21 and 22, 4:30-8:30 p.m., at your home
Have a visit with Santa Claus right at your own house! Ten-minute visits will be held outdoors and include a conversation with Santa, a souvenir and a photo opportunity. Pre-registration is required, and only Canton residents may participate. Sign up for a specific date and Canton Leisure Services will contact you with your appointment time.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
Nov. 15, 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Walnut Room
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) of Wayne County is a supplemental food assistance program for eligible low-income individuals and families. Food products are distributed once a month in the Walnut Room at Summit on the Park, 46000 Summit Parkway in Canton. If you are in need of assistance or would like more information, please call 734-394-5185. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
TEACHER AND SMALL BUSINESS OF THE MONTH NOMINATIONS
Our team needs your help to recognize the amazing educators and small businesses in our community.
Each month, my team recognizes one teacher and one small business from Canton for their contributions to our community. I will be surprising the winners with a visit, certificate from our office and social media shoutouts for their great work.
Use this form to nominate a teacher or small business that you love, appreciate or believe deserves special recognition.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Our office is always here to answer any questions, concerns, or listen to any thoughts you have on any particular issue. The best way to reach us is by email at RanjeevPuri@house.mi.gov. Our team is working hard to respond to every email and voicemail left with our office in a timely manner. We appreciate your patience as we experience increased communications!