Dear Friends,

Hello, and welcome to my e-newsletter. I would like to take this moment to thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve you in House District 95 and to act as your voice in the Capitol. In this issue you will find information on the following:

  • Mental Health Care Privatization Attempts
  • MiThrive Bill Package
  • Eat Safe Fish

As your representative, I am most effective at my job when acting on your input, and I encourage you to reach out to me and my staff with any questions, comments or concerns you may have about issues in the district, or legislation that will impact our state. You can contact me toll-free at (855) 347-8095, by email at vanessaguerra@house.mi.gov or through my website, guerra.housedems.com. I look forward to hearing from you, and thank you for your commitment to the community we both call home.

The first round of budget recommendations passed the House earlier this month, and while there were a number of changes I strongly opposed, few were as frustrating as the change to Sec. 298 of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services budget. This change would alter our current offering of mental health care services in the state, ultimately directing them to be privatized. Despite my opposition, the House voted to require the implementation of a statewide behavioral health managed care organization, with the goal of off-loading state mental health services to private companies that hold contracts with the state.

MiThrive Bill Package

The package would create Transformational Brownsfield Development Plans, which, for a limited time, allow projects to capture up to 50 percent of income taxes from the individuals working or living on the redeveloped property, in addition to other incentives. The captured revenue may be used for infrastructure, restoration, alterations, demolition or construction on the site. These bills will only allow projects to receive tax revenue generated by the project — in other words, they will not receive state or local funds unless they are successful.

Eat Safe Fish

If there are chemicals in the fish, why should you still eat it? Fish have a lot of great health benefits, including being a great source of protein. They are also particularly beneficial for the brain. Some fish also have heart-healthy Omega 3 fatty acids. Plus, fishing is a fun way to get outside and enjoy Michigan’s incredible resources, including our 11,000 lakes, rivers and streams.

For more information, including a pamphlet explaining how to best choose, clean and cook your fish, please go to .Sincerely,

State Representative Vanessa Guerra
95th House District

<span “>