Dear Neighbor,
Summer has officially arrived in Michigan, and I look forward to all the community activities our area will be hosting and to seeing our parks and other recreational services being fully enjoyed. I encourage everyone to get outdoors and make the most these warm summer days. In this e-news, I wanted to take the time to invite you to a community event I’ll be hosting and also update you on what is happening at the Capitol. Please find more information below.
If you are in need of support or resources or have any questions on legislation or state government in general, please feel free to reach out to me at my office via email or by calling (517) 373-1794.
Sincerely,
Nate Shannon, State Representative, 58th House District
Events
Constituent Services Division on the Road
On July 14, I will be joined by the governor’s constituent services staff and special guest state Rep. Denise Mentzer at the Sterling Heights Community Center, 40250 Dodge Park Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48313. This is a chance to ask questions about your state government and get connected to state agencies. We will also be joined by representatives from the Department of Health and Human Services Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and Unemployment Insurance Agency.
Legislative Updates
House Transportation, Mobility, and Infrastructure Committee Update
House Bill 4153 and Senate Bill 125 were voted out of the Transportation Committee last month. These bills would require the Michigan Department of Transportation to create and operate a local grade separation grant program that splits motor vehicle and railroad traffic. The passage of these bills would help fund building bridges and underpasses in areas where trains frequently interfere with traffic flow. HB 4153 and SB 125 would help significantly reduce the amount of time a freight train can hold up traffic, including public safety vehicles during emergencies.
Distracted Driving Law
The new distracted driving law had earlier passed out of the transportation committee and both the House and Senate. At the beginning of this month, Gov. Whitmer signed House Bills 4250, 4251 and 4252, and they will take effect starting today, June 30.
As the chair of the Transportation, Mobility, and Infrastructure committee, it is a top priority of mine to ensure that drivers are protected on the roads. The passage of this legislation will ensure drivers stay alert and will help save lives on our roadways.
Bill Introduction – Public Safety and Violence Prevention Fund
My colleague state Rep. Alabas Farhat and I introduced legislation that would create and fund the Public Safety and Violence Prevention Fund. This bill would allow for local governments to respond to unique public safety issues in a way that works for them. This could be in the form of additional training for officers or hiring mental health professionals. These bills will create a safer and better community for everyone. I am proud of the work we’ve done on this legislation, and I am hopeful that it will come up for a vote on the House floor.
Bill Introduction – Disabled Veterans Income Tax Credit
This week, I joined two of my colleagues to introduce a bipartisan bill package to change the veteran’s property tax exemption to a tax credit and ensure surviving widows retain the benefit.
House Bills 4894, 4895 and 4896 would change the current tax exemption to a tax credit to lift this cost burden from local governments while ensuring our veterans continue to be supported after recent issues with obtaining the exemption.
Budget
The Michigan House Representatives passed the 2023-24 budget this week after months of hard work. This historic budget was passed with the priorities of Michigan in mind.
Michigan teachers and quality education for students was a top priority for me while passing this budget. The budget invests in $24 billion in funding for Michigan schools. Schools across the state will receive a 5% increase in per-pupil funding, in addition to a $205 million increase for funding at-risk students to ensure pre-K through 12th grade continues to receive investment.
Under this budget, we are increasing educational funding, reinvesting in our communities, and supporting Michigan public safety.
In addition to the many major achievements in this budget — like free school lunch and breakfast for all public school students and finally spending federal dollars to reinvest in infrastructure around the state — I was proud to help deliver funding directly to our district, House District 58. This budget includes funding for a pavilion and bridge in Utica, Shelby Township Parks, Lakeside Mall redevelopment, Sterling Heights Parks and Recreation, and Warren Parks and Recreation.
Resources
Macomb Community Action offers services to income-eligible Macomb County residents to promote independence. These community centers provide essential assistance with utilities and housing, transportation and weatherization programs, and information/referrals to other community resources.
Contact your local Macomb Community Action Center or call (586) 469-6999 if you are seeking assistance.
Call 2-1-1 from any phone to be connected to a list of statewide resources for everything from food and diapers to rental assistance and bus fare. You can also search their online database here: https://www.mi211.org