LANSING, Mich., May 20, 2022 — State Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) is gearing up for an infrastructure listening tour stop. The Michigan House Democrats’ tour will bring Battle Creek constituents together so that Haadsma can hear about the most important infrastructure problems they are facing. Along with talking with residents, the representative will also be joined by a group of expert panelists who have experience responding to state and local infrastructure concerns.
“Infrastructure is a central issue in Michigan, and Battle Creek is no exception. In order to make legislative changes that really make a difference in people’s lives, it’s essential to listen to what they need and find important,” Haadsma said. “I’m looking forward to sitting down with folks in Battle Creek to hear their thoughts about our roads, highways, building improvements, high-speed internet access and anything else they bring to the discussion. It’s my job to listen to voters, and this is an important conversation to have with them.”
In recent years, there have been efforts in Battle Creek to restore its downtown area, improve its economic conditions and grow its population — having strong infrastructure ties into all these important city investments. Senate Bill 565 will help pay for infrastructure improvements, and there are hopes for additional federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funds. Investments in infrastructure are essential to rebuilding Michigan, which means more local jobs and an overall better standard of living in the state’s communities.
Panelists who will join Haadsma in this vital conversation are Nick Occhipinti, director of state government affairs for the Michigan League of Conservative Voters; Carl Fedders, Battle Creek city engineer; Lance Binoniemi, vice president of government affairs for the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association; Kristine Parsons, director of engineering with the Calhoun County Road Department and Angie Kramer, traffic incident management co-chair with the Michigan Department of Transportation.
The listening tour will take place on Monday, May 23, from 6-7 p.m. at Full Blast Auditorium, 35 W. Hamblin Ave. in Battle Creek.