Rep. Haadsma’s News

BATTLE CREEK, Mich., Feb. 22, 2024 — State Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) is pleased to announce that the Calhoun County Land Bank has been awarded $3 million in blight elimination grants from the Michigan State Land Bank Authority. These funds can be used for the demolition, rehabilitation and stabilization of blighted properties. “This $3 million investment from the state shows our commitment to Calhoun County,” Haadsma said. “Eliminating blighted properties makes communities safer, improves public health, raises property values [...]

BATTLE CREEK, Mich., Dec. 12, 2023 — WK Kellogg Co. recently announced its decision to reverse course and maintain its operations in Battle Creek. It had announced in September 2021 that it would move some of its operations to Bellevue, Ontario, which would have eliminated 170 jobs in Michigan. Instead, the company will invest at least $44 million in Battle Creek in part thanks to a $5 million Michigan Economic Development Corp. grant. In response to the welcome news, state Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle [...]

SPRINGFIELD, Mich, Nov. 30, 2023 — Residents of Springfield will see major improvements to Avenue A after the city was awarded a $375,000 Michigan Department of Transportation grant aimed at improving local roads. Avenue A is a main corridor between Dickman and Helmer Roads. The project will include milling and replacing the existing surface and has a total project cost of $529,000. “Congratulations to Springfield on winning this competitive grant to fix our local roads. Avenue A is an important [...]

LANSING, Mich., Oct. 26, 2023 — A package of bills introduced by state Reps. Kara Hope (D-Holt) and Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) would better protect older adults passed the Senate and is now on the way to the governor’s desk to become law. House Bills 4644, 4645 and 4646 create the Uniform Power of Attorney Act. Older adults commonly use a “power of attorney” to give a trusted individual the ability to make decisions on their behalf. The bills would standardize power of attorney laws and [...]

BATTLE CREEK, Mich., Oct. 5, 2023 — The Michigan Strategic Fund recently announced approval of a $350,000 performance-based grant to SJS Electric VDC to support its business expansion plans. The $902,000 project is expected to create 60 high-skilled jobs and contribute to the growth of the local economy. SJS Electric VDC, headquartered in Battle Creek, specializes in providing virtual design solutions for electrical systems in buildings. "The approval of this project is excellent news for Battle Creek. It recognizes the [...]

LANSING, Mich., Sept. 20, 2023 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently announced that over $5.1 million will go towards protecting Battle Creek’s pension fund. These grants will protect the pensions of public employees and are meant to prevent local governments from cutting vital funds for past public servants. In response, state Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) issued the following statement:   “Seniors who put in their years as public servants should be able to trust the security that a pension represents. The [...]

BATTLE CREEK, Mich, Sept. 8, 2023 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer secured a $63 million investment from global mobility supplier DENSO in Battle Creek. The thermal manufacturing facility will retool its production lines, accommodating product offerings that will support the electrification of vehicles. Following the announcement, state Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) issued the following statement: “I want to take a moment to appreciate and thank Gov. Whitmer, Quentin Messer of MEDC, and Joe Sobieralski and Robert Corder of Battle Creek Unlimited for the work [...]

LANSING, Mich., July 26, 2023 — The Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) announced that the Michigan Strategic Fund has approved incentives to support the redevelopment of the former Anson Hotel, transforming it into a mixed-use development that includes eight housing units and 4,500 square feet of commercial space. In response to the announcement, state Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) issued the following statement: “This funding that is coming to Battle Creek is thrilling news. A restoration of this building on [...]

BATTLE CREEK, Mich., June 15, 2023 — Michigan’s unemployment rate fell to 3.7% in May, remaining below 4% for only the third period in nearly 50 years. Michigan’s labor force increased by 26,000, reaching 60.5 percent this month, the highest since July 2020. The state recorded 4,440,000 payroll jobs, an increase of 15,000 over the month and 82,000 over the year. These numbers indicate an overall positive upward economic trend for Michigan. State Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) issued the [...]

BATTLE CREEK, Mich., May 23, 2023 — The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has announced 16 Michigan dams will receive safety upgrade funding through a $15.3 million risk reduction program. Included in the Dam Risk Reduction Grant Program is $1 million granted to the city of Albion for removal design of the significant-hazard, poor-condition Albion Dam, as well as four other unregulated dam structures.    “This is yet another great funding win for Albion. It’s an [...]

LANSING, Mich., May 4, 2023 — The House of Representatives passed House Bill 4238 yesterday. This bill contains investments in Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund capital outlay projects. There are 15 land acquisition projects funded at $15 million and 30 land development projects totaling $8.3 million, including $300,000 for an expansion to the Albion River Trail. After the vote, state Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) issued the following statement:    “This is very exciting news for our community. I was [...]

LANSING, Mich., April 13, 2023 — The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has announced funding is available via the Community Infrastructure Grant to help small communities with local road and transportation infrastructure projects. This program allows for local government investments to be matched by the state — funded by spending included in Senate Bill 7, which allocated $25 million for the Transportation Economic Development Fund. Upon hearing this news, state Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) issued the following statement:    [...]

The Big Albion Plan receives funds to help spur business development, job creation and more housing      ALBION, Mich., March 29, 2023 — The Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) has approved incentives to support several Michigan projects, including investments that will infuse new funds into the ‘Big Albion Plan,’ the nonprofit Albion Reinvestment Corp.’s project to revitalize downtown with residential and commercial properties. The newly announced MSF investments will help redevelop more than 20 buildings throughout the historic downtown district, bringing [...]

LANSING, Mich., Feb. 21, 2023 — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has recommended 21 projects totaling nearly $15 million for the first round of Spark Grants funding. Included is $1 million in requested funds for phase two work on the McIntosh Park in the city of Albion. “It is wonderfully welcome news that Albion’s McIntosh Park is getting a healthy boost of funding for continued improvements,” said state Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek). “McIntosh is a really special spot. [...]

LANSING, Mich., Jan. 26, 2023 — The Michigan House passed House Bills 4001 and 4002 and a school aid supplemental budget (Senate Bill 8) today to boost the economy and provide much-needed relief to the people of Michigan. After the legislation passed, state Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) issued the following statement:     “I am always thankful I have the opportunity to be a representative for my district, and after tonight’s vote, I am especially grateful because we passed legislation [...]

LANSING, Mich., Jan. 17, 2023 — State Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) is thrilled to announce the city of Albion has been awarded a Drinking Water Asset Management (DWAM) Grant for over $400,000. The grant is part of a program developed by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) under the MI Clean Water Plan — a plan to invest $500 million to help communities around the state upgrade drinking water and wastewater infrastructure.   “I am absolutely [...]

LANSING, Mich., Jan. 12, 2023 — Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit) announced today the chairs of the Michigan House of Representatives committees. Among those appointed is state Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) — he has been named chair of the House Labor Committee and House chair on the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules.    “I am grateful to have a role as chair of committees this term,” Haadsma said. “Being a part of different stages in the lawmaking process is such [...]

  Rep. Haadsma with Gov. Whitmer at Ceremonial Bill Signing   LANSING, Mich., Dec. 13, 2022 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bills 4618-4619, now Public Acts 145 and 154, today during a ceremonial bill signing. The legislation was signed into law earlier this year, giving Michiganders more options when planning their estates and ensuring Michigan’s laws are competitive when it comes to banking and estate planning. State Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) introduced the bills, which received overwhelming bipartisan [...]

LANSING, Mich., Dec. 13, 2022 — State Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) is glad to announce an Albion small business has been awarded a grant as part of the “Match on Main” reimbursement program, provided by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC). The program supports new and expanding place-based small businesses to create resiliency and strengthen downtown community areas.    “I want to send a mighty congratulations to Galazio Restaurant in the heart of downtown Albion and to the Albion [...]

LANSING, Mich., Dec. 12, 2022 —  Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced she’s awarded $3.3 million in grants to city and county road agencies to help rebuild local roads in areas across Michigan. The nine infrastructure projects aim to support economic development in local communities, including Battle Creek. State Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) issued the following statement regarding the project news:    “The governor has announced that $370,000 in grant funds has been designated to improve North 20th Street in Battle [...]

LANSING, Mich., Oct. 6, 2022 — State Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) met with local business leaders and small-business owners to hear what challenges they are currently facing and discuss solutions the state can provide. A central aim was to learn the needs of business owners, so they can receive the resources and tools needed to thrive.   “Small businesses are the backbone of local economies — this is certainly the case in Calhoun County. I want to do all [...]

LANSING, Mich., Sept. 7, 2022 — State Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) is thrilled to announce that Southwest Michigan First — an economic development agency — is one of the Community Revitalization and Placemaking Grants Program (RAP Program) awardees, and the funds they have been granted will go toward improvements in Battle Creek.   “I want to send a huge congratulations to Southwest Michigan First for being awarded RAP Program grant funding for Battle Creek. There were almost 200 applicants [...]

LANSING, Mich., Aug. 17, 2022 — Members of the House Democratic Caucus held a press conference today to denounce the lack of legislative session while Michiganders are paying the salaries of their representatives to tackle the issues affecting them. From high prices on gas and groceries to the threat of reproductive health care being taken away, Democrats have legislation ready to move, but Lansing Republicans who set the calendar won’t come back to work from their summer vacation. After the [...]

LANSING, Mich., Aug. 4, 2022 — The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has created a Five-Year Transportation Program (5YTP) that has recently been approved by the State Transportation Commission (STC). This five-year program outlines all planned transportation and infrastructure projects across the state. In his continued goal to hear from Michiganders about what they need most, state Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) has encouraged Calhoun County residents to share their voices about the MDOT plan. “The Five-Year Transportation Program is [...]

LANSING, Mich., July 19, 2022 — Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bills 4618-4619 into law, giving Michiganders more options when planning their estates and ensuring Michigan’s laws are competitive when it comes to banking and estate planning. This legislation, now Public Acts 145 and 154, introduced by state Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek), received overwhelming bipartisan support and will update Michigan law so residents can continue to use local bankers and trust advisors to ensure their assets are protected [...]

LANSING, Mich., July 1, 2022 — Today, the Michigan House of Representatives passed the fiscal year 2023 state budget. The finalized budget is the successful result of much negotiation and work on the part of the legislators — the work has paid off, as the budget agreement includes funds that will support hardworking families, improve roads and ensure clean water. In response to the budget approval, state Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) issued the following statement:  “I am very pleased [...]

LANSING, Mich., June 28, 2022 — State Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) is glad to announce the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) has approved an incentive to support a hotel project in Battle Creek to redevelop an underutilized property located in the heart of downtown. 50 Capital Ave Development Corp. will redevelop a vacant, 15-story former hotel into a 239-room DoubleTree by Hilton hotel.    “I was more than happy to write a letter in support of this economic and property [...]

LANSING, Mich., June 23, 2022 — State Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) introduced House Bill 6279 to address student learning loss caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation establishes a plan to help students catch up and get on track for long-term success.   “Students continue to experience the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic due to lost time with teachers. Since the spring of 2020, there has been a huge disruption in learning for many kids in our state, [...]

LANSING, Mich., June 2, 2022 — Last week, state Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek), along with a panel of guest experts, hosted an infrastructure listening tour stop in Battle Creek. Together, they discussed plans, strategies and solutions to improve and grow local infrastructure. Residents also shared their experiences and concerns. After the event, Haadsma expressed his gratitude in the following statement: “I am glad to have been part of such a successful infrastructure listening event. It was a productive and [...]

LANSING, Mich., May 20, 2022 — Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced 184 new Michigan jobs in auto manufacturing and electric vehicle testing, including 69 jobs in Battle Creek. Bleistahl North American Limited Partnership — a power metal valve manufacturer located in Battle Creek — is expanding its manufacturing production. State Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) expressed his satisfaction and gratitude for the business expansion in the following statement:    “I am very excited to announce that 69 jobs have been [...]

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 [...]

LANSING, Mich., May 19, 2022 —  The House of Representatives voted today in favor of a plan to provide tax relief for Michiganders by cutting $2.7 billion in income and property taxes. The plan would lower the income tax rate from 4.25% to 4%, raise the personal exemption on income taxes, add a new $500 per child tax credit and expand the earned income tax credit (EITC). State Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) issued the following statement in support of [...]

LANSING, Mich., April 8, 2022 — State Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) called on leaders of the majority Republican caucus today to take up an ethics resolution he co-sponsored months ago. House Resolution 224 would create the bipartisan House Select Committee on Ethics, which would be charged with investigating allegations of wrongdoings by current and former representatives that don't rise to the level of criminal prosecution. Haadsma issued the following statement: “This resolution was introduced nearly two months ago — [...]

BATTLE CREEK, Mich., March 31, 2022 — The Michigan Economic Development Corp. announced a business expansion today with Duncan Aviation, the world's largest family-owned aircraft maintenance and repair company. "It's great to see that Duncan Aviation chose to expand in Battle Creek," said state Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek). "This new facility will provide more high-wage jobs to the hard-working people in our community and give opportunities for the more than 600 employees at Duncan Aviation to grow their careers." The company [...]

LANSING, Mich., March 24, 2022 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 565 today, putting billions of dollars to work in communities across the state. State Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) voted in support of the bill, highlighting the $100 million investment in housing and community development. Haadsma issued the following statement: “The housing market for people looking to buy or rent a home is a growing concern. Critical roles in our community are left unfilled for extended [...]

LANSING, Mich., March 10, 2022 — The Michigan House of Representatives voted yesterday to pass House Bill 5570, a bill that would pause the collection of the state’s gas and diesel taxes until Oct. 1. As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine drives gas prices over $4 a gallon, this move is expected to save Michigan drivers $725 million. State Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) issued the following statement after voting in support of the bill:  “Rising gas prices are hurting hard-working [...]

LANSING, Mich., Feb. 17, 2022 — Today, members of the Michigan House Democratic Caucus joined a coalition of labor voices in downtown Lansing in support of the United Six — a group of electricians formerly employed by United Electric Contractors. In a lawsuit filed last month, the group alleges that UEC maintained a retaliatory and hostile work environment where racial slurs and discrimination against Black and brown workers were commonplace. They held the demonstration in front of the Associated Builders [...]

LANSING, Mich., Feb. 9, 2022 — Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer unveiled her priorities for the fiscal year 2023 state budget. In a presentation to both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, Budget Director Chris Harkins outlined the governor’s plans on a number of critical issues. The governor continued to stress much-need investments in our educational system and critical infrastructure across the state. In response, state Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) issued the following statement: “Continuing last year’s work and investing [...]

LANSING, Mich., Jan. 25, 2022 — Today, General Motors announced a $7 billion investment in electric vehicle manufacturing in Michigan, including the construction of a new electric vehicle battery plant in Delta Township and a $4 billion investment in its Orion assembly plant that will together create 4,000 jobs. Both projects are part of GM’s effort to shift to 100% electric vehicle production by 2035. State Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) issued the following statement celebrating the news: “We have [...]

BATTLE CREEK, Mich., Oct. 8, 2021 — The Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) announced a business expansion with Cives Corp., a subsidiary of Viking-Cives. The project expects to generate a total private investment of $25 million and create 91 high-wage jobs in Battle Creek with the support of a $755,300 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.   “I am pleased to see so many new manufacturing jobs being created in our community,” said state Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek). “Southwest [...]

LANSING, Mich., Sept. 22, 2021 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed a budget that includes historic investments in health care, child care and infrastructure. It also provides $1 million to make repairs to Battle Creek City Hall’s facade. State Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) issued the following statement in support of the budget’s passage: “The Battle Creek City Hall has needed improvements and repairs made to the outside of the building for over four years, but the city has [...]

LANSING, Mich., Feb. 11, 2021 — State Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) joined Michigan House Democrats in applauding the economic and education priorities outlined by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in her budget presentation to the Legislature Thursday. The executive budget, which will now be reviewed by the Legislature, calls for significant increases in funding for economic recovery and education – marking the largest investment in K-12 schools in Michigan to date. In response, Rep. Haadsma issued the following statement: “The governor’s [...]

LANSING, Mich., Feb. 4, 2021 — Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) today joined Michigan House Democrats in opposing House Republican legislation that would leave needed COVID-19 vaccine funding and other money in Washington, D.C. Earlier this week, House Democrats released a pandemic recovery plan that would immediately unleash over $5 billion in federal dollars to help Michigan workers, small businesses, families and schools impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. On Thursday, House Republicans pushed through a short-sighted appropriations package that leaves some of [...]

LANSING, Mich., Jan. 27, 2021 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her State of the State address tonight, outlining her vision for Michigan and calling for bipartisan collaboration to address the ongoing issues facing communities during the pandemic. In response, state Rep. Jim Haadsma (D- Battle Creek) issued the following statement: “2020 was, of course, a remarkably difficult year for communities all across our state, and those challenges have not simply gone away with a flip of the calendar. Though we [...]

$250,000 for project included in supplemental budget bills passed by House and Senate Steel building in Albion. The money was included in supplemental spending bills passed by the Michigan House and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support. “This building isn’t just an eyesore, the structural integrity poses an increasingly significant safety risk to those in the surrounding area as it continues to degrade,” said Haadsma. “The people of Albion, especially those in the neighborhood near the foundry, have been waiting for [...]

“Every day that we wait to begin rebuilding our crumbling roads, bridges and infrastructure we put more of our community’s residents at risk while the long-term cost to our state continues to rise. The bonding proposal Gov. Whitmer unveiled last night and put into motion this morning will bring immediate relief to families right here in Calhoun County, with I-94, Helmer Road, I-69, and the “Penetrator” specifically targeted for construction. Our largest challenges must be met with bold solutions, and [...]

BATTLE CREEK — The Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced this week that it would provide support for the new Battle Dog, LLC project to bring New Holland Brewing Co. to downtown Battle Creek. The project is expected to result in a total capital investment of $4,065,220, resulting in a $968,500 Michigan Community Revitalization Program performance-based grant. Local support for the project includes a twelve-year Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act tax abatement with an estimated value of $995,000, as well as a [...]

LANSING — Yesterday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to issue emergency rules to protect Michigan’s kids from the harmful effects of vaping. The governor’s order bans the sale of flavored nicotine vaping products, and misleading marketing regarding their safety. In response, state Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) issued the following statement: “The dramatic increase in e-cigarette use among our young people is an epidemic that we must take seriously. History has shown us [...]

LANSING — Following weeks of bipartisan negotiations, the House passed a sweeping overhaul of Michigan’s auto insurance system today. The final bill includes several provisions put forward by House Democrats including the elimination of non-driving rate-setting factors, guaranteed rate reductions and increased consumer protections. In response, state Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) issued the following statement: "In a negotiations process, neither party gets all either wanted, and, upon considering a proposed compromise, it’s important to emphasize the good things the [...]

LANSING — With no hearings or public input, the legislative majority rushed through House Bill 4397 today, providing a giveaway to insurance companies in the form of loopholes to avoid guaranteed lower rates or an end to discriminatory rate setting practices. Michigan’s auto insurance industry is one of the least regulated in the U.S. with Michigan drivers paying nearly two times more than drivers anywhere else in the nation, according to a University of Michigan study. In response, state Rep. [...]

LANSING — Tonight, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her first State of the State address, outlining her vision for the state and calling for bipartisan collaboration to address the issues facing Michigan’s working families. In response, state Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) issued the following statement: “It has been a long time since the families of Calhoun County have felt they had someone actively fighting for their best interests in Lansing. Gov. Whitmer’s speech this evening made it clear she is [...]

ALBION — The Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) announced this week that the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) board approved $2 million in support for Irwin Avenue improvement projects, as well as a local match of $223,000. State Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) celebrated the announcement, noting that the funding would replace deteriorated sewer systems and expand the system to meet fire flow demands. “Albion families have had to deal with crumbling sewer infrastructure for too long,” said Haadsma. “I am [...]

LANSING — Last night, the Speaker of the House announced committee assignments for the 2019-20 legislative session. State Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) was assigned to serve on the House Energy and Transportation Committees. The House Energy Committee has historically played a vital role in crafting the state’s policy regarding emerging renewable energy markets, while the House Transportation Committee tackles everything from fixing Michigan’s roads to rebuilding the state’s crumbling infrastructure.  “I welcome the opportunity to serve on these important [...]

LANSING — State Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) was sworn in officially today as representative for the 62nd House District for the 2019-2020 legislative session. The swearing-in ceremony marked the formal opening of Michigan’s 100th Legislature. In response, Rep. Haadsma issued the following statement: “Families from my community sent me to Lansing to fight for the issues that they care about most: supporting our schools, fixing our roads and ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all Michiganders. I am deeply [...]