Hello Friends,

Happy December! This year has really flown by. As we approach the winter season, please remember to stay safe and warm. This time of year is marked with temperatures that hover around freezing, and black ice and snowfall can make driving unsafe. Let’s remember to leave ourselves plenty of time to get where we need to be when the roads can be slippery, and stay safe this winter.

As you may know, our final day of the legislative session for 2023 was Nov. 9. Our office will be sending out our final e-news of the year sometime in mid-December. They will start up again in bi-weekly installments come mid-January when we return to Lansing.

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
  • Executive Update
  • What We Have Been Up To
  • Upcoming Community Events
  • Teacher and Small Business of the Month Nominations

UPCOMING TIME WITH RANJEEV

Rep. Puri’s next coffee hour will be in January. A date and time have not yet been set. Be sure to look out for future e-newsletters and posts on social media for future events.

EXECUTIVE UPDATE

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Signs Michigan Jobs, Michigan Energy Bills

Gov. Whitmer holds signed clean energy legislation surrounded by Michigan legislators and stakeholders.

Gov. Whitmer signed the Michigan Energy, Michigan Jobs package into law. I was proud to be a part of this landmark legislation. This legislation will move Michigan to be a national leader with a 100% clean energy portfolio by 2040, and also:

  • Lower energy costs for Michiganders all across the state.
  • Set Michigan to receive billions of dollars in federal funding.
  • Create thousands of high-paying union jobs.
  • Combat energy resiliency issues and climate change.
  • Help protect Michigan for future generations to enjoy.

Thank you to Gov. Whitmer and House and Senate Democratic leadership for helping move our state forward to meet the energy needs of tomorrow!

Gov. Whitmer Signs Legislation to Protect our Elections

The right to vote is the most sacred right in a democracy. In recent years, Lansing Republicans have tried to make it harder to vote, and bad actors have attempted to disrupt or even overturn our elections.

With Democrats in charge, we are improving access to the ballot box, maintaining the integrity of elections and protecting those who keep our democracy functioning. The governor signed several bills in recent weeks to improve our elections, including:

  • Making it a crime to intimidate election workers or interfere with their duties.
  • Letting voters request an absentee ballot online.
  • Regulating the use of AI in political advertising.
  • Improving our already successful automatic voter registration system.

These changes build on voter-approved constitutional amendments to help people more easily exercise their right to vote.

As your state representative, I support legislation that expands access to the polls for every person and keeps our election workers safe. Each and every Michigander should have the ability to vote freely without barriers, discrimination or suppression.

WHAT WE HAVE BEEN UP TO

As mentioned, the legislative session has ended for the year, which means I have been busy working for you all here in Canton and representing our great state at conferences where I can learn from other amazing leaders from around the country. In the coming weeks, I am looking forward to attending community events and shopping at our locally owned small businesses to show them support in the holiday season.

Tribute Presentation for Canton’s Own Grace West

Rep. Puri and Grace West hold and look down at a tribute.

I recently had the honor of presenting a special tribute to Grace West in recognition of her incredible accomplishment on Season 23 of NBC’s The Voice.

Grace grew up in Canton and is a Plymouth High School graduate. She won Canton Idol at 11 years old, has performed the national anthem for the Detroit Tigers and at 16 years old signed her first publishing deal. She is now pursuing her dreams as a musician in Nashville. Grace is making Canton proud, and we are all excited to see where her journey continues to take her!

Rep. Puri Receives The Council of State Governments “20 under 40” Award

Rep. Puri stands with state Sen. Darrin Camilleri holding awards at a Council of State Governments conference.

Last week, I had the honor and privilege to attend the Council of State Governments national conference and receive esteemed recognition as a member of their “20 under 40” class of 2023 — made up of distinguished peers from around the country. I received this award in part due to my work on common-sense gun reform, which brought me to Lansing.

Serving the 24th District, and working for the people of Michigan, will always be the biggest honor of my life. I look forward to continuing to deliver for my community, my district and Michigan.

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS

Check out a list of upcoming activities in our community on the Canton Township website. I have highlighted one below:

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

Dec. 20, 9:30 a.m. to noon at Summit on the Park’s 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

November Teacher of the Month 

Rep. Puri holds a tribute to and with local teacher Elaina Kielbaso.

Congratulations to Elaina Kielbaso, House District 24’s November Teacher of the Month! Mrs. Kielbaso is an educator at Workman Elementary. She was nominated for being a true servant leader who always puts the needs of her students first, and leads with compassion and love. Thank you for your dedication to our kids and our public schools!

If you’d like to help us recognize our amazing educators, you can nominate one for “Teacher of the Month” here.

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!