Dear neighbor,
As we step into the month of March, I am thrilled to share some exciting updates and highlight significant events shaping our community. March is not only a time for renewal and growth but also an opportunity to celebrate the women in our lives and encourage education.
March Highlights
Women’s History Month
In March, we proudly recognize Women’s History Month, honoring the strong spirit and accomplishments of women throughout history. We salute the women who have shaped our world and continue to inspire us. Let us commit to fostering an environment where every woman can thrive, breaking barriers and building a more equitable future for all.
This year, many laws protecting women’s rights and health that were passed last year have gone into effect. One piece of legislation protects women from domestic violence by keeping weapons out of the hands of abusers. Most domestic abuse crimes are classified as misdemeanors, allowing those convicted of domestic violence the opportunity to access deadly weapons. We passed bills to change that in 2023. The new laws limit convicted abusers from accessing firearms for a number of years after their sentences. These bills will keep women and survivors better protected in our communities.
The Michigan legislature has also fixed an outdated law by banning child marriage. About 95% of child marriages are between girls and adult men. This legislation was signed into law to protect our children and ensure girls have futures of their own. I am committed to eliminating harmful, abusive practices to ensure that girls are protected and that their futures are bright.
We also repealed the criminal abortion ban in line with Proposal 3, meaning doctors and nurses won’t be at risk of criminal charges for providing Michiganders with the health care they need. Everyone should have the right to full bodily autonomy. To ensure this, we also passed the Reproductive Health Act, which repeals medically unnecessary restrictions on abortion providers aimed at limiting access to reproductive health care.
Reading Month
Education is the cornerstone of progress, and as we celebrate March as Reading Month, I encourage all families and educators to instill a love for reading in young minds. I will be reading to elementary students across my district in honor of Reading Month. A literate community is an empowered one, and through collective efforts, we can ensure that every child has access to quality education and the tools they need to succeed.
We are committed to the students of Michigan and have passed the largest educational budget Michigan has seen in years. Students now receive free breakfast and lunch at our public schools. Providing free breakfast and lunch ensures that hundreds of thousands more children in our state have the nutrition they need to learn. This means fewer behavioral problems and higher educational attainment, putting more kids on the path to happy, healthy, and prosperous lives while diminishing the stress and worry on Michigan parents.
Public Transit Caucus
In the spirit of progress and accessibility, I am excited to announce that I have formed a Public Transit Caucus with some of my colleagues, dedicated to advancing comprehensive public transportation solutions for all of Michigan. As we work together to address the evolving needs of our community, this caucus will play a crucial role in developing sustainable and efficient transit options for Michiganders.
I am proud to be your voice in Lansing. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office if I can ever be of service to you.
In Service,
Mike McFall
State Representative, House District 8
Serving Hazel Park, Highland Park, Madison Heights, and parts of Detroit and Ferndale