March is Reading Month, Gun Violence Prevention Town Hall, ICE Body Cameras, and more

Dear Neighbor,

Here is some information that I hope you will find helpful, including news and resources from your state government.

🏛️ Upcoming Event: Gun Violence Prevention Town Hall

Please join me Monday, March 23, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. for a Gun Violence Prevention Town Hall at the Ingham County Human Services Building, Conference Room A, 5303 S. Cedar St., Lansing. I will be joined by special guest Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Chief Medical Executive for the State of Michigan, who will present on the Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force’s 2025 report and recommendations. We’ll also hear from local gun violence prevention activists, experts, and community leaders. Community members are welcome to share their questions and concerns during this event. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP:

🗓️ RSVP Here

📚 March is Reading Month Visit to Gardner Elementary School

I kicked off March is Reading Month by reading to 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students at Gardner Elementary School in Lansing. It was wonderful to talk with students who are excited about reading and learning!

The kids and I enjoyed reading Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio.

🛡️ Legislation to Require ICE Agents to Use Body Cameras Introduced

I co-sponsored recently introduced legislation (House Bill 5662) to require ICE agents to wear and have their body cameras turned on while on duty in Michigan. An agent who violates this requirement would be subject to a fine of $500, and the agent would be deemed ineligible to work in the state until the fine has been paid. This state level policy would create some accountability and transparency for ICE officers operating in our state.

Follow my official Facebook account for the most up-to-date information. E-news contains a lot of good information, but it takes several days – up to a week – to get it approved and sent.

Sincerely,

Kara Hope
State Representative
House District 74

In Case You Missed It . . .

Get Your Electronic Tax Refunds, Contact MI Open Account for Assistance

Starting this tax season, the IRS will no longer send paper checks to taxpayers for their federal tax refunds. Refunds instead will be issued by direct deposit or other secure electronic methods. Having an account with a financial institution is necessary to receive your refund. To prepare for this, taxpayers should establish a relationship with a bank or credit union now if they have not already done so. The Michigan Open Account Coalition offers certified low or no-cost account options at nearly 40 financial institutions. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/DIFSOpenAccount.

Free Tax Assistance Available at Lansing Libraries

United Way of South Central Michigan’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program will have mobile tax prep units at Capital Area District Library branches in Lansing through mid-April. Households earning up to $69,000 can get free tax preparation services from trained, IRS-certified tax preparers. Register for an appointment here.