State Representative
Matt Longjohn
40th House District
Serving 90,211 constituents in Kalamazoo, Portage, Oshtemo Township and Texas Township
MattLongjohn@house.mi.gov
(517) 373-8670
Office: S 889 House Office Building
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Matt Longjohn
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Stay Connected with
Matt Longjohn
Some of my earliest memories are being swung on the arms of both my parents while walking from the car to Lawson Arena for WMU Hockey games. Dad's janitorial service, or maybe the beer distributorship he operated, had season tickets, and I loved going to the games. I'm excited to see WMU in the team's first ever Frozen Four, and you can bet I'll be rooting for them tomorrow!
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Please join us for our monthly Community Coffee hour this Friday, April 4th at the Oshtemo Township Hall Meeting Room from 10:30am to 12pm. Stop by for a legislative update and Q&A!
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
“The health and health care of millions of Michigan families are being targeted by Republicans in DC and Lansing. These Republicans have lost their minds. In what world is it OK to put the health and welfare of millions of Michigan families at risk in order to pay for tax cuts to billionaires or score political points in the state budget process? Their crazy and chaotic cuts are putting us all at risk by ripping away federal funding for MDHHS, eliminating programs which save lives, threatening the ability of seniors to be able to afford long-term care, and increasing the chances that clinics and hospitals will have to close their doors. Make no mistake: the chaos at the federal level is only being made worse by the actions of Republicans in Lansing. It is unconscionable that Republicans in the House are willing to play politics with peoples’ lives and pass a budget which will reduce the access to health care services for 2.7 million Michiganders. Every person needs and deserves a government that puts their health first, before party politics and before wealthy influence.”
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
An update from Lansing today. The chaos is the point. Stay tuned for updates.
5 CommentsComment on Facebook
I have received many emails and phone calls in the past few weeks regarding House Joint Resolution B (HJR B). In case there's any doubt, I want to be clear—I will not be supporting this resolution. It is a poll tax and it is voter suppression. It doesn’t strengthen election security—it creates unnecessary barriers that could disenfranchise tens of thousands of eligible voters.
The resolution’s vague requirement for citizenship documentation will make it harder for Michiganders to register, especially those who don’t have immediate access to their birth certificate or passport. The costs associated with obtaining these documents function as a poll tax. Additionally, forcing a broad review of the voter file risks purging eligible voters, creating confusion, bureaucracy, and needless hurdles to the ballot box.
Among those facing hurdles at the ballot box? Women, seniors, and active-duty military personnel. Many women who take their husband’s last name may find that their birth certificate, which reflects their maiden name, is insufficient to establish citizenship. This resolution also institutes rules that would make it harder for senior citizens and military members serving overseas to vote—groups that already face barriers in submitting timely evidence of citizenship. The costly burden of acquiring additional documentation or replacing lost documents is, in effect, a poll tax.
Thanks to the efforts of Voters Not Politicians and the 2022 Proposal 2, our voter rolls are among the most secure in the country, and there are multiple safeguards in place to prevent ineligible voting. Noncitizens voting in Michigan elections is already illegal.
I’ve already spoken out against HJR B at press conferences and other events, and I won't vote for it. Rest assured, I’ll continue to oppose any attempt to suppress voting rights in Michigan. Instead of making it harder for people to vote, we should be working to ensure every eligible Michigander has their voice heard in our democracy.
michiganadvance.com
A resolution to require proof of citizenship to vote in Michigan cleared the Republican-led House Election Integrity Committee Tuesday while Democrats on the committee condemned the measure as a veile...2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Please join me next Monday, March 17th at Texas Corners Brewing Company for Community Office Hours. This is a time for you to stop by, share your concerns, ask questions, or just come by to say 'hello'! I am looking forward to seeing you all there.
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
After avoiding opportunities to pass FOIA and breaking his own commitments to open and transparent budget processes, Speaker Hall's claim to have passed HB4161 as a "shutdown prevention plan" is an obvious smokescreen meant to cover his hypocrisy. Make no mistake this is the House Republicans' budget for 2026.
This is the slowest start to the budget making process in Michigan history, and as of now it's the shortest one too. After passing their budget, they can disregard committee hearings, do nothing, and then declare they got a budget done on time while holding 92% of the state's general funds hostage from now until the end of September.
The Republicans' budget would create uncertainty, instability, and chaos. Every family, school, business, and community would be affected. Among many terrible things, the Republican budget strips away health care from 2.7 million Michiganders. The passage of the Republican Budget comes at a time when President Trump's DOGE efforts are already threatening to force up to a 40% cut in Michigan's Budget. Yet, with all the economic uncertainties we are facing in early 2025, the new Republican budget includes a 25% cut to the School Aid Fund and eliminates funding for school meals. But it gets worse: schools must set their budget when the school year ends in June. So, school boards and superintendents should start preparing to issue pink slips in July, because the Republican Budget just cut $5 Billion from the School aid budget and effectively extended budget negotiations into October.
These House Republicans' political maneuvers are transparently designed to give them political leverage in the final days of September, but they need to be held accountable NOW for playing politics with funds our families, schools, and businesses will all need. I will be doing my part, and I'm asking for your help. Contact your Republican State Representatives and tell them to put the budget process back on track. Tell them you want transparent budget hearings in committees and to get their work done before June 30th.
House GOP, Dems at odds in chaotic budget fight
www.michiganpublic.org
State House Republicans without advance notice Thursday muscled through a $20 billion dollar bare-bones budget, touching off a rancorous floor fight and setting up a showdown with the Senate Democrati...3 CommentsComment on Facebook
Today I read books to children at my former elementary school Amberly Elementary for Reading Month! From 1st to 5th grade, students shared their interests and asked great questions. I’m working in Lansing every day to ensure their state invests in these kids’ futures.
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
Thank you to everyone who came out this morning to my very first Community Coffee Hour! We had a robust discussion on health care, housing, state budget, and more. I appreciate everyone who came out and shared their perspectives, asked questions, and provided feedback.
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
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Matt Longjohn IN THE NEWS
House Dems Decry DOGE Slashing Nearly $400 Million From Michigan’s Public Health Services
MI GOP joins DOGE crusade to gut MDHHS funding with destructive, irresponsible budget plan LANSING, Mich., March 28, 2025 [...]
Longjohn Supports Governor’s Focus on Affordable Health Care
State Rep. Dr. Matt Longjohn (D-Portage) and Valerie Miller, director of the Kalamazoo College Center for Career and Professional Development, attend [...]
Capitol & Community Updates
Hello Friends, On Jan. 8, I had the honor of swearing the Oath of Office and officially beginning my service [...]
Some of my earliest memories are being swung on the arms of both my parents while walking from the car to Lawson Arena for WMU Hockey games. Dad's janitorial service, or maybe the beer distributorship he operated, had season tickets, and I loved going to the games. I'm excited to see WMU in the team's first ever Frozen Four, and you can bet I'll be rooting for them tomorrow! ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Please join us for our monthly Community Coffee hour this Friday, April 4th at the Oshtemo Township Hall Meeting Room from 10:30am to 12pm. Stop by for a legislative update and Q&A! ... See MoreSee Less
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
“The health and health care of millions of Michigan families are being targeted by Republicans in DC and Lansing. These Republicans have lost their minds. In what world is it OK to put the health and welfare of millions of Michigan families at risk in order to pay for tax cuts to billionaires or score political points in the state budget process? Their crazy and chaotic cuts are putting us all at risk by ripping away federal funding for MDHHS, eliminating programs which save lives, threatening the ability of seniors to be able to afford long-term care, and increasing the chances that clinics and hospitals will have to close their doors. Make no mistake: the chaos at the federal level is only being made worse by the actions of Republicans in Lansing. It is unconscionable that Republicans in the House are willing to play politics with peoples’ lives and pass a budget which will reduce the access to health care services for 2.7 million Michiganders. Every person needs and deserves a government that puts their health first, before party politics and before wealthy influence.” ... See MoreSee Less
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
An update from Lansing today. The chaos is the point. Stay tuned for updates. ... See MoreSee Less
5 CommentsComment on Facebook
I have received many emails and phone calls in the past few weeks regarding House Joint Resolution B (HJR B). In case there's any doubt, I want to be clear—I will not be supporting this resolution. It is a poll tax and it is voter suppression. It doesn’t strengthen election security—it creates unnecessary barriers that could disenfranchise tens of thousands of eligible voters.
The resolution’s vague requirement for citizenship documentation will make it harder for Michiganders to register, especially those who don’t have immediate access to their birth certificate or passport. The costs associated with obtaining these documents function as a poll tax. Additionally, forcing a broad review of the voter file risks purging eligible voters, creating confusion, bureaucracy, and needless hurdles to the ballot box.
Among those facing hurdles at the ballot box? Women, seniors, and active-duty military personnel. Many women who take their husband’s last name may find that their birth certificate, which reflects their maiden name, is insufficient to establish citizenship. This resolution also institutes rules that would make it harder for senior citizens and military members serving overseas to vote—groups that already face barriers in submitting timely evidence of citizenship. The costly burden of acquiring additional documentation or replacing lost documents is, in effect, a poll tax.
Thanks to the efforts of Voters Not Politicians and the 2022 Proposal 2, our voter rolls are among the most secure in the country, and there are multiple safeguards in place to prevent ineligible voting. Noncitizens voting in Michigan elections is already illegal.
I’ve already spoken out against HJR B at press conferences and other events, and I won't vote for it. Rest assured, I’ll continue to oppose any attempt to suppress voting rights in Michigan. Instead of making it harder for people to vote, we should be working to ensure every eligible Michigander has their voice heard in our democracy. ... See MoreSee Less
Democrats condemn proof of citizenship voting resolution advancing in Michigan House as ‘poll tax’ • Michigan Advance
michiganadvance.com
A resolution to require proof of citizenship to vote in Michigan cleared the Republican-led House Election Integrity Committee Tuesday while Democrats on the committee condemned the measure as a veile...2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Please join me next Monday, March 17th at Texas Corners Brewing Company for Community Office Hours. This is a time for you to stop by, share your concerns, ask questions, or just come by to say 'hello'! I am looking forward to seeing you all there. ... See MoreSee Less
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
After avoiding opportunities to pass FOIA and breaking his own commitments to open and transparent budget processes, Speaker Hall's claim to have passed HB4161 as a "shutdown prevention plan" is an obvious smokescreen meant to cover his hypocrisy. Make no mistake this is the House Republicans' budget for 2026.
This is the slowest start to the budget making process in Michigan history, and as of now it's the shortest one too. After passing their budget, they can disregard committee hearings, do nothing, and then declare they got a budget done on time while holding 92% of the state's general funds hostage from now until the end of September.
The Republicans' budget would create uncertainty, instability, and chaos. Every family, school, business, and community would be affected. Among many terrible things, the Republican budget strips away health care from 2.7 million Michiganders. The passage of the Republican Budget comes at a time when President Trump's DOGE efforts are already threatening to force up to a 40% cut in Michigan's Budget. Yet, with all the economic uncertainties we are facing in early 2025, the new Republican budget includes a 25% cut to the School Aid Fund and eliminates funding for school meals. But it gets worse: schools must set their budget when the school year ends in June. So, school boards and superintendents should start preparing to issue pink slips in July, because the Republican Budget just cut $5 Billion from the School aid budget and effectively extended budget negotiations into October.
These House Republicans' political maneuvers are transparently designed to give them political leverage in the final days of September, but they need to be held accountable NOW for playing politics with funds our families, schools, and businesses will all need. I will be doing my part, and I'm asking for your help. Contact your Republican State Representatives and tell them to put the budget process back on track. Tell them you want transparent budget hearings in committees and to get their work done before June 30th. ... See MoreSee Less
House GOP, Dems at odds in chaotic budget fight
www.michiganpublic.org
State House Republicans without advance notice Thursday muscled through a $20 billion dollar bare-bones budget, touching off a rancorous floor fight and setting up a showdown with the Senate Democrati...3 CommentsComment on Facebook
Today I read books to children at my former elementary school Amberly Elementary for Reading Month! From 1st to 5th grade, students shared their interests and asked great questions. I’m working in Lansing every day to ensure their state invests in these kids’ futures. ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
Thank you to everyone who came out this morning to my very first Community Coffee Hour! We had a robust discussion on health care, housing, state budget, and more. I appreciate everyone who came out and shared their perspectives, asked questions, and provided feedback. ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook