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
Stay Connected with
Matt Longjohn
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Stay Connected with
Matt Longjohn
Join me THIS Friday for my monthly Community Coffee Hour! We'll be at the Portage Zhang Senior Center from 10:30am to noon for a legislative update and open Q&A. I hope to see you 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
Yesterday, I introduced a Bill to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) in Michigan.
As the only medical doctor in the Michigan Legislature, I am taking my campaign promises seriously and feel a personal responsibility for tackling the skyrocketing cost of health care.
The fastest growing portion of our health care expenditures is the cost of prescription medications. The median annual list price for new medications was $300,000 per patient per medication in 2023... about 25% higher than in 2022! That kind of rapid rate of increase in price is simply unsustainable for working families, seniors, and small businesses.
I don't believe there are any silver bullets, but this PDAB bill is a serious, evidence-based approach. At the very least, it will put Pharma on notice that Michiganders are watching when they set prices that are 300% higher for us than for our neighbors across the Ambassador Bridge. If they don't change their practices and ensure Michiganders can afford the medicines they need, then a future PDAB could step in and set an Upper Payment Limit.
This is just one of the first steps I'll take toward reducing overall health care costs for people across our state.
And let me be clear: this legislation will not be a rush to set up UPLs. Six other states have established a PDAB and none have had to set an UPL yet. It is a pro-worker and pro-innovation policy. Our 40th District played a key role in the global COVID vaccine rollout, and I know how vital the pharmaceutical and medical device industries are to our local economy. I also know we can lower costs and support good jobs at the same time... IF Pharma understands that's what Michiganders are demanding of them.
While Republicans are busy making life more expensive and less stable, Democrats are delivering real solutions. I'm proud to lead this fight in the House alongside Rep. Mentzer and Rep. Scott.
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
Join me tonight in Oshtemo for this month’s Community Office Hours! These informal gatherings are a great opportunity to stop by, ask questions, share concerns, or just chat about what’s happening in Lansing. No agenda—just conversation. Hope to see you there!
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
Please be aware another significant storm is heading our way, right on the heels of last night's storms. More storms and wind gusts of 60–80 mph are expected.
Take what time you can today to prepare. Charge your devices, replenish water stores, and prepare for another potential night in the basement.
Consumers Energy has also been coordinating with my office all day. They have just updated us on their ongoing efforts to restore power to over 40,000 homes across the region, as well as their efforts to prepare for another wave of incoming storms.
If you're experiencing issues or have concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out.
To report a power outage to Consumers, use this link:
Report an Outage | Consumers Energy
www.consumersenergy.com
Keeping your personal information safe and secure is a top priority for us. That’s why after you log in to your account, all of your transactions are encrypted and take place on a secure server. Tha...0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Join me next Monday from 4:30-6:30pm in Oshtemo for my monthly Office Hours. Stop by to discuss legislative updates, questions, or concerns. I hope to see you 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.2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Yesterday, I was proud to introduce House Bills 4478-4479 alongside my colleague State Representative Matt Longjohn. Legislation that will address the threat of ‘ghost guns’.
The term ‘Ghost Guns’ refers to firearms without valid serial numbers. Usually purchased online in different parts and assembled, or 3D printed in an individual’s house. And as they do not have serial numbers, they are nearly impossible to track down and register like any regular firearm. Their untraceable nature severely undermines our state’s ability to effectively investigate and prevent gun violence. And there have been multiple shootings using ghost guns in the past few years. 15 states have already acted on the danger of ghost guns and have made laws to regulate them.
Our legislation will prohibit an individual from manufacturing, assembling, importing, purchasing, selling, or transferring a firearm, frame, or receiver that does not have a valid serial number. It requires those who create them and sell them to get an appropriate license and instructs those who purchased them and currently own them to register them with the State Police. It also prescribes the penalties for violations of the law. Basically, these bills will treat ghost guns the same as any other firearm and thereby regulate them in accordance with Michigan’s existing firearm laws.
Gun violence is a personal issue for me and I am adamant about taking action that will save the lives of others. This is but one of many legislative solutions, and I hope to see this bill pass and more action taken by the legislature.
You can find more information on ghost guns and the need to regulate them here: www.bradyunited.org/resources/issues/what-are-ghost-guns
www.everytown.org/issues/ghost-guns/
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
The first three months in our office have flown by, and with budget season in full swing, I'm continuing to work hard for our community in Lansing. I've also been hosting monthly Community Coffee Hours and Office Hours across the district to stay connected and hear directly from you.
Our next event is this Friday in Texas Township at the KVCC Groves Campus from 10:30am to 12pm. I'll share legislative updates and take questions, comments, and concerns. I hope to see you there!
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Did I mention that Thursday was a busy day in Lansing?
It was the House Republican's self-imposed deadline for submitting legislatively directed funding requests for local projects across Michigan. This was designed to be the ONLY chance we will have to introduce and start fighting for 'earmarks' in the budget and to minimize 'earmarks', but I think it may have had unintended results. I would actually prefer to have our budget be developed through committees and consensus-building negotiations, but the amount of cuts threatened by Republicans led to a lot of fear that essential programs and investments needed to be submitted this week if they were ever going to get ANY funding. So, at the end of the day, over $4 billion was proposed by 90+ members of the House.
Over the last several weeks, my team and I worked around the clock to navigate a chaotic, constantly shifting, and abnormally partisan process—one that was intentionally confusing, packed with arbitrary requirements, and, at points, legally questionable. Despite the hurdles, we stayed focused on our values and priorities. We did whatever we could to support the constituents and community in the 40th House District while advancing funding proposals to improve the health and quality of life of all Michiganders.
Here’s a quick overview of the projects we put forward:
MIDOCs Program
We proposed a $6.4 million investment to expand Michigan’s pipeline of physicians serving rural and underserved areas. This funding will strengthen primary care infrastructure statewide, improve health outcomes, and ensure communities across Michigan have access to the doctors they need.
Supporting Community Health and Health Innovation
We proposed an $18 million investment to support training and infrastructure development for Michigan’s community health centers as they prepare to implement a new Alternative Payment Methodology (APM). Specialized care-team training, modernized patient care workflows, updated electronic health records and population health systems were all included.
City of Portage – Brown Avenue Reconstruction
We backed $2 million in critical infrastructure upgrades next to the Portage Zhang Senior Center and new Farmers Market. This project will support economic development, increase accessibility to vital community services, and improve quality of life for people across Portage and the greater Kalamazoo area.
City of Portage – Stormwater Mitigation
We also advanced another $2 million project to finally address chronic flooding around US-131 in Portage. Protecting hundreds of millions in public and private investments, this stormwater project will safeguard homes, businesses, and infrastructure from repeated flood damage and make the area more resilient to future growth.
YWCA Kalamazoo
We requested $4 million to sustain and expand life-saving services for survivors of violence, as well as maternal and child health programs that have already helped lower infant mortality rates in Kalamazoo County. This funding will strengthen a vital safety net for some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Today marks another first for me in Lansing: I’m introducing my very first bill as a State Rep. As a rookie legislator—and the only medical doctor in the Michigan Legislature—I’m proud to champion the Prescription Drug Affordability Board legislation in the House. Reducing the cost of health care was one of the main reasons I ran for office last year.
You’ve heard me say it before, but it’s worth repeating: Michiganders—and Americans across the board—are paying too much for health care. They’re struggling to afford it, and too often, they’re not getting what they are paying for. National health expenditures have topped $4 trillion annually, or about $14,000 per person. Sadly, these costs are only going to increase due to President Trump’s tariffs, which will raise costs on imported medications, and because of misguided Republican "MAHA" proposals that would slash Medicare, Medicaid, cost-saving preventive services, etc.--shifting more costs to those least able to pay.
Prescription drugs are the fastest-growing share of the healthcare dollar. In 2023, the median annual list price for a new drug hit $300,000—up from $222,000 the year before. If we want to rein in health care costs, we have to start by making medications more affordable.
Just last week in the House Appropriations Committee, we looked at why there was a $250 million jump in Medicaid costs for 2024. Nearly all of it could be attributed to increased pharmaceutical spending—especially the rising use of GLP-1s. Make no mistake: these are incredible medications. As a preventive medicine doctor, I want people to avoid diabetes, strokes, and dementia—but we won’t be able to keep Michigan healthy if we can’t afford these amazing innovations.
PDAB legislation is one way that we can fight back--and fight for Michiganders who are too often having to choose between paying for groceries and fulfilling their prescriptions. It is a thoughtful and evidence informed way that we can ensure access to amazing drugs that have been hitting the market while keeping another eye on the bottom line for taxpayers and in many citizens checkbooks.
The district I represent was incredibly proud when the trucks left a global vaccine production headquarters in Portage and helped the world respond to the COVID pandemic. Many of my neighbors, friends, and colleagues have jobs in the pharmaceutical the medical device industries. I can assure you PDAB will not diminish those family’s ability to make ends meet, pay for their kids' education or plan for a dignified retirement. Experiences with PDAB's in other states have shown us President Trump's tariffs will have far more significant impact on jobs in the pharmaceutical industry then PDAB. While Republicans are making life more expensive and less stable for families and seniors, Democrats are working on solutions.
Thank you to my Senate colleagues for advancing this important legislation—I’m proud to lead the charge in the House alongside Rep. Mentzer and Rep. Scott.
5 CommentsComment on Facebook
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Matt Longjohn IN THE NEWS
Longjohn Advocates to Lower Medication Costs
Democratic Lawmaker unites with House and Senate Dems for Prescription Drug Affordability Press Conference State Rep. Dr. Matt Longjohn [...]
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 [...]
Join me THIS Friday for my monthly Community Coffee Hour! We'll be at the Portage Zhang Senior Center from 10:30am to noon for a legislative update and open Q&A. I hope to see you 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
Yesterday, I introduced a Bill to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) in Michigan.
As the only medical doctor in the Michigan Legislature, I am taking my campaign promises seriously and feel a personal responsibility for tackling the skyrocketing cost of health care.
The fastest growing portion of our health care expenditures is the cost of prescription medications. The median annual list price for new medications was $300,000 per patient per medication in 2023... about 25% higher than in 2022! That kind of rapid rate of increase in price is simply unsustainable for working families, seniors, and small businesses.
I don't believe there are any silver bullets, but this PDAB bill is a serious, evidence-based approach. At the very least, it will put Pharma on notice that Michiganders are watching when they set prices that are 300% higher for us than for our neighbors across the Ambassador Bridge. If they don't change their practices and ensure Michiganders can afford the medicines they need, then a future PDAB could step in and set an Upper Payment Limit.
This is just one of the first steps I'll take toward reducing overall health care costs for people across our state.
And let me be clear: this legislation will not be a rush to set up UPLs. Six other states have established a PDAB and none have had to set an UPL yet. It is a pro-worker and pro-innovation policy. Our 40th District played a key role in the global COVID vaccine rollout, and I know how vital the pharmaceutical and medical device industries are to our local economy. I also know we can lower costs and support good jobs at the same time... IF Pharma understands that's what Michiganders are demanding of them.
While Republicans are busy making life more expensive and less stable, Democrats are delivering real solutions. I'm proud to lead this fight in the House alongside Rep. Mentzer and Rep. Scott. ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
Join me tonight in Oshtemo for this month’s Community Office Hours! These informal gatherings are a great opportunity to stop by, ask questions, share concerns, or just chat about what’s happening in Lansing. No agenda—just conversation. Hope to see you there! ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
Please be aware another significant storm is heading our way, right on the heels of last night's storms. More storms and wind gusts of 60–80 mph are expected.
Take what time you can today to prepare. Charge your devices, replenish water stores, and prepare for another potential night in the basement.
Consumers Energy has also been coordinating with my office all day. They have just updated us on their ongoing efforts to restore power to over 40,000 homes across the region, as well as their efforts to prepare for another wave of incoming storms.
If you're experiencing issues or have concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out.
To report a power outage to Consumers, use this link: ... See MoreSee Less
Report an Outage | Consumers Energy
www.consumersenergy.com
Keeping your personal information safe and secure is a top priority for us. That’s why after you log in to your account, all of your transactions are encrypted and take place on a secure server. Tha...0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Join me next Monday from 4:30-6:30pm in Oshtemo for my monthly Office Hours. Stop by to discuss legislative updates, questions, or concerns. I hope to see you 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.2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Yesterday, I was proud to introduce House Bills 4478-4479 alongside my colleague State Representative Matt Longjohn. Legislation that will address the threat of ‘ghost guns’.
The term ‘Ghost Guns’ refers to firearms without valid serial numbers. Usually purchased online in different parts and assembled, or 3D printed in an individual’s house. And as they do not have serial numbers, they are nearly impossible to track down and register like any regular firearm. Their untraceable nature severely undermines our state’s ability to effectively investigate and prevent gun violence. And there have been multiple shootings using ghost guns in the past few years. 15 states have already acted on the danger of ghost guns and have made laws to regulate them.
Our legislation will prohibit an individual from manufacturing, assembling, importing, purchasing, selling, or transferring a firearm, frame, or receiver that does not have a valid serial number. It requires those who create them and sell them to get an appropriate license and instructs those who purchased them and currently own them to register them with the State Police. It also prescribes the penalties for violations of the law. Basically, these bills will treat ghost guns the same as any other firearm and thereby regulate them in accordance with Michigan’s existing firearm laws.
Gun violence is a personal issue for me and I am adamant about taking action that will save the lives of others. This is but one of many legislative solutions, and I hope to see this bill pass and more action taken by the legislature.
You can find more information on ghost guns and the need to regulate them here: www.bradyunited.org/resources/issues/what-are-ghost-guns
www.everytown.org/issues/ghost-guns/ ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
The first three months in our office have flown by, and with budget season in full swing, I'm continuing to work hard for our community in Lansing. I've also been hosting monthly Community Coffee Hours and Office Hours across the district to stay connected and hear directly from you.
Our next event is this Friday in Texas Township at the KVCC Groves Campus from 10:30am to 12pm. I'll share legislative updates and take questions, comments, and concerns. I hope to see you there! ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Did I mention that Thursday was a busy day in Lansing?
It was the House Republican's self-imposed deadline for submitting legislatively directed funding requests for local projects across Michigan. This was designed to be the ONLY chance we will have to introduce and start fighting for 'earmarks' in the budget and to minimize 'earmarks', but I think it may have had unintended results. I would actually prefer to have our budget be developed through committees and consensus-building negotiations, but the amount of cuts threatened by Republicans led to a lot of fear that essential programs and investments needed to be submitted this week if they were ever going to get ANY funding. So, at the end of the day, over $4 billion was proposed by 90+ members of the House.
Over the last several weeks, my team and I worked around the clock to navigate a chaotic, constantly shifting, and abnormally partisan process—one that was intentionally confusing, packed with arbitrary requirements, and, at points, legally questionable. Despite the hurdles, we stayed focused on our values and priorities. We did whatever we could to support the constituents and community in the 40th House District while advancing funding proposals to improve the health and quality of life of all Michiganders.
Here’s a quick overview of the projects we put forward:
MIDOCs Program
We proposed a $6.4 million investment to expand Michigan’s pipeline of physicians serving rural and underserved areas. This funding will strengthen primary care infrastructure statewide, improve health outcomes, and ensure communities across Michigan have access to the doctors they need.
Supporting Community Health and Health Innovation
We proposed an $18 million investment to support training and infrastructure development for Michigan’s community health centers as they prepare to implement a new Alternative Payment Methodology (APM). Specialized care-team training, modernized patient care workflows, updated electronic health records and population health systems were all included.
City of Portage – Brown Avenue Reconstruction
We backed $2 million in critical infrastructure upgrades next to the Portage Zhang Senior Center and new Farmers Market. This project will support economic development, increase accessibility to vital community services, and improve quality of life for people across Portage and the greater Kalamazoo area.
City of Portage – Stormwater Mitigation
We also advanced another $2 million project to finally address chronic flooding around US-131 in Portage. Protecting hundreds of millions in public and private investments, this stormwater project will safeguard homes, businesses, and infrastructure from repeated flood damage and make the area more resilient to future growth.
YWCA Kalamazoo
We requested $4 million to sustain and expand life-saving services for survivors of violence, as well as maternal and child health programs that have already helped lower infant mortality rates in Kalamazoo County. This funding will strengthen a vital safety net for some of the most vulnerable members of our community. ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Today marks another first for me in Lansing: I’m introducing my very first bill as a State Rep. As a rookie legislator—and the only medical doctor in the Michigan Legislature—I’m proud to champion the Prescription Drug Affordability Board legislation in the House. Reducing the cost of health care was one of the main reasons I ran for office last year.
You’ve heard me say it before, but it’s worth repeating: Michiganders—and Americans across the board—are paying too much for health care. They’re struggling to afford it, and too often, they’re not getting what they are paying for. National health expenditures have topped $4 trillion annually, or about $14,000 per person. Sadly, these costs are only going to increase due to President Trump’s tariffs, which will raise costs on imported medications, and because of misguided Republican "MAHA" proposals that would slash Medicare, Medicaid, cost-saving preventive services, etc.--shifting more costs to those least able to pay.
Prescription drugs are the fastest-growing share of the healthcare dollar. In 2023, the median annual list price for a new drug hit $300,000—up from $222,000 the year before. If we want to rein in health care costs, we have to start by making medications more affordable.
Just last week in the House Appropriations Committee, we looked at why there was a $250 million jump in Medicaid costs for 2024. Nearly all of it could be attributed to increased pharmaceutical spending—especially the rising use of GLP-1s. Make no mistake: these are incredible medications. As a preventive medicine doctor, I want people to avoid diabetes, strokes, and dementia—but we won’t be able to keep Michigan healthy if we can’t afford these amazing innovations.
PDAB legislation is one way that we can fight back--and fight for Michiganders who are too often having to choose between paying for groceries and fulfilling their prescriptions. It is a thoughtful and evidence informed way that we can ensure access to amazing drugs that have been hitting the market while keeping another eye on the bottom line for taxpayers and in many citizens checkbooks.
The district I represent was incredibly proud when the trucks left a global vaccine production headquarters in Portage and helped the world respond to the COVID pandemic. Many of my neighbors, friends, and colleagues have jobs in the pharmaceutical the medical device industries. I can assure you PDAB will not diminish those family’s ability to make ends meet, pay for their kids' education or plan for a dignified retirement. Experiences with PDAB's in other states have shown us President Trump's tariffs will have far more significant impact on jobs in the pharmaceutical industry then PDAB. While Republicans are making life more expensive and less stable for families and seniors, Democrats are working on solutions.
Thank you to my Senate colleagues for advancing this important legislation—I’m proud to lead the charge in the House alongside Rep. Mentzer and Rep. Scott. ... See MoreSee Less
5 CommentsComment on Facebook