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
FOLLOW FOR MORE
Stay Connected with
Matt Longjohn
As we near the July 1 start of the school fiscal year without a signed budget for the School Aid fund, I want to be clear that I will not support a budget that slashes funding for mental health support in schools, free school meals, rural transportation and more. Kids can’t learn if they arrive at school on an empty stomach or if they don’t have the mental health care they need.
5 CommentsComment on Facebook
Join me TONIGHT from 5:30–7pm at the Portage Zhang Senior Center for an important Community Conversation on the State Education Budget. We’ll be joined by Dr. Dedrick Martin, Superintendent of Kalamazoo RESA, L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D., President of Kalamazoo Valley Community College, and other local education leaders. We'll discuss what passed the House just last week and what’s ahead in budget negotiations. 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
I’m proud to announce that @MiHouseDems’ new education investment vision, which increases our K-12 budget by $3.2 billion from FY 2025, prioritizes mental health & school safety. This is crucial. In addition to keeping students’ mental health at the forefront of this plan, we also prioritized keeping kids fed, improving literacy, and keeping class sizes small. Schools should be equipped with the resources and support they need for all kids to thrive.
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
Join me next Monday June 16th for a Community Conversation on the state budget , specifically the school aid budget. I will be joined by local School Board members, members of the Michigan Education Association, and more. Join us to participate in a robust discussion about what's at stake next Monday, June 16th from 5:30-7pm at the Portage Zhang Senior Center.
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Thanks for everyone that attended our Community Coffee Hour in Portage this morning! We had a great discussion on issues from education to our environment. Join us next month at the Oshtemo Township Hall on July 11th from 10:30am-noon.
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
LIVE: I am joined by my colleagues and gun violence prevention advocates to talk about legislation that will hold the gun industry accountable to help protect Michiganders.
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
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
FOLLOW FOR MORE
Matt Longjohn IN THE NEWS
Capitol & Community Updates
Hello Friends, On Jan. 8, I had the honor of swearing the Oath of Office and officially beginning my service [...]
Democratic Legislators Condemn House GOP Passage of Anti-Worker Bills, Blocking Minimum Wage Increases
State Reps Matt Longjohn (D-Portage) and Tonya Myers Phillips (D-Detroit) on the House floor in the Michigan Capitol Building in [...]
Longjohn Testifies in Select Committee, Offers Important Amendment
LANSING, Mich., Jan. 16, 2025 — The Select Committee on Protecting Michigan Employees and Small Businesses heard testimony today on [...]
As we near the July 1 start of the school fiscal year without a signed budget for the School Aid fund, I want to be clear that I will not support a budget that slashes funding for mental health support in schools, free school meals, rural transportation and more. Kids can’t learn if they arrive at school on an empty stomach or if they don’t have the mental health care they need. ... See MoreSee Less
5 CommentsComment on Facebook
Join me TONIGHT from 5:30–7pm at the Portage Zhang Senior Center for an important Community Conversation on the State Education Budget. We’ll be joined by Dr. Dedrick Martin, Superintendent of Kalamazoo RESA, L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D., President of Kalamazoo Valley Community College, and other local education leaders. We'll discuss what passed the House just last week and what’s ahead in budget negotiations. 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
I’m proud to announce that @MiHouseDems’ new education investment vision, which increases our K-12 budget by $3.2 billion from FY 2025, prioritizes mental health & school safety. This is crucial. In addition to keeping students’ mental health at the forefront of this plan, we also prioritized keeping kids fed, improving literacy, and keeping class sizes small. Schools should be equipped with the resources and support they need for all kids to thrive. ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
An update on the budget situation in Lansing: ... See MoreSee Less
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
Join me next Monday June 16th for a Community Conversation on the state budget , specifically the school aid budget. I will be joined by local School Board members, members of the Michigan Education Association, and more. Join us to participate in a robust discussion about what's at stake next Monday, June 16th from 5:30-7pm at the Portage Zhang Senior Center. ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Thanks for everyone that attended our Community Coffee Hour in Portage this morning! We had a great discussion on issues from education to our environment. Join us next month at the Oshtemo Township Hall on July 11th from 10:30am-noon. ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
LIVE: I am joined by my colleagues and gun violence prevention advocates to talk about legislation that will hold the gun industry accountable to help protect Michiganders. ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
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