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
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
LIVE NOW: Prescription drug prices are killing Michiganders' budgets! Michigan Democrats are delivering on our plan to lower your costs at the pharmacy and working to ensure everyone has access to the meds they need. Join us LIVE in demanding action.
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Thanks to all the folks who came out to my monthly office hours on Monday! These gatherings are an opportunity to dive into legislative priorities or questions. It was great to share my thoughts on the budget process and hear ideas from across the community. You can join me next month in Oshtemo on Monday, May 20th from 4:30-6pm at Latitude 42.
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Last week I had the privilege of stopping by Portage Central! I met with a small group of students who were curious about health care and politics, and I had the honor of presenting a tribute to the Portage Central Library. Their library was recently recognized across the state as a model for what a 21st century school library can be—thanks to the creativity, hard work, and dedication of their staff and administrators!
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Join me Monday for our monthly coffee hour! We’ll be at Centre Street Tap House 4:30-6pm, stop by to chat, ask questions, or share concerns. Hope to see you there!
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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 [...]
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
LIVE NOW: Prescription drug prices are killing Michiganders' budgets! Michigan Democrats are delivering on our plan to lower your costs at the pharmacy and working to ensure everyone has access to the meds they need. Join us LIVE in demanding action. ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Thanks to all the folks who came out to my monthly office hours on Monday! These gatherings are an opportunity to dive into legislative priorities or questions. It was great to share my thoughts on the budget process and hear ideas from across the community. You can join me next month in Oshtemo on Monday, May 20th from 4:30-6pm at Latitude 42. ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Last week I had the privilege of stopping by Portage Central! I met with a small group of students who were curious about health care and politics, and I had the honor of presenting a tribute to the Portage Central Library. Their library was recently recognized across the state as a model for what a 21st century school library can be—thanks to the creativity, hard work, and dedication of their staff and administrators! ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Join me Monday for our monthly coffee hour! We’ll be at Centre Street Tap House 4:30-6pm, stop by to chat, ask questions, or share concerns. 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
An update from the House floor: ... See MoreSee Less
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