Hello friends,
I hope this message finds you well as we approach the holiday season. October has been quite a month, and I wanted to take a moment to share some important updates with you.
Legislative Updates
First and foremost, I am delighted to report that our legislative efforts are moving forward. We have been working diligently to address key issues of concern.
A package of bills I introduced are now on the way to the governor’s desk to become law. House Bills 4644, 4645 and 4646 create the Uniform Power of Attorney Act. This legislation will better protect older adults. Older adults commonly use a power of attorney to give a trusted individual the ability to make decisions on their behalf when needed. These bills would standardize power of attorney laws and provide greater clarity and protections.
Older adults deserve peace of mind. Updating our power of attorney law in Michigan is long overdue. This legislation passed both the state House and Senate with broad, bipartisan support and will streamline processes while keeping up with the evolving needs of seniors.
Good News for Our District
The Michigan Strategic Fund recently announced approval of a $350,000 performance-based grant to SJS Electric VDC, headquartered in Battle Creek, to support its business expansion plans. The $902,000 project is expected to create 60 high-skilled jobs and contribute to the growth of the local economy. The approval of this project is excellent news for Battle Creek. It recognizes the potential and talent of our community that we’ve always had. It shows the state’s dedication to supporting local businesses and creating jobs that will benefit our residents and boost our economy.
Moreover, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently announced that over $5 million will go toward protecting Battle Creek’s pension fund. These grants will protect the pensions of public employees and are meant to prevent local governments from cutting vital funds for past public servants. Seniors who put in their years as public servants should be able to trust the security that a pension represents. The public employees of Battle Creek deserve to see the benefits they earned. This is welcome news for our local retirees and all Battle Creek taxpayers.
Coffee Hours The input we receive from constituents is important, and I am committed to continuing this approach in the months ahead. Your voice matters. I am dedicated to representing your interests in our state capital. Reach out to me at JimHaadsma@house.mi.gov or give my office a call at (517) 373-2616. My team and I hold coffee hours on the first Saturday of each month from 9-11 a.m. at Mr. Don’s and from 1-2:30 p.m. at Stirling Books and Brew in Albion. I enjoy meeting new folks and catching up with people whenever I can, so come out and visit with us to advocate for your community.
Mr. Don’s: 341 N. 20th St., Springfield, MI 49037
Stirling Books and Brew: 119 N. Superior St., Albion, MI 49224
Thank you for reading my newsletter. For updates on the happenings in Lansing, please visit my website and follow me on Facebook or Twitter.
Respectfully,
Jim Haadsma
State Representative
District 44