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Hello Friends, I hope everyone had a great Fourth of July weekend! Can you believe July is not only the halfway mark for summer but for the year as well? Independence Day is a time to reflect on how far we’ve come as a nation — and to recommit ourselves to the work that still lies ahead. As your state representative, I remain committed to fighting in Lansing to ensure our community is safe, inclusive and a place where everyone feels they belong. This month, I’ll be spending more time in the district to stay closely connected to the needs of our community. As always, my office is reachable by phone at (517) 373-1790 and by email at [email protected]. Please feel free to reach out at any time with questions, concerns or to share your thoughts on a particular issue. Sincerely, |
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Stephen Wooden State Representative, 81st District Proudly representing parts of the City of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Charter Township, Plainfield Charter Township and all of Ada Township.
In this Issue:
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Upcoming Time with Stephen |
July Coffee HourDue to unforeseen circumstances, our July coffee hour originally scheduled for July 18 has been rescheduled to July 25. This will be an opportunity to meet with me directly to ask questions, share concerns and learn more about what I’ve been up to in Lansing. I hope to see you there!
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Friday, July 25, 9:30-11:30 a.m. — Amy Van Andel Library (Kent District Library, 7215 Headley St. SE Unit 309, Ada, MI 49301)
Coffee hours will rotate around House District 81 throughout the year. Stay tuned for future locations and dates.
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State Budget Deadline: House Republicans Hit SnoozeThe July 1 deadline has passed without a K-12 budget. Our schools have begun planning in the dark for their next fiscal year. Negotiating the budget for the state by July 1 is one of the only deadlines of the Legislature that is outlined in the state statute — meaning it is one of our single greatest duties. With significant cuts looming at the federal level, I believe that the Republican-led House refusing to give schools certainty about what funding they’d have for critical programs like universal free meals, special education or rural transportation is irresponsible and indefensible. Michigan kids deserve better. They deserve access to free meals and reliable transportation to school. These services are vital for students to perform better in the long run. I will continue to call on the speaker and Michigan House Republicans to pass a common-sense, comprehensive, bipartisan budget. The July 1 deadline was not met, but a budget can still be passed before Michigan’s students return to school. |
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SNAP Program Expands Access to Michigan Fruits and VegetablesAs we enter the peak season for farmers markets and farm stands, I want to highlight a valuable program for residents who use a SNAP/MI Bridge Card to buy groceries. The Double Up Food Bucks program helps your dollars go further by matching every dollar you spend on fresh fruits and vegetables, up to $20 per day. That means you can bring home twice as much healthy, Michigan-grown produce. This program benefits both families and local businesses. More than 230 farmers markets, farm stands, and grocery stores participate across the state. While Double Up is not currently available at Kroger, Meijer or Walmart, you can easily find participating locations near you here. Take advantage of this great opportunity to eat fresh and support local agriculture! |
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City of Grand RapidsEvery Wednesday: Gather GR: A Night Market
Every Thursday: GRAM Free Summer Thursdays
Ada TownshipEvery Wednesday: Music on the Lawn Summer Concert Series
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