Dear Neighbor,

Welcome to my e-newsletter! I’m honored and humbled to serve as our community’s voice at the Capitol in Lansing. 2020 was a year unlike any other; as we continue into the new year and new term, rest assured the challenges families in our community and state are facing are at the top of my legislative priorities.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office by phone at (517) 373-0152 or email at AmosONeal@house.mi.gov if we can help.

Sincerely,

Amos O’Neal

State Representative, 95th House District

In this issue:

  • Upcoming Community Conversation
  • Legislative Update
  • Committee Assignments
  • Leadership Positions and Appointments.


Upcoming Community Conversation

 As your state legislator, I am at my best when I have your input and ideas; that’s why I am hosting my first virtual community conversation on Thursday, Feb. 18, at 6 p.m. I am giving a legislative update, but my main goal is to hear from you.

You can join me either on Zoom by clicking here or on Facebook Live by clicking here or searching @StateRepAmosONeal.

 

I hope to see you there!

Legislative Update

 Earlier this week, House Democrats released a pandemic recovery plan that would immediately release over $5 billion in federal dollars to help Michigan workers, small businesses, families and schools impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. On Thursday, House Republicans pushed through a short-sighted appropriations package that leaves some of Michigan taxpayer dollars back in Washington, D.C.

Yesterday I joined my House Democrats colleagues in opposing House Republican legislation that would leave needed COVID-19 vaccine funding and other money in Washington, D.C. There is no reason we should not fully utilize this funding to help Michigan families.

House Democrats demanded several changes to the bills during session, including:

  • Bringing home all $90 million in federal stimulus for vaccine distribution throughout Michigan
  • Bringing home all $575 million in federal stimulus to expand COVID testing, tracing and lab capacity
  • Bringing home all $2.1 billion in federal stimulus to provide food assistance
  • Bringing home all $661 million in federal stimulus to help with rental assistance and winter utility bills
  • Adding $240 million in direct relief to small businesses
  • Extending unemployment assistance from 20 to 26 weeks

Committee Assignments

 I was selected to serve as the Democratic Vice Chair of the House Joint Capitol Outlay Committee, as well as serving on the House Committees on Workforce, Trades and Talent, Appropriations, and the Appropriations Subcommittees on General Government and Education. I am looking forward to working with all my colleagues across these various committees to get the best possible outcomes for the people of Michigan.

Leadership Positions and Appointments

 As a freshman legislator, I am honored to be appointed to serve as the Democratic Caucus Vice Chair for the 2021-22 legislative term. I was also chosen by my colleagues in the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus to serve as treasurer. I am humbled by the faith and trust given to me by my colleagues here in the legislature and I am committed to ensuring the needs and desires of Michigan families always come first.