Legislative Updates
- Senate Bill 288: My bill would repeal the sunset on the Michigan Energy Assistance Act. Funds raised through the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) are distributed through nonprofit service agencies across the state through the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP). In 2022 the program provided energy assistance and self-sufficiency services to 56,047 qualifying households. Self-sufficiency services for the program include assisting people with:
- Paying their energy bills on time
- Budgeting for and contributing to their ability to provide for energy expenses, which may include enrollment into an affordable payment plan (APP)
- Utilizing energy services to optimize on energy efficiency
The extension of this program will continue to help thousands of low-income residents in need. I am proud to sponsor this legislation.
- Senate Bills 302-303: Amends the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Act to allow local units of government to provide financing to the owners of commercial or industrial properties for energy and water conservation projects. The bills would make several revisions to the C-PACE program, including expanding the program to agricultural property, requiring new construction energy projects to exceed the Uniform Energy Code, and allowing for the financing of new environmental hazard projects, such as mitigating lead, PFAS, the effects of flood or drought, or increasing the resistance to severe weather. I voted in support of this legislation.
- Senate Bill 90: Referred to as The Crown Act- Amends the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA) to prohibit discrimination based on traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles. This legislation is in response to several studies that have found that Black women and girls have been targets of discrimination, reprimanded, and even sent home from school or work for their hair or hair styles. I voted in support of this legislation.
- Senate Resolution 54: Commemorates June 2023 as Gun Violence Awareness Month.
- On Monday Governor Whitmer signed the Extreme Risk Protection Order legislation, a provision that allows medical professionals, family members, guardians, and police to petition a judge to remove the firearms from an individual who are shown to be a threat to themselves or others. We committed to taking bold action to address gun violence in our state and I was proud to support these bills when they passed out of the legislature.
District News
Haslett High School has been recognized as a Unified Champion Banner School and ESPN Unified Honor Roll member, the only Michigan School to receive both of these honors in 2022.
Afterschool Partnership Legislative Champion Award
A critical part of a student’s education is the programs they have access to outside of the classroom. I have been a vocal proponent of supporting afterschool programs in Michigan and was honored to be recognized by the Michigan Afterschool Partnership as a Legislative Champion. The MASP champions statewide access to quality and equitable Out-of-School Time programs to ensure that all children and youth succeed. I am committed to continuing to support and encourage investment in these programs throughout our community and state.
The Laingsburg Seasonal Farmer’s Market Opening Day is June 4 @ 10am – 2pm
The Laingsburg Farmers Market is designed to encourage entrepreneurship, support our local economy, promote a healthy lifestyle and highlight local area farmers and artisans.
Curwood Festival
Curwood Festival in Owosso is June 1-4th. This is an exciting opportunity to come celebrate with friends and neighbors in the community along with visitors throughout the region! You can find the list of festival activities here: http://www.curwoodfestival.com/
June Coffee Hours
WHEN: Monday, June 12, 2023, from 6 –7 pm
WHERE: Bath Township Public Library, 14051 Webster Rd, Bath Twp, MI 48808
WHEN: Monday, June 26, 2023, from 8 – 9 am
WHERE: Virtual, register here.