As a sports family and long-suffering Lions fans, we couldn’t be more thrilled with the season thus far, no matter what happens. From the bottom of my heart, from our family to yours–

GO LIONS! 🦁 

Ok, here’s the weekly round-up and a look at what’s ahead.

This past week was a district work period and, WOW, did we pack it in. We did so much that I’m only sharing the highlights here–but you can always visit my social media page for a full review!

Small Business Advisory Group Meeting

I started the week off with a meeting with my Small Business Advisory Group. I’m so grateful for the diverse array of experiences represented across West Michigan–from larger-scale small businesses to micro-entrepreneurs; from the Lakeshore and rural Ottawa County to downtown Grand Rapids. I can’t do my job without hearing from these folks. 

Reproductive Health Roundtable

This month is Cervical Health Awareness Month, and also what would have been the 51st anniversary of Roe v. Wade. As access to affordable healthcare remains a pressing concern across the country and women’s healthcare especially is politicized, it’s essential that we remain vigilant in doing all we can to protect and preserve comprehensive access to care. It’s one of my absolute number one priorities in Congress. I was grateful to hear from a wide range of providers and healthcare activists across West Michigan about their experiences. 

Lakeshore Visits

On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to visit Oakridge High School in Muskegon. What an amazing learning community. Their holistic approach to health and education is a model for all.

I also visited neighboring Muskegon Heights and met with the high school principal as well as the new Superintendent, Reedell Holmes, and Mayor, Bonnie McGlothin. You may recall that the Muskegon Heights School District recently had more than 30 million dollars in debt forgiven, and now they’re on a fresh path to grow this incredible learning community with boundless potential. We’re excited to work together for the good of the community!

State of the State

I was so honored to accept an invitation from state Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks as her floor guest for the State of the State Address. Michigan has accomplished so much in the past year of Democratic leadership–and they’re just getting started. 

Giving Back

I recently learned that the Red Cross has declared a state of emergency when it comes to blood supplies, and due to storms and hindering weather, our West Michigan community is especially low. I took a few minutes to do my part this week at the Versiti Blood Center!

Community-Led Organizing

I closed out the week with Black Voices in The City and the Michigan Department of Transportation, talking to a group of concerned citizens about what an expanded US131 would look like and how we can mobilize to make sure we’re advocating for the most funding possible in our communities.

Legislative Actions

Even when I’m back in the district, the legislative work continues. This week…

• I co-sponsored 6 bills, including the You Earned It, You Keep It Act, which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the inclusion in gross income of Social Security benefits. Our seniors worked hard all their lives paying into Social Security, they should get to keep what they earned.
• I’m introducing a new bill (leading it through to finality next week)– the Women-Owned Small Business Integrity Act– which would save women-owned small businesses valuable time and resources by avoiding an audit once a contract has been awarded, instead it requires the SBA to conduct such an audit on WOSB when the company originally applies. Time is money for these small businesses. Once the contract is awarded, it’s go time.
• I also put pen to paper on two important letters this week. One was a bipartisan letter I led from our Michigan delegation to the National Archives, calling on them to act with urgency in fixing the broken fountain and reflecting pool at the Ford Museum. My advocacy on this issue has been non-stop since I took office. I had calls with both the foundation and the head of the National Archives this week to keep it going. The Ford Museum is a treasure for West Michigan and the responsible parties must act with urgency in restoring the outdoor area of the museum to a state of dignity that Mr. Ford and his family deserve.

I’ll be back in Washington next week. Here’s a quick overview of what’s coming:

• The Small Business Committee will be holding a mark-up hearing. The Enhancing Competition in Contracting Orders Act, which I’m co-leading with Republican Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27), will be considered. This bill would clarify when federal agencies should apply a critical pricing tool that allows HUBZone small businesses to better compete for work in the federal marketplace. 
• We’ll also be having a mark-up hearing in the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee.
• This week will be a big one for immigration and border discussions. As the bipartisan framework for a border resolution and funding bill failed this week, Republican House leadership is digging in and proposing a series of very extreme and political measures around the border.
• At the end of the week, I’ll join colleagues on a Congressional delegation down to the border to talk about the issues live and in person.

ICYMI:

• Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and I’m collecting Valentine’s Day cards to deliver to West Michigan veterans! To participate, send your Valentine’s Day cards to my West Michigan office.
• Our bipartisan Dignity Act (the only bipartisan, comprehensive immigration bill in Congress right now) has nearly 30 co-sponsors and is adding more every day. You can learn more here.
• I convened a briefing of the U.S. Coast Guard to ask for more information about ongoing sexual assault investigations.
• Did you know that West Michigan is in the running to host a March Madness tournament game?
• Our monthly grants newsletter is a great way to get information about funding information! You can request to receive it by emailing Kathryn.Pina@mail.house.gov.

As always, it’s an honor to serve you, West Michigan.

Hillary Scholten
Member of Congress