Representative Hillary Scholten

Telephone Town Hall - October 29th at 5:30 PM

Dear Neighbors–

October has been another “Get Stuff Done” period where my presence has not been required in Washington – so I’ve been able to spend even more time with you all. I’ve been all over our beautiful district meeting with so many of our neighbors. I have so much to share about our time together so I want to connect with YOU! Mark your calendars for October 29th at 5:30 PM for a Telephone Town Hall! Make sure you dial in so you’ll have a chance to hear from me about the work I’m getting done for West Michigan – AND I want to hear from you, so be sure to ask questions! Looking forward to seeing you there!

A Week in West Michigan

Bonds Between U.S. and Ukraine are Forged in West Michigan

Did you know that West Michigan’s own Bridget Brink is now serving as the U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine? Ambassador Brink is an East Grand Rapids native and an East Grand Rapids High School graduate – she’s also fortifying democracy abroad. Ambassador Brink is an exemplary diplomat, helping to shape U.S. foreign policy abroad at a time of immense upheaval. This week, I joined the World Affairs Council of West Michigan as we honored her with the Vandenberg Prize for her exemplary international service.

I enjoyed an extended conversation with her in my office talking about all the ways we can continue to show support for our democratic ally Ukraine…and also about the joys and challenges of raising two boys while managing high-stakes jobs! (She’s a mom of two boys as well!)

I was immensely proud to vote in support of an international humanitarian aid supplemental to our democratic allies around the world, including (and most urgently needed) Ukraine. The cost of this war is undoubtedly high, and I take that seriously, but the cost of inaction, of not stopping Putin in his tracks, is unthinkable. The future of a free and democratic West depends on stopping Putin here and now in Ukraine.

There are so many more ways that we–as a community here in West Michigan–are already supporting the U.S.-Ukrainian relationship. For example, through our friendship city Dniporo! (You can read about that relationship here).

Nottawaseppi Huron Band Tribal Council

Rep. Scholten at Nottawaseppi Health Clinic

In honor of Indigenous People’s Day, we took time to visit the Nottawaseppi Huron Band Tribal Council’s health clinic in downtown Grand Rapids. With comprehensive dental, primary care, and mental health services that incorporate traditional approaches–they are meeting the needs of their patients and building community. I loved learning more about their work and meeting their providers. It’s a privilege to advocate for more recognition and resources on behalf of the Native Americans who have inhabited this land for generations and generations. We owe them a debt of gratitude.

Service Academy Night in MI-03

Every year, I get the distinct honor of vetting–and ultimately nominating–young people in Michigan to our nation’s service academies. The decision to serve is a big one, and not to be taken lightly or in haste. So, to help students and their families make this decision, I host Service Academy Information Nights where families can come and hear from representatives of each branch–and from me–about the application process. This week, I hosted our Fall session and was so pleased and inspired to see so many future leaders who are passionate about service.

If you know a young person interested in attending one of the service academies, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office about the application process.

Grand Rapids Fire Department

Grand Rapids Fire Department is actively growing and expanding to become a regional leader in emergency response. We discussed how the federal grant dollars they received would help educate not just Grand Rapids’ firefighters, but first responders across West Michigan. I was so honored to support their grant application – I’ll never stop working for a stronger, safer, West Michigan for all!

Honoring 58 Years of Greater Grand Rapids NAACP

Rep. Scholten at NAACP Greater Grand Rapids

We capped off the week with an amazing night on the town at the NAACP Grand Rapids 58th annual Freedom Fund Gala with special guests Raphael Warnock, Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist, and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, among others. I shared remarks about all the success we’ve had this year delivering for communities that have often been overlooked in West Michigan, but also–all the work we still have to do, especially around issues of health disparities for Black moms. I’m working every day to close that gap.

Scholten Success Story

West Michigan, Team Scholten is working for YOU. Check out this week’s constituent service win – a story of expedited help with money owed to Ben K. by the IRS – facilitated by our incredible Director of Constituent Services, Bradley Stek.

ICYMI

October 15th was National White Cane Day – check out Grand Rapids’ celebration from last week. Together, we’re striving for a more inclusive future that supports all of our neighbors. Read more here.
Medicare Open Enrollment has begun! Starting in 2025, Medicare Part D participants will have a yearly medication payment cap of $2,000 – a truly meaningful change for our aging neighbors and people with disabilities. Learn more at medicare.gov – and remember, Open Enrollment ends December 7th.
I gave Ms. Magazine’s Michele Goodwin a rundown on what’s going on in Congress and how I’m fighting for a better future for the next generation. Listen to the Fifteen Minutes of Feminism podcast to hear more!

It is the greatest honor of my life to serve you, West Michigan.

With gratitude,

Hillary Scholten
Member of Congress