Dear Neighbor– A very happy Independence Day Weekend to you and your family. We had a fabulous time walking in the 90th annual Hollyhock Lane Parade in my neighborhood and, for the 6th year in a row, serving with my family as the float judge for the kids’ floats. Great to see so many of you out this week. Being the true Nerd Mom that I am, we don’t let a Fourth of July go by without me reading the Declaration of Independence to my kids. When our founders talked about the best way to secure our inalienable rights–Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness, they talked about “Governments [that] are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” I keep that in mind in my representation every day–this work is not about me, it is about you and being your voice. Sadly, I think far too many in positions of elected power have forgotten that–it’s the will of the people, not the self, that must prevail. I think we’d be in a much better place in our country if more elected officials remembered that their power is only derived through the consent of the governed, of our constituents. I thank you all for reading this newsletter and engaging with our office each week. I cannot do this work without your engagement, without your consent through the democratic process. It’s the honor of my life to get to be your voice in Washington. To easily share your perspective with this office, you can just respond to this newsletter/e-mail.
If you need or want a refresher on the Declaration of Independence text, you can find it here. We had a hoppin’ week, and I think I might have broken even MY OWN record for how many visits we did and constituents we were able to connect with. Below is a look at just SOME of the visits we did, and a preview of what’s ahead.
The Week in Review Showing up with Action Understanding Severe Weather
Severe weather has always dominated West Michigan summers. I remember sheltering in our basement regularly during tornado warnings as a kid. (My mom on the other hand was known for hopping in the car or on her bike and calling over her shoulder to my dad and us girls, “I’m just going to see what I can see, you get in the basement and I’ll be right back.”). Haha. But severe weather is truly no laughing matter, and severe storms are increasing in frequency and intensity. The June 25 storm system that crossed through West Michigan leveled a devastating blow to personal property across West Michigan, especially in Muskegon County. This week, I brought my attention to those impacted by visiting the storm damage and offering my support. I also followed up with a visit to our local National Weather Service Location to learn more about how they’re using advanced systems to better monitor and predict storms. The use of AI can analyze storm patterns over the years and enhance our understanding of storms and weather patterns so we can better prepare for them, and make more informed economic choices. I’m all in to support the development of this new technology. |
A Thriving West Michigan for ALL abilities
Across West Michigan, tens of thousands of kids and adults in our community live with developmental and/or permanent disabilities. This week I took time to visit with two incredible organizations working to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities, navigating a world that was not designed with them in mind. |
At the Comprehensive Therapy Center, I got to tour their facility and learn more about the incredible services they offer. For over 40 years, Comprehensive Therapy Center has been meeting the needs of at-risk or disadvantaged adults and children with disabilities through therapy–from speech, to physical motor skills, and even life skills. I was so inspired by their mission, but more so their compassionate and inclusive delivery of services. |
At Kent Disability Advocates, I got a tour of their new space that showcases home technology and gadgets to help individuals better navigate their living spaces with confidence and independence. This organization is such a bedrock in our community, and I can’t wait to partner with them going forward to improve our policy at the federal level. A HUGE thanks to the team for showing me around. |
We have a long way to go in terms of public policy that recognizes and truly includes, not just accommodates, individuals with differences and disabilities–from updating the ADA, making our public transportation more responsive for the sensory and mobility impaired, and making is so that our insurances systems include coverage for a wide range of services for the health and wellness of all. |
Voting is currently underway in Kent County on the continuation of an important millage that supports early childhood education. I stopped by First Steps Kent to learn more about their work and why they’re seeking to continue the millage for the next six years. You can learn more about it and make an informed vote by reading more here. |
Every summer, the Grand Rapids Urban League hosts an incredible Summer internship program, bringing youth from around the Grand Rapids area together to learn to be leaders. This summer’s program is called “No Boundaries, No Barriers,” an incredible call to optimism for young people to shape our future. I was honored to talk about my groundbreaking work for West Michigan in Congress. I was so overwhelmed with the incredibly thoughtful and engaged questions from the students too. |
This week, I was honored to welcome Omani students and leaders from the Al Amana Centre in Oman who are visiting Grand Rapids on a cultural exchange program. The United States and Oman have enjoyed a strong and enduring friendship that has spanned over two hundred years. The earliest recorded interaction between the two countries was when an American ship, the Boston Rambler, sailed to the port of Muscat in 1790. In 1833 the two countries signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce, a first for the U.S. and an Arab Gulf State. Promoting peace through understanding and relationship building is essential. I look forward to growing and sustaining our relations for years to come. You can read more about the U.S. and Omani relationship here. |
Legislative Update
Despite it being a 'holiday week,' I signed onto some important bills and letters this week. See below for a full report out. Bills: - H.R. 8600 - The Gas-Operated Semi-Automatic Firearms Exclusion (GOSAFE) Act: This bill amends title 18, United States Code, in order to restrict the possession of certain firearms, and for other purposes.
- H.R. 8426 - The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act: This bill secures the rights of public employees to organize, act concertedly, and bargain collectively, which safeguards the public interest and promotes the free and unobstructed flow of commerce, and for other purposes.
- H.R. 1787 - The Carnivals Are Real Entertainment Act: This bill makes certain workers with a traveling carnival or circus eligible for P visas (nonimmigrant visas for athletes, artists, and entertainers).
- H.R. 5003 - Break the Cycle of Violence Act: This bill authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to build safer, thriving communities, and save lives, by investing in effective community-based violence reduction initiatives, and for other purposes.
Letters Signed On To: - Letter to the Fed on Basel III Small Business Impacts: This letter calls on the Fed to withdraw and reissue the Basel III rule if they make significant changes to it in order to create a new public comment period so that small businesses have the opportunity to make their voices heard before the proposal is final.
- Unity Commitment: This letter is a commonsense agreement to accept the outcome of the 2024 election and serve as a voice of calm during the potentially chaotic post-election period.
The Week in Preview
I’m back to Washington next week and Republicans are again bringing up their Appliance Bill of Rights work. You really cannot make this stuff up, folks. To continue our appropriations work for our FY2025 Budget. Speaking of the budget, stay tuned next week for some very exciting news about some long overdue federal resources coming to West Michigan!
ICYMI: - The First Lady visited West Michigan this week to talk about child hunger. The boys, Mayor Bliss, and I gave her a warm West Michigan welcome!
- West Michigan women are moving and shaking! Congratulations to Mayor Bliss on getting named to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's Executive Committee by Governor Whitmer!
- Grand Haven also appointed its very first female public safety officer–congratulations to Director Nichole Hudson!
As always, it's an honor to serve you, West Michigan.
Sincerely,
HJS |
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