Congresswoman Scholten is pictured speaking at the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute Summit. Dear Neighbor, For families across West Michigan, the cost of living continues to be one of the biggest concerns I hear about. Whether it’s the grocery bill, the cost of child care, a trip to the doctor, or keeping up with the rent or mortgage, everyday expenses are putting real pressure on family budgets. You shouldn't have to choose between putting food on the table and paying the electric bill. You shouldn't have to put off a doctor's appointment because you're worried about the cost. And working families shouldn't have to spend a paycheck just to keep up with the basics. That's why I’m focused on lowering costs and making sure West Michigan families have a fair shot at getting ahead. In Congress, that means pushing for policies that make health care and child care more affordable, protecting Social Security and Medicare, and standing up for working families when prices go up. I’ll keep fighting to make sure the economy works for the people who work for a living, not just those at the top.
Representative Hillary Scholten
 
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Congresswoman Scholten is pictured speaking at the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute Summit.


Dear Neighbor,


For families across West Michigan, the cost of living continues to be one of the biggest concerns I hear about. Whether it’s the grocery bill, the cost of child care, a trip to the doctor, or keeping up with the rent or mortgage, everyday expenses are putting real pressure on family budgets.


You shouldn't have to choose between putting food on the table and paying the electric bill. You shouldn't have to put off a doctor's appointment because you're worried about the cost. And working families shouldn't have to spend a paycheck just to keep up with the basics.


That's why I’m focused on lowering costs and making sure West Michigan families have a fair shot at getting ahead. In Congress, that means pushing for policies that make health care and child care more affordable, protecting Social Security and Medicare, and standing up for working families when prices go up.


I’ll keep fighting to make sure the economy works for the people who work for a living, not just those at the top.
 
 
 

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The Week in Review
 
 

Here’s a look at what Team Scholten did with you in mind.

Showing Up With Action
 
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I fought to secure $850,000 in federal funding to make the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s new Hub for Latino Economic Advancement and Talent Development a reality. Today, I was excited to see that investment come to life with the Hub’s grand opening, creating new opportunities for Latino entrepreneurs, small businesses, and families across West Michigan to connect, grow, and succeed.
 
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I joined the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute for its annual summit to talk about health disparities and the work we need to do to close those gaps. Thank you to GRAAHI for bringing our community together and continuing this important work.
 
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SECOM has been helping families on Grand Rapids’ Southeast Side access food, resources, and opportunities for more than 50 years. I toured their new facility and heard directly from community members about what SNAP cuts and changes to eligibility mean for their families.
 
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I met with the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network to hear directly from residents working to hold polluters accountable and protect our water.
 
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I visited Muskegon Community College to see the progress on their new Student Success Center. I secured $850,000 in federal funding for this project, which will help MCC better support students across Muskegon County.
 
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Grateful to the West Michigan superintendents who joined me for a conversation about the future of our schools and discussing what West Michigan students, teachers, and families  need to succeed.
 
Photos of the Week

By the numbers: 

 

Our number of the week is 131.


That's how many constituent casework cases my office closed this week.

Being a member of Congress means more than showing up to vote. It means making sure West Michiganders have an advocate when they’re having trouble accessing the federal resources and services they need.


Whether it's Social Security, Medicare, veterans benefits, the IRS, or another federal agency, navigating the federal government can be frustrating and overwhelming. My casework team works directly with constituents and federal agencies to help resolve these issues and get people the answers they need.


I'm proud of the work our casework team does every day to make sure West Michiganders don't have to navigate the federal government alone.


Need help with a federal agency? Reach out to my office at scholten.house.gov/help.
 
 

Looking Ahead
 
 
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Applications for U.S. Service Academy nominations are now live. The application deadline for the Class of 2031 is October 30, 2026. More info here.
 
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Do you volunteer, play sports, take part in clubs, scout programs, or enjoy outdoor adventures? Those activities could help you earn the Congressional Award.


This program recognizes young people ages 14 to 24 for growth in service, fitness, personal development, and exploration. I encourage West Michigan’s young leaders to learn more and apply here. 
 
INTERN
 

Are you a college student or recent graduate interested in serving West Michigan? Apply for an internship in my office! 


Applications for the Spring semester are due on November 2nd and spots are limited, so apply ASAP. Apply at repscholten.us/intern to save your spot!
 

Votes:

The House is in recess this week and no votes will be taking place.


You can always keep up with my recent votes and legislative work on my website.
 

In case you missed it: 
  • Annual Harvest Festival Returns to East Grand Rapids – The annual Harvest Festival is returning to Gaslight Village on October 10, bringing local food, live music, family activities and more to the community. Read more here.
  • Nearly Half of GVSU’s Incoming Students Are First-Generation College Students – Grand Valley State University welcomed more than 5,300 new undergraduate students this fall, with nearly 2,500 being the first in their families to attend college. Read more here.
  • Kent ISD Debuts 10 Electric School Buses – Kent ISD has added 10 electric school buses to its transportation fleet, bringing cleaner and quieter transportation to students across Kent County. Read more here.
  • ArtPrize Breaks Guinness World Record for Largest Fashion Show Attendance – ArtPrize 2026 made history in Grand Rapids as 3,618 people gathered for a fashion show featuring local designer RC Caylan, breaking the previous Guinness World Record. Read more here.

Straight Talk With Scholten
 
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Reminder: Team Scholten is here to help!
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It’s an honor to serve you, West Michigan.


- Rep. Scholten
 
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Office Locations
 
Washington, DC Office
Washington DC Office
1317 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-3831
District Office
Grand Rapids District Office
110 Michigan Street NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: (616) 451-8383
 
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