Dear Neighbor – When it comes to the Congressional Schedule, a lot of people refer to the month of August (when Congress doesn’t convene for regular session) as the “August Recess.” But for me, it’s more accurate to call it our August “Getting Stuff Done” time! One of the biggest things I wanted to accomplish in this time was to help decision-makers in Washington see how the policies we make there impact us back home. I did this by bringing influential leaders from Washington HERE, to West Michigan. It’s one thing to tell these folks about our issues in a phone call or in a committee hearing, it’s another to convince them to come here and truly SEE the problem–and the potential–in our district. I love all the great things I’ve been able to do in and for our lovely district this month so far–and we’ve got so much more in store! We had such a full week that I can’t even fit it all in one newsletter (so you’ll have to check out my social media for more), but here’s a look at some of our highlights and a preview of what’s to come. |
Building Up our Water Infrastructure Workforce |
On Tuesday, we welcomed the EPA Acting Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott to the district. We visited GRCC to celebrate a new $1 million grant the EPA is giving to the college to help them enhance their water infrastructure jobs training program. This event combined two of my passions–protecting our water, and workforce force development. |
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I was so inspired by the stories of the students whose lives were changed by this program. And now, in turn, THEY are changing lives as the guardians of one of our world’s most precious resources.
Also–they run a WATER camp for kids. Isn’t that cool?! If only I had known! When I say our water is a way of life here in West Michigan–this is what I mean. We take it seriously, as we should. |
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Addressing the Affordable Housing Crisis in West Michigan |
On Tuesday, we brought Adrianne Todman, the Acting Secretary for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, to the district to discuss the affordable housing crisis we’re experiencing. Acting Secretary Todman assumed this position after former Congresswoman-turned-HUD Marcia Fudge stepped down earlier this year. |
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She’s incredible–a true expert in housing policy. I so enjoyed taking her to visit two great projects that highlight the ways that both the private sector and the public sector work together to address this issue. |
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First, we visited a new project of ICCF–the Southgate project on Division Street. The affordable housing available at Southgate even wowed Acting Secretary Todman. The beauty in every element of the design speaks to the dignity with which ICCF treats every last one of its clients. We also talked about the future Seymour school project, for which I helped secure funds through my direct appropriations lines this year. |
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Second, we got to sit down with the Grand Rapids Housing Commission and visit one of their projects. These public housing projects are truly transforming lives. One of my constituents, Yesica, welcomed us into her 3 bedroom unit – with a yard – that has allowed her to raise her kids in a caring, lovely community. |
We also took a concrete step this week to CREATE more affordable housing. We broke ground on one of my community projects–ICCF’s Seymour Condominiums. |
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Community Conversations: Using AI in Health Care |
Our health care sector is driving our economic growth here in West Michigan–it’s creating jobs and saving lives all at the same time. Since I came to Congress, I’ve been dialed in on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in all sectors, but especially health care. So, I brought one of Washington’s leading voices on the topic–Congressman Ted Lieu of California–to the district, and convened an important community conversation on the topic. |
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We were joined by West Michigan leaders including Michigan State University School of Human Medicine leaders, Dr. Charles Hong, MD, PhD, FAHA, and Dr. Bin Chen; the University of Michigan Health leaders, J. Josh Wilda, MPA, CHCIO, and Dr. Mark Traill, MD; as well as Corewell Health officials, Rob Campbell and Leah Voigt to discuss the assets and drawbacks to this emerging (but certainly not NEW) technology. |
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The conversation was incredibly useful to me, and I know it was to all who attended. The Congressional AI Task Force is currently drafting a report on legislation and guidance needed to make sure we’re enabling innovation and safeguarding patients. Our panelists and participants were directly able to contribute ideas for that report. |
Promoting Peace through Strength and U.S. Readiness |
Here in West Michigan, we do our part to provide for the common defense! This morning I joined The National Defense Industrial Association for a Congressional Delegation at ADAC Automotive. We were joined by dozens of area businesses that work on supporting our U.S. military, as they work to protect US. |
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Supporting our Transit Workers |
I joined the Amalgamated Transit Union Worker’s monthly meeting to provide an update on some of my work in Congress and answer their questions about how we can continue to support these essential workers in our community. |
It’s going to be another great week next week. T&I Nerd Out Moment: The Muskegon Air Show kicked off yesterday and I absolutely can’t wait to check it out at some point this weekend. Next week, I’ll also be spending time in Ottawa County at the Mosaic Counseling Center and the Momentum Center, celebrating our Sustainability Day where we’ll engage in a whole of government approach to sustainability issues in the district, and visit our local Wormies! |
- I’m so proud of MI-03’s own Dr. Cara Poland who just earned a $300K grant from SAMSHA for their MI CARES Expansion. For anyone not familiar with Dr. Poland's work, this recent NYT article covers it well.
- I'm soaking up the last few weekends of summer before my kids head back to school. There are so many great things to do this weekend in West Michigan to make lasting family memories.
- All parents whose children play sports understand the fear of on-field injuries. Thankfully, West Michigan’s coaches are working to prepare themselves to protect our kids. Read more here.
As always, it's an honor to serve you, West Michigan.
- HJS |
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