Representative Hillary Scholten

Dear Neighbors–

It’s not every week you get to welcome the Vice President of the United States of America to your district! I was so proud to show her West Michigan; and so proud of the reception West Michigan gave her (she was especially touched as our motorcade drove through my neighborhood and our neighbors came out, waving American flags and shouting their thanks!)

Her visit was timely. In the wake of last week’s decision by the Alabama Supreme Court restricting IVF access, we held a roundtable to talk about reproductive freedoms in America. I’m simply gutted for women across the country reeling from the implications of this decision. As a devout Christian, I deeply believe in the sanctity of life. As a lawmaker who has sworn an oath to protect the constitution, I will vigorously defend the separation of church & state against abuses like this.

This ruling puts lives in peril, jeopardizes IVF treatments which have made so many families whole, and sets us down a dangerous path of extreme right-wing Christian nationalism—something our founders vigorously fought against.

Just as I want the freedom to make my own healthcare decisions in line with my faith, I want every American to be able to make those same decisions in line with their own faith. I will never stop working to protect those freedoms.

The week in review:

Legislative Corner

We have work to do in Washington. But, before that work was done, Republican leadership sent us home–without passing a budget, again. If Congress fails to pass a budget, the government will partially shut down on March 2nd. If there is still not a budget by March 9th, the government will fully shut down.

If the government shuts down, servicemembers who have dedicated their lives in service to our country will not get paid. Women, infants, and families in need will go without their SNAP and WIC benefits that they rely on for healthy food. Grant programs that fund projects throughout our community will halt.

West Michigan cannot afford a shutdown. I’m continuing to work tirelessly–and reaching across the aisle– to find a fiscally responsible, bipartisan solution that keeps the government open and funds our shared priorities.

I’ll keep you updated as negotiations progress.

This week, I co-sponsored three bills, including the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act. The Affordable Connectivity Program is essential to connecting West Michiganders with low-cost, high-quality internet access, but this program is running out of money. Our bill would make sure funds are extended so West Michiganders can continue to use this resource for years to come.

West Michigan Update

It’s Library Lovers Month! I visited the Krause Memorial Library to learn more about the incredible resources they offer our community and their plans for their 23,000 sq. foot expansion. After their last expansion, visitorship increased 100%!

Friends of Grand Rapids Parks works tirelessly to maintain and improve parks and trails across Grand Rapids. So far, they’ve planted more than 8,000 trees! It was great to join them to discuss the $5M grant we secured together through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and how we can continue working to create a healthier, greener West Michigan.

The AMP Lab at Western Michigan University is creating opportunities for students looking to jumpstart their careers in the manufacturing and engineering fields – some of our local high school students are even getting involved in their dual enrollment programs. I stopped by for a tour of their impressive facilities and a discussion with the Lab’s leadership team.

I sat down with leaders from Gaines Township to talk about their exciting new master plan for the township! I’m so grateful for the chance to learn more about what lies ahead and how I can be supportive of the plan’s development.

As a member of the House Small Business Committee, I’m constantly collaborating with small businesses and entrepreneurs in West Michigan to make sure they have the resources they need to be successful. I partnered with the West Michigan BIPOC Chamber of Commerce for a small business roundtable where we discussed the challenges facing business owners and how we can work together to shine a light on the incredible business owners in Muskegon County. The experiences and input from these leaders are invaluable, and I’ll be taking what I learned back with me to the Committee in Washington.

What’s better than a visit from the Small Business Administrator Isabel Guzman? A SECOND visit to West Michigan from Administrator Guzman! We welcomed her back to Grand Rapids for a tour of the Beastro– a Black-owned small business that offers healthy and fresh dog foods for our furry friends. I’ll definitely be back to grab some food for Smoky!

I had the best time touring the Grand Rapids Biodigester. This project’s goal is to reduce the amount of solid waste that goes into Grand Rapids’ landfills by turning the solid waste into natural gas. Not only does this help our environment– it raises revenue!

The week in preview:

This week, all eyes are on Congress as we work to avoid a government shutdown. At this point, the plan is to be back in session on Wednesday night and we have until Friday night to pass a budget. As I said earlier–West Michigan cannot afford a shutdown, and I'll continue working around the clock to make sure we get this done. Our communities and our country are counting on us, and we cannot keep kicking the can down the road.

ICYMI

My office is now accepting applications for Summer 2024 interns! Our offices’ interns play a pivotal role in serving West Michigan, and this program is a fantastic way to jumpstart a career in public service. Learn more and apply here!
Calling all West Michigan young artists! The Congressional Art Competition is now OPEN! Students who live in the Third District can send my office one piece of original artwork for the chance to have their work displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. Learn more here.
I’m continuing my partnership with the Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives to celebrate Black History Month. Check out some of our recent stories on my social media pages!

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

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