Dear Neighbor –
Our shared work to build a stronger, more vibrant West Michigan for all continued in full color this week. I never forget for a single day that my work is one of representation–of being your voice, your presence in the community. Here’s a look at what we did together this week. |
As the first woman and mother in history to represent West Michigan in Congress, I’m focused on urgently addressing the often overlooked needs of women and mothers. This week, I visited Safe Haven Ministries, an organization that provides shelter and resources to those fleeing domestic violence and human trafficking in our community. |
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I was so proud to help them receive a $1.2 million grant to fund a task force with the Kent County Sheriff’s Office to combat human trafficking – a local issue that has national implications. |
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Access to quality, affordable childcare is another major issue facing today’s parents. Childcare issues not only cause emotional stress but also economic stress. In a recent jobs report, 46% of mothers reported leaving the workforce due to childcare issues. Did you know that there are over 100,000 childcare vacancy slots needed just in West Michigan? Can you imagine how our workforce, economy, and society could be transformed if those needs were met? |
Through my direct appropriations requests, I’ve been proud to support childcare facility developments throughout the district. One is the IFF Boston Square Early Childhood Center. I caught up on the progress of the construction this week–it’s going to be such an amazing addition to our community. I was so excited to see our tax dollars at work in this incredible private-public partnership. |
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We had a great time as a team on Friday morning getting out and getting our steps in to celebrate White Cane Awareness Day. Every day I’m working to remove barriers for individuals of all abilities to navigate our community! |
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What a great day celebrating the groundbreaking of the Meijer Sports Complex! I’m so honored to have helped secure federal resources to make this dream a reality. Almost nothing brings us together like sports. This new complex is great for the economy and health–both physical and mental–of our wonderful community. Play ball! ⚾ |
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Friday evening was a Gala Spectacular in Muskegon! We started off with the 25th Anniversary Gala of Access Health.
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And capped off the lovely evening celebrating at the NAACP Muskegon Gala. I’m not fancy enough for a wardrobe change, but I hope you’ll appreciate my practicality and frugality and the multiple times you’ll be seeing this dress at fancy events! 😊 It’s so fun to get dressed up and go out on the town! |
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Truly one of the best parts of our community is the people–our hardworking neighbors, known and unknown–with whom we share this beautiful home. I get the honor of meeting so many of you as I move through the district, and your stories inspire me and stick with me. I’m starting a new periodic feature in our newsletter where I’ll share some of these stories with you, too. I’m so moved by your stories, and I hope by sharing them we can build a deeper sense of community here in MI-03. |
Water is a way of life here in Michigan. It hydrates us, it grows our food, it produces great beer in Beer City, USA, and it brings millions of dollars in tourism revenue to our beautiful beaches every single year. Among the unseen heroes protecting that water are the water filtration workers across our district. They work to keep harmful waste and chemicals out of our water supply. |
One of those heroes is Derrick Johnson, manager of the Muskegon Heights Water Filtration Plant. Our watershed is shared. What happens in Muskegon Heights impacts us all. I had the honor of meeting Derrick earlier this year when we announced a new EPA investment in Water Infrastructure job training through GRCC. |
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I followed up with him this week to get a tour of the plant he now manages. I wanted to share Derek’s story with you (with his permission, of course) here today. Derrick told us that he always knew he was adept at math and science. It wasn’t until he heard about GRCC’s program in the course catalog that he realized water work was a career path that would fulfill his interest in science. |
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So next time you turn on the tap, crack open a cold one, or take a refreshing dip in Lake Michigan, think of Derrick and his work for us. |
In addition to our legislative work, Team Scholten is in contact with West Michiganders on a daily basis to help them solve their issues of federal concern. This can range from casework with the IRS to claw back money you’re owed, Department of State to help secure a passport, Social Security Administration to help a loved one get the benefits they deserve, and so much more.
Starting this week, I’m going to highlight a “Scholten Success Story” – a real story of how constituent services changes lives – from a West Michigander our office has helped. As always, if you require assistance with a federal agency, please call my Grand Rapids office at (616) 451-8383.
See here for our first success story.
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Even when I'm back in West Michigan, Team Scholten's legislative work doesn't stop. This week, we: Joined the Amazon Oversight Letter led by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, addressed to Amazon’s CEO. It expresses concerns regarding the company’s anti-union activities and reaffirms Amazon employees’ right to unionize. Cosponsored H.R. 7623, the Telehealth Modernization Act of 2024, permanently extends certain flexibilities that were initially authorized during the public health emergency relating to COVID-19, especially regarding rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers.
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- This week, our neighbors in Florida saw yet another devastating hurricane pass through their state. I spoke with WZZM about the urgent need for full FEMA funding - something my extremist colleagues are refusing to allocate.
- My bill, H.R. 5732, the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act, was co-introduced in the Senate this week by Michigan's own Sens. Stabenow and Peters! Read more about the bill here.
- Read more here about the new, enormous sports complex in GR!
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As always, it's an honor to serve you, West Michigan.
- HJS |
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