Dear Neighbor – Another picture-perfect Michigan summer week in the books. I’m cherishing the time I get to spend with each of you, learning about your work and commitment to helping make our community the best it can be. Here’s a look back at our action-packed week, and an update on some of the hard work Team Scholten has been doing this summer. |
Caring for and Conserving our Natural World
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I started this week with a day focused on environmental challenges and priorities: specifically, how to address the business community’s needs. I believe in building a better West Michigan through a thriving green economy. I participated in a community panel discussion led by the West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum with State Senator Winnie Brinks and State Rep. Carol Glanville. |
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When asked what I’m doing to help create a circular economy here in West Michigan, I had a robust answer at the ready – walking the walk, not just talking the talk, by funding green energy initiatives through my discretionary appropriations like the GR Biodegistor; and working on legislation like the Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act (H.R. 6053), of which I am a cosponsor. This legislation will slash the production of wasteful, single-use plastics, by requiring large corporations to take responsibility for their pollution; set source reduction targets for single-use plastic products; reduce and ban certain single-use plastic products that aren’t not recyclable; and establish a grant program to support reusable and refillable products. |
I also visited Wormies – a natural worm compost producer changing how we handle our food waste here in West Michigan – SO cool, and the micronutrients in their compost are just incredible. |
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We ended the day with a roundtable hosted by the Great Lakes Business Network. Together, we discussed the essential work that must be done to protect and preserve our pride and joy – our Great Lakes. I’m Michigan’s only member on the Water Infrastructure Subcommittee, and in this role, I strive to protect these precious natural resources every day. |
On the second anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), I joined the Climate Action Campaign’s Clean Energy REVolution tour. There, I discussed how caring for our planet today can forge a better tomorrow. Already, West Michigan has borne the brunt of climate change, especially with recent storms and flooding. |
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The IRA’s investments – like the $275,000 grant from the National Coastal Resilience Fund for assessing a nature-based solution to enhance and restore the Grand River Coastal Corridor in the Grand Rapids area – will be so transformative. One million dollars has been invested in preserving and protecting West Michigan’s climate through the IRA, and we will all reap the benefits of more resilient infrastructure that makes our lives better.
I even got a chance to sign Climate Action Campaign's electric campervan while it was in town!
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This week I had the opportunity to attend Gift of Life Michigan’s annual community gathering in Ann Arbor. I was invited to speak about this year’s progress in facilitating organ giving through air travel in the FAA Reauthorization Act. In the 2024 Reauthorization, we helped establish a framework to ensure organs can be more safely carried in the cabin (as opposed to the storage compartment below the plane), providing an even greater opportunity to save lives. |
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We also honored an incredible constituent who received a volunteer award. Not only does he give back to our community, but he is a two-time heart transplant recipient. The work that Gift of Life does is truly remarkable. We also got to hear stories of organ-donating heroes, who did not let a horrific tragedy define their final impact on this earth – from Justin Shilling, a victim of the Oxford High School shooting, to Shayna Sturtevant, a constituent from Muskegon who generously gave her hands after a tragic death (Michigan’s only successful hand transplant) to a super volunteer who had lost her hands cleaning up storm debris in her community. If you have questions about organ donations, or if you’re not already a donor and are interested in becoming one, you can find more information here. It could save lives. |
The beginning of the school year is always exciting, and this week we celebrated the opening of Edgerton Trails Elementary, serving some of our youngest constituents from the northernmost part of our district. What excites me the most about this new school is that it not only enables students to learn together in collaborative spaces, but it allows them to do so, rooted in what makes West Michigan so special – our natural habitat. |
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Our woodlands, lakes, and dunes are not only unique – they’re our home. What better way to teach our children to navigate the outside world and appreciate their home state? In Congress, I’m supporting legislative priorities like full funding for the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act, access to school lunches, and universal pre-K so that all kids can access high-quality education. We’ll have more back-to-school adventures as the school year kicks off! |
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Another important aspect of back-to-school readiness is making sure our students have the mental tools to grapple with the social and emotional challenges of school. With the youth mental health crisis at an all-time high, I stopped into Mosaic Counseling Center in Grand Haven to learn more about their incredible school outreach program (and more). |
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By going into schools, and meeting students where they’re at, Mosaic is removing administrative and transportation barriers that far too often prevent students from getting the help and support they need. Mosaic doesn’t just serve kids in school – they have a full panel of counselors to address your needs. You can learn more about their services here, and the referral process here. |
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World Class Health Care in West Michigan
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West Michigan is an innovator and a regional leader in health care. That’s why, it’s no surprise that we broke ground this week on the first pediatric rehabilitation center in the state. This is only the 9th hospital of its kind in the entire nation! The Joan Seccia Pediatric Rehabilitation Center will provide the same high-quality services that patients have come to rely on at Mary Free Bed, for our youngest patients. |
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I admit, I was holding back tears as I broke ground on the new facility next to some of these inspiring kids on Thursday. It takes a village to raise a child, and my oh my, our community came together to help raise strong and healthy children of all abilities. (Thank you to Gov. Whitmer's team for the photo.) |
Those of you who know me, and follow this newsletter, know that I am passionate about ensuring health care people need above the neck, is treated the same as the health care we need below the neck. Arbor Circle provides compassionate, patient-centered treatment for mental health, substance use disorders, and family services across West Michigan. I was honored to sit down with their team and learn more about how I can help ensure everyone who needs it, gets it. |
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Part of what makes West Michigan such a leader in health care delivery is our nuanced approach to addressing the social determinants of health. The Momentum Center for Social Engagement provides a place for individuals living with mental health, substance abuse, and/or physical and mental disability. Their commitment to providing a space for belonging is so inspiring and helps foster a whole and connected community. |
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Election Integrity and Voter Information
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It’s an election year, and our office receives a lot of inquiries about voting, voting rights, and election integrity. As we approach the voting period, we’ll be sharing information with you about how you can make your voice heard – REGARDLESS of who you choose to vote for. The Michigan Secretary of State, who oversees our elections has put together an incredibly comprehensive Voter Information Center, where you can check the status of your registration, whether you’re signed up for absentee or in-person voting, and find your local polling place. You can visit that information center here. |
Legislative and Constituent Services Updates
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Whether in D.C. or West Michigan, Team Scholten is always working for YOU. Check out some stats of the incredible progress we've made this summer to help constituents with their needs. |
- The groundbreaking for the Joan Secchia Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital was a culmination of hard work from local, state, federal, and private partners. When we work together, we get stuff done for West Michigan. Read more.
- This week, momentous negotiations between Medicare and prescription drug companies were unveiled, and a list of more price caps for life-saving drugs was announced. President Biden and House Democrats worked tirelessly to ease health care costs, and soon we’ll be feeling the benefits on our checkbooks. Read more here.
- Today marks the second anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This historic legislation is making a difference in the burdens we experience ranging from climate change to prescription costs. Read more here about how the IRA is impacting Michigan.
- There’s so much to do this weekend in West Michigan! Soak up the last few moments of summer with your loved ones and check out these community events.
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As always, it's an honor to serve you, West Michigan.
- HJS |
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