Fighting for SW Michigan priorities

Before Thanksgiving, the House and Senate passed, and the President signed into law, a two-tiered Continuing Resolution that extends current federal government funding for four appropriations bills until January 19, 2024, and the remaining eight until February 2, 2024.

While I would have preferred to pass all the appropriations bills by now, this latest stopgap avoids the Christmas omnibus that has become too commonplace and resulted in wasteful spending. Thus far, the House has proposed stronger reductions to spending than the Senate.

While there has been a lot of talk about top-line numbers regarding this process, I have fought for several key policies to benefit Southwest Michigan while also working to get our fiscal house in order:

Continued funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) program; this funding plays a vital role in the cleanup of legacy pollution, combating invasive species, and restoring wildlife habitats and wetlands.

Funding for the Corps of Engineers Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund activities; lakeshore communities, such as St. Joseph, South Haven, and Saugatuck, rely on these funds to maintain water infrastructure to strengthen growth and economic opportunity in Southwest Michigan.

Report language for Corps of Engineers related to Brandon Road Lock and Dam; this is a significant project to protect the Great Lakes and our inland waterways, such as the Kalamazoo River from Asian Carp and other destructive invasive species.

Funding for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance; this program’s mission is to help low-income households meet their home energy needs during cold Michigan winters.

Funding for TRIO, a program at the Department of Education that provides assistance to low-income students, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities as they navigate the academic pipeline. Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting with students from Hope College’s TRIO Upward Bound program to hear their stories about how TRIO has positively changed the trajectory of their lives.

I will be sure to keep you apprised as negotiations between the House and Senate regarding government funding continues.

If you need assistance navigating a federal agency, please contact my office in Holland at (616) 251-6741 or in Portage at (269) 569-8595.