May 2019 E-Newsletter

Dear Friend,

Welcome to my monthly newsletter!

This letter serves as a legislative update regarding my work, new legislation, and important

updates from the Capitol.

An overview of this newsletter:

• Schroeder Legislation

• New Waterford vaping ordinance

• Civil asset forfeiture legislation heads to governor’s desk

• A plan to improve access to mental health care

• The new standard for the juvenile justice system

• Developing a sound plan for our roads

• New and improved accessibility logos and signage

• Teacher Appreciation Month

• Andy’s All-stars!

In addition, you’ll find the details of this month’s office hours listed at the end of this update. I must

be accountable to you, and that starts by being accessible, listening to your concerns, and

answering your questions. I look forward to meeting you!

Please contact me if you ever have any questions or concerns, or if I can assist you in any way.

Sincerely,

Andrea Schroeder

State Representative

43rd House District

Schroeder Legislation This month I introduced two bills that will license home inspectors through the state of Michigan. HB 4494 and 4506, if signed into law, would require home inspectors to become certified through the state and establishes a licensing fee for their application and examination. This legislation has been sent to the Committee on Regulatory Reform for further action.

Rep. Schroeder enrolling the bills in the Clerk’s office

Another bill of mine that is part of the transparency package was voted out of the House. I am hopeful that with the support of Senators McBroom and Moss, who sponsored these bills when they were in the House, this legislation will be sent to the governor for her final approval. Making our government more accountable will give our residents trust in their elected officials, something I will continue to advocate for during my time as your state representative.

Rep. Schroeder delivering her Floor Speech in support of her government transparency bill

New Waterford Township vaping ordinance Waterford Township is doing everything possible to protect our youth from the negative

repercussions of vaping. While some vapes do not have nicotine, most of them do and there are

harmful effects that can occur such as addiction, popcorn lungs, and the increased possibility of

using other drugs.

Simply put, vaping at a young age is not something our students should be doing and our board

thought it was necessary to unanimously pass a new ordinance to curb its effect on our minors.

I thought it was necessary to help spread the word and increase awareness of what vaping is and

how minors can now be fined if caught vaping. After holding a roundtable with local leaders, we

have tasked ourselves with distributing information to our community and implementing

educational programs on this issue.

Below you will find a letter from Chief of Police Scott Underwood regarding the new ordinance.

Rep. Schroeder’s Vaping Roundtable with Waterford Township Supervisor, Gary Wall; DIY Vapor Supply owner and

Executive Director of Michigan Vapors Association for Rights and Standards, Jamie Webb; Waterford PTA member,

Joan Sutherland; parent advocate, Lisa Kane; Chief of Police, Scott Underwood; and Waterford Township Trustee

Karen Joliat

Civil asset forfeiture reforms head to governor’s desk Civil asset forfeiture reform is a top priority for the legislature. We created a strong, bipartisan

reform package to safeguard the rights of every single Michigan resident while still allowing law

enforcement to go after criminals.

The current civil asset forfeiture process violates due process rights of Michigan residents by

giving law enforcement the authority to keep the property of individuals who have not been

convicted of a crime.

In 2017, Michigan law enforcement agencies reported confiscating $13.1 million worth of cash

and property. In more than 200 cases, people found not guilty were forced to forfeit their property,

never to have it returned. In a staggering 736 cases, charges were never even filed.

The new plan still allows officers to seize property based on probable cause but requires a criminal

conviction before law enforcement agencies can sell or use the property. This will ensure an

individual’s personal property can easily be returned if they are found not guilty.

The bipartisan plan was approved in both chambers and now awaits the governor’s signature.

Increasing access to mental health care

We are currently experiencing a shortage of qualified and experienced behavioral health

professionals in our state psychiatric facilities. That means a lack of available care for our most

vulnerable residents.

That is why I supported a plan allowing retired employees to keep their pensions if they return to

work at one of the state’s psychiatric facilities. We already allow retired psychiatrists to keep their

pensions when they reenter the workforce with the state and so we should extend that same

opportunity to all mental health care professionals, such as physicians, psychologists, nurses,

social workers, counselors, and therapists.

The need for this legislation was brought to our attention by the House C.A.R.E.S. Task Force

statewide tour, which was tasked with finding improvements for Michigan’s mental health system

by listening to mental health experts, families of patients, and law enforcement officials across

the state.

The plan could boost staffing numbers by encouraging experienced individuals to return to work.

Ultimately, this plan aims to ensure every vulnerable person in Michigan receives the quality care

they need in a timely fashion. I’m happy to report this measure received unanimous and bipartisan

support in the House and now moves to be considered by the Senate.

Improving the juvenile justice system A bipartisan package was overwhelmingly approved in April that would end the policy requiring

all 17-year-olds be treated as adults in Michigan’s criminal justice system.

Seventeen-year-olds falter in the adult prison system and are much more likely to succeed in the

future if given access to the rehabilitation programs available in juvenile court. According to the

Centers for Disease Control, including 17-year-olds in the juvenile system has been shown to

reduce reoffending by 34 percent.

Michigan is one of just four states still requiring all 17-year-olds to be prosecuted as adults – even

those who commit the most minor offenses. Eliminating this harmful and ineffective practice will

help rehabilitate young offenders and reduce the likelihood of them breaking the law again in the

future.

Not only will the reform improve public safety, it will also save tax dollars over time. Connecticut,

Illinois, and Massachusetts have experienced millions of dollars in savings, decreases in the

number of reoffending youth, and declines in judicial costs after raising the age of juvenile court

jurisdiction to 18.

If signed into law, the new standard would be implemented beginning Oct. 1, 2121.

A plan for our roads

In March, we heard disappointing news from the governor regarding her proposal for a 45-cent

per gallon increase in Michigan’s gas tax to fund road improvements. I’ve said it before, and I’m

happy to say it again: This will not be approved by the Legislature, meaning it will not affect you

at the pump.

The costs associated with driving in Michigan are already astronomical thanks to our broken auto

insurance system. Drivers simply cannot afford to pay both the nation’s highest auto insurance

rates and the nation’s highest gas tax.

I assure you I will only support a plan to fund road improvements that does not weigh heavily on

the backs of drivers.

Modernizing the accessibility logo The accessibility icon used on signs, in parking lots,

and buildings in Michigan was created in 1968. It is

not a true reflection of the lives being led by people

with disabilities in 2019. It’s time for a new logo

better reflecting the lifestyles of the disability

community.

A new House plan introduced in April would require

any new placement or replacement of signs

displaying the international symbol of access to use

the updated logo, which portrays active independence rather than stationary helplessness. The

new symbol would be replaced at no cost to taxpayers and no additional cost to business owners.

The new logo shows that individuals with disabilities play an active role in the community and are

not just sitting in a chair letting life pass them by. It’s time to portray the new reality.

Thank you, teachers! In May, we celebrate Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week. Please help me recognize the selfless

and noble work of our local teachers and their support staff by completing this form.

Teachers, we are so grateful for the work you do every day to educate, mentor, and prepare our

children for success. Your efforts have enriched countless lives in our community and we are so

fortunate to have you. I appreciate your commitment to our students.

Monthly office hours Listening to your thoughts and concerns and helping find solutions are the most important parts

of my job as your representative. Please join me at my next local meeting on Friday, May 17th

from 1:30-3pm at Brioni Café & Deli (7151 N. Main St, Clarkston). No appointment is necessary.

If you’re not able to meet during my scheduled office hours, please contact my office by phone at

(517) 373-0615 or by email at AndreaSchroeder@House.mi.gov.

Contact information Serving the people of the 43rd District, which encompasses Waterford Township, the city of Lake

Angelus, the village of Clarkston, and Independence Township, is very important to me. I

encourage residents to contact my office with any state or local issues by calling (517) 373-0615,

emailing, messaging me on Facebook, or visiting my website.

As always, it is an honor to serve you. Please contact me if I can assist you in any way, or if you

have a great idea to help move our state forward.

Andy’s All-stars!

Matt Nichols, Alexandra Touchstone, and Sue Wylie attending the Capital for the unveiling of their photos as part

of the photo contest.

Waterford Township Clerk, Kim Markee greeted Rep. Schroeder at the Sheep Shearing & Pancake Breakfast in

Waterford Township.

Rep. Schroeder with Elizabeth and her family at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Miracle League Field, a joint

project between Independence and Orion Townships and the Easter Seals.

Derek Smith, Independence Township Parks, Recreation, and Seniors Director, with Leanna Cole, Independence

Township Deputy Supervisor, with Rep. Schroeder at the Miracle League field groundbreaking ceremony.

Rep. Schroeder, Vice Chair of Financial Services, attended Money Smart Week events, including a financial literacy

competition for high school students sponsored by the MCUL.

Rep. Schroeder has felt honored to clean headstones of fallen soldiers at Great Lakes National Cemetery for the past

several years.

Taken at the Great Lakes National Cemetery.

Volunteers with Dale LaCroix, former Waterford Deputy Police Chief and former Clarkston Police Chief, and Jim

French, Jr., board member of Great Lakes National Cemetery Advisory Board.

Rep. Schroeder delivering a tribute to James A. Sherman Jr., in honor of his father, the late James A. Sherman, Sr.

Rep. Schroeder picking the 50/50 winning ticket for one of the generous supporters of Drew’s Home of Clarkston at

their recent fundraiser.