An Update for State Representative Joe Graves…

Spring has finally sprung in our community and now that the warmer weather has come back, we can great ready for everyone's favorite time in Pure Michigan. I have already enjoyed doing some spring cleaning around the house and being able to play with my grandkids outside.

Gold Star Family Tax Exemptions

This month, I introduced House Bill 4600 which would provide the families of fallen soldier's property tax exemptions. As a veteran, I have witnessed firsthand how the death of a military hero affects a family and providing a property tax exemption to these families will alleviate some of the financial pressures the mourning family is left with while they reevaluate their lives without their fallen hero. This is simply the right thing to do for our Gold Star families. This bill has been referred to the House Committee on Tax Policy and is awaiting a hearing.

Drug Testing for Welfare recipients

I recently supported legislation where welfare recipients suspected of drug use could be drug tested. House Bill 4118 sets up a one year pilot program for welfare drug testing in three counties across the state, to be determined by Department of Human Services (DHS).  After the first year, DHS would report its findings about the program to the Legislature. I strongly believe that your tax dollars should not support anyone’s drug habit and this common-sense legislation makes sure that is no longer possible. If an individual chooses to use their welfare irresponsibly and illegally, they should be removed from the program and this legislation allows DHS to do so.

Sewer Tap Charges

This month I also introduced legislation that protects small-business owners from being charged fees by their local municipality decades after work is completed. House Bill 4494 requires fees charged for sewer connections to be issued at the time a construction project receives its building permits or within two years of the permit being approved. This proposal would prohibit municipalities from retroactively charging small businesses for a sewer tap fee due to mismanagement.

I believe that our small-business owners should not bear the brunt of past mistakes of an unorganized and poorly run governmental unit.  Requiring that sewer tap fees be charged within 2 years of a building permit being approved will help protect our local small businesses and result in local municipalities operating more efficiently.

Stop by "Coffee with Joe" in May

This month I will be hosting 'Coffee with Joe' in Fenton and Holly.

• On Monday, May 13 I'll be at the Fenton Biggby located at 235 N Leroy St in down town Fenton from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
• On Friday, May 17 from 9 - 10 a.m I'll be at the Holly Donut shop located at 421 N Saginaw St.

If these times don't work with your schedule, please call my office at (517) 373-1780 and I would be happy to schedule a time that works for you.

Keep in Touch

Finally, please follow me on Facebook by 'liking' www.facebook.com/repjosephgraves. I try to provide daily updates on what is going on in your state government as well as events and news from throughout our community. You can also call my office at (866) 989-5151 or e-mail josephgraves@house.mi.gov to share your thoughts, concerns or ideas with me.