Dear constituent,

This week, more than ever, my team and I have been hard at work, serving the people of West Michigan. We’ve introduced another critical piece of bipartisan legislation, the Honoring Vocational Education Act (read more on that below), and have been meeting with constituents, stakeholders, and important organizations across the district to hear what issues matter to them and their families.

Community Project Funding

I recently announced my submissions for Community Project Funding for fiscal year 2024. Community Projects are specific grants for community organizations, nonprofits, and local governments, submitted to the House Appropriations Committee by Members of Congress on behalf of their districts.

As a proud West Michigander, I want what’s best for my community. As our representative in Congress, a major priority of mine is making sure the hard earned tax dollars of MI-03 residents are working for them. That was top of mind when I selected this year’s Community Projects. These submissions are responsive to a diverse array of needs across the district, making sure that West Michiganders are getting the most bang for their buck. Now that applications are submitted, my office and I are committed to advocating on all fronts to make sure these projects are fully funded.

I made sure to submit the maximum number of projects on behalf of MI-03 to the House Committee on Appropriations. In the next few months, the committee will closely evaluate each submission for consideration of inclusion in annual appropriations legislation. In order for a submitted project to ultimately receive funding, it must be included in a bill that passes both the House and the Senate and is then signed into law by the president.

For more information on what projects I submitted, visit our website here!

Honoring Vocational Education Act

My second bill, the Honoring Vocation Education Act, will ensure individuals who attend job training programs, trade schools, union apprenticeships, and more are recognized as obtaining a postsecondary non-degree award. Currently, many different surveying agencies such as polling institutions, follow the model the Census puts forward.

This legislation would give surveying agencies a different model to calculate educational attainment and more accurate data on levels of educational attainment.

This is crucial. So many organizations, groups, and parts of the United States government use the census to determine any number of things–including where and how federal tax dollars are allocated. Folks who put in the time to earn certifications or participate in apprenticeship programs worked hard for their education, and we should recognize them for it. I was able to visit the Kent Career Technical Center this week to see firsthand the difference this bipartisan, common sense legislation would make for students across the country.

For more information on the bill, check out our press release on it here!

Visiting the Tri-Cities YMCA

This week, I toured the Tri-Cities YMCA and their Early Childhood Preschool Program. As a working mom, I know how important childcare is. The Tri-Cities YMCA is a local mainstay, providing quality childcare for the region as well as providing a beautiful common space for the community to gather.

I was proud to include them as one of my Community Project Funding requests this year.

Funding Friday

This week, my office is highlighting the STEM Talent Challenge funding opportunity. This program is designed to support STEM programs around the country that are doing critical workforce development work and equipping students well. You can learn more about this program here, and as always, don’t hesitate to contact our office with questions about federal grants and funding opportunities.

As always, West Michigan, thank you for a fantastic week! I’ll be in Washington, DC next week, taking votes and hard at work on my committees–we’ll keep you posted!

Sincerely,
Hillary Scholten

Member of Congress