Good afternoon, West Michigan!

It’s the most coziest time of the year! While I’ve been very busy around the district this week, I’m soaking up so many extra snuggles with the boys (and Smoky) in the early morning and the evenings. I just put in the last batch of Santa cookies and am coming to jot you a quick recap of my week as well as a note about next week. Here you go!

We started this week off with a VERY exciting announcement — I joined the Governor and our local West Michigan elected officials for a bill signing at GVSU to announce a large slate of funding to enhance educational opportunities for West Michiganders–and protect our water! I’m especially excited about up to $31.3 million in debt that will be forgiven for Muskegon Heights. The city is facing tough times, but together we’re going to turn it around. The people of Muskegon Heights are strong, resilient, and ready to come together to bring better days to the community. I love you, Muskegon Heights! I’m so proud I get to be your Representative in Congress! You can read more about the bills here.

I also had the opportunity to visit with the leadership team at Treetops Collective. Treetops is a unique nonprofit organization that seeks to create true belonging for newly arrived Americans. You may recall from earlier announcements that I’m supporting Treetops as one of my Community Projects Funds requests this year, in an effort to fully renovate a building in Grand Rapids for affordable refugee housing and community connectivity. West Michigan has established a reputation as a national leader in welcoming those who are forced to leave their home. Treetops is helping us do that even better, by building true belonging in our community. At such a critical time of need around the world, I’m honored to partner with them in this work.

I spent most of my time out on the Lakeshore this week. On Wednesday, I was in Muskegon visiting the absolutely incredible Muskegon Museum of Art. Dear Neighbors, if you have not been–put it on your list for this winter. The Tiffany Lamps collection was extended through March and Strange Winter: The Snow Globes of Walter Martin and Paloma Muñoz is there through February and just so fun.


I absolutely loved connecting here with the work of West Michigan native Francoise Gilot, Picasso’s muse and the mother of his children. The art museum does so much to honor and uplift women artists who far too often were overlooked in a man’s world. I am so proud to display one of Gilot’s pieces in my DC office.

In Grand Haven, I had a great meeting with Mayor Bob Monetza about all the things we’re going to get to work on in 2024. First up: Harbor Island. 

I also had an opportunity to visit with the Salvation Army posts in both Muskegon and Grand Haven to learn about their annual Christmas present drive. It was a strong wake-up call that so many families were in need this year. Far too many families are struggling to make ends meet. I’m more resolute than ever to help these families by lowering costs and bringing good-paying jobs to West Michigan. I’m immensely grateful for places like the Salvation Army for supporting these families in their time of need. 

Legislative Recap

Even though I wasn’t in Washington voting, I was still hard at work preparing a strong legislative agenda for you! I signed on to 10 bills and sent one letter. The bills include legislation to increase research into stillbirths, raise standards surrounding PFAS contamination, prevent law enforcement from gaining access to data in order to investigate abortion providers or individuals seeking abortions, and much more. 

The Week in Preview

Our offices are closed next week to give our staff a chance to rest and prepare to serve you even better in the coming year! But don’t worry, if you have an urgent issue, we’ll be checking our voicemail and e-mail regularly to make sure we’ve got you covered! Next week, we’ll also be sending out a special edition newsletter containing our end of year report week too!

Ok, West Michigan, the cookies are done so I’m signing off for the day. I am wishing you all a lovely time with your friends and family this holiday season. 

Warmly,

Hillary Scholten
Member of Congress