Dear Friends and Neighbors–

Happy New Year! Here we are, standing on the dawn of a new year–new hopes (and fears), new opportunities (and new challenges). Whatever comes our way this year in West Michigan, I’m ready to handle it. 

It’s not lost on me that I’m sending this New Year’s newsletter on the weekend that marks both the anniversary of the January 6 attack on our United States Capitol–truly one of the darkest days of our modern democracy–AND the one-year anniversary of when I was sworn into office–one of the proudest days of my life. Even as we look towards the future, it is so critical that we regard the past with reverence, respect, and a posture of learning. For me, forever a member of the first class of Members of Congress sworn in after January 6–those of us who RUSHED to the crisis–I remember how truly fragile our democracy is and how vigilant we must be in maintaining it. I think about it as I remember my oath of office, and remain faithful to maintaining it, every day:

     I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.

So help me God. 

This was a very busy week in the district. Here’s a look at what I was up to, and a preview of what’s to come as I head back to Washington next week. 

The Week in Review

WWI Purple Heart and Victory Medal Ceremony

Perhaps the biggest highlight of the week was being able to present Grand Haven resident Verla Thomas with the Purple Heart and Victory Medal that her father, Corporal George Wills, earned during his service in World War I and never received. It was a proud day, bringing the entire community together. We’re the home of the free because of the brave. It’s my honor to ensure that all veterans who served in West Michigan are getting the recognition they deserve.

Michigan Wheel Visit


Michigan Wheel has called Grand Rapids home for more than 100 years, building the propeller designed for the Coast Guard’s critical Fast Response Cutter – yet another testament to West Michigan’s ingenuity! I had the opportunity to tour the facility and learn more about the manufacturing process that helps the Coasties do their jobs and protects our national security interests.

GRACE Network Celebration

Lifting up the next generation of leaders is exactly how we will build a brighter, more prosperous future, and that’s exactly what the GRACE Network is all about. This network of community organizations is providing Kent County’s young people with the skills and resources they need to stay on track. I joined the GRACE Network leaders and families at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church last night to thank them for their incredible work in our community and talk about the work I’m doing to support our young people. Thank you to Pastor Gaddy for bringing us all together for this important conversation.

The Rapid


All aboard! Here comes the Scholten Express! :) Yes, I got to drive a bus for The Rapid (don’t worry, it was in a secure location!). I have so much respect for bus drivers and transit workers–even more so now that I realize how hard it is to navigate one of these massive things. These buses play such an important role in connecting folks to vital places–work, doctors, appointments, school. Transportation is essential for health, for economic prosperity, for upward mobility, and for educational attainment. As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, expanding access to public transit systems and making sure West Michiganders can get to where they need to go is a top priority of mine.

GR Gold

We’re a sporting family–we love to play sports, we love to watch sports, and we love to cheer on our teams! This week, we got to cheer our awesome NBA G-League Team, the Grand Rapids Gold, onto victory. Did you know that West Michigan is home to a vast and GROWING number of minor and professional-level sports organizations? From the Muskegon Risers to the West Michigan Whitecaps, there are so many ways to enjoy the awesome athleticism in and around our community. Check them out!

The week ahead

I’m back in Washington next week. We’re still waiting to see what the ‘big bill’ on the floor will be after the Rules Committee meets, but I’ll report on legislative business next week (and during the week on social media). In addition to votes, I’ll be working hard for you on priorities for West Michigan. Here are a few of my top priorities for next week:

• I’m working on a national childcare strategy to help busy working parents afford quality childcare. Even in a Republican Congress, we can’t take our foot off the gas on this issue that impacts millions of families across the nation. 
• I will host a Democratic Women’s Caucus roundtable where we will discuss sexual harassment in the Coast Guard. As Vice Ranking Member on the Coast Guard Subcommittee, I know just how important this issue is to pursuing justice for Coasties, ensuring those serving our nation feel safe speaking up, and making sure all young Americans feel safe joining the ranks of our Coast Guard.
• I’ve been working hard since Day 1 to restore the fountain at the Ford Museum. As we approach the 50th anniversary of Ford’s presidency this summer, I’ll be increasing the pressure on federal authorities to secure that commitment.
• I’m meeting with Energy Secretary Granholm to discuss our energy priorities–if there’s anything you think I should bring up, let me know by replying to this e-mail.

ICYMI

• My team and I released our first-ever end of year report! Check out the incredible things we were able to accomplish for West Michigan – from returning millions of dollars to taxpayers from federal agencies to replying to more than 33,000 of your emails – here.
• SO many people came out to celebrate the WWI Purple Heart and Victory Medal ceremony for Ms. Verla Thomas on behalf of her father, Cpl. George Wills. Here’s a recap!
• The annual State of the Union Address was set for March 7 per Speaker Johnson. It’s the latest invitation in over a century. I get to bring a special guest–who do you think I should bring? Send me your suggestions through my website.

As always, it’s an honor to serve you, West Michigan.

Sincerely,

Hillary Scholten
Member of Congress