State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz welcomed the community for conversation during office hours July 27 in Chelsea.
Schmaltz, a Republican, represents the 46th House District, which includes Chelsea, Sylvan Township and parts of Jackson County. She met with residents in the Chelsea City Council chambers.
Schmaltz was joined by legislative director Vinicius Assuncao, who said he had recently been promoted to sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Local Projects in the State Budget
Representatives from St. Louis Center attended the meeting to thank Schmaltz for supporting a $2 million state appropriation for the Chelsea organization. St. Louis Center provides residential services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“It’s just such a wonderful place,” Schmaltz said, praising its residents and staff.
Schmaltz’s office also highlighted approximately $12 million for infrastructure improvements at Washtenaw Community College.
Schmaltz described the budget as the result of lengthy negotiations among the House, Senate and governor. She said it avoided new taxes and fees and did not draw from the state’s rainy day fund.
Communities Should Have a Say
Asked what help the state could provide to smaller communities facing complex energy and development proposals, Schmaltz focused on local authority over large wind, solar and energy storage projects.
The state House has approved legislation that would reverse parts of a 2023 law allowing developers to seek approval from the Michigan Public Service Commission in some cases. The bills remain before the Senate.
“What makes you think you can make a better decision than people who live there?” Schmaltz said she asked state regulators. “You should be able to decide.”
She said communities often lack clear information about how major projects could affect electricity demand, water use and surrounding areas.
“We are not telling communities what’s going on,” Schmaltz said. “They should have a say in what they want in their community.”
She also cautioned that a “not in my backyard” response can make it harder to consider projects that may be needed.
New Protections for Foster Youth
Schmaltz also highlighted a bipartisan foster care package sponsored by her and state Sen. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, that was recently signed into law.
The legislation changes how Michigan handles Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and veterans benefits collected on behalf of children in foster care.
For youth ages 14 through 17, at least half of those benefits must be preserved for the child. The package also requires financial literacy education and notice when the state applies for or collects benefits in a child’s name.
“It was a nice effort by Senator Irwin and myself because we’ve both been working on this a long time,” Schmaltz said.
Dyslexia Support in Schools
Schmaltz also discussed House Bill 5081, which would require school districts, intermediate school districts and public school academies to employ at least one teacher trained to help students with dyslexia.
The training would be based on Orton-Gillingham principles, a structured approach combining visual, auditory and hands-on reading instruction.
The bill passed the House in June and remains before the Senate Education Committee.
“We’ve waited way too long, and we just can’t push it off any longer,” Schmaltz said.
Near the end of the meeting, Schmaltz said residents and elected officials benefit from hearing different viewpoints.
“That’s democracy,” she said. “We need to listen to each other. We learn from each other.”
Residents can contact Schmaltz’s office at 517-373-1798 or [email protected].
114 North Main St Suite 10 Chelsea, MI 48118
