Kathy Schmaltz - State Representative

Roughly 1.6 million Michigan residents serve as family caregivers, contributing countless hours of unpaid care each year while often paying out of pocket for essential needs.

From mileage for doctor’s appointments to medical supplies and home modifications, these costs add up quickly.

That’s why I introduced HB 5214, a family caregiver tax credit that would help caregivers claim a credit of up to $2000 off their tax bill every year.

Caregivers are the backbone of our long-term care system. Supporting them means helping more people stay in their homes and communities, where they want to be.

Read more here: https://gophouse.org/posts/rep-schmaltz-families-need-help-covering-the-cost-of-caring-for-loved-ones

It’s exciting to see a student from the Jackson area recognized among the "I Voted" sticker contest semifinalists. I want to congratulate Maddison on this achievement and thank her for sharing her creativity and Michigan pride through this competition. It takes courage to put your work forward, and I hope she continues pursuing her talents.

Select your favorite stickers by voting at www.michigan.gov/ivotedsticker through June 30 and follow my page to see more great things happening in our community!

You’ll get an “I Voted” sicker when you vote in November.

You need a break at the gas pump.

Gas Prices are too high. Families are feeling sticker shock every time they pull up to the pump.

Parents still have to get their kids to school and activities, workers still have to commute, and farmers and small business owners still have to operate.

I support suspending the gas tax to help reduce gas prices.

Follow my page for more on how I'm trying to keep your costs down

This past Sunday was Flag Day!

I had the chance to attend a flag raising ceremony in Michigan Center.

Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the America Flag in 1777.

The “Stars and Stripes” design was approved on June 14, 1777 by the Second Continental Congress.

The American Flag is a symbol of freedom,liberty and justice.

It’s such an honor to see our America Flag flying high not just on Flag Day but everyday!

When the power goes out, it affects every part of your life. Families lose groceries they cannot afford to replace. Seniors worry about staying safe in dangerous weather. Small businesses lose income while their doors stay closed.

That's why I supported House Bills 5710-5711 which would roll back costly state mandates and require the Michigan Public Service Commission to prioritize whether proposed energy plans will keep costs affordable for residents and ensure power is available when needed most.

Our energy policies should be based on what works for families, not what satisfies special interests. The goal should always be reliable power at a reasonable cost.

Follow my page for more on how I'm trying to keep your costs down.

Congratulations ARE-Activities, Recovery, Empowerment for all you do in our community!

I was honored to present a special State Tribute to ARE, Inc on the agency’s 25th Anniversary.

ARE offers peer support recovery for those with substance use or mental health issues.

Most importantly ARE offers hope to our vulnerable residents in their crucial time of need.

Peer to peer support is amazing because you have people who’ve been in tough situations helping others who are going through similar troubles.

ARE serves residents in Jackson and Hillsdale.

Congratulations again to Chief Executive Officer Ann E. Cole, the entire staff and board members for 25 years of helping people recover
and find hope again!

We all know Michigan needs more police officers, deputies, and corrections officers. Communities across our state are facing major staffing shortages, and we need to be serious about creating opportunities for people who want to serve their communities.

That's why I’m working to secure a state budget investment to help Jackson College establish a new police and law enforcement training academy. This project would help create a strong pipeline for the next generation of public safety professionals right here in our region.

Follow my page if you would like to hear more about what I'm doing to help make our communities safer.

It was a chance to meet Jackson County Sheriff Gary Scheutte and other law enforcement officers and enjoy lunch.

The annual open house and fun fest is always a great time for our community.

Kids could learn what K-9 officers do, see the equipment swat teams use, the sheriffs boat was there as well as meet the horses used by mounted patrols.

There were games, a bounce house, and you could foot race with a deputy.

Hots dogs and ice cream were also handed out.
This is such a good opportunity for the Sheriffs Department to meet and talk with residents in a fun setting.

Everyone told me they look forward to the Sheriff’s Open House every year.

What a celebration!

One Hundred Years and Beyond…”Together.”

I’m so happy Steve Tucker is back as Executive Director of the Michigan Theatre in Jackson and so is the community!

Actor and Chelsea resident Jeff Daniels joined us, as our special guest to welcome back Steve.

He brought his guitar and played original songs for a packed house.

Jeff is a great songwriter and singer and it’s always fun to hear him do his one man guitar show.

Jeff founded Purple Rose Theatre Company in Chelsea and knows how important it is for us to keep our historic theatre’s as treasures in our communities.

It was great to see my friends, Jeff and his wife Kathleen and it was really nice of them to join us.

So after some five moths of unnecessary turmoil we are back on track and the theatre is better than ever.

To top it off Steve was presented with a check for 250 thousand dollars from sponsors for the Michigan Theatre.

Thank you again to Phil Curtis and his team, American 1 Credit Union President and CEO, Martha Fuerstenau, Marc Daly, Hattie Oliver, all our new Theatre Board members and the community for helping us right a wrong and get Steve back where he belongs.

Too many Michigan families are one unexpected illness away from financial hardship. That's why I've introduced a bill to ensure patients have clear, consistent access to financial assistance when they need it most.

Follow my page for more on how I'm trying to keep our costs down.