State Representative Julie Alexander

11/15/2020

Get some! 🦌

11/11/2020

Today is #VeteransDay and I’m grateful for my dad, son and all the brave men and women who have served our country so that we may live free.
THANK YOU! 🇺🇸

11/11/2020

State Representative Julie Alexander

Celebrating two Jackson veterans this past January in the Michigan House.

I recently had the honor of welcoming #WorldWarII #veterans and Jackson residents, Lee Zimmerman (95) and Herb Elfring (97) to the Michigan State Capitol!

Thank you, Lee and Herb, and veterans everywhere who have sacrificed so much so we can live free! 🇺🇸

11/01/2020

Rep. Alexander’s plan supporting grieving parents is signed into Michigan law

My plan removing a financial barrier for Michigan families to obtain a certificate of stillbirth was recently been signed into law! The new law comes during the month of October, which is Pregnancy and Infancy Loss Awareness Month.

Under the new law, families will be able to obtain up to two certificates of stillbirth at no cost. The waived fee for Michigan families that suffer this loss of a stillbirth is fiscally minimal, but the message of compassion is loud and clear.

There is no manual on how to cope with the loss of a child. Parents who endure this tragic loss before or during birth are heartbroken. As someone who has personally experienced a stillbirth and knows the grief associated with that loss, simplifying the process is the least we can do for families in this situation.

State Rep. Julie Alexander’s plan removing a financial barrier for Michigan families to obtain a certificate of stillbirth was recently been signed into law by the governor. The new law comes during the month of October, which is Pregnancy and Infancy Loss Awareness Month in Michigan.

10/31/2020

Remember to set your clocks back an hour before bed tonight. Would you like to see Michigan stop turning clocks ahead in the spring and back in the fall?

10/29/2020

Happy fall and Halloween! Stay SAFE this weekend! 🎃 🍁 🍎

10/24/2020

Thank you Michigan Corn Growers Association and MCGA board member Jacob Faist for presenting me with the Friend of Corn Award!

Most of all, thank you to all the Michigan corn farmers for all that you do for our state! 🌽

10/22/2020

NEED HELP WITH UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE?
The Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) is now offering one-on-one telephone appointments for residents with specific claim issues who are facing unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

10/22/2020

Many Hands Community Services recently held The Kids Entrepreneur Expo, showcasing local young entrepreneurs!

Kid-preneurs and kids involved in family owned businesses set up booths to sell and promote their business, products and ideas. The future is bright!💡

10/21/2020

The Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM) honored Jackson County Sheriff Deputy Kirk Carter with the 2019 Police Officer of the Year Award for his pursuit of safety for our community! 🚔 👮‍♀️

Here is his story: On April 17, 2019, in Summit Township in Jackson County, a domestic dispute began when a minor was dropped off at his mother’s house by his father. At the time, the suspect lived the same house with the mother. The suspect became confrontational and began yelling at the woman when he discovered the father was there to drop off the child. The suspect became physically abusive, throwing the woman down onto the floor, pinning her, and began demanding a large sum of money for him to leave. The suspect abruptly got off of the woman and went upstairs.

Fearful the suspect would assault and harm her again and fearing for the safety of her minor child, the woman quickly and quietly escaped from the residence while the suspect was in the bathroom running bathwater. The woman decided to enlist help from a friend of the suspect, and the suspect’s family to get him to leave the home. The suspect became verbally hostile over the phone when the woman told him again to leave her residence. Finally, the woman decided that the suspect had no right to keep her away from her own home, so she called 911.

It was at the point the Deputies from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, including Deputy Kirk Carter, responded to the 911 call. During this time, deputies discovered there was a felony warrant out for the arrest of the suspect.

When the deputies arrived, they told the suspect to leave the victim’s residence, which he refused to do. Deputy Carter, along with the other deputies, entered the home and cleared it room by room until the last room left was an upstairs bedroom. Deputy Carter was the first officer to enter the room when the suspect immediately shot him in the right leg and left hand. Regardless of his injuries, Deputy Carter began to fire back at the suspect. The other deputies also fired on the suspect who has hidden in the closet. Deputy Carter then applied his own tourniquet on his leg, and he was safely removed from the residence where he was treated for his wounds. The suspect died of his wounds.

10/18/2020

Rep. Alexander: House approves plan to guide Jackson County through COVID-19 pandemic

The legislature this week approved several measures to continue leading and protecting families in Jackson County, and throughout Michigan, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

These actions will better serve residents of our state in the wake of the recent Michigan Supreme Court ruling that struck down the governor’s coronavirus related executive orders. Some key measures include assisting workers and job providers, protecting nursing home residents and fixing the state unemployment agency mess.

I'll keep fighting for a smarter plan of action to combat COVID and better protect public heath, lives and livelihoods!

State Rep. Julie Alexander and the Michigan House this week approved several measures to continue protecting and helping families in Jackson County and throughout Michigan during the remainder of the COVID-19 pandemic.

10/11/2020

Rep. Alexander plan to improve Michigan’s roadways signed into law

My bill to help ensure infrastructure projects (like roads!) are more specifically tailored to the needs of our local communities and drivers is now law.

We can ensure the money we have for roads goes farther with this type of reform. Locals know the infrastructure that needs attention the most and they should have the freedom to formulate plans for how to improve it.

Legislation from state Rep. Julie Alexander ensuring infrastructural projects are more specifically tailored to the needs of communities – and drivers – has been signed into law by the governor.

10/10/2020

Please tag a #survivor in the comments below or the name of a loved one taken by breast cancer. ❤️ 🎀 🌸

10/08/2020

Violence, regardless of your political philosophy, is never, ever acceptable. Enough is enough!

10/04/2020

Gov. has no authority to continue state of emergency, Michigan Supreme Court rules

Now that the Michigan Supreme Court agreed with the Legislature that the 1945 emergency law is unconstitutional, the Legislature, which is the voice of the people, will work TOGETHER with the governor to develop a safe, reasonable and smarter way forward. This is what we tried to do earlier this year before the governor decided to go it alone.

The governor had no right to extend the state of emergency over the Legislature’s objection. This court decision is a big win for our Constitution, democratic process and the hard-working PEOPLE of our state.

Please take care of yourself, respect others, and let’s continue listening to health experts and use common sense so we can all stay safe and heathy. We WILL get through this!

The court made the ruling in a split decision Friday.

10/01/2020

GOOD LUCK #HUNTERS!

09/29/2020

The Council For The Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect does such amazing work for our community, and I was happy to donate a state of Michigan flag (that once flew over the Capitol) for their flagpole. Thank you for all that you do for the children of Jackson County!

09/27/2020

Thank you Knights of Columbus for distributing hundreds of boxes of pancake mix and
thousands of gallons of milk (and other dairy products) to Jackson area residents in need!
#LoveThyNeighbor

09/26/2020

Rep. Alexander: Budget addresses unprecedented shortfalls served up by COVID-19

We worked together to approve a new balanced state budget that protects funding for the #priorities of Jackson County families, workers and seniors: health care, education, public safety, roads and more.

State Rep. Julie Alexander, this week joined her colleagues in voting to pass a responsible and effective state budget plan that overcomes massive financial challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

09/24/2020

Thank you Vietnam Veterans Chapter 109 of Jackson for holding a 24 hour vigil for POW/MIA soldiers who have not been brought home from war. Please pray for our troops! 🇺🇸

09/22/2020

IT’S FALL IN MICHIGAN!
🍃 🍁 🍎 🌾 ☕️ 🎃 🦌

09/11/2020

Every year, the House of Representatives’ annual 9/11 ceremony honors those fallen in the line of duty in Michigan, along with a remembrance of the ‪9/11‬ terrorist attacks from 2001. 🇺🇸

#NeverForget

09/09/2020

I was excited to stop in and check on the construction progress of Andy’s Place Apartments recently!

Andy’s Place is a groundbreaking initiative in permanent drug recovery support housing. Andy’s Place will also offer life skills programs, employment classes, wellness activities, and other supportive services in addition to its recovery program.

The new building is set to open in January. THANK YOU, Mike Hirst for your dedication to helping families heal!

09/07/2020

To all the hard-working men and women who make Jackson County great, happy #LaborDay!
👷🏼‍♂️👮‍♀️👩🏼‍🌾🧑🏻‍🏭👩🏻‍🏫👨🏾‍💼👩🏼‍🔬👨🏻‍🔧👨🏼‍🚒👩🏽‍⚕️👨🏻‍🍳👨‍💼👩🏽‍💼🧑‍💼

09/05/2020

Rep. Alexander make your absentee vote count!

With all the changes brought on by COVID-19, many people are asking questions about voting absentee this fall. Here's some direction and helpful tips!

09/02/2020

Western High School soccer players from Jackson – Sam, Marshall, Trey, and Cassidy – visited the state Capitol recently to rally for sports this fall. If it is safe to play sports in Ohio, then it’s safe in Michigan! #LetThemPlay

08/30/2020

Feds demand answers from Gov. Whitmer on Michigan nursing home deaths

The U.S. Department of Justice is seeking answers from Gov. Whitmer over her order which may have resulted in the deaths of thousands of elderly nursing home residents.

In Michigan, at least 2,083 nursing home residents have died from COVID-19, nearly 1 in every 3 deaths statewide.

Even though the science, data and public opinion says the governor’s order is dangerous, COVID patients are still being forced into Michigan nursing home facilities.

Enough is enough.

The U.S. Department of Justice demands records from Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and other Democratic governors who "issued orders which may have resulted in the deaths of thousands." A Whitmer spokeswoman says the request is “election-year politics.”

08/29/2020

Many business owners and managers who wake up every day, play by the rules, and work hard to make our communities a better place to live are still being forced by state government to stay closed, even though there are safe and sensible ways to reopen. There are so many stories to share from all walks of life. Here is one of them:

Jax 60 owner, David Small and manger, Josh Solomon attended a rally on the steps of the state Capitol to address the closure of bowling centers in Michigan. David owns five bowling centers in total, four of which are in Indiana. Indiana has been open SAFELY for two months now, following all CDC guidelines.

45 other states have reopened bowling centers too and they would like to see Michigan follow the example of reopening safely. They put together a detailed science-based plan to mitigate any potential spread of COVID-19 including screenings, frequent sanitization procedures and other CDC recommendations.

There are over 300 bowling centers in the state of Michigan, providing more than 10,000 jobs that help put food on the table for many families. If bowling centers are not able to open by Labor Day for the fall leagues, it’s estimated that up to 50% of these community businesses will not make it.

Bowling centers have been closed since March and we’re asking Governor Whitmer to at least let them reopen at partial capacity.

Bowling is more than just a fun game. It’s a sport that encourages community engagement, mental health and bonds between family and friends.

08/16/2020

As a small gesture of thanks and appreciation, I recently helped the 308 Brass Rail Bar & Grill provide lunch to 50 local state troopers in Jackson!

There are so many people across our community that support law enforcement officers who bravely serve on the front line every day. THANK YOU! 🚔 🇺🇸

08/15/2020

Rep. Alexander: Protect our food supply during COVID

I am concerned about the negative impact the governor's executive orders are having on our food supply during COVID-19.

After listening to farmers, greenhouse growers and processers, I know they are working to protect their employees and safely provide food. They have followed all the rules and now they feel like they're being unfairly targeted with new government regulations that keep changing.

We need a smarter plan of action from our government. At risk is a large amount of food that could go to waste, interrupting our food supply and resulting in higher prices for all of us at the grocery store.

08/08/2020

Rep. Alexander: Back to School

I have spoken with many residents who wonder what #BackToSchool is going to look like this year. As a mom, a nana and a former teacher, I understand and share these growing concerns.

I am working to pass a new plan through the Legislature to keep students and their families safe so schools can open and classes can resume in the fall. Local school districts and health departments can work together to develop health and safety standards that are best for communities based on their unique needs. When it makes sense, we should allow more emphasis on technology and distance learning to make sure education continues safely without interruption.

When it comes to education, nothing is more important than children's success, and the health and safety of students and teachers is a top concern of mine.

Please feel free to share your thoughts!

08/05/2020

Rep. Alexander: State employees deserve whistleblower protections

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, I heard from many corrections officers who live in our Jackson community. They shared their experiences working in our prisons during this public health crisis, expressed concerns about procedures that weren’t effective and sought clarity on policies established by the governor's administration.

Unfortunately, each of the corrections employees who reached out to me risked possible retribution from the department for doing so because of the governor’s recent actions.

No state employee should face retribution for taking any of these actions. That’s why the Legislature voted to restore the whistleblower protections by unanimously approving Senate Bill 686, 108-0 in the House and 37-0 in the Senate.

In her previous role as a state legislator, Gov. Whitmer voted to provide state employees with whistleblower protections on more than a dozen occasions. The governor vetoed the plan earlier this month. Why won’t she allow the voices of our state employees to be heard?

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, I heard from many corrections officers who live in our Jackson community. They shared their experiences working in our prisons during this public health crisis.

08/02/2020

Rep. Alexander: $15 Million in Agricultural Safety Grants will ensure safe and adequate food supply for Michigan farmers and consumers

$15 million in grant funding will soon be available to help Michigan farmers and agricultural processors protect workers and the state’s food production industry from COVID-19.

As chair of the Agriculture Committee, I helped the Legislature approve the grant program and I was pleased to see it signed into law.

Agriculture is one of Michigan’s strongest assets and its second largest industry. It is also second in the nation for diversity of crops gown, with an economic impact of billions of dollars every year.

Michigan’s farmers have faced unprecedented challenges due to the coronavirus pandemic. This funding will provide much-needed resources for the safety of Michigan’s food production and will ensure we have plentiful, reasonably priced options when visiting the grocery store!

State Rep. Julie Alexander today announced $15 million in grant funding will soon be available to help Michigan farmers and agricultural processors protect workers and the state’s food production industry from COVID-19.