Tornado Update and Resources

Tornado Update and Resources

As you know, much of our district was battered by severe storms and tornadoes on Tuesday night. We've been working with officials on the ground to do everything we can to assist. I have been assessing damage with officials and am attentive to their needs as they continue with debris removal, damage assessments, and power restoration. It's hard to express our full gratitude to the first responders and their tireless work these past few days. 

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please help share some of these resources.

Important Reminders

• For sheltering or human resources needs - Call 211
• If the building you are in has been damaged, exit with extreme care and stay out. Look around for things that might fall or dangerous debris.
• Do not use matches or lighters inside. If you smell gas or see spills that could be flammable, leave immediately.
• Watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines and report them to the utility company immediately.
• Take pictures of home damage, both of the buildings and contents, for insurance purposes.

Red Cross Shelter & Community Lunch

First Assembly of God, 5550 Oakland Drive, Portage, MI 49024

The shelter is open to everyone, even if you only need a short period of relief like meals, snacks, a friendly face or conversation and access to electricity. If you are going, please keep in mind you need to bring your own prescription medications, clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies, other comfort items and important documents. If you have children, please don’t forget to bring any special items, such as diapers, formula and toys. 

Community Appreciation Lunch: Saturday, May 11, 11:30AM-1:30PM, Kalamazoo First Assembly of God Church (Parking Lot)

• Free burritos, quesadillas, tacos, tamales, and hot dog meals with beverages.

If you have been impacted by these storms and need help, contact 1-800-Red-Cross (733-2767).

For information on cleanup guidance, please click here. 

Fighting for Border Security

On Wednesday, the House passed H.R. 7109, Equal Representation Act. This commonsense bill ensures that only American citizens are counted in the census for electoral apportionment. We're approaching 10 million illegal encounters under the Biden administration, and with policies like catch-and-release, many of those remain in our country. Currently, illegal immigrants will still be counted not only for congressional districts, but also the electoral college. While H.R. 7109 passed, not a single Democrat supported it. 

This Saturday marks one year since H.R. 2, Secure the Border Act, passed the House. Since then, the Senate has passed no border legislation, and the President has done nothing to address the crisis. The House even passed this measure again last fall. On April 27, nearly every Democrat once again voted against H.R. 3602, another bill designed to end the border catastrophe.

Demanding Answers on Antisemitism

This week, the House Education and Workforce Committee hosted Education Secretary Miguel Cardona. I focused my questions on the department's lack of response following the wave of antisemitism following October 7.  We also had administrators of K-12 school districts in to testify regarding outbreaks of antisemitism in their schools and the threats Jewish students have faced. A number of these brave students shared their stories at a press conference ahead of the hearing. I applaud these students and their parents for speaking out.

Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week

Thank you to all the teachers who work so hard to help educate the next generation. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!