Schmaltz Talks Budget, Roads at Chelsea Office Hours

State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz met with residents in Chelsea on April 27 for local office hours focused on the state budget, roads, schools and concerns ranging from downtown truck traffic to data centers.

The meeting was held in the Chelsea City Council chambers. Schmaltz, a Republican, represents the 46th House District, which includes Chelsea, Sylvan Township and parts of Jackson County. She chairs the House Families and Veterans Committee and also serves on the Energy, Health Policy, and Communications and Technology committees.

Schmaltz said budget work remains a major focus in Lansing. She said House Republicans are reviewing department spending and looking for ways to reduce taxes while funding priorities such as roads, schools, public safety and mental health.

“People should know where their tax dollars are going,” Schmaltz said.

She said education funding is largely in line with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s proposal and said literacy remains a priority. Earlier this month, Schmaltz introduced House Bills 5819, 5820 and 5821, which would require Michigan schools to base reading instruction and curriculum materials on the science of reading, a research-backed approach that emphasizes phonics, sound recognition and other foundational reading skills.

“Literacy is so important,” Schmaltz said. “We have to get back to basics.”

Road funding and local truck traffic were also discussed. One resident asked about trucks traveling through Chelsea on M-52 and whether a pedestrian crossing light could be added near Dewey Street.

Schmaltz said truck traffic through Chelsea has been discussed for decades, but changes can be difficult when state roads are involved.

“This has been talked about for 30 years, but it’s hard to get MDOT to do things,” Schmaltz said.

Schmaltz also highlighted several bills and funding requests she is working on, including proposals related to National Guard pay, veterans, guardianship protections, foster care savings, youth transportation services and a Jackson County jail overhaul.

One bill, approved unanimously by the House, would allow Michigan National Guard members called up by the state to receive pay through direct deposit or electronic transfer starting with their first pay period. She also referenced House Bill 5514, which would set new rules for private companies hired to transport children to residential child care programs, including restrictions on restraints and overnight pickups.

Another bill would require more court oversight when guardians handle larger amounts of a person’s cash or other easily accessible money.

“It’s really important that we start protecting people,” Schmaltz said.

Data centers also came up during the discussion. Schmaltz said she believes they are part of the future, but lawmakers need to work through questions about regulation, noise, utilities and community impact.

“We do need them,” Schmaltz said. “But there’s a lot of things we need to figure out.”

Schmaltz said she is running for re-election and remains focused on policies tied to children, veterans, public safety and affordability.

“I feel my job is to make life easier, safer, healthier,” she said.

Residents who were unable to attend can contact Schmaltz’s office at 517-373-1798 or [email protected].

Featured image: State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz speaks during local office hours in Chelsea. Pictured beside her is Vinicius Assuncao, legislative director. Photo by Heather Finch