Rep. Scholten Applauds Signing of Bills to Reduce Muskegon Heights Public School Debt, Expand Access to Clean Drinking Water

Congresswoman Scholten speaks alongside Michigan colleagues at the Governor's bill signing
December 18, 2023
Press Release

MUSKEGON, MI – Today, Rep. Hillary Scholten (MI-03) joined Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan statehouse and community leaders to celebrate the signing of two state-level bills, House Bill 4292 and Senate Bill 174, to address critical clean drinking water needs in schools and child care centers, reduce public school debt, and invest in talent development. The legislation tackles some of Muskegon’s top needs that Congresswoman Scholten and others encouraged the governor and state legislature to address.

Specifically, House Bill 4292 includes:

  • $31.3 million to Muskegon Heights School District to pay off the school system’s debt;
  • $30 million to Grand Valley State University for essential building renovations and additions; 
  • $16.8 million to Grand Rapids Community College for library renovations;
  • $15 million for PFAS remediation near Muskegon Lake;
  • $50 million for drinking water filtration in schools and child care centers in areas of need;
  • Funding for Medical Debt Relief Pilot Program; substance use treatment center; mental and behavioral health access improvements.

Senate Bill 174 includes:

  • $35 million for school-based health centers;
  • $10 million for upgraded student health data systems;
  • Revisions to outdated standards and requirements including district funding matches for state-sponsored programs.

“As a mom, I know how important it is that Michigan kids have access to the high-quality education and clean drinking water they deserve, and I couldn't be more excited to see these bills signed into law right here in West Michigan,” said Rep. Scholten. “These will have an incredible impact in Muskegon County and across our region. I am proud to have been part of talks in support of this legislation with the Governor and am happy to see everyone’s hard work come to fruition to create a brighter future for our kids.”

In Congress, Rep. Scholten is a member of the Get the Lead Out Caucus, which raises awareness of the dangers of lead pipes and advocates for lead pipe removal across the country. Rep. Scholten is also a member of the PFAS Task Force and works to tackle the threat of PFAS and protect Michigan communities from the impacts of forever chemicals.