Angela Rigas for State Representative

Reps. Rigas and Neyer Urge Senate Action on Rowan Act to Protect Michigan Children - MI House Republicans State Representatives Angela Rigas (R-Caledonia) and Jerry Neyer (R-Shepherd) today urged the Michigan Senate Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety to swiftly advance House Bills 4517 and 4518, known as the Rowan Act, following testimony delivered by Rep. Rigas before the committee...

Dear valued supporters, I am pleased to announce that I have formally filed for reelection. It is imperative that we unite to prevent Democratic control of the state house, and your support for proven conservative leaders like myself is crucial. I kindly request your financial backing to bolster our Republican caucus, with any contribution between $50 to $500 or more greatly appreciated. Your investment will be utilized to support conservative candidates statewide, with the ultimate goal of defeating Democratic opponents in Michigan. Your prompt donation would be greatly appreciated, as the future of our state relies on your participation. Thank you.

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Weekly Vote Explanations(February 18-19)

**BILL PACKAGE HBs 5035-5039: Fertility Fraud**
Sponsors: Reps. Roth (R), Steckloff (D), & St. Germaine (R)
HBs 5035 & 5037 passed 61-48 with immediate effect
HBs 5036 & 5038 passed 60-49 with immediate effect
HB 5039 passed 88-21 with immediate effect

**Why I voted YES:** We need tougher penalties to crack down on fraud in assisted reproduction. Families deserve real protection when they're going through something so personal and important—no excuses for deceptive practices that hurt people.

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**BILL PACKAGE HBs 4530 & 5220: Child mental health records and mandated reporter training**
Sponsors: Reps. Pohutsky (D) & Rigas (R)
Passed 108-1 with immediate effect

**Why I voted YES:** Kids come first. A 14-day delay for mental health professionals to hand over records during a Child Protective Services investigation is way too long—it leaves vulnerable children at risk for far too long. And mandated reporters must stay current on spotting abuse and their duties, especially when those rules change. I co-sponsored this because Michigan kids deserve faster action and better-trained eyes watching out for them.

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**HB 4981: Redesignates “limited licensed counselors” as “limited licensed professional counselors.”**
Sponsor: Rep. Fairbairn (R)
Passed 109-1 with immediate effect

**Why I voted YES:** Simple fix—clearer title means less confusion for everyone. It helps these professionals stand out and builds consistency so people know exactly what they're getting. Common-sense change that supports our counselors without adding bureaucracy.

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**HB 5317: Allows counties with a population of less than 100,000 to reduce the size of their Parks and Recreation Board to seven members.**
Sponsor: Rep. Cavitt (R)
Passed 108-0 with immediate effect

**Why I voted YES:** Local control matters. Smaller counties should have the freedom to streamline their boards, cut waste, and shift those dollars to other critical local needs. Less government bloat means more efficient use of taxpayer money right where it counts.

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**HB 4279: Creates the Michigan Army National Guard and Air National Guard apprenticeship act.**
Sponsor: Rep. Greene (R)
Passed 99-9 with immediate effect

**Why I voted YES:** Our servicemembers sacrifice so much for us. This program opens doors to good jobs that match the hands-on skills they've built in the Guard. It's a smart way to help them transition and keep building strong careers here in Michigan.

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**HB 4402: Requires the development and dissemination of informational material on cytomegalovirus (CMV), mandates testing of newborns and requires reporting positive tests to MDHHS.**
Sponsor: Rep. VanderWall (R)
Passed 102-6 with immediate effect

**Why I voted YES:** Protecting our newborns is a top priority. Cytomegalovirus can cause serious issues for babies, and early detection through mandatory testing gives families the information they need to act fast. Spreading awareness and reporting positives to MDHHS ensures we catch it early and get children the help they deserve—it's about safeguarding Michigan's youngest without hesitation.

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**BILL PACKAGE HBs 4079 & 4080: Increases the income threshold for the special assessment deferment.**
Sponsors: Reps. Schuette (R) & Hoadley (R)
Passed 98-10 with immediate effect

**Why I voted YES:** Seniors and disabled individuals on fixed or low incomes are getting hammered by rising costs, including special assessments. This raises the threshold to give them real relief and keeps more money in their pockets where it belongs—helping hardworking Michigan families stay in their homes.

I want to thank all of my colleagues who voted to help better protect our state’s most vulnerable children from abuse and neglect.

House Bills 4530 & 5220 are bipartisan reforms that shorten the timeline for critical mental health records to reach CPS investigators from 14 to 7 days and require mandated reporters to refresh their training every 3 years. These bills stem from heartbreaking lessons learned and will help ensure faster action when a child’s safety is at risk.