On Wednesday, the House of Representatives held its opening ceremonies, which included my colleagues and I being ceremoniously sworn into office on the House floor. Michigan State Supreme Court Justice Mary McCormack administered the oath for my third and final term as your state representative, and it was an honor to have Steve and Dawn Horton join me at the rostrum for the oath. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you for the last four years, and I promise to work hard this final term to the last day.

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With the previous session now behind us, I am proud to say I finished my second term with a perfect voting record. That means I was present and participated in all 1,554 roll call votes during the 2017-2018 session. This is something very important to me since I take seriously the responsibility to be your voice in Lansing and do my best to serve effectively and faithfully.

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I am pleased to report my office was able to return $11,200 of my 2018 office budget. At the beginning of each year, every legislator is appropriated a certain budget with which to operate his or her office in Lansing. This includes staff, supplies, and costs for communication and mailings to assist and respond to constituents. Each legislator is responsible to budget his or her own office costs accordingly. Government is expected to make wise decisions with taxpayers’ money, and I feel it is necessary to be fiscally responsible even within my own office.

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January 9 is Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, and I am taking the opportunity to recognize our local and county law enforcement with state tributes. They deserve our respect and appreciation every day for all the sacrifices they make to keep us safe, and this is a small way for me to say thanks. I hope you take some time to thank our law enforcement for everything they do.

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Thank you to everyone who attended the ceremony last Friday at the John E. LaBelle Public Safety Complex as state Sen. Lana Theis, state Rep. Ann Bollin, and myself were sworn into office as our county’s legislators. Over the next two years, I will continue doing my best to represent the interests of the entire 47^th District.

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I am dedicated to remaining accessible to you, so in 2019, I will continue my regular district office hours schedule of every third Friday of the month. To start the year, please join me Friday, January 18 at the following times and locations:

• 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Fowlerville Farms, 941 S. Grand Ave. in Fowlerville;
• 4 to 5 p.m. at Biggby Coffee, 11325 W. Highland Road in Hartland; and
• 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at All Star Coney Island, 934 Michigan Ave. in Howell.

As always, I look forward to seeing you and hearing your thoughts!

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If you have any ideas, comments or questions for my office, please do not hesitate to call us at 517-373-8835 or send an email to [email protected]. We are happy to hear from you!

PHOTO INFORMATION: State Rep. Hank Vaupel is ceremoniously sworn into office by Michigan State Supreme Court Justice Mary McCormack. Steve and Dawn Horton join him at the rostrum.