District 21 Resources, News and Legislative Updates

Dec 1, 2023 | Email

Dear Neighbor,   

As we enter the holiday season, I hope you are taking time to rest and gather with loved ones. This time of year is a perfect opportunity to express gratitude in our lives — and I am incredibly grateful to serve and represent you in District 21.  

Since we commenced this legislative session in January, my colleagues and I have passed critical legislation and allocated vital funds to address the issues that many Michiganders are facing. I am pleased that our caucus accomplished this by listening and engaging in real conversations with constituents. While we have more work to do, I look forward to our continued progress in the new year. 

As always, if you, or someone you know, wants to provide any feedback about what’s happening in Lansing or needs assistance of any sort, please feel free to reach out to us at any time. You can email us at SenSAnthony@senate.michigan.gov or call (517) 373-6960. 

In Service,

Sarah Anthony
State Senator 
District 21

 

 

Featured in this Newsletter 

  • Legislative Updates 
  • In Recent News 
  • Resources  
 
 

Legislative Updates 

Clean Energy Future Plan

In response to the escalating impact of climate change and the rising frequency of severe weather events and extreme temperatures in Michigan, our Majority for the People introduced the Clean Energy Future plan — Senate Bills 271, 273, 277, 502 and 519 — which Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law this week. 

This legislation ensures a more affordable, reliable and sustainable energy in Michigan. Specifically, the bills require the MPSC to add affordability and overall cost-effectiveness to its consideration as well as require utilities to meet clean energy standards. The bills also add an expanded advisory role for the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to include environmental justice and health impacts. Additionally, the bills emphasize the importance of public input and representation for utility customers, ensuring their interests are adequately addressed. We know that people across the state are struggling to make ends meet, that’s why I’m pleased that this package of bills was crafted with an equity lens and ensures we are taking care of those who are struggling the most.   

These bills make significant and historic progress toward a sustainable future for Michigan and lay a solid foundation for continued work to improve Michigan’s energy industry and protect our air, land and water while keeping our residents wellbeing in mind. Read more here. 

Reproductive Health Act  

Nearly 2.5 million Michigan voters showed overwhelming support for Proposal 3 in November 2022 after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.  

This November, Michigan took a bold step forward to ensure Michigan laws reflect Michigan values when Gov. Whitmer signed into law the Reproductive Health Act that included Senate Bills 474, 476 and 477.  

The Reproductive Health Act does the following:  

  • Protects and expands access to reproductive healthcare for Michiganders statewide; 
  • Aligns Michigan’s laws with the new reproductive health protections in Michigan’s constitution; 
  • Repeals the 1931 abortion ban, as passed by Senate Democrats earlier this year; and 
  • Repeals medically unnecessary regulations and removes reporting requirements and administrative burdens that are not placed on any other healthcare providers. 

This legislation was crafted with constituents and advocates in mind — accounting for their diverse lived experiences and perspectives. Read more about this legislation here.  

Protecting Survivors of Domestic Violence from Further Abuse

Domestic violence is a crisis facing women and families across Michigan and the United States. The issue of domestic violence is also deeply interconnected with gun violence, as more abusers are choosing firearms as their weapon of choice.  

For a long time under state law, individuals convicted of a domestic violence misdemeanor were not barred from possessing or carrying a firearm for any amount of time. This dangerous loophole was closed on Nov. 21, when Senate Bills 471, 472and 528 — sponsored by Sen. Stephanie Chang and Sen. Sue Shink — were signed into law. 

Michigan has now joined the majority of states that have enhanced protections for survivors of domestic violence. Click here to read more about this legislation.  

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, visit the Michigan State Police webpage on domestic violence here for more information, or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. 

Financial Disclosure, Improving Transparency 

For a long time, Michigan was one of only two states where lawmakers did not have to file any type of public report about their personal finances. After extensive input from stakeholders and lawmakers, bipartisan financial disclosure Senate Bills 613-616, sponsored by Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield) and Sen. Sam Singh (D-East Lansing), passed the Senate nearly unanimously and are now one step closer to helping improve government transparency and codify Proposal 1 of 2022 — which was supported by 2.8 million Michigan voters just last year.  

Per Proposal 1 of 2022, and going beyond it, the legislation passed would ensure that starting next year on April 15, each lawmaker must disclose:   

  • Every source of income;   
  • Assets held for investment or production of income;   
  • Significant liabilities;   
  • Positions held in organizations;   
  • Future employment agreements;   
  • Spouse’s occupation and more.  

The Senate bills also extend this disclosure to candidates for office so that voters can vet these potential conflicts as they decide on who they want to represent them. 

 

In Recent News 

Food Access News Story 

In the state of Michigan, many communities are struggling to access food on a daily basis. In fact, according to the 2022 Food Security Council final report, food insecurity increased to approximately 1.9 million people in Michigan at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, including 552,000 children. Throughout the holiday season, the issue of food insecurity is often exacerbated, and many families go without a holiday dinner. However, local food banks and food centers serve as vital resources and aid in reducing the food insecurity gap during the holiday season and beyond. To learn more, click here. As always, please contact my office if you or someone you know is in need of any local or state resources. 

EGLE Invites Public Input on Implementing MI Healthy Climate Plan 

The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is inviting Michigan residents to offer input on the implementation of the MI Healthy Climate Plan in preparation for federal funding. 

The aim is to identify local needs and provide localized context for Michigan climate action while involving local governments and community organizations. Each meeting will educate attendees about the plan and the latest progress. However, the main purpose is to gather feedback on key strategies for climate action, particularly those with the most significant greenhouse gas reduction measures.  

Upcoming meeting dates: 

Learn more online about the public input sessions and the MHCP, and stay up to date by subscribing to Michigan Climate Action News and Updates. 

 

Resources 

Health Insurance Marketplace Enrollment Period Opens  

Open enrollment for 2024 health insurance runs from November 1, 2023, through January 15, 2024. Consumers must select a plan no later than December 15, 2023, for coverage to start on January 1, 2024. 

Shop for a health plan by visiting the Health Insurance Marketplace or calling 800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325). During the current open enrollment period, Michiganders can take advantage of subsidies that can help make health insurance more affordable. For 2023, more than 85% of enrollees qualified for a subsidy, saving an average of more than $400 per month, with many consumers able to get health insurance for less than $10 per month.  

The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) will host online town hall meetings on December 11 and January 8 to help Michigan residents choose the right coverage for them.  

For questions about health coverage or the town hall events, visit Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance or call DIFS 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 877-999-6442. 

AG Nessel Launches New Consumer Protection Website, Holiday Scams Campaign  

With the launch of Attorney General Nessel’s annual Holiday Scam Campaign, the Department is also launching a new Consumer Protection website and logo! The website now includes:  

  • A new search tool to make finding consumer alerts and charities faster and easier; 
  • A page dedicated to common scams; 
  • The Michigan Identity Theft Support page and resources to detect and report identity theft for consumers and businesses; and 
  • Educational videos from Attorney General Nessel, the Federal Trade Commission and other trusted resources. 

For more information, click here.  

 

Coffee Hour

Please join me at my end-of-the-year coffee hour in Lansing. We will discuss district updates, legislative priorities, and state budget information.  

Please come with your thoughts and questions. All are welcome! 

WHEN: Friday, December 15, 2023, from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. 
WHERE: Letts Community Center, 1220 W. Kalamazoo St, Lansing