I hope this newsletter finds you safe and healthy. With the holiday season here, I extend my best wishes to you and your loved ones. May you find time to unwind, relax and enjoy the festivities and celebrations.
Reflecting on the Senate Majority’s achievements this year, it’s clear that our success stems from genuine conversations and active listening to constituents. The work accomplished puts Michigan on track for a brighter future. I am eager to continue this impactful work for the people and communities of District 21 in the coming 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,
State Senator
Featured in this Newsletter
- Legislative Updates
- Community Updates and Resources
Legislative Updates
Juvenile Justice Reform
I’m pleased that Senate Bills 418, 421, 425, 426, 428, 429 and 435 were signed into law earlier this week that will enact reform to Michigan’s juvenile justice system and serve to fulfill many of the recommendations from the Michigan Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform.
The expansion of the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission reflects a commitment to providing comprehensive defense standards for youth. Prioritizing rehabilitation and addressing outcome disparities not only leads to positive outcomes for the youth in the justice system but also contributes to safer communities across Michigan. One of my main priorities as your State Senator is to develop and support policies that will effectively reform our criminal justice system. For far too long, the voices in the halls of power have not considered meaningful solutions for our prison population.
Drug Immunity Repealed in Michigan
This month, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Senate Bill 410, repealing drug immunity in the state of Michigan. This new law eliminates legal provisions that shielded pharmaceutical companies from certain lawsuits brought by consumers.
In 1995, Michigan passed legislation that made the state the only one in the nation that protected drug manufacturers and sellers from liability stemming from the safety and efficacy of their products. The 1995 legislation left the state of Michigan and its residents unable to address the conduct of certain companies in the context of the opioid epidemic and recovery of taxpayer dollars paid out from the Medicaid program due to fraud.
Now with this legislation repealed, Michigan and its residents are now on an even playing field with the rest of the country in terms of drug industry liability.
Reproductive Health Act
Gov. Whitmer signed the final piece of the state’s Reproductive Health Act (RHA) into law on Monday, December 11. The final bill, House Bill 4949, will repeal Michigan’s ban on insurance coverage for abortion without purchase of a separate rider and will implement other protections for doctors and patients.
The enactment of these bills provides a positive, meaningful step toward ensuring Michiganders have the utmost access to the reproductive health care they deserve. We will continue working to safeguard one’s right to make decisions about their own body with their doctor — not politicians.
Community Updates and Resources
Earned Income Tax Credit Information (EITC)
As we quickly are approaching tax season, I wanted to provide some updated information about the EITC as folks begin to prep. The Michigan EITC is a tax benefit for working individuals with income below a certain level. The Michigan tax credit is similar to the federal EITC. For more information, click here.
2023-2024 CRA Social Equity Grant Program
We know that in the wake of cannabis legalization, large businesses have profited, but the communities most impacted by the history of cannabis prohibition have not shared in many of those gains. After years of engagement with stakeholders and community members, I’m proud that the Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) recently announced the Social Equity Grant program which can be used by licensees to invest in their employees and in marginalized communities across our state.
This program will invest $1 million allocated in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget to address this important issue. The program is about remedying the past harms of Michigan’s cannabis ban and reinvesting in communities that have been overlooked in our state for far too long.
To learn more about the eligibility requirements and application process, please visit michigan.gov/cra/grants/social-equity-grant-program.
Office Operations
To facilitate my team’s transition to the new year, after Thursday, December 21,2023, my office will be operating at a reduced capacity. Our legislative office will resume regular business hours on Thursday, January 4, 2024.
For emergency assistance, please utilize the following resources:
- If you need assistance with food, housing, or paying bills.
- Dial 2-1-1 or visit mi211.org.
- You can schedule an in-person, phone or video call by clicking the above link.
- Or visit Michigan.Gov/UIA.
Capital Area Housing Partnership
Serves as Ingham County’s Housing Assessment and Resource Agency (HARA) for those that are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness.
Call (517) 332-4663 or email info@capitalareahousing.org.
City of Lansing Warming Center
Letts Community Center located at 1220 W Kalamazoo Street, Lansing, MI 48915
Phone: 517-927-5842
Open 7 days a week, 9:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.
Provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, crisis counseling and more to homeless families and battered women in Eaton County.
24-hour crisis line, weekly support groups, referrals to legal assistance for abused women (available for residents and non-residents of the shelter)
Located at 245 S Cochran, Charlotte, MI 48813
Phone: 517-543-0748