Under the Dome – A Michigander’s Guide to Your State Capitol

Government of the people, by the people, for the people.

As your State Senator, I’m proud to represent you and more than 280,000 people across nine cities, villages and townships here in Kent County. I fundamentally believe our government is only as effective as the number of people who take an active role in it — which is why I’ve put this guide together.

Over the past year, I’ve fought hard for state and federal COVID-19 relief and recovery resources for municipalities, families, seniors, and businesses across our district. I’ve worked tirelessly to protect our drinking water from toxic PFAS contamination, to create jobs, ensure every child has access to a world-class education and every family has affordable, accessible housing and health care. I’m proud to protect and defend our veterans and military servicemembers, too — just as they have done for us.

Now I want to hear from you. The more you participate, the more your voice is heard — ensuring I’m best representing you in Lansing. I want to empower you to take a more active role in what happens in your Michigan Legislature — from understanding how and why you might engage with our office, to how to track bills, contact various state departments, or participate in one of our virtual coffee hours to engage with me directly.

I hope you’ll find this guide useful, and I look forward to working with you to help move our state forward in a way that works for everyone. My office stands ready to connect you with the resources necessary to get through difficult times, whether that be ongoing struggles from the pandemic or otherwise. Please do not hesitate to contact us!

Warmest regards,

Winnie Brinks
State Senator
29th District

Toll-free: (855) 347-8029 | Phone: (517) 373-1801
Website: SenatorBrinks.com | Email: SenWBrinks@senate.michigan.gov

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Michigan Departments

There are 17 major departments along with the Executive Office in the state Executive Branch.

Governor’s Office ……………………………………(517) 373-3400
Lieutenant Governor’s Office …………………….(517) 373-6800
Department of:
Agriculture and Rural Development ……….(800) 292-3939
Attorney General …………………………………(517) 335-7622
Civil Rights ………………………………………..(800) 482-3604
Corrections ………………………………………..(517) 335-1426
Education ………………………………………….(833) 633-5788
Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy ……(800) 662-9278
Health and Human Services ………………….(517) 241-3740
Insurance and Financial Services …………..(877) 999-6442
Labor and Economic Opportunity …………..(517) 241-6712
Licensing and Regulatory Affairs ……………(517) 335-9700
Military and Veterans Affairs …………………(517) 481-8001
Natural Resources ………………………………(517) 284-6367
State ………………………………………………..(888) 767-6424
State Police ……………………………………….(517) 332-2521
Technology, Management and Budget …….(517) 241-5545
Transportation ……………………………………(517) 241-2400
Treasury ……………………………………………(517) 335-7508

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WHAT ISSUES IMPACT YOU THE MOST?

I work for you, so I want to know the issues most important to you and your family. Please take a few minutes to go to my website SenatorBrinks.com and complete the issue survey you find there. If you don’t have internet, call and let me know your top issues over the phone. Your thoughts and opinions matter to me!

WHY YOU MIGHT WANT TO CONTACT MY OFFICE:
Comment on Legislation: If you want to express your opinion about legislation or learn more, my office can answer your questions and keep me informed of your comments. When you want to show that you support or oppose a bill, writing a letter or an email is often the most effective way to communicate.

If You Need Help: If you have a problem dealing with any department of state government, such as accessing unemployment benefits, my office can help you resolve it. While we usually cannot assist with local or federal issues, we will always do our best to help direct you to the appropriate person.

There’s No “Wrong” Reason: Any comment, question or concern is welcome. If a different unit of government would more appropriately address your issue, me and my staff can help direct you to the correct department. Remember, I am here to serve you and your family.

Contact Me!

Website: SenatorBrinks.com
Email: SenWBrinks@senate.michigan.gov
Phone: (517) 373-1801 | Toll-free: (855) 347-8029

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TRACKING BILLS 101

Before something becomes a law, it must be written down as a bill. Every two years, or one legislative session, there are thousands of bills introduced — hundreds of which will be signed into law by the governor.

Visit the Michigan Legislature website at legislature.mi.gov for all the latest information about the status of bills. A free service of the Legislative Service Bureau in cooperation with the Michigan Legislative Council, the Michigan House of Representatives, the Michigan Senate, and the Library of Michigan, this website features a robust search
function for legislation introduced and passed.

Whether it’s by number, sponsor, committee or content, you can find detailed bill information on the MILEG website, along with session calendars, journals, House and Senate audio and video feeds, the most recent bill activity and daily introductions of bills, as well as what bills have been passed and enrolled. If there’s a certain bill that you’d like to track, you can register on the site for free, create your own “watch” list of legislation and request an email notification be sent to you when a bill status changes.

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HOW A BILL BECOMES A LAW

YOUR MICHIGAN LEGISLATURE

‘The People of the State of Michigan enact:’ The declaration at the head of every law which reflects the direct link between you and your legislators.

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