October 1, 2021
Hello Neighbors,
Last week, the Legislature passed the Fiscal Year 2022 state budget, making historic investments in the areas Michiganders care about most and the issues we’ve been fighting for. In this week’s issue, I will highlight some of the details of this budget agreement.
Most importantly, the budget makes investments in equity, access to health care, and valuing those who care for others. It has become increasingly clear our whole economy depends on the “caring economy” that has been historically undervalued. These are issues I have worked tirelessly on to bring attention to throughout my career, and I am pleased to see meaningful investments in this space.
This budget invests in Michigan’s potential, delivering for our families and setting us up for a more successful future. I’m especially proud of the funding I helped to secure for the 29th District, including (but not limited to):
- $500,000 for the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute to advance health equity,
- $500,000 for Catherine’s Health Center to ensure the expansion of their role as a Federally Qualified Health Center for the medically underserved to have quality, affordable health care,
- And more — read below!
Every day, I am grateful and humbled I get to represent you as your State Senator, and I do my best to ensure that your voice is heard in Lansing. As always, please continue to look out for your friends and neighbors and be patient with one another. For the latest updates, I’d encourage you to follow me on Facebook.
Warm regards,
Winnie Brinks
State Senator
29th District
In This Issue
- Budget Investments in West Michigan
- Budget Overview
- Upcoming Coffee Hour
- Contact Us
Budget Investments in West Michigan
The Fiscal Year ‘22 budget brings a mindful approach to encouraging the growth of businesses investing in a sustainable future, as well as investments in the cultural institutions and outdoor spaces of communities in the 29th Senate District. Additional key investments for our district are:
- $500,000 for the Grand Rapids Public Museum Riverfront Project.
- $7 million to Restore the Rapids.
- $500,000 for the Grand Rapids Center for Transformation.
- $4 million for the Kent County Sustainable Business Park.
The application of state dollars toward projects such as the Grand Rapids Public Museum and the River restoration have the potential to transform our relationship with our environment for generations, enabling people to interact in a meaningful way with the river that defines our city. I am thrilled to have helped secure some of these funds for our communities!
Budget Overview
Outside of the West Michigan-specific investments, there are plenty of other funds being allocated to uplift folks across the state, whether that’s through job training, helping pay for groceries, expanding access to childcare, decreasing health care disparities for communities of color, or other initiatives.
I’m particularly pleased to see substantial funding put toward child care and providers in this budget as well. As I mentioned earlier, the “caring economy” — child care, adult foster care, direct care, and more — received overdue recognition, though of course we will continue working on appropriating federal American Rescue Plan Act funds in the coming months as well.
Even so, one of the most impactful initiatives funded in the budget is $108.1 million to increase eligibility for low- or no-cost childcare to 185% of the federal poverty level through fiscal year 2023, allowing 105,000 more children to become eligible for such care. Some $138 million in ongoing funding will provide a 30% rate increase to providers, and an additional $222 million for a temporary rate increase. Finally, $117.4 million will be provided for stabilization measures, so that childcare institutions can keep their doors open and provide the necessary services that keep our economy going.
Below, I’ve outlined some of the most impactful investments for the state budget that begins today, Oct. 1, 2021:
Public Health
- Permanent increase in Direct Care Worker Pay.
- $2 million for Double Up Food Bucks, which provides healthy food options to low-income families.
- $6.7 million to extend Sickle Cell Disease coverage in the Children’s Special Health Care Services program.
- $8.4 million for efforts to reduce racial and economic health disparities.
- $10 million to increase lead remediation in homes through low-interest loans.
- Annualized funding to expand Medicaid coverage to mothers from 60 days to 12 months postpartum, and providing additional home visiting slots.
- $19.1 million to add 1,000 slots to the MI Choice Waiver program, which helps provide at-home health care coverage to more seniors in Michigan.
- $26.5 million for a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCHBC) demonstration, that will, over two years, establish 14, 24-hour CCHBCs. This new type of Medicaid provider will deliver integrated physical health/behavioral health services for adults with mental health or substance abuse disorders, as well as children with serious emotional disturbance.
- $91 million for Children’s Behavioral Health Services for children eligible for Medicaid and those served through the child welfare system.
Education(these highlights are in addition to the substantial increases for child care and providers)
- $1.9 million increase to address Michigan’s educator shortage.
- $2 million increase in state aid to libraries.
- $100,000 to create the post of Poet Laureate of Michigan.
Environment and Water
- $15 million for the Emergency Drinking Water Fund to help the state address drinking water emergencies.
- $14 million to address PFAS, and another $22 million to clean up contaminated sites across the state.
- $10 million for the Lead Poisoning Prevention Fund to help eliminate lead poisoning in homes by injecting private capital into lead remediation efforts.
- $5 million for the State Facility Green Revolving Fund — a catalyst for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects at state facilities that help reduce the state’s carbon footprint.
Public Safety
- $500,000 to the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) to provide de-escalation training for law enforcement personnel.
- $16 million for 9-1-1 system upgrades.
- $5 million to support local efforts to expand recruitment, improve training, and provide additional professional development to first responders.
- $3.8 million to expand the use of body cameras.
- $4.5 million for a professional development and training effort.
Michigan Businesses
- $1.5 million for the Michigan Saves Green banking grant to help encourage energy efficient projects.
- $37.5 million to increase Medicaid payments for nursing homes to help fill their revenue shortfalls resulting from COVID-19.
- $100 million for Business Attraction and Community Revitalization.
Jobs, People and the Economy
- $605,000 to support implementation of recent changes to the expungement laws.
- $55 million for Michigan Reconnect.
- $25 million for Futures for Frontliners.
- $12 million increase in Going Pro.
- $3 million for a statewide pre-apprenticeship program.
Upcoming Coffee Hour
Each month, my team and I host informal events where you can share your thoughts and concerns about issues affecting our district, and you also can hear about the latest from the Michigan Legislature. We have begun to transition back to in-person events, and I would love to have you join me at my next in-person coffee hour:
Monday, October 18th from 6 to 7 p.m. Coffee and Conversation with Senator Brinks
Seidman Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth
139 Crofton St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
You can also contact my office to: 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. Your opinion matters!
General Assistance: 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 your issue would be more appropriately addressed by a different unit of government, I will help direct you. Remember, I am here to serve YOU and your family.
Contact Us
I have other questions. Are you and your office still available?
To keep you and my staff healthy and safe, we are working remotely until further notice. Please call our office at (517) 373-1801 or send me an email at SenWBrinks@senate.michigan.gov, as you normally would, and we will do our best to avoid any interruption of service.
Helpful Links
· State Senator Winnie Brinks
· 29th Senate District Map
· Michigan Senate
· Michigan House of Representatives
· Michigan Legislature
· U.S. Senate
· U.S. House of Representatives
· Kent County
· City of Grand Rapids