State Senator Winnie Brinks

Hello Neighbors,

Last week, I announced an important new package of bills aimed at addressing the rising costs of prescription medications. These high costs have had a major impact on many Michigan seniors and others who rely on medication to stay healthy but have no way to ensure their affordability. I’m working hard to change that — read on to find out more about this important package of bills to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board.

Every day, I am grateful and humbled that 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, 

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Winnie Brinks
State Senator
29th District

In This Issue

Prescription Drug Affordability Board 

Prescription Drug Affordability Board

The price of drugs continues to escalate — even during a global pandemic. They consistently rise faster than inflation and higher than other consumer goods. That’s why I am working hard to establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) in Michigan.

A PDAB is an independent board of experts, appointed by the governor, that researches, reviews, and establishes payment limits on the most expensive prescription drugs. Like any public board, it also provides an opportunity for the public to weigh in.

This legislation is unique in that it will directly lower the cost of certain prescription drugs at the point-of-sale from the pharmaceutical company. Because of that, consumers stand to benefit greatly from this legislation, and it doesn’t leave people with connections to the prescription drug industry — such as pharmacists, health insurance companies, and other entities — holding the bag.

More information on our efforts can be found here.

Governor Signs Bills Limiting Unfair Drug Prices

Addressing the high cost of prescription drugs requires a multi-faceted effort, and we are already making progress in Michigan. Last week, Gov. Whitmer signed a package of bills that my work on the Prescription Drug Task Force helped produce. The new laws would bring transparency to our drug pricing by ensuring the actual price of generic prescription drugs are disclosed to you when you purchase them, for example, so you do not pay a $30 co-pay for a drug that only costs $8.

The law also regulates the role of a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) — a middleman between entities like the insurance company and the pharmacy. Unregulated practices by PBMs have driven up prices for medicines like insulin, and we are putting a stop to that.

Check out this MLive article for more information on this bill package.

National Caregivers Day 

Caregivers - Thank You

This week, I co-sponsored a resolution to recognize February 18, 2022, as National Caregivers Day. Millions of Americans who are aging or who have a disability are enabled to remain safe and healthy in their own homes because of the dedicated work of caregivers all over Michigan. Especially under the ongoing strain of the COVID-19 pandemic, this is a way to formally express our gratitude to caregivers for their unwavering commitment to their clients and families.

Thanks to all of you who work to give care to others. Your work should be recognized for the vital role it plays in our society and celebrated for the hope it brings. We are grateful to you.

You can read the full text of the resolution here

March for Our Lives 

March For Our Lives

Last week, brave students from March for Our Lives met with me and other lawmakers in Lansing. The group included a student from Oxford High School who experienced the traumatic shooting there firsthand. The students shared their experiences with gun violence and their passion for better gun laws and mental health supports in their schools.

Their voices are critical, and it’s our responsibility as legislators to listen and to respond. I have long been a supporter of the commonsense gun laws they are advocating for, including laws requiring safe storage of firearms, as well as ensuring schools have enough counselors to support the mental health needs of every student. I am hopeful their advocacy will help to move us forward in Michigan toward these solutions.

New Street Names in Grand Rapids Honor Civil Rights Heroes 

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Franklin Street and Grandville Avenue have now officially been changed to Martin Luther King, Jr. Street, and Cesar E. Chavez Avenue, respectively, making Grand Rapids the first in the state to have a King and Chavez intersection.

Spirits were high on the rainy Tuesday that the signs were unveiled and at the inspiring celebration. Paul Chavez, the son of Cesar E. Chavez, and Rev. Derek King, nephew of Martin Luther King Jr., were guests of honor at the renaming ceremony.

I hope you’ll note these new signs while driving or walking in the city and remember the important work these civil rights heroes have passed on to us. We must work together to advance racial justice, to honor the dignity of workers, and to ensure every person in our city is treated as valuable.

$409 Million Available to Support Michigan Businesses

Applications are now being accepted for the new Growing MI Business grant program. The program will deliver $409 million in added support to nine types of businesses:

  • Entertainment venues
  • Recreational facilities and public places of amusement
  • Barbers and cosmetologists
  • Exercise facilities
  • Food service establishments
  • Nursery dealers and growers
  • Athletic trainers
  • Body art facilities
  • Hotels and bed & breakfast establishments

If you’re interested in applying, you’re encouraged to attend an informational webinar from 1-2 p.m. EST on Monday, March 7. Details for the webinar, and instructions for applying before the March 31 deadline, can be found at Michigan.gov/abr.

Clarifying Eligibility for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance

This week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Senate Bill 445 into law, ensuring Pandemic Unemployment Assistance payments are made to some who were denied due to a confusing question on the application for federal assistance.

Specifically, the confusion was due to a question on the application that asked if the applicant was “able and available” for full-time work. Unemployed workers who were available only for part-time work who checked “no” may not have received benefits for which they were eligible. Part-time workers who checked “yes” may have wrongly received overpayment letters for the benefits they received.

The new law affects PUA claims filed after March 1, 2020, for those who had issues due to only being available for part-time work.

Share Your Thoughts with the Department of Natural Resources

The public is invited to join the Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division staff at Conversations & Coffee events this March and April for an informal opportunity to discuss local issues and management activities related to fisheries. The events provide information on local and statewide regulation changes affecting anglers and offer the public an opportunity to meet with fisheries managers and biologists to discuss local issues and management activities. Click here to find out more.

Contact Us

We love to hear from you. Here are a few reasons 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. Your opinion matters!

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 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.

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.

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