Hello Neighbors,
The stigma of a housing court record makes it virtually impossible for families recovering from a crisis, survivors of violent crimes, and people exploited by negligent or abusive landlords to find safe and affordable housing again. That’s why I’ve introduced Senate Bill 949 with a bipartisan group of legislators who agree we must provide a path forward for eviction expungement.
We worked hard to balance the needs of landlords to get accurate information about prospective tenants, with fairness for renting families in meeting their essential housing needs. I look forward to seeing this important bill make its way to the governor’s desk.
Every day, I am grateful and humbled I can 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
- More Michiganders are Eligible for the EITC This Year
- Getting Help Managing Utility Bills
- The Governor’s Food Security Council Report
- Disability Advocates Panel
- COVID-19 Racial Disparities Task Force Report
- Protecting Consumers from Predatory Subscription Services
- Grants for Michigan Businesses Impacted by the Pandemic
- Secretary of State Benson Talks Election Transparency
- 2022 Fishing License Season Begins
- Contact Us
More Michiganders are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit This Year
The expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit means you may qualify this year even if you haven’t in the past.
Some things you need to know:
- For 2021 only, a greater number of workers and couples who don’t have children can qualify for the EITC (and the maximum credit is nearly tripled for these taxpayers).
- The EITC is now available to younger workers and to senior citizens.
- To qualify for the EITC, individuals must have worked and earned income under $57,414 and have investment income below $10,000 in the tax year 2021.
Thousands who are eligible for both the federal and state EITCs do not claim them each year. Be sure to double-check if you are.
More details about the EITC are available on the IRS website.
Getting Help Managing Utility Bills
Some Michiganders can often find themselves struggling to pay their energy bills in the colder months of the year. However, help is available:
- Call 2-1-1 and ask how you can get help paying your utility bill or visit MI211.org to learn more.
- Apply for the State Emergency Relief (SER) Program through MI Bridges for bill assistance or call 855-275-6424.
- Apply for a Home Heating Credit at the Michigan Department of Treasury’s website. You can also learn more by calling 517-636-4486.
- Visit the Michigan Public Service Commission’s website for more information and resources.
The Governor’s Food Security Council Report
Earlier this month, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Food Security Council, which I am proud to be a part of, released its final report with recommendations on decreasing food insecurity in Michigan. It also highlights the swift action the state has already taken to improve this issue, including access to driver’s licenses (Senate Bills 433 and 434).
The Council’s report helps ensure Michigan stays focused on ways to:
- Increase availability of healthy, fresh food
- Understand and support Michiganders experiencing hunger
- Improve navigation to connect to food and nutrition programs
You can read the full report here.
Disability Advocates Panel
I recently joined other state legislators on a panel at the Disability Awareness Day hosted by Disability Advocates of Kent County. We answered questions about transportation, housing access, and employment opportunities for people of all abilities. The advocacy of people living with disabilities is a powerful way that legislators are held accountable to policies that work toward the dignity of all. I’m committed to continuing work on ensuring to consider how Michigan’s policies can ensure that all its residents can thrive.
Michigan Coronavirus Racial Disparities Task Force Report
COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted communities of color. Michigan responded to this reality two years ago as the first and only state to pull experts together and develop a strategy to address it. The Michigan Coronavirus Racial Disparities Task Force has recently released its recommendations, and it includes strategies not just for addressing today’s needs, but also for lasting structural change.
This report helps make Michigan a national model on responding to racial disparities and flattening inequities. Our work is just beginning with this new roadmap for moving forward.
Read the full report here.
Protecting Consumers from Predatory Subscription Services
I am co-sponsoring a bill that helps ensure transparency and clarity when consumers sign up for continuous services, like a subscription, and want to terminate it. Too often, consumers are tricked into services like these, or trapped into long terms because of unscrupulous practices.
This bill amends current law by ensuring sign-ups like these are clear, consensual, and that cancelling is just as easy as signing up.
Grants for Michigan Businesses Impacted by the Pandemic
Do you have a Michigan business? Have you suffered revenue loss during the pandemic, or did you start your business between Oct. 1, 2019, and May 31, 2020? If so, you may qualify for grants up to $5 million from the State of Michigan.
Eligible businesses include entertainment, exercise and recreational venues and facilities, barbers and cosmetologists, food service businesses (including trucks, coffee shops and bars), nursery dealers and growers, and more.
Find out more and apply at Michigan.gov/abr.
Secretary of State Benson Talks Election Transparency
The Michigan Department of State recently released a video explaining why results of major elections in Michigan often aren’t available right after polls close. It’s the first in a series that transparently explains Michigan election operations to educate voters and counter and preempt election misinformation.
The first video explains Michigan election results in major and close elections will often come many hours, if not days, after polls close because the state Legislature does not allow local election clerks to preprocess absentee ballots before Election Day. Many other states that allow no-reason absentee voting — which Michigan voters enshrined in the state Constitution in 2018 — provide days or even weeks for absentee ballot preprocessing prior to Election Day to ensure their voters have election results on election night.
Subsequent videos will debunk other misinformation and answer commonly asked questions about Michigan’s elections. They will be released regularly to prepare voters for the 2022 elections. In coordination with community partners, many of the videos will also be released in additional languages and all will eventually be available to view online at Michigan.gov/elections.
2022 Fishing License Season Begins April 1; New Underwater Spearfishing Licenses Available
For anglers eager to hit the water, a reminder that Michigan’s new 2022 license season starts Friday, April 1. Licenses for the 2022 season are valid through March 31, 2023, and can be purchased at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses. Anyone buying a fishing license online will have the opportunity to sign up for auto-renewal through the DNR eLicense system.
Last month, the DNR announced upcoming regulation changes adopted by the Michigan Natural Resources Commission, including the expansion of underwater spearfishing opportunities that will now include the chance to harvest additional species.
Starting April 1, underwater spearfishing for walleye, northern pike, and lake trout has been added for Lake Michigan (waters south of the southernmost pier at Grand Haven) and Lake Huron (waters south of the southernmost pier of the Thunder Bay River, extending south to the mouth of the St. Clair River at Fort Gratiot Light).
This opportunity requires a new underwater spearfishing license along with monthly effort and harvest reporting requirements. The underwater spearfishing license is complimentary, unless a DNR Sportcard is needed, and will be available only online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses. See page 16 of the 2022 fishing guide (available on the DNR guides and digests page) for more on this spearfishing opportunity.
Everyone planning to fish is encouraged to periodically review the digital version of the fishing guide for regulation updates throughout the 2022 fishing season. For tips on getting started, choosing locations, targeting different species and other “how to” information, visit Michigan.gov/Fishing.
Questions? Contact the DNR Fisheries Division main line at 517-284-5830 and select option 4.
Contact Us
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.