Hello Neighbors,
The Michigan Legislature remains hard at work delivering on legislation for the people we serve! We’re currently in budget season when we begin the important work of deciding where our state’s dollars can be best put to use.
You’ve already seen what our Democratic majority has been able to achieve in our first 100 Days, tackling major issues that impact people’s daily lives—gun safety legislation, LGBTQ+ protections, fair taxes, restoring workers’ rights, and upholding reproductive freedoms of Michiganders everywhere. As we negotiate the budget in the coming weeks, you’ll see us uplifting these same values – working on the issues that make the biggest impact on the lives of real people in Michigan.
As always, it’s my honor to work for you, the people of District 29, to deliver honest, diligent representation in Lansing on the issues that matter most.
Sincerely,
Winnie BrinksSenate Majority Leader29th District
In This Issue
- Legislative and Government Updates
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- Gun Safety Bills Signed into Law
- MI Clean Energy Plan Unveiled
- Drive SAFE Bill Package Re-Introduced
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- District Events
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- Fans of Valley Field Celebrates Jackie Robinson Day
- Meeting with West Michigan Credit Union Leaders
- Spellebration Gala
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- Helpful Information
- Contact Us
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
Gun Safety Bills Signed into Law
On April 13, 2023, on the campus of Michigan State University, I joined colleagues and hundreds of passionate advocates from around the state to watch Governor Whitmer sign common sense gun safety bills into law. (Finally!)
The package of bills requires that gun owners safely store their weapons to keep them out of the hands of minors and ensure universal background checks are in place before guns can be purchased. Since then, the legislature has also sent a bill package to the Governor that establish extreme risk protection orders – also known as “red flag” laws – to temporarily intervene to suspend a person’s access to firearms if they show clear warning signs of violence and pose an immediate threat to themselves or others.
I want to thank the advocates at Moms Demand Action, the students of Michigan State University, the advocates from the Oxford High School community, and so many other groups who have never given up on the goal of passing these common sense, life-saving policies. We came together – students, parents, advocates, elected officials, neighbors – and made it happen.
MI Clean Energy Future Plan Unveiled
On April 12, 2023, the Michigan Clean Energy Future Plan was announced by the Michigan Senate Democrats, which will help build a more sustainable Michigan. This legislation will help implement the recommendations of Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Michigan Healthy Climate Plan, which was developed with the input of hundreds of stakeholders across Michigan.
This plan includes:
- Cleaning the Electrical Grid: Phase out of coal-fired electricity generating plants by 2030, require utilities to make progress toward the elimination of greenhouse gas emissions from power generation by 2035, and develop a 100% clean energy standard by 2035.
- Energy Waste Reduction (EWR): Achieve at least 2% annual electric energy efficiency savings by increasing the current EWR target for electric utilities and restore the energy waste reduction target for municipal and cooperative electric utilities.
- Expand the Purview of the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC): Allow the MPSC to evaluate climate, health, equity, and affordability in the approval of utility Integrated Resource Plans.
- Codify Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s PA 116 Program: Allow farmers to rent land for solar operations while maintaining preservation of farmland enrolled in the PA 116 program.
- Clean Fuels Standard (CFS): Adopt to reduce the carbon intensity of transportation fuels by 25% by the end of 2035.
- Repair and Decarbonize Homes and Businesses: Reduce emissions related to heating Michigan homes and businesses by 17% by 2030 by developing a Michigan Construction Decarbonization Strategic Plan.
The Clean Energy Future Plan will include additional bills that are being developed now, including legislation to promote the purchase, use, and support of electric vehicles and make energy more affordable for Michiganders. With increased severe storms and power outages as a result of ice, wind, and rain, a majority of Michiganders support plans to lower emissions and increase access to renewable energy sources for their homes and businesses. Action like this to address climate change and invest in the resources needed to make Michigan a leader in environmental resiliency and sustainability is long overdue.
Drive SAFE Bill Package Re-Introduced
The Michigan Legislature has re-introduced the Drive SAFE (Safety, Access, Freedom, and the Economy) package (Senate Bills 265, 266, and 267, House Bills 4410, 4411, and 4412). This package of bills will overturn changes to Michigan law that were made in 2008, changes have had a negative impact on too many Michiganders who can no longer get a state ID or driver’s license.
There are so many benefits that these Drive SAFE bills would have for Michigan. First and foremost, it would restore dignity and safety to immigrants who would be able to engage in normal life without fear. But everyone would benefit from these bills, not just immigrants. Here’s how:
- Licensed drivers buy cars. It’s anticipated that millions of dollars in state revenue would be generated from car sales and gas taxes. The Michigan League for Public Policy has estimated that restoring drivers’ licenses could generate nearly $100 million for the state over 10 years.
- Licensed drivers can get insured. Roads are safer for everyone, and accidents are resolved more smoothly when more drivers have passed a standardized driving test and have insurance.
- Licensed drivers show up for work. Employers report that workers are facing unnecessary transportation barriers in the very industries where Michigan most desperately needs their contribution. Our whole economy benefits when workers can get to and from their jobs safely, legally, and reliably. Driver’s licenses can help make that happen.
The Drive Michigan Forward coalition, which has long championed these bills, is made up of several organizations run by immigrants and allies, including Michigan League for Public Policy, We the People Michigan, ACLU Michigan, Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, and more; and with support from organizations like the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, MI Farm Bureau, the American Federation of Teachers–Michigan, MI Catholic Conference, and the Christian Reformed Church Office of Social Justice.
I was the primary sponsor of the Drive SAFE bills in past sessions, and the party in power was never willing to bring them to a vote. My thanks to Senators Stephanie Chang, Sylvia Santana, and Erika Geiss; alongside Representatives Rachel Hood, Tyrone Carter, and House Majority Floor Leader Abraham Aiyash who are moving these bills forward today. We are working hard to make Michigan a more just, welcoming state for all who wish to live and thrive here!
DISTRICT HAPPENINGS
Fans of Valley Field Celebrates Jackie Robinson Day
I had the pleasure of joining with my colleagues Rep. Carol Glanville and Rep. Kristian Grant to commemorate Jackie Robinson Day at Grand Rapids’ historic Valley Field (a.k.a. Sullivan Field).
Located on the west side of Grand Rapids, Valley Field was the home of the Grand Rapids Black Sox, the West Michigan representative team from the Negro Leagues in the 1940s and 50s.
Not only was there a tribute baseball game at the event, but several of the original Grand Rapids Black Sox players were there, as well as Minnie Forbes, who was the nation’s only female owner of a Negro League team (the Detroit Stars).
What a joy to celebrate Grand Rapids’ rich history and the courage and talent of Jackie Robinson and so many local trailblazing heroes.
Meeting with West Michigan Credit Union Leaders
I was glad to visit a gathering of Credit Union leaders recently and hear directly about their policy priorities, like protections from identity theft and predatory lending. I also had a chance to share how the work we’re doing in Lansing connects with the priorities they are pursuing on behalf of their customers. Credit Unions are important partners in the work to achieve financial equity across all Michigan communities. Everyone deserves to have equal access to the tools and resources that offer financial security.
Spellebration Gala
Team Brinks was in the house at the Literacy Center of West Michigan Spellebration Gala this month. There were such inspiring stories from Grand Rapids neighbors who are showing up with courage and determination in order to pursue literacy.
The Literacy Center is working hard to adapt their programming so that it meets people where they are – whether it’s classes for parents at their children’s school or a one-on-one session with a tutor at a city park. Imagine the feeling of being able to fill out a medical form, read a street sign, or send a text to your grandchild for the first time.
We know that helping adults to pursue these critical skills strengthens our whole community. I’m proud to be a champion in Lansing for life-changing literacy programs like these.
HELPFUL INFORMATION
Miss Dig 811
As the weather heats up, home improvements tend to happen more often. Sometimes, this includes digging holes. When it does, please be sure to contact MISS DIGS 811-Michigan’s only utility safety notification system.
A locate request is free for public facilities and it must be placed at least 3 business days before a project is started. You can make a locate request by calling MISS DIGS 811 at 811. The MISS DIG 811 member utilities mark the approximate location of their underground public utility facilities with flags, paint or both using the Utility Color Code colors.
Utility locators should always have clearly visible identification when appearing at your home. It is rare that they enter homes to complete a locate request. Please keep in mind that the MISS DIG 811 personnel do not visit dig sites and do not locate underground lines.
Failure to contact MISS DIGS 811 can lead to utility infrastructure damage and incurring costs. For more information, click here.April 2023 is Arab American Heritage and Chaldean-American Month
The month of April celebrates Arab American Heritage and Chaldean-American Month, commemorating the valuable contributions that Middle Eastern Americans have made to virtually every aspect of American society: medicine, law, business, education, technology, government, military service, culture, and more. Many Middle Eastern Americans have also enriched our society by sharing in the entrepreneurial American spirit. Join me in celebrating the contributions that Arab Americans have made in Senate District 29!
COFFEE HOURS
I’m looking forward to hosting a Drinks with Brinks event on May 19 from 5 – 6 pm. This is a casual time to meet and greet constituents from Senate District 29 and hear what’s on your mind. This event is less formal than my coffee hours; it gives me a chance to share one-on-one conversations instead of having a big group format.
If you’re interested in joining, sign up here and we will send the event details to you via email.
If you can’t make it, stay tuned for future opportunities in this newsletter or via my Facebook page.
CONTACT US
The Office of Senate Majority Leader Brinks values input from all Michiganders but prioritizes District 29 constituent concerns. If you have questions or concerns, but are not a resident of District 29, I encourage you to reach out to your local State Senator. Click here to find who represents you in the Senate.
Comment on Legislation: You can stay updated on legislative advancements through my biweekly e-newsletters or by clicking here. Given the high volume of messages my office receives daily, please note that it may take time for your inquiry to receive a response.
If You Need Help: If you have a problem dealing with any department of state government, such as accessing unemployment benefits, my office is available to help 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 or organization for help.
You may always feel free to call my office at (517) 373-1801 or email me at SenWBrinks@senate.michigan.gov.Helpful Links