Hello Neighbors,
Happy Pride Month! June is the perfect month to celebrate and affirm our vibrant LGBTQ+ community.
The Pride flag flew at Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel during this month’s Mackinac Policy Conference — the first time ever. It’s a sure sign of the progress that we’re making in Michigan.
Right now, the Michigan Legislature is hard at work finalizing the state budget and introducing more legislation. I’m so grateful that my colleagues have uplifted people-centered policy priorities — addressing population growth, road safety, economic development, tuition assistance expansion for military families, and sexual assault reform.
In this newsletter, you’ll get some details and updates. 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 Brinks
Senate Majority Leader
29th District
In This Issue
- Legislative Update
- Governor Whitmer Announces Growing Michigan Together Council
- Chairing the Government Operations Committee
- Transformational Brownfield Plan Passes Senate
- Michigan Senate Passes Bipartisan Sexual Assault Reform Bill Package
- Distracted Driving Bills Signed into Law
- District Happenings
- Southridge Behavioral Hospital Groundbreaking
- Visit to East Grand Rapids Middle School
- RoMan Manufacturing Breaks Ground on Production Facility
- Opportunities to Kayak the Grand River
- Helpful Information
- Contact Us
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Growing Michigan Together Council and New Plan
Recently, Governor Whitmer, Lt. Governor Gilchrist, Speaker Joe Tate, and I introduced the “Make it in Michigan” plan — a robust roadmap to strengthen Michigan’s labor force and bring key projects and industries to our state.
On June 1, 2023, Governor Whitmer also announced the Growing Michigan Together Council, a bipartisan commission that will help address the goal of increasing the size of Michigan’s population.
Michigan is known for our automobile and technology industry, our strong economy, our natural resources, and of course our hardworking Michiganders! When we invest in our strong Michigan talent, we’ll keep making Michigan a thriving place that everyone will want to call home.
>>Read more about this plan here.
Chairing the Government Operations Committee
The Senate Government Operations Committee is traditionally chaired by the Senate Majority Leader, with the Senate Minority Leader serving as Vice Chair for their caucus. The primary purpose of this committee is to address particularly urgent and important issues facing the state in a swift and efficient manner. I was honored preside as chair of this committee for the first time last month.
Transformational Brownfield Plan Passes Senate
On May 11, 2023, Sen. Jeremy Moss and I, together with a bipartisan majority of the Michigan Senate, voted to pass Senate Bill 289 and expand the Transformational Brownfield Plan program. Michigan communities that have obsolete and vacant properties will get assistance through this plan to replace them with thriving mixed-use developments.
Grand Rapids is well-positioned to welcome the new jobs and commerce that this kind of holistic, people-first economic program is intended to generate. It will have a transformational impact on our local economic development and play a big role in revitalizing vacant land and obsolete buildings. I am excited about the opportunities that it will open up for our city.
Michigan Senate Passes Bipartisan Sexual Assault Reform Package
In May 2023, the Michigan Senate passed a bipartisan bill package to expand protections for victims of sexual assault. Senate Bills 67-72 would do the following:
- Require school districts to provide materials regarding sexual assault and harassment to students in grades 6-12.
- Prohibit sexual assault under the pretext of medical care and create felony penalties for violations.
- Prohibit medical professionals from performing sensitive procedures/examinations on minors except under certain circumstances.
- Provide a Freedom of Information Act exemption for information that would reveal the identity of someone who proceeds anonymously in a civil action in which the party alleges that they were a victim of sexual misconduct.
Additionally, the Senate passed State Senator Jeff Irwin’s bill that clarifies the definition of mental incapacitation in terms of sexual assault under state law. This legislation will make it easier to charge perpetrators of sexual assault if the victim was drunk or drugged.
Distracted Driving Bills Signed into Law
Drivers take note! Using cell phones while driving is illegal in Michigan.
On June 7, 2023, Governor Whitmer signed House Bills 4250, 4251, and 4252 and companion Senate Bills 239-241.
These bills will ban the use of a phone while driving, including:
- Sending texts,
- Watching or recording videos, or
- Engaging with social media.
You’ll still be able to use your phone hands-free or to call 911 in case of emergency, but every driver knows that their attention must be on the road — not their phone.
Last year Michigan lost 1,120 friends and family members to distracted driving. These are unacceptable and preventable tragedies. We hope that this legislation will make a real difference, especially for young drivers, and reduce fatalities on the road.
DISTRICT HAPPENINGS
Southridge Behavioral Hospital Groundbreaking
This week, Trinity Health and Universal Health Services put their shovels in the ground, marking the beginnings of the new Southridge Behavioral Hospital.
As mental health resources are critically needed in our community, I’m pleased to know that this facility will become part of a growing network of behavioral health services in the area, including Forest View Hospital (operated by UHS) and Trinity Health / Network180’s behavioral Health Crisis Center. Trinity Health / Network180’s behavioral Health Crisis Center which celebrated its “wallbreaking” and the inauguration of its construction just a few weeks ago.
Having the chance to celebrate two impactful projects in such a short time is a major accomplishment! I intend for these projects to bring resources to those who are struggling and connect our community members to find the mental health resources they need.
Visit to East Grand Rapids Middle School
The superintendent of East Grand Rapids Public Schools hosted a group of legislators and leaders from other districts at EGR Middle School last month. We were greeted by student leaders, we were educated about the needs and accomplishments of EGRPS, and we had an opportunity to share learning around mental health resources for students. This is such a critical topic across schools in our community, and at the state level we are working hard to support our educators who are providing much-needed resources to young people.
I also enjoyed visiting a certain Spanish teacher’s classroom that day. Thanks for letting me drop by Señor Brinks!
RoMan Manufacturing Breaks Ground on Production Facility
Team Brinks was glad to help celebrate at RoMan Manufacturing in Wyoming as they broke ground on a new production facility last month!
This facility will make parts for semiconductors, data centers, and other high-tech industries. It is exciting to see West Michigan businesses growing, providing jobs for people, and helping Michigan become a world leader in technology.
Kayak the Grand River
Did you know that you can rent kayaks or take a guided water adventure on the Grand River, right from Riverside Park? One of the beautiful things about Grand Rapids is our accessibility to water. From kayaking, paddle boating, and canoeing, the GR Outside Division of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation is helping all our neighbors stay active.
Click here for more information and details about events.
HELPFUL INFORMATION
Michigan State Housing Development Authority Expands Down Payment Assistance Program
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority recently expanded their down payment assistance program to eligible homebuyers in all 988 zip codes across our state. This is a great first step in addressing the housing crisis that prevents far too many Michiganders from achieving homeownership.
Applications Now Being Accepted for the Fostering Futures Scholarship
Young adults who have experienced foster care on or after their 13th birthday are eligible to apply for a scholarship from the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury.
The priority deadline for the Fostering Futures Scholarship application for academic year 2023-24 is August 1, 2023. Eligible students enrolled at a Michigan degree-granting college or university may now apply to receive scholarship funds for tuition, fees, room, board, books and supplies.
Fostering Future Scholarship Applicants with questions should contact the state Treasury Department’s Student Scholarships, Grants and Outreach area at mistudentaid@michigan.gov or call toll-free at 1-888-447-2687.
End of Federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Brings Changes to Insurance Coverage for Michiganders
The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is alerting consumers that there may be changes to their health insurance coverage for COVID-related testing and treatments now that the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) has ended.
Many Michiganders may now have to pay out-of-pocket for some COVID-related care. For more specific information about different types of medical care that have been affected by the ending of the PHE, click here.
DIFS can help consumers with health insurance questions and complaints. Contact DIFS Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 877-999-6442 or Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance. For more information about the state’s Medicaid and MIChild programs, visit the MIBridges website.
Helping Medicaid members keep their coverage
Take action to avoid a gap in coverage
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government declared a Public Health Emergency, allowing Medicaid members to keep their health care coverage without going through a renewal process. But federal legislation recently has changed that, and eligibility renewals will start again in June. Monthly renewal notifications will be sent by mail beginning in May.
Following these steps will help determine if you still qualify:
- Make sure your contact information is up to date.
- Check mail or text messages for a letter.
- Complete your renewal form (if you get one).
If you’re a Medicaid member, learn more about how these changes may affect your health care coverage at Michigan.gov/2023benefitchanges.
MDARD Encourages Owners to Help Keep Their Animals Cool and Safe as Temperatures Rise
As temperatures rise into the 90s in many parts of the state, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding owners of some of the best ways to keep animals cool and safe. To learn more about how to keep your pets safe this summer, please click here.
Following these tips can help keep your animals cool and comfortable through any heat wave. If there are any concerns about your animals’ health either now or throughout the summer months, please talk to your veterinarian.
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