Senate District 29 Updates

Hello Neighbors,

There is a lot to cover in this newsletter, but first things first: I know recent storm damage may have impacted you or someone you know, and resources from the Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) may be helpful at this time. 

Below are links to resources from the DIFS website that can help when working with insurance companies to file a claim and repair damages. DIFS can help answer questions regarding what an insurer must do and help explain policy language.   

Storm and Flood Resources: 

• DIFS Consumer Counselor: Insurance Policies and How to Claim What is Yours 
• Insurance Claims Tracking Sheet  
• NAIC Home Inventory List 
• DIFS Guide to Resolving Insurance Problems/Complaint Form 
• How to be “Claim Smart” 
• DIFS Consumer Counselor: Homeownership vs. Repair Cost Policies  
• DIFS Consumer Counselor: Flood Insurance: What You Need to Know 
• Additional Disaster Preparedness Resources  

Additional information regarding severe weather preparedness is available on the DIFS website at Michigan.gov/DIFS. Consumers who are having issues with their insurer or claims process may file a complaint with DIFS at Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints. You can also call the Office of Consumer Services at (877) 999-6442 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Even with challenges like extreme weather, I hope you have been able to make the most of your summer and are ready for the changes that fall will bring. It has been a busy summer in the district, and I am eager to share with you the updates below on how we have been connecting with community members and groups. As always, it is my honor to work for you, the people of District 29, to deliver honest, diligent representation in Lansing on the issues that matter most.

Winnie Brinks
Senate Majority Leader
29th District

In This Issue
Legislative Update  

• A Transformative Budget for Students, Parents and Educators 
• Women’s Equality Day 
• Water Quality Month 

District News and Update 

• Reproductive Rights Round Table  
• Learning from Local Business Leaders 
• Celebrating Local Budget Wins 

Helpful Information 
Contact Us 

Legislative Updates 

Historic Education Budget invests in Student and Educator Success 

Education is the issue that led me into public policy — so I am proud to have helped lead the passage of an education budget that invests more per student than any other budget in Michigan history, lays the foundation for universal pre-K and guarantees every public school student free breakfast and lunch. 

With this budget, we are bringing new approaches to age-old problems. New intervention programs and supporting affordable teacher education will support more dynamic, individual support for students and teachers. This historic budget will have both an immediate impact and a generational one, and I am tremendously proud to be leading a Senate that has been so diligent in delivering for the families of Michigan.

Women’s Equality Day 

Eva McCall Hamilton became the first woman to win a seat in the Michigan legislature, over 80 years into Michigan statehood. She served alone, but since her time in office, there have been over 200 women who have served in the Michigan House and Senate, and their stories are being told through an ongoing project. I have the honor of being the first woman to serve as Majority Leader in either chamber, and I could not be more grateful to the other women who serve for the perspective they bring to the legislative process and serving our constituents. Read more about women’s representation in state government here.

August 26 marked Women’s Equality Day, commemorating the 103rd anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. I will continue to fight to for all women to receive equal treatment and opportunity, just as I did in helping repeal the repressive 1931 abortion ban and banning child marriage. Women in our district and beyond deserve to know that they have choice and equality in life.

Water Quality Month 

The Great Lakes make up 20% of the world’s fresh water supply. Michigan is in a unique position of environmental stewardship, and I am so thankful to have water quality experts and advocates to turn to in making sure that we are appreciating this crucial resource with justice and sustainability in mind. That is why I am happy to celebrate August as Water Quality Month.

Clean water has always been a priority for me. I have earned a 100% score from the League of Conservation Voters and was designated as a Water Champion. In the Michigan House, I worked tirelessly to protect our drinking water from toxic PFAS contamination. Michigan Senate Democrats have been working to protect water in every type of community throughout the state, and I want you to know that I will always have your back for clean water in District 29 — whether from your tap or in the Grand River.

Read more here about the Michigan Senate Democrats work to protect our state’s water quality.

District News and Updates
While the legislature was on recess, I have been keeping busy this summer connecting with constituents, businesses and community groups in the district!

Reproductive Rights Round Table

I was able to join a reproductive health roundtable with Rep. Carol Glanville (HD-84) and an incredible group of practitioners and stakeholders, including the President of Planned Parenthood of Michigan Paula Thornton Greear early this month. Advocates from around Grand Rapids shared insight on critical topics ranging from challenges with health insurance coverage and the need for expanded mental health resources to the barriers that women of color face in receiving adequate healthcare. I want to extend special thanks to Nisha McKinzie from Women’s+ Health Collective for moderating our discussion.

Learning from Local Business Leaders 

August is Black Business Month! I had the opportunity to stop by some longstanding (and brand new!) Black-owned businesses in the Boston Square neighborhood together with Rep. Kristian Grant (HD-82). Many thanks to Mahogany Island of Beauty, Wishes Food Snacks, and Last Mile Café for their wisdom and for welcoming our questions.   

I was also able to join Representative John Fitzgerald (HD-83) at a roundtable full of Hispanic business owners. Guillermo Cisneros and the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce invited us to hear from entrepreneurs to discuss language translation, boosting resources for small businesses, addressing mental health concerns and investing in education for our kids’ futures.

Small business is a cornerstone of our local economy, and I am proud to be a voice in Lansing for the dedicated business owners who are creating jobs, strengthening our neighborhoods and bringing important goods and services to Grand Rapids.

Celebrating Local Budget Wins

The “Make It In Michigan” budget is historic in many ways — including the support it brings specifically for West Michigan. I had the chance to celebrate with some of the institutions and organizations who received critical funding for their transformational projects:

• Representative Carol Glanville (HD-84) invited me to celebrate with the John Ball Park Zoo and the next phase of growth that our bipartisan state budget will help catalyze.
• We also stopped by the Grand Rapids Public Museum, a cornerstone of our region, to envision the changes that they will make to improve accessibility, riverfront access and their ability to serve as a vibrant community space for our district.
• I joined Representative Kristian Grant (HD-82) at Martin Luther King Park where we will soon see construction begin on a new lodge, supporting recreational opportunities that bolster the health of our community and its individuals. 
• We also stopped by one of our Grand Rapids fire stations to celebrating the new funds that will go to our hardworking fire department — rebuilding outdated facilities, investing in training resources, and ensuring equitable response times for all GR residents who are experiencing emergencies. 

Growth in Kent County is a success story for the state, and these investments not only will help that growth, but highlight what we value most.

Helpful Information

Safety Precautions During Yellowjacket and Hornet Peak Seasons
As we transition into the late summer and early fall, it is important to be aware that August and September mark the peak seasons for yellowjackets and hornets. These stinging insects become more active during this time, making it crucial to take necessary precautions to ensure your safety.

Here are some tips to keep you and your family safe:

• Locate the nest and treat it with a registered insecticide.Check your property for potential harborage points, like open spots in the ground, hollow tree stumps or openings between the walls.
• Cover eating containers as much as possible, especially when eating outdoors.
• Be sure to add natural wasp-repellent plants like eucalyptus, spearmint, or thyme around your surrounding property.
• Contact pest control for removal service and related information:
• To contact the State of Michigan’s Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division (PPPMD), call 1-800-292-3939.
• To utilize free yellow jacket and hornet removal, contact mihornetremoval.com. They are willing to travel 40 miles from Perry, Michigan or further based on order status. In the event they cannot make it to your area, they will be able to provide solid referrals to other free removal services.

By staying informed and implementing effective measures, we can minimize the risk of encountering these pests and enjoy the remaining warm days of the season with peace of mind.

Things to Know When Considering Student Loans
As Michiganders prepare for fall semester, tuition bills are piling up and student loans are looming. That is why Michigan Department of Treasury’s MI Student Aid Team is asking students and their families to be alert and informed when considering student loans. To make the best decision regarding student loans, the MI Student Aid Team recommends to:

• Complete the FAFSA to maximize financial aid options
• Understand that loans must be repaid with interest
• Compare interest rates and repayment terms before accepting a loan
• Only accept the amount needed and follow instructions to adjust loan amounts
• Beware of loan scams and protect personal banking information
• Visit the school’s financial aid office regularly to stay informed
• Create a studentaid.gov account to manage federal student loans and explore repayment options

For more information, visit michigan.gov/mistudentaid or contact MI Student Aid via email, phone, or social media.