Last week, I voted yes on an important piece of legislation that is now on its way to being signed by the Governor. Children exposed to lead face immense challenges, but Senate Bill 31and House Bill 4200 will work to ensure that each child can be connected to the resources that can help — requiring lead testing for every child at ages one and two, and that those results must be included in the child’s immunization record.
I have long been a champion for policies that protect Michigan residents, especially children, from exposure to substances that can harm them. We know that lead exposure happens too frequently throughout Michigan, including high exposure levels in southeast Grand Rapids’ 49507 zip code. It is my hope that this common-sense tool will help our community meet the needs of exposed children and protect future generations from the harm that lead can cause.
Establishing the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB)
I often hear from residents of my district about the challenges they face in affording their prescriptions. During the last legislative term, I introduced the Prescription Drug Affordability Board bill that would have established a state commission to help keep the costs of prescriptions low. The bill did not even receive a hearing. I am pleased that the Prescription Drug Affordability Board bill is now being considered in the Senate. I intend to continue advocating for policies that will keep costs low for Michiganders.
Clean Energy Future Legislation
I am committed, alongside my colleagues, to creating a more sustainable and affordable future for Michigan. Our transformational Clean Energy Future package is currently being considered by the Senate Energy and Environment Committee.
This legislation would allow Michigan to take bold steps toward a more sustainable future. Not only do these policies take seriously the urgency of responding to climate change, but they will also continue the growth of our state’s clean energy economy, strengthening Michigan’s workforce with more and more clean energy and clean transportation jobs.
District News and Updates
Important Medicaid Event
Medicaid and Healthy Michigan Plan beneficiaries must renew their coverage over the next year. Annual renewals were paused for three years during the COVID-19 pandemic, but now states must resume the redetermination of Medicaid eligibility.
Navigating the redetermination process can be overwhelming. This Saturday, September 30th, an event at the Salvation Army Kroc Center will make it easier. Face-to-face assistance from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and others will help you make sure your coverage continues.
This event will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 2500 S. Division Avenue, Grand Rapids, MI 49507. All residents attending should bring a proof of age (birth certificate or driver’s license) and proof of all sources of income. To find out exactly what documents to bring with you and for more information on the renewal process, please visit Michigan.gov/MIBridges.
Mayor’s 20th River Clean Up
Since 2003, the Mayor’s River Clean Up has been an engaging and hope-filled way for our community to show up together and take care of our beautiful, shared natural resource: the Grand River. I was honored to kick off this important event this year, where more than 500 volunteers picked up thousands of pounds of trash.
Thank you so much to West Michigan Environment Action Council for putting on this event, to Grand Rapids’ former mayor George Heartwell for his vision and dedication to this cause and to all our neighbors who helped lend a hand.
Investiture of Dr. Charles Lepper, Grand Rapids Community College President
Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) is a crucial asset to our community, and my staff was happy to extend my congratulations to Charles W. Lepper during his investiture last week as GRCC’s eleventh President.
GRCC’s educational and job training creates more opportunities in West Michigan, and President Lepper’s record of accomplishment of inclusive, welcoming leadership is a welcome addition to that mission.
“Funding a Future for All” Environmental Roundtable
Voting is a powerful way Michiganders can preserve and protect our democracy. On September 19, 2023, we recognized National Voter Registration Day to encourage all citizens of voting age to register to vote or update their registration status. Registering or updating your registration status is simple and can be done in less than ten minutes. You can do it online, by mail or in-person at your local clerk’s office or Secretary of State branch.
Resources for Michiganders Potentially Affected by the UAW Strike
For those who may be potentially impacted by the UAW strike, it is important to be prepared as the negotiations continue.
In light of the recent events, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has offered their assistance to all affected state business owners and workers — including the following resources:
- Complete the annual MI Future Educator Fellowship application.
- File a current-year Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Be a high school graduate.
- Be admitted into an eligible Educator Preparation Program (EPP) approved by Michigan’s State Board of Education.
- Be working on their initial teacher certification.
- Be enrolled in enough coursework to be considered enrolled full-time during the academic year, or its equivalency for individuals enrolled in an alternative certification program.
- Have reached Junior grade level according to the institution’s definition.
- Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
- Be a Michigan resident since July 1 of the previous calendar year.
- If you are a dependent student, your parent on your FAFSA must also be a Michigan resident since July 1 of the previous calendar year.
- Complete a Commitment to Teach in Michigan Agreement, which requires that the recipient teach in Michigan in a public school or qualifying public preschool program for a specific number of years, depending on the number of years the recipient has received the MI Future Educator Fellowship. This will be issued to applicants when the institution confirms eligibility.
Hispanic Heritage Month, observed annually from September 15 to October 15, celebrates the rich culture and histories of Latino Americans in the United States. The month-long observance commemorates the independence days of Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Mexico, Chile, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala.
Hope to see you there!
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, contact 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.
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