Legislative Update, District News, Community Resources and More!

Oct 25, 2023 | Email

Hello Neighbors, In 2019, reforms to Michigan’s auto no-fault laws were passed. In the wake of these changes, some people who survived catastrophic auto accidents, and who rely on ongoing medical care in the wake of those accidents, have been left without enough insurance coverage to pay for the care they need. A key responsibility we have as legislators is to acknowledge when we can do better. And that is certainly true in this case. This is why Senate Bills 530, 531 and 575 were passed by the Michigan Senate with bipartisan support earlier this week. This legislative package will enhance the 2019 auto no-fault reform and improve access to affordable post-acute and home care. So much in life is unpredictable, but if tragedy strikes, we can reduce uncertainty about care and costs. We are taking much-needed steps to create better circumstances for folks who have been in life-changing auto accidents, their families and their caregivers. As Senate Democrats continue our work as the Majority for the People, I will continue to share updates and pertinent information with you. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the latest edition of this newsletter! 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.          

Sincerely, 

Winnie BrinksSenate Majority Leader29th District

In This Issue

Legislative Update

  • Drug Industry Immunity 
  • “Filter First” signed into law 
  • Reproductive Health Act Advances  

District News and Updates 

  • 2023 La Familia Legacy Award 
  • Senate Majority Leader Portrait Unveiling 
  • Treetops Collective Hygiene Kit Event 

Helpful Information Contact Us

Legislative Updates

Drug Industry ImmunityFor the last thirty years, Michigan Democrats have been fighting for the repeal of the drug industry immunity law since its creation in 1995. Since then, there have been 19 bills brought forth to attempt to repeal the drug immunity law.

On October 18, the Michigan Senate passed Senate Bill 410 with bipartisan support from legislators and stakeholders. Under the previous legislation, Michigan was the only state in the nation that provided drug manufacturers with broad immunity for product liability. However, under this new legislation, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Irwin, Michigan would remove the special protections for drug manufacturers, restoring accountability and access to justice for Michiganders across the state.

I am profoundly thankful for the hard work, determination and support of my colleagues on this issue. Together, we have paved the way for a more just and accountable Michigan.

“Filter First” signed into lawOn Thursday, Oct. 19, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law the “Filter First” bills that ensure that children are protected from lead in their drinking water. This law requires schools and childcare centers to install filtered-faucets, develop a management plan and conduct testing to ensure children are drinking water free of toxic lead.

Exposure to lead can change a child’s life, and kids in our communities deserve to be protected. Safe and clean drinking water has been and will remain a priority of mine, and I’m proud that this legislation not only safeguards their health but also underscores our commitment to making Michigan a healthy place for our youngest residents.

Reproductive Health Act AdvancesThe Senate also passed SBs 474–477, which builds on the repeal of Michigan’s 1931 abortion ban and reduces barriers for those seeking reproductive healthcare. For example, the package repeals an unnecessary rule that forced facilities performing abortions to meet the same requirements as a freestanding surgical facility. It repeals a requirement to report information about abortions to the state. And it ends a ban on universities providing students a referral to abortion services.

Access to reproductive healthcare is not just a privilege; it is a human right. Every individual should have the autonomy and freedom to make decisions about their own reproductive health. With this legislation passing the Senate, we are working to ensure comprehensive, accessible, and compassionate reproductive health services for all Michiganders.

District News and Updates

2023 La Familia Legacy Award 

It was an honor to present the 2023 La Familia Legacy Award to the Lopez family, owners of El Granjero Mexican Grill, at The Committee to Honor César E. Chávez’s annual Hispanic Excellence Scholarship and Community Awards Gala last Tuesday. This award commemorates an exemplary Hispanic family who puts into action the values and legacy of César E. Chávez on a daily basis — a family who challenges their community to dream and hope without giving up their identity and culture. Congratulations Mercedes, Gaby, Alberto, Paola, Ian, and Alan! We love El Granjero and your family’s dedication to our community. 

Senate Majority Leader Portrait Unveiling & Day of Service  

It was an honor to present the 2023 La Familia Legacy Award to the Lopez family, owners of El Granjero Mexican Grill, at The Committee to Honor César E. Chávez’s annual Hispanic Excellence Scholarship and Community Awards Gala last Tuesday. This award commemorates an exemplary Hispanic family who puts into action the values and legacy of César E. Chávez on a daily basis — a family who challenges their community to dream and hope without giving up their identity and culture.  Congratulations Mercedes, Gaby, Alberto, Paola, Ian, and Alan! We love El Granjero and your family’s dedication to our community.

Senate Majority Leader Portrait Unveiling & Day of Service  

We know that when girls have the resources and support they need, and they see themselves reflected in all kinds of career fields, opportunities arise and doors open. That’s why at my official portrait reveal event as Michigan’s first female Senate Majority Leader, we packed 600 hygiene kits to donate to Catherine’s Health Center — a nonprofit clinic with locations in Grand Rapids, Kentwood, and Wyoming that provides access to high quality, affordable, and compassionate health care for our West Michigan community. 

Treetops Collective Hygiene Kit Event 

Treetops Collective is a Grand Rapids nonprofit organization that invests in refugee women and links them to people and opportunities that help to build strong, connected lives here in West Michigan. Representative Kristian Grant and I were grateful for the opportunity to put together 56 hygiene kits (a special thanks to Meijer for the supply donations!) for New American women in their Concentric program last week. We also celebrated this year’s investment from the state in Treetops’ beautiful shared community space. 

Helpful Information 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Every October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed to honor those impacted by breast cancer and spread awareness surrounding it. In our state, breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among Michigan women. In fact, the American Cancer Society estimated that Michigan would have had 8,900 new cases of breast cancer and 1,390 deaths from breast cancer in 2022. 

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) urges Michiganders to put their health needs first through the following free health screening programs:  

  • The WISEWOMAN Program, available in select areas of the state, helps participants understand their chronic disease risk factors and make healthy lifestyle choices. Every participant receives a free health screening.  

To learn more about Michigan’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Navigation Program and the WISEWOMAN Program, call 844-446-8727 or visit Michigan.gov/cancer. For Spanish resources, call 800-379-1057. 

Take Steps to Protect Yourself from COVID-19 

As the fall season begins, immunizations and testing continue to be critical tools in managing the spread of COVID-19. To help keep yourself and your community healthy, I encourage you to take advantage of the free vaccine and testing options available to you. 

Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Protects Against New Variants 

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recommends all Michiganders 6 months and older receive the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine which is designed to provide protection against severe COVID-19 disease from currently circulating variants. 

Most Michigan residents can still get a COVID-19 vaccine for free. For people with health insurance, most plans will cover COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to you. Michigan residents who don’t have health insurance or have health plans that do not cover the cost can reach out to a health care provider or local pharmacy participating in the CDC’s Bridge Access Program, their health department or visit Vaccines.gov for additional information on ways to obtain a free vaccine.  

For more information, click here. 

Testing Options: At-Home and In-Person 

As of September 25, 2023, all U.S. residents are able to go to COVIDTests.gov and sign up to receive up to four free at-home tests per household delivered via the U.S. Postal Service. 

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) also continues to partner with libraries across the state to provide free at-home COVID-19 tests to Michiganders. Click here for a list of participating libraries. 

For Michiganders who are thinking about plans for in-person testing, Michigan.gov/COVIDTest remains in place to assist in locating a testing site. 

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.

Helpful Links