Hello Neighbors,
As you may know, the legislature has adjourned for the year. By passing so much groundbreaking legislation that reflects the values of our Majority and the priorities of the people, 2023 will be remembered as a remarkably productive and historically significant year in the Michigan legislature. By adjourning early, we are able to ensure that critical laws — from protecting children from gun violence to allowing LGBTQ+ Michiganders to enjoy full protection from discrimination — go into effect as soon as possible.
As I look back on our first year in the Majority, I’m grateful for the success we have seen on issues that truly matter. We have affirmed human rights, protected reproductive freedoms, expanded voting access and supported domestic violence survivors. Over 60 laws signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer are set to take effect in February 2024. Important bills such as gun safety laws, expansion of the earned income tax and broadening the state’s civil rights law to include sexual orientation and gender identity will soon be state law. All in all, I firmly believe that the 102nd legislative session has established a solid foundation for a brighter future in Michigan.
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 Brinks
Senate Majority Leader
29th District
In This Issue
Legislative Update
- Financial Disclosure Bills Signed Into Law
- Opening Day of Firearm Hunting Season
- Native American Heritage Month
District News and Updates
- Veterans Day Events
- Gun Safety Conversation with AG Nessel and Youth
Helpful Information
Contact Us
Legislative Updates
Financial Disclosure Bills Signed into Law
For a long time, Michigan was one of only two states where lawmakers did not have to file any type of public report about their personal finances. Senate Bills 613 (Sen. Moss), 614 (Sen. Singh), 615 (Sen. Huizenga) and 616 (Sen. McBroom) would require public officials and candidates for office to file financial disclosure reports with the Department of State in accordance with Proposal 22-1.
Failure to comply with these new disclosures will result in fines for candidates and officials. The Secretary of State will also roll out tools for the public to view these reports and be required to manage the complaint system for violations of these bills. I joined with my colleagues in voting yes on this package, which received near unanimous support. These bills now await a signature from Governor Whitmer.
Opening Day of Firearm Hunting Season
Hunting traditions are embedded in the cultural fabric of our state, and my family — my daughter went hunting for the first time with her grandpa this year and came home with a buck! Michigan Senate Democrats are determined to uphold that important part of Michigan life through investments in the October 1 Fiscal Year 2024 budget. Not only is it important for families like mine, but for management of wildlife statewide and all of our natural resources.
Senate Bill 52, sponsored by Sen. John Cherry (D-Flint) and signed into law in July of this year, reduces the penalties on deer harvest reporting. Last year, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) implemented new rules requiring hunters to report their deer harvest to get better data on deer populations and make more informed resource management decisions. SB 52 reduces penalties, from a misdemeanor to a civil infraction with a maximum of $150 in fines, for violations of the new mandatory deer harvest reporting requirement. Read more here, and stay safe out there!
Native American Heritage Month
Native American Heritage Month is a celebration of the cultures, traditions and ways of life that form a foundational history of our communities. Alongside acknowledging and honoring Native culture, we have worked to reflect appreciation for Indigenous heritage with our new majority. I am happy to share that I joined with my colleagues in the bipartisan adoption of Manoomin, or Michigan wild rice, as our state’s official grain. It grows naturally in Michigan’s waterways and is a cultural, spiritual and culinary staple of the Anishinaabe tribes. I encourage you to read more about the celebration of and policy changes for Native American community members here.
District News and Updates
Veterans Day Events
I’m grateful every year for the chance to honor our local veterans, and this Veterans Day there were two local events that gave me the chance to do so. First, I gathered with Lt. Governor Gilchrist, U.S. Representative Hillary Scholten, State Representative Kristian Grant and State Representative John Fitzgerald to specifically recognize the contributions of Black veterans at a breakfast in the Madison Square neighborhood. Thanks to Grand Rapids Community Work for organizing this breakfast for fellowship, connection and appreciation.
Then, we participated in the annual Kent County Veterans Day parade and ceremony. I was honored to meet Mary Johnson, Kent County’s veteran of the year, who served as a nurse in the Army. I’m grateful for all those who have served our nation in the armed forces and am committed to continuing to support their wellbeing here at home.
Gun Safety Conversation with AG Nessel and Youth
The Grand Rapids and Kentwood communities have experienced devastating impacts of gun violence in the past few weeks. State Representative Rachel Hood and I were glad to welcome Attorney General Dana Nessel to the Paul I. Phillips Boys and Girls Club where we were able to talk directly with teens about community safety. Our kids carry so much; I was proud of their advocacy for a safer future. I am glad that safe gun laws will soon be enacted in Michigan, but I recognize that we have only begun to address the epidemic of gun violence that is having such a real impact on this generation. We will continue to work towards positive change and a safer Michigan.
Helpful Information
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.
Health Insurance Marketplace Enrollment Period Opens
Open enrollment for 2024 health insurance runs from November 1, 2023, through January 15, 2024. Consumers must select a plan no later than December 15, 2023, for coverage to start on January 1, 2024.
Shop for a health plan by visiting the Health Insurance Marketplace or calling 800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325). During open enrollment for 2024 coverage, consumers will be able to choose from 169 health plans on the Marketplace. For the overall individual market, which includes off-Marketplace plans, 228 plans will be available.
For questions about health coverage, visit Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance or call DIFS (Department of Insurance and Financial Services) 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 877-999-6442.
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