Dear Neighbor,
I hope you had an amazing holiday season and are enjoying the new year! In 2023, the Senate Majority worked hard to make life more prosperous and more fair for the people of Michigan. As 2024 begins and our state legislature returns to session, I am looking forward to another year of legislative progress and impact, especially within District 29.
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
- Budget Supplemental
- Working to Expand Access to Quality, Affordable Housing
District Event Updates
- Messiah Missionary Baptist Church
- StoneCo Gravel Mine Tour
- Grandville Water Treatment Facility
Helpful Information
Contact Us
Legislative Updates
Budget Supplemental
To help close the books on the 2023 fiscal year and position Michigan for future success, the Legislature passed a budget supplemental — House Bill 4292 and Senate Bill 174. This fiscally-responsible supplemental will help communities across Michigan invest in students — to ensure students have access to clean drinking water at school; put more money into classrooms; and fund critical projects at public universities and community colleges to build a pipeline for more high-skilled talent, among other priorities.
The supplemental budget also makes vital investments in clean water, Michigan’s roads, and more. To read more about the investments being made throughout the state, click here.
Working to Expand Access to Quality, Affordable Housing
Safe and affordable housing continues to be a critical need for Michiganders. High interest rates and home prices create challenging conditions for both buyers and sellers, and many Michigan renters face challenges finding affordable housing too. Due to the high cost of housing, families often have to forgo food, healthcare, or other necessities to avoid eviction.
Since taking office, addressing Michigan’s housing shortage has been a top priority for Senate Democrats. Through investments in housing and community development, passing historic tax relief and incentivizing redevelopment projects, our Majority for the People has been working to tackle this issue head-on and make it easier for people to find and keep a place to call home.
To learn more about Senate Democrats’ efforts to expand access to affordable housing, click here.
District Event Updates
Messiah Missionary Baptist Church
I was happy to join the community at Messiah Missionary Baptist Church, led by Rev. Daniel Smith, for their first Sunday worship of 2024! We were invited by Kathi Harris, who tirelessly advocates to protect voting rights in our community through the organization ProActive. 2023 was a historic year for protecting voting rights and access to the ballot. From supporting rides to the polls, ensuring absentee ballot accessibility, and protecting poll workers, our Majority has put democracy first. Speaker Joe Tate and I, together with Rep. Kristian Grant and Rep. Rachel Hood, were happy to receive such a warm welcome on a cold morning.
StoneCo Gravel Mine Tour
I want to give a special thanks to StoneCo for giving Team Brinks a tour of the West Michigan Paving and Gravel Mine! The rocks and gravel that are mined here in West Michigan go on to be used for many projects around the state, including roads, new buildings, and other investments in our infrastructure that are driving Michigan forward. Many people don’t know that these crucial components come from right here in Kent County!
Grandville Water Treatment Facility
The City of Grandville’s public works department has some impressive innovations underway. One tool is the use of a methane biodigester to turn waste into energy, powering most of the facility’s electrical needs. Biodigesters like this use industrial scale compostable waste to generate methane gas, rather than just sending that waste to landfill. In addition to their contributions to public health advancements through clean water for the community, I am so glad that the public works department is committed to cleaner energy use as well. As we invest in Michigan’s clean energy future, ideas like these are practical, cost-saving and inspiring a new way forward!
Helpful Information
Safety History of Michigan School Buses is Easy to Access
The Michigan State Police (MSP) Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division (CVED) is reminding parents and guardians that checking the safety record of your child’s school bus is as simple as scanning a QR code.
Under the School Bus Inspection Program, all vehicles transporting children to or from school events must undergo annual inspection by MSP CVED members. Once inspected, a bright green sticker showing the MSP shield and school calendar year is placed on the front windshield. Inspection results are available to anyone by scanning the QR code displayed on the bus service door where students enter the bus.
For The New Year, Get Your Health Plan Coverage Now
Michigan’s Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) urges residents to secure health insurance by purchasing a Health Insurance Marketplace plan now, for coverage starting on February 1, 2024. Even if you’re happy with your current plan, updating the HealthCare.gov application may help increase your savings.
Open enrollment for 2024 health insurance runs through January 15, 2024. Consumers can access free local enrollment help at LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov, shop on the Health Insurance Marketplace or call 800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325).
Tune into the 2024 State of the State Address
Mark your calendars! Governor Gretchen Whitmer will be delivering the 2024 State of the State Address on January 24 at 7:00 p.m.
In the address, the Governor will lay out plans for the year ahead, covering topics such as education, expanding affordable housing, the state’s economy, and protecting Michigan seniors.
You can watch the address:
- On your local TV Channel
- Online at Michigan.gov/StateOfTheState
- On Facebook
- On YouTube
We have had a productive year of working with the governor to address the needs of our fellow Michiganders, and I look forward to continuing to collaborate in 2024 to build a better state for you and your family.
Michigan Achievement Scholarship
The Michigan Achievement Scholarship was first included in FY 2022-23 and provides last-dollar scholarship awards to Michigan undergraduate students at public and private 2-year and 4-year institutions. The 2024 budget included a net increase of $50 million into the Postsecondary Scholarship Fund, which is a 20% increase. This is the funding source for Michigan Achievement Scholarships.
The scholarships are awarded to eligible in-state students that graduate high school or achieve an equivalency certificate in 2023 or after and attend an eligible Michigan public university, community college, tribal college or independent nonprofit college or university full-time. Total funding for Michigan Achievement Scholarships for FY 2023-24 will be $300 million. For more information, click here.
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