Dear Neighbor,
Marking the unofficial end of summer, Labor Day has now come and gone — a time to reflect on and uplift all the hardworking individuals who’ve built up our country, and those who continue to build up Michigan every day — from our educators to our home care workers, our skilled tradespeople to our first responders.
It’s my honor to be a champion of pro-worker policies. The ability to speak up together with one voice for better pay, benefits, and safer workplace conditions is a right that all workers deserve. You can read more about how we are restoring the rights of workers in Michigan here.
As always, if you or someone you know would like to provide any feedback about what’s happening in Lansing, or needs assistance of any sort, please feel free to reach out to my office. You can contact me by sending an email to senwbrinks@senate.michigan.gov or by calling (517) 373-1801.
Sincerely,
Winnie Brinks
Senate Majority Leader
29th District
District Updates
Seymour Housing Project Groundbreaking
Exciting progress for Michigan’s affordable housing! Thanks to changes made to state law last year, ICCF Community Homes’ Seymour project in Alger Heights is transforming a formerly unused property — once Seymour Christian School — into 27 affordable housing units. Not only that, but this year’s state budget dedicated $100 million to affordable housing — building stronger communities, one home at a time!
Sustainable Business Forum
Recently, I joined the West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum for a legislative panel to discuss clean energy business, the circular economy, and other issues impacting Michigan’s business and environmental ecosystem. Thank you to WMSBF, BIG: Blacks in Green, and all the engaged community members for contributing to such a productive conversation!
Grand Valley Armory
State Representative John Fitzgerald and I joined Senator Gary Peters for a stop on his annual motorcycle tour at the Grand Valley Armory in the city of Wyoming! After operating for 60 years now, this facility is finally receiving a much-needed renovation thanks to historic budget investments from the state and federal government!
Currently, 58 women who serve in the National Guard at this armory share one bathroom, and there is no lactation space for breastfeeding parents. This renovation addresses these issues, in addition to shortages in storage, modernizing the facility, and updating electrical HVAC and plumbing. The project — funded with $5.8 million state dollars and $8.45 million federal dollars — not only provides our armed forces with the best facilities, but it spurs economic development and good jobs in our communities.
State Updates
Women’s Equality Day
August 26 marked the 104th anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which granted women the right to vote. As the first woman Senate Majority Leader in Michigan history, I celebrated Womens Equality Day by remembering and honoring the trailblazing women — like Eva McCall Hamilton, my predecessor in representing Grand Rapids in the state senate and the first woman elected to the Michigan Legislature — who paved the way for the historic level of leadership that women hold in Michigan today.
When young girls grow up seeing themselves reflected in positions of influence, we are laying the groundwork for a future where women in leadership is the norm. Together, we can continue to build a culture where women aren’t only in conversation — they’re leading it!
FAFSA/GRCC
We’re shouting it from the rooftops: FILL OUT YOUR FAFSA! Representative Glanville and I were able to participate in the first-ever ‘Reach for the Pie’ contest — put on by the Michigan Dept. of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential, Michigan Credit Union League & Affiliates, and Hungry Howie’s Pizza — to give some lucky college students a year of free pizza AND to encourage all Michigan students to complete their FAFSA. It’s quick and easy, and it is a powerful tool to expand access to higher education. Let’s keep propelling Michigan forward to a future where everybody can access a great education, a great job, and a lot of pizza.
Helpful Information
Constituent Services on the Road Event
Do you need help from a state agency? Join Representative Fitzgerald’s team, the office of Governor Whitmer, and my team at a Constituent Services on the Road event in Wyoming.
WHEN: Monday, September 23; 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: Kent District Library, Wyoming Branch
HOW: Sign up at this link
Extension of Michigan Reconnect
The deadline for Michigan Reconnect has been extended — giving prospective and current students ages 21 to 24 more time to benefit from this limited-time opportunity. Michigan Reconnect is the largest program in state history to allow students to earn a skill certificate or degree tuition-free at their local community college. Students now have until Dec. 31, 2024, to apply.
Michiganders who are 21 to 24 years old and not already participating in Michigan Reconnect must complete these steps to take advantage of this limited-time scholarship:
- Apply for the Michigan Reconnect scholarship at Michigan.gov/Reconnect by Dec. 31, 2024.
- File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Apply and enroll in a community or tribal college no later than the summer semester 2025.
Already enrolled students should contact their college’s Financial Aid Office for additional information on applying the Reconnect Scholarship to their tuition bill and filing a FAFSA.
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