Hello Neighbors,
Important developments continue as we live in the wake of the fall of Roe v. Wade. This week, the state Court of Appeals said county prosecutors could enforce the antiquated 1931 law banning abortion in Michigan. Just hours later, an Oakland County judge issued a restraining order against prosecutors in counties with abortion providers. The Kent County prosecutor has said he does plan to enforce the abortion ban, meaning that without the Oakland County judge’s quick action, abortion providers in Kent County could’ve immediately been charged with a felony.
Abortion bans leave no mercy for the lives and well-being of women and are out of touch with what most people believe and with medical best practices. They also disproportionately affect those made most vulnerable because of poverty and racism. I will not stop fighting for the rights of all who can become pregnant to be able to make reproductive decisions for themselves.
However, after the uncertainty of this past week, the turnout for Tuesday’s primary election was reassuring. Engaging in our democracy is such a gift, and one that I never take lightly. By voting, we help to shape the community we wish to be. Thank you for making your voices heard. As always, please continue to look out for your friends and neighbors and be patient with one another. For the latest updates, please follow me on Facebook.
Warm Regards,
Winnie Brinks
State Senator
29th District
In This Issue
- LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
- MI Supreme Court expands civil rights to LGBTQ+ community
- Governor signs executive directive to reduce crime, gun violence
- DISTRICT NEWS
- Beacon Hill’s anniversary
- Independent pharmacists
- Child poverty rates in Grand Rapids
- A new crisis center for mental health
- Upcoming coffee hour
- HELPFUL INFORMATION
- Available housing assistance programs
- Online nursing home complaint form launched
- New website launched to educate residents about Monkeypox
- Propane customers urged to shop now
- CONTACT US
- HELPFUL LINKS
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
MICHIGAN SUPREME COURT EXPANDS CIVIL RIGHTS TO LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY
On Thursday, July 28, the Michigan Supreme Court delivered a decision in Rouch World LLC v. Michigan Department of Civil Rights, affirming that all Michiganders, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, are protected from discrimination under the state’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA).
In 2018, the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) issued an interpretive statement that the word “sex” in the ELCRA included protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity. This was tested when the department sought to investigate a claim of discrimination against Rouch World, an event center in Sturgis, who refused to host a same-sex wedding based on the owner’s religious beliefs.
There is no question in my mind that all people should have equal protection under the law regardless of who they are or how they identify. This decision was a small but significant step in the right direction of not just saying that Michigan is a welcoming and inclusive place but proving it.
Still, we must commit ourselves to ensuring such a minimal human dignity as affording civil rights protections is neither negotiable nor questioned going forward. When we see people as people instead of labels, we can finally work toward true equity for those most harmed by systemic injustices.
GOVERNOR SIGNS EXECUTIVE DIRECTIVE TO REDUCE CRIME, GUN VIOLENCE
On Tuesday, July 26, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive directive instructing Michigan state departments and law enforcement agencies to utilize federal resources from the recently passed Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to reduce crime and gun violence.
Within 30 days, all departments and agencies must designate an individual to coordinate across state government. The Michigan State Police (MSP) must explore ways to improve Michigan’s process for reporting criminal, mental health, and juvenile records to national criminal databases. MSP must also establish the Community Violence Intervention Office which will coordinate state and federal grants related to community violence intervention programming.
I support this effort, and I will continue advocating for ways to make our neighborhoods safer for generations to come. The epidemic of violent crime must come to an end.
DISTRICT NEWS & UPDATES
60TH ANNIVERSARY FOR BEACON HILL
It was an honor to help celebrate the 60th anniversary of Beacon Hill at Eastgate with an official tribute from the state. Their actual 60th was two years ago, but due to COVID, we had to delay the celebration. I stayed for a legislative Q and A, where we covered issues like housing, prescription drug costs, and supporting health care workers.
It’s always a pleasure to interact with such engaged and informed constituents.
INDEPENDENT PHARMACISTS
Independent pharmacists are working hard to serve their community’s health needs. People in rural areas are increasingly finding it difficult to find medical care and rely heavily on the expertise of local pharmacists.
I recently had the opportunity to hear from a group of these pharmacists. We discussed vaccines, women’s health care in a post-Roe world, and the challenges of keeping their small businesses afloat. I’m grateful for a good conversation with these hardworking professionals!
CHILD POVERTY RATES IN GRAND RAPIDS
Too many children in this community are living in poverty.
In Grand Rapids, one-third of children under the age of 17 are living in poverty, according to important new data from the Michigan League of Public Policy. That’s double the poverty rate when compared to the rest of the state of Michigan.
Addressing child poverty must be of the highest priority for our community. Some of our efforts — like expanding tax credits during COVID — have made a big difference. But we also know more needs to be done, such as addressing the housing crisis and ensuring access to affordable childcare. I am proud to be championing solutions on both of those issues in Lansing. No child in our great state should grow up in poverty. Read more in this article.
FUNDS FOR A BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CRISIS CENTER
I worked hard to advocate for the $5 million in state budget funds that have helped make a Behavioral Health Crisis Center possible in downtown Grand Rapids. This new facility — a partnership between Network 180 and Trinity Health Saint Mary’s — is projected to open in 2023 and will fill some of the major gaps that have existed in our community on mental and behavioral health care.
It’s my hope that those who visit the Crisis Stabilization Unit, for example, will have a better chance to access a pipeline of services and treatment, rather than winding up in our criminal justice system when they are having a mental health emergency.
You can read about this exciting new facility here.
UPCOMING COFFEE HOUR
I am pleased to be joining Rep. Carol Glanville (D-Walker), who represents the 74th House District, at her upcoming legislative coffee hour as a special guest. Please join us!
WHERE: Rainbow Grill, 4158 Chicago Dr. SW, Grandville, MI 49418
WHEN: Thursday, August 11, from 9 to 10 a.m.
HELPFUL INFORMATION
AVAILABLE HOUSING ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is reminding consumers of options that may be available to support homeowners who are having difficulty making payments.
Foreclosure restrictions placed on mortgage servicers by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) have expired, but there may be other options for consumers. It is important to:
- Pay if you can: If you can pay your mortgage as agreed, you should continue to do so.
- Don’t wait: If you are having trouble paying your mortgage, contact the company you make your payments to right away. You should find its contact information on the statements you receive on your mortgage loan.
- It may not be too late: Even if you have missed one or more mortgage payments, and have not contacted your mortgage company, it may not be too late. Contact the company you make your payments to today to ask for assistance.
In addition, if you are concerned about your housing situation, these programs may be able to help:
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Home Ownership Services
- Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund (MIHAF)
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Avoid Foreclosure: Michigan
- CFPB Help for homeowners and renters during the coronavirus national emergency
You can also contact an MSHDA-approved agency for other free assistance. Consumers who have questions or disputes that cannot be directly resolved with their financial institutions can contact DIFS Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 877-999-6442 or file a complaint online at Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints.
ONLINE NURSING HOME COMPLAINT FORM LAUNCHED TO PROTECT VULNERABLE ADULTS
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has launched a new, online complaint system to better protect vulnerable adults in nursing homes. If concerned staff knows, or has reason to believe, that someone is using a nursing home resident’s assets or benefits for purposes other than the care, needs, and wishes of the resident, a complaint may be filed online.
The system creates a direct line of communication and enables nursing home administrators to provide information directly to the Department’s Health Care Fraud Division for follow-up and investigation.
As always, members of the general public may make a complaint regarding nursing home abuse to the Attorney General’s hotline by calling 1-800-24-ABUSE.
NEW WEBSITE LAUNCHED TO EDUCATE MICHIGAN RESIDENTS ABOUT MONKEYPOX
To help keep Michiganders up to date on monkeypox (MPV) and the state’s response to the virus, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has launched a new website at Michigan.gov/mpv.
The site provides information about the signs and symptoms of MPV, number of cases in the state by county; information for health care providers about testing and coordinating with local health departments; treatment; and other resources for the public and providers. State case count information will be updated regularly.
PROPANE CUSTOMERS URGED TO SHOP NOW, STOCK SUPPLY FOR HOME HEATING SEASON
Michiganders who rely on propane to heat their homes should explore locking in supplies now to ensure they’ll have the fuel they will need before winter’s cold sets in and demand increases.
The MPSC (Michigan Public Service Commission) urges Michigan propane users to shop around today for the best deals before we’re back to winter weather and to research options, ask questions about contracts, and get terms in writing. It’s particularly important for consumers to know their costs in advance, as energy prices have risen sharply amid the ongoing fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Here are things to know before you start shopping for propane:
- Propane providers offer budget plans as well as pre-buy and fixed-price plans that can save you money compared to market prices later in the season. Knowing the size of your propane tank and your average propane use can help you avoid not buying enough or buying too much. Be aware that prices may increase after the prepaid allotment is used up.
- Make sure you understand possible fees — including installation, service, pickup or disconnect, lease or equipment rental, and minimum usage requirements — and ask for details before you sign a contract. Additional fees may increase out-of-pocket costs.
- Determine whether it’s more economical to rent or lease a tank from a propane provider. Renting or leasing a tank means safety and maintenance is the responsibility of the provider. Owning a tank can save money but leaves you responsible for upkeep.
- Be sure to have answers to questions before you sign a contract. Important questions can include what service, budget and payment options are available, how prices are determined, what fees are possible, how often tanks will be refilled, and how much advance time is needed for delivery outside a normal schedule.
Propane users also can help reduce their costs by using energy efficiently. Check out the MPSC’s Be Winterwise page for tips and information including ways to reduce energy use. The U.S. Department of Energy has additional energy saver tips.
Get help with energy costs
If your household is struggling with energy costs, there are options for help. Consumers may contact Michigan 211 by calling 211 or going to www.mi211.org. Michigan 211 is a free, confidential service that connects Michiganders with a broad range of assistance programs and services and other resources, including help with food, housing, transportation and home energy bills. More information on energy assistance is available through the MPSC’s tip sheet on applying for energy assistance.
CONTACT US
Here are a few reasons to contact my office:
Comment on Legislation: If you want to express your opinion about legislation or learn more, my office can answer your questions and keep me informed of your comments. Your opinion matters!
If You Need Help: If you have a problem dealing with any department of state government, such as accessing unemployment benefits, my office can help you 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.
There’s No “Wrong” Reason: Any comment, question or concern is welcome. If your issue would be more appropriately addressed by a different unit of government, I will help direct you. Remember, I am here to serve YOU and your family.
I have other questions. Are you and your office still available?
To keep you and my staff healthy and safe, we are working remotely until further notice. Please call our office at (517) 373-1801 or send me an email at SenWBrinks@senate.michigan.gov, as you normally would, and we will do our best to avoid any interruption of service.
HELPFUL LINKS