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Hello Neighbors, Election Day is fast approaching, and our democracy counts on your participation! Do you have a plan for casting your ballot on or by Nov. 8? You don’t need a reason to request an absentee ballot in Michigan, so it’s possible to vote early! If you requested an absentee ballot and wish to vote by mail, remember that ballot must be received by your local clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day. However, the closer we get to Election Day, the more it is highly recommended to return your ballot to your local clerk in person to ensure its timely arrival so your vote will count. So, why wait? Fill it out and return it now! If you do not wish to use the mail to return your ballot, you can return it to a secure drop box near you or, as mentioned, in person at your clerk’s office. You can even request an absentee ballot at your clerk’s office and fill it out on the spot. If you aren’t registered to vote, it’s not too late for that, either! You can register right up until the day of the election! Visit Michigan.gov/Vote to get registered. And of course, you can also vote in person on November 8. If you have any questions about what’s on your ballot, where to vote, or whether you’re registered, visit Michigan’s voter information page on that, too. I’m so grateful to the many volunteers who take time every election to keep our democracy going and ensure every vote is counted. We must be active participants of our democracy if we want to see it stick around for centuries more. We’re in this together! Sincerely,
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Winnie Brinks
In This Issue:
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE Preprocessing of Absentee Ballots Approved On Friday, Oct. 7, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation to further enhance Michigan’s election integrity by allowing local clerks to preprocess absentee ballots two days prior to Election Day, as well as allow overseas military members to return their ballots electronically. Clerks have been asking for extra time since the stressors that absentee voting placed on the presidential election in 2020. Clerks would be better served by a week or more of lead time, but two days does help to relieve some of the strain these hardworking election officials are experiencing. Here are the specifics:
DISTRICT NEWS Sustainable Business of the Year
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Congratulations to the South East Market for being named “Sustainable Business of the Year” by the West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum. Whether it’s offering healthy, whole foods to their neighbors in the 49507 ZIP code, educating people about nutrition and liberation, or their advocacy for food justice on the systemic level, it is clear they are all making a big impact in our community. This was a well-deserved honor for this amazing community resource.
Asian American Gala |
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I was proud to see such vivid diversity and joyful celebration of stories at the annual gala held by the West Michigan Asian American Association. I’m also grateful to the leadership behind events like this at Goei Center — West Michigan is so much stronger because of the contributions made by our diverse communities.
Big EV Announcement in Grand Rapids
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I was pleased to join Gov. Gretchen Whitmer last week for a big announcement at Ferris State’s Kendall College of Art and Design: A $2.36 billion investment is coming to Michigan from the global battery company Gotion, who chose Big Rapids to build battery components. Not only does this create 2,350 high-wage jobs — changing the game for so many Michigan families — but it signals to the world that Michigan is where the electric vehicle future is headquartered. And, Gotion will power their facility using 100% renewable energy!
Ribbon Cutting for BAMF Health |
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BAMF stands for “Bold Advanced Medical Future,” and last week we cut the ribbon for their global headquarters right here in Grand Rapids. BAMF is bringing precision medicine to our community by advancing technologies to study and treat various kinds of cancers. They are also hoping their technology can impact Alzheimer’s, PTSD, and a variety of other illnesses. I cannot wait to hear the stories of hope that come from this place of innovation. Sponsoring the legislation that helped open the door for BAMF to come to Grand Rapids will always be among my most meaningful accomplishments in Lansing.
HELPFUL INFORMATION Michigan Achievement Scholarship Signed into Law On Tuesday, Oct. 11, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed bipartisan legislation establishing the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which will lower the cost of college by thousands of dollars a year for many high school graduates. The legislation builds on the administration’s goal of having 60% of adults with a skill certificate or college degree by 2030. Starting with the class of 2023, high school graduates will be eligible for more financial aid from the state, up to:
Students will be eligible if their family demonstrates financial need when they complete the FAFSA. The Michigan Achievement Scholarship will cover:
More information will be provided as it becomes available.
On Monday, Oct. 10, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced they are seeking approval for an initiative called “Plan First!” that would expand access to family planning services. The proposal seeks to offer 25,000 Michiganders free contraception, cancer screenings, STI/STD testing, and more, saving them up to an estimated $2,000 a year. Currently, women in Michigan can access low- or no-cost family planning services through Michigan’s Family Planning Program and through the Healthy Michigan Plan, the state’s expanded Medicaid program. However, approximately 25,000 Michiganders do not qualify under the income eligibility for Healthy Michigan or traditional Medicaid but have incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level, which is currently $36,620 annually for a household of two. The new Plan First! Family Planning Policy, if approved, would take effect in spring 2023. Details will be provided at that time about how to apply. Family planning is a public hea
CONTACT US 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
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