Hello Neighbor,
I hope you are well. In this e-newsletter you find upcoming events in Senate District 3, legislative updates, helpful resources, and more!
Upcoming Events
Environmental Justice Town Hall
Join me, Rep. Donavan McKinney, Sierra Club, Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition, and Michigan League of Conservation Voters for a conversation about power outages, energy, and the climate crisis.
WHEN: Saturday, April 29, 2023, from 11am – 1 pmWHERE: Ukrainian Cultural Center, 26601 Ryan Rd, Warren, MI 48091Coffee Hour with Sen. Chang & State Representative Donavan McKinney
WHEN: Friday, May 12, 2023 at 11 amWHERE: Tim Hortons, 20700 Mound Rd, Warren, MI, 48091Coffee Hour with Sen. Chang & Detroit City Council Member Gabriela Romero-Santiago
WHEN: Friday, May 26, 2023 at 10 amWHERE: Avalon Bakery/Jolly Pumpkin, 441 W Canfield St, Detroit, MI 48201
City of Highland Park Water and Sewage Supreme Court Decision
I’ve heard from Highland Park leaders and residents about their concern over the recent Michigan Supreme Court decision regarding the city’s outstanding water debt. This complicated issue has years of history, and while I acknowledge the city is in better financial shape than in years past, Highland Park residents, many of whom are in poverty or low-income households, simply do not have the financial ability to take on this judgment without devastating consequences. I have been in constant communication with Governor Whitmer’s team, Michigan Department of Treasury, Mayor McDonald and others for the past few weeks to work together to find the best solution for the city of Highland Park and residents.
My goal as the state senator who has the honor to serve Highland Park is that collectively, we are able to resolve the situation in a way that one, doesn’t put this large financial judgment on the backs of Highland Park residents, and two, addresses long-term water infrastructure needs of Highland Park.
I am committed to continuing our advocacy for the needs of the community and will continue to keep Highland Park residents and officials apprised of any additional information and the state’s related actions, and of our ongoing efforts to help reach a resolution that does not adversely impact the people who call Highland Park home.
Legislative UpdatesAir Quality Enforcement And Mitigation Fund (AQEM)
Last Thursday, the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment held a hearing on SB 26, my bill that would create the air quality enforcement and mitigation fund. Our bill would ensure that the fines paid by polluting companies who had violated the air quality standards come back directly to communities impacted by air pollution to help mitigate the public health impacts. We all deserve to breathe clean air that is free of pollutants and chemicals that are the result of corporate polluters. I’m excited to see this bill reach the Governor’s office after introducing this many times over the years. It’s time that the money that companies pay for violating environmental regulations be put to use in the community to help ease the impact of environmentally burdened communities.Second Look Sentencing Act
Last week I was joined by a group of amazing community advocates in announcing the Second Look Sentencing Act. Over the past couple of years, I have been fortunate to work with so many amazing advocates on the Second Look Sentencing Act. This legislation will help reunite family members and to provide a second chance for those who have served a significant amount of time in prison and are no longer a risk to the community. Under the Second Look Sentencing Act, if the incarcerated individual has served at least 10 years of their sentence, they, their lawyer, or the prosecutor would be able to petition the sentencing judge for a reduction of their sentence.
After receiving a second look petition, the judge would consider factors such as:
- The age of the person at the time of the crime and research on brain development,
- The appropriateness of the sentence today,
- The person’s history while incarcerated,
- The person’s role in the offense compared to other co-defendants,
- Relevant evidence about the person’s mental or physical health now or at the time of the offense,
- Whether the person was a victim of human trafficking,
- Whether the person experienced domestic abuse, and several other factors.
After a hearing date has been determined by the court/prosecuting attorney, the victim of the crime must be notified either via electronic or first-class mail to their last known address. Incarcerated individuals who were convicted of mass shootings will not be eligible for the Second Look Sentencing Act.
Additionally, for individuals convicted of serious domestic violence offenses, criminal sexual conduct against a child under 13, child pornography, or human trafficking, the judge is not required to grant a hearing and may choose whether or not to grant a hearing.
The bills lay out several guidelines for how the judge would impose a new sentence, including the opportunity to give credit for time served and, if the person is severely ill or disabled, the judge would start with the presumption that the person should be resentenced to time served unless someone proves otherwise.
This is smart legislation. It’s a good policy that will reunite family members. It will give an opportunity for people who have changed themselves and are determined by their judge to not pose a risk to the community to come back and be contributing members to our economy and our society. This act recognizes a simple truth, that people grow and can change for the better.Drive SAFE Bill Package
On April 13th, Senator Santana, Senator Geiss, and I introduced Senate Bills 265-267 otherwise known as the DriveSAFE Bill Package. SAFE stands for Safety, Access, Freedom and the Economy. Identical bills were introduced in the House by Representatives Hood, Aiyash and Carter. These are the core values that our legislation stands for.
The Drive SAFE bills will restore access to driver’s licenses and state IDs for immigrants, including undocumented immigrants, a right that was taken away from them in 2008. In Michigan, a car state, having a car and driver’s license is critical to going to the grocery store, getting the kids to school, getting to work safely, and going to church. This legislation will not only help undocumented immigrants – it will also help many others who face difficulties in obtaining a driver’s license or state ID due to lack of documentation.
Residents such as DACA recipients, legal immigrants who haven’t received their verification documents because of bureaucratic delays, rural-born elderly people who don’t have birth certificates, citizens born abroad, and foreign adoptees will all directly benefit from this legislation.
Passing the Drive SAFE legislation would improve our economy, increase safety on the road, and help restore dignity to our neighbors. 19 other states and the District of Columbia already have similar laws in place. They have experienced workforce and economic benefits, public safety improvements, and insurance savings to consumers. I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to restore driver’s license and state ID’s for all to increase public safety, grow local economies and preserve human dignity in the great state of Michigan.Campaign Funds for Child Care
We need more moms and dads with young children to run for office, because having elected leaders who are living the experience of dealing with childcare, K-12 schools, and other issues is critical to shaping good policy for Michigan families. I recently introduced Senate Bill 278 which would allow a candidate running for office to pay for caregiver expenses with campaign funds. In 2018, the FEC ruled that campaign funds raised by federal candidates could be used for dependent care . This bill will allow for dependent care, to include those caring for a disabled adult child or an elderly family member.
Being a caregiver for small children, disabled family members, or elderly parents should not be a barrier to running for office. Allowing candidates to use campaign funds to pay for dependent care needs that are necessary due to engaging in campaign activity is a common sense and equitable solution to the hurdles that working parents and solo caregivers face while running for office. Now more than ever, as we work through COVID-19-related recovery toward a more resilient future, and as the first of the Baby Boomers are hitting their mid-70’s, we need leaders at the decision-making table who will bring their current caregiver experiences and perspectives to develop workable solutions. I am grateful to have the support of Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson on this important legislation.Sexual Assault Prevention and Protecting Survivors
April is sexual assault awareness month and and in honor of it, as Chair of the Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety Committee, I held hearings on a package of bipartisan bills that would help prevent sexual assault, protect survivors and improve accountability. These bills were voted out of committee last Thursday.
We know that sexual assault is something that happens far too frequently in a way that isn’t on the front cover. Sexual assault takes place on college campuses, in our communities, and inside the home. Sexual assault victims and survivors are all ages and genders.
The impact of sexual assault is compounded; it is not only the physical incident, but also the psychological, emotional and physical effects that can linger afterward. Our bills would ensure that all students grades 6 to 12 receive educational materials about sexual assault, prohibit health professionals from committing sexual misconduct under the guise of medical treatment, set guidelines for invasive medical procedures that include vaginal or anal penetration, protect the identity of survivors in civil actions, and give prosecutors greater ability to prosecute those who sexually assault individuals who are under the influence of drugs.
District ResourcesHelping Medicaid members keep their coverage
Take action to avoid a gap in coverage
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government declared a Public Health Emergency (PHE), allowing Medicaid members to keep their health care coverage. Per recent federal legislation, eligibility renewals will start again in June. Monthly renewal notifications will be sent by mail beginning in May.
Following these steps will help determine if you still qualify:
- Make sure your contact information is up to date.
- Check mail or text messages for a letter.
- Complete your renewal form (if you get one).
If you’re a Medicaid member, learn more about how these changes may affect your health care coverage at Michigan.gov/2023benefitchanges.Changing Health Insurance can impact Auto Insurance
Your auto insurance may not be the first thing that comes to mind if you lose or change your health insurance, but there is an important connection that every Michigander should know about.
Under Michigan’s auto insurance law, drivers can choose from six different Personal Injury Protection (PIP) medical coverage levels when they buy or renew their auto insurance, which covers medical bills and other expenses if you are injured in an auto accident. For people who have Qualified Health Coverage (QHC), two options allow you to remove PIP medical coverage for yourself and/or eligible household members.
To count as QHC, your health insurance policy must not exclude or limit coverage for auto accident injuries and must have an individual deductible of $6,000 or less. Medicare Parts A and B or Medicare Advantage also count as QHC, but please note VA Health Benefits do not count as QHC.
If someone in your household does not have PIP medical coverage and has a change in their health insurance, you must ACT:
- A – Ask your auto insurance company or agent about your PIP medical coverage choice and find out if you need QHC to maintain your current selection.
- C – Contact your health insurer to determine if your new policy counts as QHC and to get an updated QHC letter.
- T –Tell your auto insurance company immediately if you lose your QHC. You have 30 days to obtain replacement health insurance or make a different PIP medical selection, or you risk not having medical coverage for yourself and your family in the event of a crash.
If you are interested in learning more or have questions, visit Michigan.gov/AutoInsurance or call the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (833) ASK-DIFS (275-3437).Home Heating Credit Applicants wanted by Michigan Department of Treasury
Michiganders who need help with their energy bills can now apply for the Home Heating Credit, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury.
Low-income, deaf, disabled or blind persons, disabled veterans and senior citizens may qualify for the Home Heating Credit. Applicants are not required to file a Michigan individual income tax return to receive the credit.
Individuals can apply for the Home Heating Credit electronically through the e-File system.
Forms and instructional materials are available on the internet at Michigan.gov/IncomeTax or by calling (517) 636-4486. Forms are also available at many libraries, Northern Michigan post offices, and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) offices across the state.
Thank you for reading this update!
Stay safe and hope to see you at one of our upcoming events!
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Stephanie Chang State Senator, District 3 |