Dear Neighbor,
This week, we paused to acknowledge the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 attacks and honor the bravery and sacrifice of our first responders. These people who risk their lives every day — whether running into burning buildings, responding to emergencies, or standing guard to protect our communities — deserve our deepest gratitude. I hope you’ll share that gratitude as well.
If you have any concerns to share or are in need of assistance, please feel free to reach us at at SenSChang@senate.michigan.gov, call us at (517) 373-7346 or (313) 922-6949.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Chang
State Senator
District 3
Featured in This Newsletter
- Upcoming Events
- Legislative Updates
- Community Updates & Resources
Upcoming Events
TODAY: Coffee & Conversation with State Representative Sharon MacDonell
WHEN: TODAY, Friday, September 13 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Tavern on the Main, 235 S. Main St., Clawson, MI 48017
Coffee & Conversation with Detroit People Mover and Detroit Councilmember Gabriela Santiago-Romero
WHEN: Friday, September 20 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
WHERE: People Mover Grand Circus Station, Park Ave. and Washington Blvd. Intersection, Detroit, MI
Coffee & Conversation in Troy
WHEN: Friday, October 11, from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Paris Banh Mi & Bakery, 268 John R. Rd., Troy, MI 48083
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Roundtable in Detroit
WHEN: Saturday, September 28, from 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: Considine Little Rock Recreation Center, 8904 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48202
In honor of September being National Deaf Awareness Month, this roundtable will include a discussion with local experts about the concerns and challenges faced by the Deaf and hard of hearing community. Special guests include Representative Sharon MacDonell, Representative Mike McFall, Christopher Samp, Director of the Office of Disability Affairs for the City of Detroit, and advocates from the Disability Network. Everyone is welcome to come and share their perspectives and ideas in person or online. Please sign up to join virtually using this link or attend in person.
Legislative Updates
Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning – SB 979
Last month, I introduced SB 979, which would require that landlords install at least one functioning carbon monoxide detector in every single unit they manage. Over 400 people die from non-fire related carbon monoxide poisoning each year in the United States. Further, at least 14,000 people are hospitalized across the country because of carbon monoxide poisoning. There are some simple steps we can take to lower the number of deaths caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. By ensuring that landlords are installing carbon monoxide detectors on their properties, we can reduce the number of deaths and hospitalizations caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. I believe that this bill will help save many lives and look forward to getting it across the finish line. You can read more about the bill here.
Community Updates & Resources
Michigan Dept. of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential Extends Deadline for Adults Ages 21-24 to Apply for Tuition-Free Community College
The Michigan Dept. of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) recently announced that the application deadline for the Reconnect Age Expansion has been extended until Dec. 31, 2024, and is now applicable to students beginning their education in the winter and spring semesters of the 2024-2025 academic year.
Michigan Reconnect is the largest program in state history to help eligible students earn a skill certificate or degree tuition-free at their local community college.
Michiganders who are 21 to 24 –years-old and are not already participating in Michigan Reconnect must complete the following steps to take advantage of this limited-time scholarship opportunity:
- 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 of 2025.
For additional information, visit: michigan.gov/reconnect/community-college/michigan reconnect-for-ages-21-to-24.
September is Suicide Prevention Month
Suicide is a critical public health concern, claiming the lives of nearly 50,000 Americans in 2022. Just in 2021, we lost 1,482 Michiganders to suicide. The devastation of suicide is far-reaching, impacting innumerable families and communities across our state and beyond.
But suicide can be prevented — and September, National Suicide Prevention Month, is an opportune time to spread awareness and resources to connect members of our communities with the help they need.
- If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. The Lifeline provides 24-hour, toll-free, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
- The Veterans Crisis Line provides free 24/7, confidential crisis support for veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their loved ones. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect. Call 988 and press “1” to speak with a qualified responder, or text 838255.
- Find a suicide prevention coalition, support group, or crisis line near you by scrolling down this page and finding a listing in your county.
- Get help for yourself or a loved one, learn the risk factors and warning signs, locate advocacy resources, and much more through the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
From gun violence prevention efforts to investments in suicide prevention programs, my Senate colleagues and I remain committed to working toward practical solutions to help lower suicide rates in our Michigan communities. With suicides accounting for more than half of gun deaths in the United States in 2021, our Senate Democratic Majority worked hard to deliver a slate of gun violence prevention legislation in 2023, helping to keep deadly weapons out of the hands of those at risk of harming themselves or others. We also secured the following budget investments to help address the issue of suicide in Michigan:
- $9.4 million to provide statewide coverage for 988, the suicide and mental health crisis line.
- $750,000 in federal fund authorization to utilize a grant under the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, helping to provide resources toward community-based suicide prevention efforts to meet the needs of veterans, service members, and their families.
- $250,000 to support Six Feet Over’s suicide loss survivor program, a nonprofit that provides mental health education, advocacy, and support to individuals with lived experiences of suicide.
Detroit Home Accessibility Program
Home entry and exit modifications for Disabled Detroiters (Detroit Home Accessibility Program)
In partnership with the Detroit Housing Network and CHN Housing Partners, the City of Detroit is launching a home accessibility program to help residents make their homes safer and more accessible. Please note that the funding is only available for repairs to improve accessibility and safety to the entrances and exits of your home. To find out more information on eligibility requirements and how to apply for the program, you can visit this webpage, call 866-313-2520, or walk into a Detroit Housing Network location.
Healthy Home Resource Day
The City of Detroit will be hosting the Healthy Home Resource Day on Saturday, September 14th, from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Roberto Clemente Recreation Center, 2631 Bagley St., Detroit, MI 48216. Residents can come to check out the various housing resources that the city has to offer. Everything from home repairs to utility assistance will be available at this event.