March 18, 2021
Dear Friends and Neighbors:
I would like to express my gratitude for the honor of serving and representing the people in Michigan’s 6th Senate District. I hope that these District 6 updates provide substantial information that you find beneficial.
Please be aware that our office continues to serve Michigan’s 6th Senate District remotely. If you have any questions or concerns, we can be reached by email at SenEGeiss@senate.michigan.gov and by voicemail at (517) 373-7800.
Stay safe and be well,
Erika Geiss
State Senator
6th District
What’s Inside this Edition
- Legislative Update
- March Is Reading Month Events
- March Coffee Hour
- COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Update
- Community Connection
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Senate Bill 225: Sexual Assault Prevention Package
In the wake of the 2018 Nassar Sexual Assault investigation, a bipartisan group of House of Representatives members introduced a five-bill package to ensure this does not happen again.
Earlier this month, Senator Stephanie Chang, Senator Lana Theis, Senator Dan Lauwers, Senator Ruth Johnson, and I reintroduced these bills to continue the fight against sexual assault. It is crucial that we fight for those who have become victims and survivors of sexual assault and ensure that those who commit these crimes are held accountable.
My bill, Senate Bill 225, modifies sentencing guidelines for sexual contact or penetration under the pretext of medical treatment to establish a Class C felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison. All five bills in this package were referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety.
Senate Bill 200: Pausing state mandated standardized testing
On March 2nd, Senator Dayna Polehanki, Senator Curtis Hertel Jr., Senator Paul Wojno, and I, introduced a package of bills that would pause the use of standardized tests for the 2020-2021 school year.
Michigan students have already faced a demanding and exhausting school year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and their grades should not suffer for circumstances outside of their control; the same should be said for teachers and administrators who are evaluated on the progress of their students’ education.
My bill, Senate Bill 200, would pause the state mandate that districts evaluate administrators using student growth data for the 2020-2021 school year. All four bills in this package were referred to the Senate Committee on Education and Career Readiness.
MARCH IS READING MONTH EVENTS
March is Reading Month is well underway and we have already hosted two wonderful events for kids of all ages!
On March 11th, I hosted Michigan children’s book author, Kelly DiPucchio, and together we read two of her books: Grace Goes to Washington and Oona!
On March 12th, I joined Congresswomen Rashida Tlaib and The Library of Congress National Librarian Dr. Carla Hayden and we read three books: Speak Up by Miranda Paul, I Dissent by Debbie Levy, and I Am Enough by Grace Byers.
We will continue to host reading events throughout the month. You can keep up to date on information regarding these events through our Facebook page as well.
- Monday, March 22nd at 5:00 p.m.
Source Booksellers proprietor Janet Webster Jones - Tuesday, March 23rd at 6:00 p.m.
Flat Rock Public Library and State Librarian Randy Riley - Wednesday, March 31st at 7:00 p.m.
Michigan Author Stephen Mack Jones
MARCH COFFEE HOUR
Please join us for our next coffee hour on March 25th. We will be discussing the Clean Slate bills and expungement process that will go into effect in April and will be joined by guests Senator Jeff Irwin and defense attorney Margaret Sind Raben.
WHO: Sen. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor), Sen. Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor), and Margaret Sind Raben of Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan.
WHAT: Get Informed with Geiss Virtual Coffee Hour
WHEN: Thursday, March 25, from 6:00 to 7:00 PM
WHERE: Online Zoom meeting streamed to Sen. Geiss’ Facebook page
Please use this form to RSVP to this coffee hour and to receive a link to join the meeting. Registration deadline is Wednesday, March 24th by 5:00 PM. You will be emailed a link to the meeting, along with any other necessary information, prior to the event.
COVID-19 VACCINE ELIGIBILITY UPDATE
On March 12th, the Governor’s office, in conjunction with MDHHS, released a statement providing an update on the expansion of eligibility for COVID-19 vaccines. Starting on March 22nd, all Michigander from ages 16 through 49, who have medical conditions or a disability, will become eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine.
On April 5th, all Michiganders ages 16 through 49 will become eligible for COVID-19 vaccines.
>> You can read the full press statement here.
You can still get tested for COVID-19 statewide. Visit Find a Lab to find a test site near you.
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
For this week, please read this article about Taylor educator, Derek Kaunelis, who was diagnosed with cancer in February, and the community who rose up to show their support for the elementary school teacher.