State Senator Erika Geiss

Note from Erika 

I hope everyone was able to enjoy an extra hour of sleep over the weekend! With parts of Michigan beginning to experience winter weather, please check out some tips below for staying safe during cold and winter weather.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our office by email at SenEGeiss@senate.michigan.gov and by phone at (517) 373-7800.  

Erika Geiss
State Senator 
6th District    

 

 

 

In This Edition    

  • Legislative Update   
  • Wayne County Emergency Rental Assistance Program
  • Unemployment Assistance
  • COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccine Update
  • Community Update
  • Winter Weather Safety Tips 

 

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Governor announces grant program providing bonuses to child care professionals

On November 8th, Governor Whitmer announced the launch of the Child Care Stabilization act, providing $350 million in grants to give every full-time childcare professional a $1,000 bonus and keep child care programs open and serving kids.

Those eligible to apply are licensed child care center, family homes, and group homes, tribal-based child care, and Head Start and Great Start Readiness Programs (GSRP) that also provide tuition-based child care. Eligible applicants must also be open and available to provide child care services on the date of their application OR were temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Applications for the Fall of 2021 are open between November 8th through December 8th.

>> Click here to learn more about the grant and how to apply.

 

WAYNE COUNTY EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (ERAP)

Wayne County has opened a Countywide Emergency Rental Assistance program for both tenants and landlords negatively impacted by COVID-19. This program* is geared toward Wayne County residents and property owners who are experiencing housing instability.

Assistance through this program includes rent and utility assistance with electricity, home heating, water, and sewer bills. Internet stipends and relocation assistance are also available.

>> Click here to be taken to the Wayne County website for more information on the application process, eligibility requirements, and required documents.

*Please note: This program is only for residents outside of Detroit, which has its own separate rental assistance program.

 

UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE

If you or someone you know who lives in Senate District 6 is having trouble receiving their Unemployment Insurance (UI) or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), please fill out this unemployment assistance form and our office will reach out to assist you with your issue as soon as possible.

You can also visit the Michigan LEO FAQ page for answers to questions you may have regarding eligibility for unemployment or for issues you may have with your current claim.

>> Click here to schedule an in-person appointment at a local UIA office.

 

COVID-19 AND INFLUENZA VACCINE UPDATE

The Wayne County Health Department has begun administering Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine booster shots to immunocompromised residents. Boosters are available at no cost to eligible residents at all Wayne County-sponsored vaccine sites.

Residents seeking a booster should wait at least 28 days after receiving their second vaccine dose and in many cases, do not need to get the same brand as their original vaccine.

The COVID-19 vaccine is the safest and most effective way to stay healthy from this deadly pandemic. Visit the Wayne County website for more information and where to get vaccinated, or call
the state’s COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136 and press 1.

I also encourage all residents who are eligible to get the seasonal influenza and pneumonia vaccine. Visit the CDC website for more information on how to prevent influenza and to find a vaccine near you.

 

COMMUNITY UPDATE

Secretary of State Kiosks

Did you know that many SOS services can be done for you at an SOS kiosk located at many SOS branches? Some kiosks are even available at a local Kroger or Meijer and can be available outside of regular business hours.

On top of this, branch locations are now available for Wednesday bookings and are available between 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

>> Click here to locate a nearby SOS kiosk or schedule an office visit.

 

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY TIPS

The CDC has posted, on their website, advice for how families can prepare their homes and vehicles for cold winter weather. You can also find tips on how to prepare for emergencies, take precautions outdoors, and what to do when you are planning to travel. 

As an elected representative, I believe in being readily available and transparent because my office is your office.

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