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Note from Erika Happy New Year to everyone in Senate District 6! I hope everyone was able to celebrate the New Year with friends and family safely. With the most recent surge of cases due to Omicron, it’s important that we mask up, vaccinate, and get our booster shots to keep ourselves and everyone around us safe. If we all do our part, we can make 2022 a safe and healthy year for everyone. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our office by email at SenEGeiss@senate.michigan.gov or by phone at (517) 373-7800.
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Erika Geiss
In This Edition:
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE Legislation to require history lessons on variety of ethnicities and identities On January 12, I joined my Democratic colleagues in introducing a package of bills that would require teachers to include lessons about the cultures of people of color and indigenous communities in their social studies curriculum to ensure that students are receiving an equitable education that responsibly represents history. My bill, Senate Bill 798, would require teachers to provide instruction on Latin, Hispanic, and Caribbean American history. Other bills would require instruction in Asian American and Pacific Islander history, Middle Eastern and Chaldean American history, and Native American and Indigenous history. The package builds upon Sen. Alexander’s Senate Bill 414 to require more comprehensive attention to Black and African American History. At a time when some are trying to restrict the ability of educators to teach truth, we must ensure that our education is reflective of the multicultural mosaic of people in our state and country. >> Click here to learn more about the bill package.
AT-HOME COVID-19 TESTS NOW COVERED BY HEALTH INSURERS Beginning this past Saturday, January 15th, health insurance providers are now required to cover the costs of eight (8) at-home over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 tests per person, per month, who are enrolled in the plan. Providing easy accessibility to free COVID-19 testing is a crucial step in help mitigating the spread of COVID-19. Anyone in need of at-home COVID-19 over-the-counter tests should now be able to pick up or order COVID-19 tests free of charge or be reimbursed by their health insurance provider. *Please note that how your health insurance provider handles OTC COVID-19 testing kits may vary. Double check your provider’s policy on how they are covering OTC COVID-19 tests before you mask up and head to the pharmacy. Health insurance providers may cover the costs of OTC at-home COVID-19 tests in one of two likely methods:
Beginning January 19th, people can also order free tests online, via mail. Four tests per household may be ordered at www.usps.com/covidtest and will ship within 7 to 12 days of ordering. Visit www.whitehouse.gov for more details. Additionally, both Taylor and Westland have free drive-thru Lakes of Taylor Golf Course Both sites are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
COVID-19 VACCINATION UPDATE If you have not already received your COVID-19 vaccine, now is the time to do so. Booster shots are available as well for those who are eligible. Information on vaccines, vaccine boosters, and testing locations can be found on the Wayne County website. Children between the ages 5-11 are also still eligible to receive the vaccine. The Wayne County Health Department has established three locations where you can get your child vaccinated. Parents and guardians should consult with their pediatrician or health care providers with questions and concerns as these medical professionals will be the best people to offer the best guidance to your child/children and family. *The Wayne County Health Department handles the 42 Wayne County communities outside of Detroit, which has its own separate health department.
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 FAQs 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.
COMMUNITY UPDATE Tips for the 2022 Tax Filing Season Winter Preparedness Wayne county has provided tips on their website on how to be prepared in the event of adverse weather conditions that can result in cold related injuries or dangerous road conditions.
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As an elected representative, I believe in being readily available and transparent because my office is your office. Email is a great way to share updates, and hear from you on the issues you care about. If you want to alter your email preferences, click here to unsubscribe. |