Note From Erika
Greetings friends and neighbors!
Happy Spring! With the arrival of a new season, I wanted to recommend a few ideas to rejuvenate as the weather (hopefully) warms up in April.
- Get moving! Staying active is extremely important, not only for your physical health, but also your mental health. Being active has been shown to improve your mood and reduce anxiety and depression.
- Get outside! During the winter it is easy to stay nestled inside, but now we have the opportunity to get some sunshine and vitamin D. Being outdoors is also shown to improve your mental well-being.
- Sleep tight! Take time to rest. Getting the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep is imperative to renew your body and mind.
Sincerely,
Erika Geiss
State Senator
District 1
(517) 373-7800
IN THIS EDITION:
- Legislative Update
- Community Updates
- Virtual Baby Fair
- Assistance for Medicaid Members
- Lowering the cost of tuition at Wayne State University
- COVID-19 Booster Vaccinations
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Gun violence is a leading cause of early death in this country and the number one cause of death for American youth. My colleagues and I in the Michigan Senate took action and passed legislation for gun violence prevention. This legislation includes background checks, child access protection, and extreme risk protection—all of which were developed with input from state and national experts, public safety and law enforcement officials, parent advocate groups, and responsible gun owners.
Gun safety measures are overwhelmingly favored by Michiganders and have widespread support. I was proud to co-sponsor and vote yes on these bills as they are common sense and long overdue. Every Michigander deserves the freedom to live without fear of gun violence in their schools and communities.
COMMUNITY UPDATES
Melvindale Public Library Bookmark Contest
The last day to submit a bookmark for the Melvindale Public Library contest is April 1, 2023. Kindergarten – 8th grade can enter. The prize will be awarded on May 10, 2023.
River Rouge Public Library Easter Basket Giveaway
WHEN: Thursday, April 6, 2023, at 5 pm
WHERE: River Rouge Public Library, 221 Burke St. River Rouge, MI 48218
Call the library at (313)843-2040 to sign up!
Notice of Public Outreach in Detroit
This is your opportunity to make your voice heard and have an input on sidewalk repairs and adding speed humps on local roads. See the information below to submit your comment on these important infrastructure projects.
Upcoming Weekly Meeting
WHEN: Monday, April 3, 2023, at 5 pm
WHERE: Virtual, click here for zoom link.
Windsor-Detroit Cross-River Tour Feedback
The Windsor-Detroit Cross-River Tour is an international Community Benefits Plan initiative that celebrates the unique culture, history and diversity of the Sandwich/west Windsor and Delray/Southwest Detroit communities through interpretive signage that will be placed along pedestrian and cycling paths on the lands surrounding the Canadian and US Ports of Entry.
The project team is surveying the community for feedback regarding important topics and inclusions on the signs. It is anticipated that between six-to-eight signs will be installed around each Port of Entry, leading to a total of 12 – 16 signs.
You give your input by:
- Completing an online survey
- Requesting a paper survey by calling 1 (844) 322-1773 or emailing info@wdbridge.com
- Pick up and drop off a paper copy at:
- Southwest Detroit Business Association (SDBA), 7752 Vernor Highway, Detroit, MI, 48209
VIRTUAL BABY FAIR
On April 4, 2023, from 10 – 11:30 am, join the Oakland County Health Division for a virtual baby safety fair to learn about important safety information to keep your baby or grandbaby safe.
Topics will include:
- Child Passenger Safety
- Marijuana and Vaping Risks & Cessation
- Referrals through WIC
- Postpartum Depression and Coping
- Wellness Visits
- Infant Safe Sleep Friendly Gifts
Please register at bit.ly/3XzkIYs. Registration is required. You don’t need to be an Oakland County resident to attend.
ASSISTANCE FOR MEDICAID MEMBERS
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.
LOWERING THE COST OF TUITION AT WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY
Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined Wayne State University officials to announce the Wayne State Guarantee, a new initiative offering incoming Michigan students with family incomes of $70,000 or less a tuition-free degree with zero out-of-pocket expenses. The program will begin in the fall of 2023 and cover the full cost of tuition and standard fees. This is made possible thanks to the bipartisan Michigan Achievement Scholarship program, which Governor Whitmer signed into law in 2022, saving students up to $8,250 on their associate degree at a community college, up to $20,000 at a private college, or up to $27,500 at a public university.
Who’s Eligible for the Wayne State Guarantee
- Incoming first-year undergraduates who are Michigan residents admitted for fall 2023 as a first-time undergraduate in a degree-program.
- Household income of $70,000 or less and assets of $50,000 or less as confirmed on the 2023-24 FAFSA.
- Michigan residents eligible for the Pell grant in 2023-24 are also eligible.
- Must be enrolled full time (12 or more credit hours per semester) each semester. Funding is for the fall and winter semesters.
- WSU must receive your 2023-24 FAFSA by April 1, 2023, and be eligible to receive federal student aid.
- Must be admitted to WSU by April 1, 2023.
The Wayne State Guarantee covers the full cost of tuition and standard fees (matriculation, registration, and student service fees) with a combination of federal, state, and other WSU scholarships and grants. The award is renewable for up to four years, with the option to apply for a fifth year if the student is on track to graduate in that year.
COVID-19 BOOSTER VACCINATIONS
Bivalent Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are still available for booster shots in Michigan. To locate providers offering the Pfizer and Moderna bivalent booster doses check your local pharmacy or visit http://vaccines.gov.
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