NOTE FROM ERIKA
Greetings friends and neighbors!
Happy Pride Month! During the month of June, we acknowledge and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. In Michigan, you are valued, appreciated, and recognized. The #MajorityForThePeople and I will continue advocating for your rights and protections. Check out the “Community Events” section for ways to celebrate in our district.
Sincerely,
Erika Geiss
State Senator – 1st District
517.373.7800
IN THIS EDITION:
- Helping Medicaid Members Keep their Coverage
- Legislative Updates
- Gov. Whitmer & Legislative Leaders Unveil ‘Make it in Michigan’ Strategy
- Senate Resolution 59 – Loving Day
- Senate Bill 251 Passes in the Michigan Senate
- Applications now being accepted for the Fostering Futures Scholarship
- Imposter Scams Take on New Forms: Missed Jury Duty and Demand for Payment Scams
- End of Federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency brings changes to insurace coverage for Michiganders
- MDARD encourages owners to keep their animals cool and safe and temperatures rise
- Community Update
- Melvindale Days Festival
- Pride in the D
- Road to Restoration
- 2023 Michigan Environmental Justice Conference
- Beats and BBQ Juneteenth Cookoff
HELPING MEDICAID MEMBERS KEEP THEIR COVERAGE
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. MDHHS began sending monthly renewal notifications to enrollees 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.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Senate Resolution 59 – Loving Day
On June 8, 2023, I introduced Senate Resolution 59 to recognize June 12 as Loving Day in the state of Michigan. Loving Day seeks to commemorate and celebrate the United States Supreme Court’s 1967 ruling to legalize interracial marriage across the country. This ruling found so-called “Racial Integrity Acts” unconstitutional under the 14th Amendment to the Constitution.
The “Loving” in Loving Day honors Mildred and Richard Loving who were an interracial couple married in Washington D.C., in 1958, but were banned from marrying in their home state of Virginia, where interracial marriage was illegal at the time. Loving Day’s mission is to fight racial prejudice, promote tolerance, awareness, and understanding through education, and foster supportive multicultural communities. It is necessary that we formally recognize Loving Day in Michigan to continue conversations about interracial couples, combat racial prejudice and discrimination, and promote awareness and representation.
Senate Bill 251 Passes in the Michigan Senate
On June 7, 2023, my Senate Bill 251 passed in the Michigan Senate to bring Michigan in line with federal laws and regulations by removing requirements for what companies are required to post on their commercial vehicles.
Gov. Whitmer & Legislative Leaders Unveil ‘Make it in Michigan’ Strategy to Win Projects, Invest in People, Revitalize Places
As economic development strategy pays dividends, governor, legislative leaders pitch a unified, strategic approach to help more people, businesses, and communities “Make it in Michigan.”
Governor Gretchen Whitmer was joined by Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, Speaker Joe Tate, Senator Mallory McMorrow, Representative Jason Hoskins, and business and labor leaders to announce Make it in Michigan, a comprehensive economic strategy to keep winning projects, invest in people from pre-K through postsecondary, and revitalize places in every region of the state. As Michigan celebrates 18 months of strong economic development work with over $16 billion of projects and 16,000 jobs secured, the state must keep its foot on the accelerator to lead the future of advanced manufacturing, improve educational outcomes and workforce development, and improve quality of life in every region.
“Every person, business, and community should be able to ‘make it in Michigan,’” said Governor Whitmer. “To grow our economy and build a brighter future, we must continue competing for projects that bring manufacturing and supply chains home, invest in people so they can pursue their potential, and revitalize places to make them more attractive places to live, work, and invest. This comprehensive strategy will power strong, equitable growth and build on our economic momentum, as we have added 61,000 jobs year over year and driven unemployment down below 4% for only the third period of time since 1970. Let’s keep getting it done.”
“Economic development should be as positive for the public as it is for business. With the right framework, we believe that these two things can go hand-in-hand,” said Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids). “After passing several historic pieces of legislation to increase Michiganders’ rights and economic security, the stage has been set and we’re taking this opportunity to infuse more people-first values into our holistic approach to economic development.”
“Right now, while some states are focused on divisive policies that exclude people or restrict their fundamental freedoms and rights, Michigan is sending a bold message to the rest of the country: No matter who you are, you are welcome in Michigan,” said Senator Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak), Chair of the Senate Committee on Economic and Community Development. “Now we need an economic development strategy to match the moment and ensure every Michigander, here or soon-to-be here, has an opportunity to thrive. We understand that economic development can no longer be viewed in a silo, and that the most successful states are packaging traditional economic development tools with targeted investments in communities, housing, workforce development, education, and wraparound services – leading to greater success in landing transformational projects while simultaneously investing in any state’s greatest asset: their people. Today, Michigan Democrats are united in saying we are open for business and welcoming everyone to ‘Make It In Michigan’.”
>>Read more about this plan here.
APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE FOSTERING FUTURES SCHOLARSHIP
Young adults who have experienced foster care on or after their 13th birthday are eligible to apply for a scholarship from the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury.
The priority deadline for the Fostering Futures Scholarship application for academic year 2023-24 is August 1, 2023. Eligible students enrolled at a Michigan degree-granting college or university may now apply to receive scholarship funds for tuition, fees, room, board, books and supplies.
Fostering Future Scholarship Applicants with questions should contact the state Treasury Department’s Student Scholarships, Grants and Outreach area at mistudentaid@michigan.gov or call toll-free at 1-888-447-2687.
IMPOSTER SCAMS TAKE ON NEW FORMS: MISSED JURY DUTY AND DEMAND FOR PAYMENT SCAMS
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warns residents that they may be targeted by scammers claiming to be representing government entities.
The Department has received reports that a missed jury duty scam is currently being perpetrated in Oakland County. In this scam, fraudsters call unsuspecting residents and tell them that they have failed to appear for jury duty in federal court. The caller threatens the person with arrest if they don’t pay a “cash bond,” which has reportedly been as high as $5,000.
So far, two complaints involving the missed jury duty scam have been reported to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office. In both cases, the scammer claimed to be an Oakland County Sheriff’s deputy. Though in both instances cash was demanded to keep the call recipient out of jail, neither person paid. Instead, they turned themselves in only to discover that there were no arrest warrants sworn in either case. While we aren’t in Oakland County – you may have family or friends there, so this is important to know so you can help them stay aware and be safe. AG Nessel wants all Michigan residents to be on the alert so they can avoid being scam victims.
Another imposter scam involves letters mailed to residents that appear to be from a state agency. The letters, which indicate that they are a “final demand for payment” related to a tax lien, threaten potential foreclosure unless payment is made.
One such letter sent to a nursing center in Detroit from the “Tax Lien Group Tax Processing Unit” indicated the “State of Michigan may seize [the] property for nonpayment of taxes.” The amount listed on the letter was $27,622, but no tax debt was owed to the State. The letter contained an 800-phone number commonly used to perpetrate similar scams.
The individuals perpetrating these scams may expand the deception to other agencies, such as the FBI, IRS, or some other state or federal government entity. If you are concerned that you are being targeted by a government imposter, you can protect yourself by doing your own internet research. Looking up the phone number for the government agency allows you to call and inquire without relying upon information provided by the scammer.
Residents can also simply do an internet search for the phone number they are being asked to call. This may help determine whether it belongs to a government agency or if it is one being used in scams.
For more information about popular consumer scams, or if you believe you’ve been a victim, residents can contact the Consumer Protection Team Monday-Friday at 877-765-8388 or complete our online complaint form.
END OF FEDERAL COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY BRINGS CHANGES TO INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR MICHIGANDERS
The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is alerting consumers that there may be changes to their health insurance coverage for COVID-related testing and treatments now that the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) has ended.
Federal law required that many health services related to COVID-19, including testing and vaccinations, had to be covered at no cost for the duration of the PHE. Many Michiganders may now have to pay out-of- pocket for some COVID-related care. For more specific information about different types of medical care that have been affected by the ending of the PHE, see below:
At-Home and Laboratory COVID Tests:
- Private Insurers: The federal mandate requiring health insurers to provide no-cost coverage for COVID-19 testing, including at-home tests, has ended. Most people with health insurance will continue to have coverage for laboratory COVID-19 tests, subject to the plan’s cost sharing. At-home testing for COVID-19 is an eligible medical expense for flexible spending arrangements (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs). Michiganders should check with their plan for more details.
- Medicare: Medicare is no longer required to provide coverage for at-home COVID-19 testing. Medicare Part B participants can still obtain laboratory COVID-19 testing, with authorization by a medical provider, without out-of-pocket cost. Medicare Advantage participants may have additional flexibility regarding COVID-19 testing. Michiganders should check with their plan for more details.
- Medicaid: Under federal law, Medicaid and MIChild participants can obtain at-home and laboratory COVID-19 tests through September 30, 2024.
- Private insurers: Treatment for COVID-19 will continue to be covered but insurers are now able to apply cost sharing, such as deductibles and coinsurance, and require prior approval for these treatments. Michiganders should confirm coverage with their insurer or plan before seeking treatment.
- Medicare: Medicare beneficiaries may have to pay for a portion of their COVID-19 care as required by their plan.
- Medicaid: Medicaid and MIChild are required to cover all drugs for the treatment or prevention of COVID–19 with no cost sharing for enrollees through September 30, 2024.
- COVID-19 vaccinations continue to be supplied with no out-of-pocket cost by the federal government.
MDARD ENCOURAGES OWNERS TO HELP KEEP THEIR ANIMALS COOL AND SAFE AS TEMPERATURES RISE
As temperatures rise into the 90s in many parts of the state, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding owners of some of the best ways to keep animals cool and safe.
Keep animals safe from the heat by following these tips:
Let it Flow: Provide unlimited cool clean, fresh water
- Just like people, animals can quickly get parched in hot temperatures. No matter the species, animals should have access to unlimited cool, clean, fresh water to prevent dehydration.
Know Their Limits: An animal’s ability to tolerate heat varies
- An animal’s age, breed, type of coat, and health history can all play a role in their ability to tolerate the heat. Keep an eye on them for signs of heat stress—like increased panting or drooling and being more lethargic. If they are showing these signs, it is time to immediately move them to a cooler area. Also, consider talking to your veterinarian. They will have a greater knowledge of your animal(s) and be able to give more specific guidance on how to best handle them in hot weather.
Happy Paws: Test surfaces to make sure they won’t burn paws
- Surfaces like asphalt, concrete, and sand can really heat up in the sun, which can burn paws— or at least make a walk very uncomfortable. To test if a surface is too hot, touch it with the palm of your hand. If it is too hot for you, consider taking a different route that is mostly grass or waiting until the evening when everything has had a chance to cool.
Get in Gear: Parked vehicles are not places to park pets
- Even when temperatures feel more moderate, vehicles can heat up very quickly, creating dangerous conditions for the animals left inside. Leaving windows cracked open and/or parking in the shade does little to improve the situation. In these conditions, it is best to leave pets at home when you need to go out and about.
A Place to Chill: Make sure animals have a place to cool down
- Animals know when they are too hot and will usually try to find a place where they can cool down. Make sure they have access to shade, fans, misters, pools, cooling mats, and/or air-conditioned spaces to help them stay comfortable.
Following these tips can help keep your animals cool and comfortable through any heat wave. If there are any concerns about your animals’ health either now or throughout the summer months, please talk to your veterinarian.
COMMUNITY UPDATE
Melvindale Days
Motor City Pride Festival
Motor City Pride is Michigan’s largest pride celebration, with over 50,000 participants in our pride events. We are an entirely volunteer-run organization with a mission of spreading awareness through pride.
WHEN: Saturday June 10 (Festival: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Gates close at 8:00 PM) – Sunday June 11 (Parade: Noon, Festival: 12:30 PM – 7:00 PM, Gates close at 6:00 PM)
WHERE: Hart Plaza, Detroit
For more information about the festival visit Motor City Pride Detroit.
Pride in the D
WHEN: Saturday, June 10, from 5 – 9 pm
WHERE: Spirit Plaza, 2 Woodward, Detroit MI
Juneteenth Freedom Fest Weekend 2023
Beats & BBQ Juneteenth Kickoff
WHEN: Friday, June 16, 6:30-10:30 p.m.
WHERE: Batch Brewing Company; 1400 Porter St., Detroit
Juneteenth Jubilee Detroit and Black Leaders Detroit’s 5th annual Freedom Weekend kicks off with live performances, barbecue, and art installations. Check out the rest of the festival activities at the Metro-Detroit Black Business Alliance website.
Road to Restoration
Mark your calendars! There is a Road to Restoration Clinic approaching on June 21, 2023 in Detroit.
Road to Restoration is a free clinic to assist Michigan residents in understanding how to restore their driving privileges. Residents who attend will meet one-on-one with Michigan Department of State staff and talk with volunteer attorneys to determine the steps necessary to reinstate their driver’s license. Registration is recommended but not required.
WHEN: Monday June, 19, 2023, Clinic hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Walk-ins: Accepted from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. ONLY
WHERE: Goodwill Industry of Detroit, 3111 Grand River Ave., Detroit, MI
For more information including clinic details, registration, what items to bring, and how the clinic can help visit the Michigan Road to Restoration Website.
2023 Michigan Environmental Justice Conference
WHEN: June 21-22, 2023
WHERE: Detroit, Michigan
The 2023 Michigan Environmental Justice Conference will focus on the theme of Advancing Environmental Justice: Working Together toward Progress. Conference attendees can learn about and engage with environmental justice related resources and programs from various state of Michigan departments and other organizations at the Resource Fair. There will also be a Poster Gallery to hear from presenters about their environmental justice research and projects. The goal of this 2-day, in-person conference is to convene conversations, explore actions, present research and continue progress toward achieving environmental justice in Michigan.
The conference is intended for anyone interested in environmental justice, including front-line communities, business and industry, labor, local, tribal, state, and federal government, policy makers, public health practitioners, academic and community-based researchers, community and environmental organizations, and environmental justice and community advocates.
Registration deadline: June 12, 2023. For more information and registration details, click here.
NAACP June Jubilee: A Celebration of Freedom
The NAACP Detroit branch will hold its “June Jubilee” June 22-25, ending with the organization’s annual Freedom Fund dinner in Detroit’s Huntington Place on Sunday, June 25.
Organized by Detroit Branch NAACP, the celebration will feature topical summits with presenters including Dr. Michael Eric Dyson and professor Kimberlé Crenshaw. US Senator Raphael Warnock will provide a keynote address and hip-hop entertainer Doug E. Fresh will be joining as a special guest.
Festivities also consist of an MLK statue unveiling, the Freedom Walk and more.
Register and learn more at detroitnaacp.org or call (313) 871-2087.
Taylor Summer Festival
WHEN: Thursday June 22 – Sunday June 25
WHERE: Heritage Park – 12111 Pardee Rd, Taylor, MI 48180
Carnival, Fireworks and Concerts! Get more info at TaylorFestival.com
