Dear Neighbor,
Last week, my colleagues and I returned to Lansing after a productive summer working on legislative priorities and preparing for a robust, fall legislative schedule. We were also able to attend events in our district and spend time with our families, as I am sure many of you did as well.
This fall, our office will hold monthly virtual legislative updates (via Zoom) on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. Note: Our legislative updates are virtual because we are mindful of varying transportation, timing and accessibility needs of our residents. Details to sign up to attend are in the Community Conversation & Legislative Update section below. You can also stay up-to-date on sessions and committee hearings an senate.michigan.gov and use legislature.mi.govto track bills.
Before the summer, the Majority for the People ushered in a landmark budget and passed multiple bills to improve the lives of Michiganders, and we’ll be working hard in the fall to continue that momentum.
As always, if you need any assistance please contact my office team by phone at 517-373-7800 or by email at SenEGeiss@senate.michigan.gov.
IN THIS EDITION
- Legislative Update
- Senate Bill 385 Passes in the Michigan Senate
- Senate Resolution 69 — Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
- Free Well Water Testing Available Through EGLE
- September is National Recovery Month
- Climate Rally
- Community Update
- City of Allen Park Styrofoam Recycling Collection
- Community Conversation and Legislative Update
- DEAL Racial Equity Fellowship
- Gordie Howe Bridge Update
Sincerely,
Erika Geiss
State Senator – 1st District
517.373.7800
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Senate Bill 385 Passes in the Michigan Senate
My Senate Bill 385 was passed in the Michigan Senate on September 7, 2023. This bill amends Michigan Election Law to allow county, city and township clerks to accept online or electronic applications from individuals who apply to serve as a precinct election inspector and removes the requirement that the application must be in their own handwriting.
This legislation is necessary to expand access for those who wish to serve as a precinct election inspector. In the digital age, it is reasonable to allow folks to apply electronically. Election inspectors play a vital role on Election Day as they are witnesses to its integrity. Removing barriers and increasing accessibility to this position will promote transparency and fairness on Election Day.
Senate Resolution 69 — Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
In honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, I introduced Senate Resolution 69to increase and raise awareness about childhood cancer. According to the American Childhood Cancer Organization, an estimated 15,780 children between the ages of birth to 19 are diagnosed with cancer each year, and in 2023 alone, an estimated 9,910 new cases were diagnosed. We must honor the children who have experienced this harmful disease, recommit efforts to find cures and safer treatments and offer our support to the brave young people fighting this disease.
FREE WELL WATER TESTING AVAILABLE THROUGH EGLE
The Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) is excited to announce a special program to provide Michigan residents with free well water testing and help families know the quality of their well water.
Most wells get checked when they are first built; however, EGLE and local health departments know water wells should be checked more frequently, as water quality may change over time. If you have a private well and want to know the quality of your water, here’s what you can do:
- Contact your local health department. They can tell you about the water in your area and recommend any specific tests to perform.
- Visit the EGLE website gov/EGLEPrivateWells. Here, you can add your information to ask for a water test. You will also learn more about how to collect your own water sample to send in to the lab.
- Don’t worry if you’re not sure what the results mean. EGLE and local health department officials are available to help you understand the results and will guide you on next steps, if necessary.
SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH
National Recovery Month, celebrated throughout September, is a time to honor the resilience and strength of individuals who have embarked on the journey of recovery from addiction or mental health challenges. It is a month dedicated to raising awareness, reducing stigma and promoting understanding of the recovery process.
Since 1989, Recovery Month has served as a reminder that recovery is possible and a reality for many across the state and nation. It encourages communities to unite, support one another and celebrate the transformative power of recovery.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) sees Recovery Month as an opportunity to inspire hope and reinforce the message that recovery is a lifelong journey worth pursuing. Through education, advocacy and events, SAMHSA works to raise public awareness regarding mental health and addiction recovery.
Throughout September, SAMHSA is hosting several events to commemorate National Recovery Month. A list of events, times, locations and registration information can be found here.
SAMHSA also offers additional resources, including:
The Michigan League of Conservation Voters is hosting a youth-led Climate Rally for Our Future, a lobby day in Lansing to push for 100% carbon free energy and rally for climate action. There will be impactful meetings with legislators and their staff, free food and live music from Gmac Cash. Transportation is available with buses coming from Detroit. This is a great opportunity to be a part of the clean energy movement and advocate for a cleaner, healthier future.
WHERE: Michigan Capitol Steps & Lawn, Lansing MI
WHEN: Tuesday, September 26, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Register for the event here.
COMMUNITY UPDATE
City of Allen Park Styrofoam Recycling Collection
Looking to get rid of Styrofoam? The Allen Park Department of Public Serivices has you covered! Visit this weekend for the opportunity to recycle Styrofoam that you no longer need.
WHERE: Allen Park Department of Public Serivices, 24000 Outer Drive, Allen Park, MI 48101
WHEN: Saturday, September 16 and Sunday, September 17 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Community Conversation and Legislative Update
Chat with me on Zoom every second Wednesday of the month for a legislative update. Our next meeting will be on October 11, 2023 from 6-7 p.m.
You can register to attend here.
DEAL Racial Equity Fellowship
Detroit Equity Action Lab’s (DEAL) Racial Equity Fellowship is a free leadership development program with mandatory monthly full-day sessions across 12 months, convening primarily in-person and occasionally virtually. Fellows participate in high-quality skills building with other Detroit-area racial equity leaders, deepen relationships and join a multiracial and multigenerational network dedicated to ending structural racism in Detroit.
Learn more about our fellowship program here or email DEAL@wayne.edu.
Application closes Friday, September 29, 2023
Gordie Howe Bridge Update
Traffic update: Now through November 17, 2023, Bridging North America will temporarily close lanes on southbound I-75 Service Drive between Central Street and Green Street for pedestrian bridge work
- The left lane on southbound I-75 Service Drive will close between Central Street and Green Street.
- All lanes on southbound I-75 Service Drive will close between Central Street and Green Street from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily as needed.
👷 The right lane of Eastbound Jefferson Avenue between West End Street and Campbell Street will remain closed and be shifted to Westbound Jefferson Avenue until September 18, 2023, for construction.
For more information about active road closures, we encourage you to visit the project website at GordieHoweInternationalBridge.com.
Community Feedback: Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority is responsible for the delivery of the Gordie Howe Bridge project between Windsor and Detroit. To minimize barriers for people with disabilities, and as required under the Accessible Canada Act, they are seeking community feedback on the progress of its Multi-Year Accessibility Plan. Feedback will help inform the current implementation of the 2022-2024 Accessibility Plan. Take the survey here until Oct 2, 2023.
Public Meetings: Join Gordie Howe International Bridge for their Public Information Meetings. They will be at CHASS Center in Detroit on September 19, 2023, and at Mackenzie Hall in Windsor on September 21, 2023. Hear the latest updates on Community Benefits and construction progress on Canadian and US project components. Presentations will take place at 3:30 pm and 5:15 pm followed by a question-and-answer session.