District 1 Community Updates & Resources

Feb 29, 2024 | Email

Dear Neighbor, 

The Michigan presidential primary happened earlier this week on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024! Many of you took advantage of the increased access to absentee or early voting made possible through the legislative action taken by Senate Democrats to secure and expand voting rights. 

Additionally, we are still celebrating Black History Month! This is a great time to engage in learning about the significance of Black culture and history, especially right here in Michigan. For this month and for the rest of the year, it is important that we commemorate the accomplishments of African Americans as well as their pivotal contributions to the history of the United States. It is not too late to visit the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History and the Motown Museum in Detroit, as well as the Jim Crow Museum at Ferris State University. 

As always, if you or someone you know would like to provide any feedback about what’s happening in Lansing, or needs assistance of any sort, please feel free to reach out to my office. You can email us at SenEGeiss@senate.michigan.gov or call 517-373-7800. 

Sincerely, 

Erika Geiss State Senator District 1 

In This Edition

  • In Recent News 
    • MDOT Urges Drivers to Utilize Zipper Merging to Reduce Construction Delays 
    • Gov. Whitmer Launches the Battery and Advanced Manufacturing Challenge 
    • Michigan Green Schools Application Open Through March 3 
  • Legislative Update 
    • The Michigan Senate Passes Asbestos Transparency and Accountability Legislation 
  • Resources 
    • Tax Help and Resources 
    • Call Michigan 2-1-1 
    • Community Update 
    • 313 Day Health and Wellness Fair 

 

 

 

In Recent News

 

MDOT Urges Drivers to Utilize Zipper Merging to Reduce Construction Delays 

Every Michigander’s favorite season — construction season — is almost upon us, which means it’s time to gear up for the usual lane closures, traffic shuffles and detours ahead. Amidst these changes, it’s important to stay focused on the road and stay tuned in to updates, changes or any potential delays.  

To help ease the flow of traffic and minimize headaches, MDOT is urging Michigan drivers to embrace the “zipper merge” technique when navigating through construction zones. Like the zipper on your coat, this method encourages utilizing both lanes until the merger point, allowing vehicles to take turns merging politely and orderly. MDOT says that by employing this approach, we can cut down on delays from 2 miles to just 1 mile, making the journey smoother for everyone. See how the zipper merge works here. 
 

 Gov. Whitmer Launches the Battery and Advanced Manufacturing Challenge 

On February 23, Gov. Whitmer announced the Battery and Advanced Manufacturing Challenge, a $125 million strategic investment from the Make It In Michigan Competitiveness Fund. This investment offers matching grant dollars for battery and advanced manufacturing projects to help bring federal infrastructure in transformative projects to our state.  

I look forward to seeing how these efforts help Michigan remain a national leader in clean energy investments and jobs. For more information regarding the Make It In Michigan Competitiveness Fund and how to apply, click here.  
 

Michigan Green Schools Application Open Through March 3 

The Michigan Green Schools program is a fun, educational initiative that encourages students and faculty to participate in activities that are good for the environment and promote energy efficiency and savings. Any K-12 public or private school in the state may apply. Visit the Michigan Green Schools Hub to submit your application by midnight on March 3. 

If you need assistance with your application, check out their tutorial video or reach out to the statewide coordinator, Eileen Boekestein, at BoekesteinE@michigan.gov. 

For more information, visit the Michigan Green Schools’ website here. 
 
Legislative Updates 

 

The Michigan Senate Passes Asbestos Transparency and Accountability Legislation 

On February 27, 2024, the Senate passed House Bills 4185, 4186, 4188 and 4190, along with Senate Bills 225–226. Taken together, the common-sense changes laid out in this legislation will help protect Michigan municipalities, residents and asbestos abatement workers from the health hazards that can occur when asbestos removal is handled improperly.  

My bill, Senate Bill 226, would require EGLE to prepare and submit to the Legislature an annual report related to their asbestos program, the number of inspections and enforcement actions taken and more. Read more about the entire bill package here. 
  
Resources 
 

Tax Help and Resources 

It’s tax season! Remember that the deadline to file state and federal taxes is April 15. If you have questions about filing your taxes or want to check your refund status, view account information and more, click here. 

Michigan families began receiving Working Families Tax Credit supplemental checks earlier this month. If you are a qualified recipient and believe there was an issue with getting your check, the Michigan Tax Help Center may be able to provide additional help.  
 

Call Michigan 2-1-1 

Michigan 2-1-1 is a toll-free service that provides residents with information. Specialists trained to assist community members will connect you with the proper resources. From utility payment assistance to household needs, 2-1-1 is a great tool for you and your loved ones to use.  

Though based in Lansing, Michigan 2-1-1 supports about seven regions in the state of Michigan. You can text, email or call for help. For more information, click here.  
 

Community Update 

 

313 Day Health and Wellness Fair 

313 Day is approaching! Celebrate the occasion with Shelby Health Equity Advocates at their health and wellness fair. There will be physician referrals available, workshops, health screenings, free haircuts and more. It is free to attend! 

WHEN: Wednesday, March 13 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. WHERE: Lavonne Sheffield, Bridge Center Library, 9928 Grand River Ave. Detroit, MI, 48024