Dear Neighbor,
I hope you are having a great start to the spring season and enjoying more sunshine as the days get longer.
Speaking of sunshine, this week, the sun’s rays are shining light on government transparency during Sunshine Week, March 10-16. Find out more about what the Michigan Senate is doing in honor of Sunshine Week 2024 below.
As always, I hope this newsletter informs you of all the exciting things happening in the Legislature and District 1.
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.
Erika Geiss
State Senator
District 1
In This Edition
- In Recent News
- March 12 is Equal Pay Day in Michigan!
- MDOT Urges Drivers to Utilize Zipper Merging to Reduce Construction Delays
- March is Reading Month
- March is Women’s History Month
- Gov. Whitmer Announces $72.5 Million in Blight Elimination Funds
- Legislative Update
- Michigan Senate Democrats Pass Legislation to Tackle Predatory Payday Loan Practices
- Senate Passes Bipartisan Government Transparency Bills Out of Committee
- Senate Passes Legislation to Protect Voters, Prevent Use of Firearms for Intimidation During Election Process
- Resources
- Small Businesses Impacted by Lack of Snow to Apply for Federal Funding
- Residents Can File for Disaster Unemployment Assistance Benefits
- Call Michigan 2-1-1
- Community Update
- Gordie How International Bridge Traffic Updates
- Ecorse Public Library Grand Reopening
- Taylor Bunny Trail at Heritage Park
- Downriver Easter Bunnies
- Lincoln Park Easter Egg Hunt (Ages 9 and Under)
- DABO Townhall
March 12 is Equal Pay Day in Michigan!
Michigan Senate Democrats passed Senate Resolution 101, recognizing March 12 as Equal Pay Day in Michigan — a day that symbolizes how far into the year women must work to earn what men earned in the previous calendar year. Over a working lifetime, wage disparity costs the average American woman and her family, impacting retirement savings programs, Social Security benefits and pensions.
It’s important to recognize that this day marks Equal Pay Day for all women, however, pay discrimination impacts women across ethnic backgrounds and racial groups —with significant disparities seen for Black, Native American, Latina, and Asian American and Pacific Islander women.
According to the American Association of University Women, these are the “equal pay” dates for 2024:
- Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Women’s Equal Pay Day — April 3;
- LGBTQIA+ Equal Pay Awareness Day — June 13;
- Black Women’s Equal Pay Day — July 9;
- Moms’ Equal Pay Day — August 7;
- Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) Women’s Equal Pay Day — August 28;
- Latina Equal Pay Day — October 3; and
- Native Women’s Equal Pay Day — November 21.
In recent years, wage disparities for women have been further increased by significant shocks to the economy, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.
Throughout March, we celebrate the joy of reading! Schools, libraries and communities come together to promote literacy and encourage everyone to pick up a book. From reading challenges to author visits, there are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of books. So, grab a book, find a cozy spot and let your imagination soar this March!
March is Women’s History Month
This month, we celebrate the contributions of women across various industries and throughout history. The women of the Michigan Senate Democratic Majority serve as trailblazers — asserting themselves and their voices, occupying more prominent positions and making a greater impact than ever before.
Their ability to shatter glass ceilings and hold the door open for other women is unparallelled. Take this month to acknowledge the women in your life — and continue to be a champion for gender equity. To learn more about the impact of women in the Michigan Legislature, click here.
Gov. Whitmer Announces $72.5 Million in Blight Elimination Funds
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced recipients of $72.5 million in grants from the State Land Bank Authority (SLBA) to support projects that convert underutilized land into affordable housing opportunities and build safer, more prosperous communities through the final rounds of the Blight Elimination Program.
Nearly $6.5 million is aimed at stabilizing structures for future reuse, which includes housing, and $7.6 million is being directed toward the rehabilitation of mostly residential structures.
To view a list of awardees, please click here.
Community Center Grant Funding in Local Communities
On March 1, 2024, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity announced $64 million in Community Center Grant funds for 100 Michigan municipalities and organizations. These grants will expand programming or work on capital projects to serve 1.6 million Michiganders and build on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s ‘Make it in Michigan’ strategy to win projects, invest in people and revitalize places. Community centers serve as a local resource hub for education, recreation and fellowship.
The grantees provide the following services: after-school programming, workforce development, recreational activities, supporting older adults and more. Grants will be awarded to 69 nonprofit agencies, 22 local government agencies and nine schools and universities across the state.
To learn more about grant recipients, please click here.
Legislative Updates
Michigan Senate Democrats Pass Legislation to Tackle Predatory Payday Loan Practices
This week, the Senate Democrats passed a bipartisan bill to cap interest rates on payday loans in Michigan at 36%. Currently, there are no restrictions on these interest rates and these lenders have been charging residents up to 370% on payday loans. In Michigan, a concerning 70% of payday borrowers fall into a cycle of debt, immediately taking out new loans after repaying their previous ones. Moreover, a substantial 75% of payday lenders’ profits stem from borrowers caught in a cycle of at least 10 loans per year.
The predatory practices of payday lenders lead the people who use payday lenders to face a higher risk of bankruptcy than those in similar financial situations who do not borrow from such institutions. Studies also show that payday lending stores are more likely to operate in Black and Latino communities, which can contribute to long-term economic disparities. Senate Bill 632 addresses these issues and disparities by proposing a cap on interest rates for payday loans in Michigan.
During discussion of the legislation in the Senate Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection, testimony showed how financially and emotionally devastating predatory payday loan practices are to Michiganders. These lenders tend to target and adversely impact those in rural areas and marginalized communities. More than 100 organizations from around the state also indicated their support for the bill.
The bill will now move to the House for further consideration. If the bill passes in the House and the governor signs the legislation into law, Michigan will join 20 other states and the District of Columbia in implementing similar measures.
Senate Passes Bipartisan Government Transparency Bills Out of Committee
From March 10 to 16, we observe Sunshine Week, a bipartisan effort dedicated to promoting the importance of public records and transparency in government. This year, during Sunshine Week 2024, the Michigan Senate is taking significant steps by advancing two bipartisan bills from the Senate Oversight Committee on which Sen. Geiss sits.
These bills, Senate Bills 669 and 670, would bring both the Michigan Legislature and the governor’s office under the Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). In other words, these measures would require compliance with the state’s existing FOIA regulations.
Senate Passes Legislation to Protect Voters, Prevent Use of Firearms for Intimidation During Election Process
Last week, Michigan Senate Democrats passed House Bills 4127 and 4128, legislation that will ban the open carry of firearms within 100 feet of polling places and ballot drop boxes during elections.
The goal is to prevent any form of voter intimidation against those participating in the democratic process or election officials. This aligns Michigan with several other states such as Florida, Texas and Mississippi. These bills will be returned to the House for consideration.
Resources
Small Businesses Impacted by Lack of Snow to Apply for Federal Funding
As Michigan continues to face record-high winter temperatures, small businesses impacted by the lack of snow this winter are urged to apply for federal funding from the Small Business Administration (SBA). Amid the warmest winter on record, with days in February and March topping 60 degrees, federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available because of ongoing federal drought declarations affecting 42 Michigan counties.
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans are designed to help businesses through disaster situations that have impacted their economic well-being. Loans are up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred. Businesses pay no interest on the loan for the first year and a maximum rate of 4% for the rest of the loan period. Businesses must apply by the application deadline for their county.
Submit applications and find additional disaster assistance information at lending.sba.gov. Call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech-related disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. Applicants may also contact the Michigan Small Business Development Center at 1-833-522-0025.
Residents Can File for Disaster Unemployment Assistance Benefits
In August 2023, residents in Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland and Wayne counties were impacted by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding. If you were affected, you may be eligible to receive Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) if you meet the qualifications.
Residents whose employment or self-employment was interrupted by the disaster have until March 27, 2024, to file for jobless benefits. For more information, click here.
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. You can text, email or call for help. For more information, click here.
Community Update
Gordie How International Bridge Traffic Updates
Starting March 18, 2024, Bridging North America will temporarily close the right lane on northbound and southbound Springwells Street, Green Street, Livernois Avenue and the Clark Street overpass bridges for planter box work. Only one bridge will close at a time. These closures will be in place until April 12, 2024.
- The right lane on the northbound and southbound Clark Street overpass bridge will close from March 18 – 22, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily as needed.
- The right lane on the northbound and southbound Springwells Street overpass bridge will close from March 23 – 24, 2024, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily as needed.
- The right lane on the northbound and southbound Livernois Avenue overpass bridge will close from March 25 – 29, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily as needed.
- The right lane on the northbound and southbound Springwells Street overpass bridge will close from March 30 – 31, 2024, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily as needed.
- The right lane on the northbound and southbound Green Street overpass bridge will close from April 1 – 5, 2024, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily as needed.
- The right lane on the northbound and southbound Springwells Street overpass bridge will close from April 6 – 7, 2024, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily as needed.
- The right lane on the northbound and southbound Springwell Street overpass bridge will close from April 8 – 12, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily as needed.
For more information about active road closures, I encourage you to visit the project website at GordieHoweInternationalBridge.com.
Ecorse Public Library Grand Reopening
The Ecorse Public Library is reopening just in time for March is Reading Month. Join them Wednesday, March 20 at 12 p.m. to celebrate the grand reopening!
Taylor Bunny Trail at Heritage Park
The Taylor Bunny Trail is happening on Saturday, March 23, 2024. For more information, visit the event page at Bunny Trail – Events – Universe.
Downriver Easter Bunnies
I am a proud sponsor of the second annual Downriver Easter Bunnies Basket Giveaway and Marshmallow Drop which is happening on Saturday, March 23, 2024. The basket giveaway is from 12 – 1 p.m., followed by the marshmallow drop from 1 – 2 p.m. Additional details above!
Lincoln Park Easter Egg Hunt (Ages 9 and Under)
The Lincoln Park Easter Egg Hunt is happening on Sunday, March 24 at 1 p.m.! This is for children ages 9 and under. Additional details above!
DABO Townhall
The Detroit Association of Black Alliances is holding a town hall meeting on Monday, March 25, 2024 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m., hosted by Wayne County Commissioner Chair Alisha Bell and Wayne County Treasurer Eric Sabree. Additional details below!
