Dear Neighbor,
As we enter the month of June and jump into the summer season, I hope you are able to spend time outside in the sun. Whether you enjoy gardening, barbequing, swimming, boating, or taking a stroll around a local park — there are many ways to enjoy all our state has to offer this time of year.
Remember to stay hydrated, wear sun protection and look for signs of overheating and heat stroke: headache, dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and confusion. If someone is experiencing these symptoms, move them to a cooler place, give them water if they’re conscious, and seek medical attention immediately.
The Michigan Senate and the House are continuing to work on the Fiscal Year 2025 state budget that will be presented to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to sign. We are working hard, ensuring state dollars go toward our people and the communities we live, work, and grow in. As always, this newsletter serves as a great update on what we’re accomplishing here in Lansing on your behalf.
If you or someone you know would like to provide feedback about what’s happening in Lansing or needs assistance, feel free to contact my office. You can contact me by sending an email to SenEGeiss@senate.michigan.gov or calling 517-373-7800.
Sincerely,
Erika Geiss
State Senator
District 1
In This Edition:
In Recent News
- Creating a Welcoming, Inclusive State for All During Pride Month
- Building Safe Communities: Senate Democrats Recognize National Gun Violence Awareness Day and Month
- Calling All Michigan Artists! Secretary Benson Announces New “I Voted” Sticker Contest
Legislative Updates
- Senate Bill 599 Allowing Medically Frail Parole Passes the Michigan Senate
- Senate Bill 27 Ensuring Equal Insurance Coverage for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatments Becomes Law
- Bipartisan Senate Legislation to Address Michigan’s Paramedic Shortage Enacted
- Michigan Senate Moves Forward on Bills for Special License Plates
Resources
- Tips to Keep in Mind During Medicare Fraud Prevention Week
- EGLE and Michigan Saves Launch Septic Replacement Loan Program
- MDARD Encourages Owners to Help Keep Their Animals Safe this Summer
Community Update
- Melvindale Days 2024
- Motor City Pride
In Recent News
Creating a Welcoming, Inclusive State for All During Pride Month
Michigan Senate Democrats are committed to cultivating true inclusion and belonging in Michigan — not only during the month of June, but every day year-round. Since taking office, our Majority for the People has worked to expand the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA), reaffirming and expanding legal protections for the LGBTQ+ community. This effort has been 50 years in the making and will protect our LGBTQ+ family, friends, coworkers and neighbors against discrimination in employment, public accommodations and public services. It also will provide protection in educational facilities, housing and real estate.
In addition to passing a resolution recognizing June as Pride Month, the Michigan Senate has passed bills — including Senate Bills 348 and 349— to ban the harmful practice of conversion therapy by mental health professionals seeking to change the gender identity or sexual orientation of minors.
These legislative efforts are a big step forward for Michigan, but certainly not the last. Our caucus remains committed to putting forth legislation that will further advance our shared mission of equity and inclusion.
Building Safe Communities: Senate Democrats Recognize National Gun Violence Awareness Month
To draw attention to the issue of gun violence and advocate for life-saving policies, the Michigan Senate recently passed a resolution recognizing June as Gun Violence Awareness Month. Gun violence is a public health crisis that plagues communities across our state, leaving an irrevocable mark on mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, friends, and neighbors. Since 2012, we’ve seen the rate of gun deaths in Michigan increase by 25%, and firearms are now the leading cause of death for children and teens. For all these reasons, there has never been a more important time for lawmakers to act on commonsense policies that are proven to make our communities safer.
After assuming the Majority, my colleagues and I delivered a slate of gun violence prevention legislation that Michigan residents have waited years for. This legislation closes dangerous loopholes to strengthen background checks, requires the secure storage of firearms, disarms individuals convicted of domestic violence, and allows for the temporary removal of firearms from people who pose a significant risk to themselves or others.
As we work to build safe communities for all Michiganders to enjoy, I remain committed to championing evidence-based solutions to this public health crisis.
Calling All Michigan Artists! Secretary Benson Announces New “I Voted” Sticker Contest
Grab your color pencils, crayons or markers — Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson recently announced that the state’s inaugural “I Voted” sticker contest is now accepting entries from Michigan residents and students enrolled in Michigan schools.
Michiganders can apply for a chance to see their design on an official “I Voted” sticker that will be handed out to voters when they go to the polls this year. Local election clerks can order the winning sticker designs in time for the November election.
The contest has separate entry categories for grades K-8, grades 9-12, and general entry, which is open to Michigan residents of all ages. Designs must be completed on the official entry form available at Michigan.gov/IVotedSticker, nonpartisan, and must include the phrase “I Voted.”
Entries are due by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, June 30. Full contest rules are at Michigan.gov/IVotedSticker. The public will have the opportunity to vote for finalists online throughout the month of July. Winners will be announced in August and will receive special recognition from Secretary Benson.
Legislative Updates
Senate Bill 599 Allowing Medically Frail Parole Passes the Michigan Senate
The Michigan Senate passed my Senate Bill 599 with bipartisan support to allow certain medically frail prisoners eligible for medical parole to be released to an approved placement instead of a medical facility. The bill also specifies that “medically frail” parolees must present a minimal threat to society because of the individual’s terminal physical or mental disability with a life expectancy under 18 months.
Garnering support from the Dept. of Corrections, Hope Network, the Michigan League for Public Policy, and numerous other advocacy organizations from across the state, this legislation ensures compassionate care while safeguarding public safety. Parolees under consideration for this release will undergo a validated risk assessment that must indicate an unlikely risk of engaging in assaultive conduct and will continue to be electronically monitored if they are placed outside of a medical facility following their release.
Senate Bill 27 Ensuring Equal Insurance Coverage for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatments Becomes Law
On May 21, 2024, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed bipartisan legislation, Senate Bill 27, sponsored by Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing). This new law requires insurers to cover treatments for mental health and substance use disorders at the same level as physical health services. It aims to close existing loopholes and ensure that Michigan residents can access the necessary treatments.
Our Senate Majority remains committed to uplifting and supporting Michiganders in every facet of life and will work hard to ensure that our state’s residents have access to mental health care resources.
Bipartisan Senate Legislation to Address Michigan’s Paramedic Shortage Enacted
Gov. Whitmer also recently signed Senate Bill 249, sponsored by Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), legislation that will help ensure more paramedics can enter the workforce by giving qualified individuals more avenues for accreditation. The bill allows paramedics to receive accreditation through a state-administered exam instead of only having a national exam option, cutting bureaucratic red tape that could reduce time and financial barriers to becoming a paramedic.
The legislation also updates exams for emergency medical services personnel and requires non-accredited education program sponsors to give specific notices. By expanding accreditation exam options, the State of Michigan is making the cost of paramedic programs more accessible and affordable.
Michigan Senate Moves Forward on Bills for Special License Plates
Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) worked with Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to create a new pathway for organizations — like the NAACP or the Divine Nine — to obtain custom license plates featuring their emblems.
To apply, an organization must first gather commitments from at least 500 members to purchase the plate. Once this requirement is met, the organization must complete an application for a New Special Organization License Plate. Finally, the Michigan Department of State will review and approve the application, completing the process.
Similarly, Sen. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit) introduced Senate Bill 788, which would authorize a special registration plate for women veterans in the state of Michigan. The bill is intended to further recognize the contributions to and sacrifices for our nation and our state by Michigan’s women veterans.
Last week, the Michigan Senate Committee on Veterans & Emergency Services voted favorably to advance the bill. If passed, this legislation would allow Michigan to join 17 other states that provide a special registration plate to specifically honor women veterans for their sacrifice.
Senate Democrats have emphasized the importance of attracting diverse talent to Michigan. Taking these steps has a significant impact toward providing recognition and representation for diverse organizations making a difference across our communities.
Resources
Tips to Keep in Mind During Medicare Fraud Prevention Week
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is participating in Medicare Fraud Prevention Week in support of nation-wide efforts to combat Medicare fraud, errors and abuse.
Fraud impacts Medicare beneficiaries in time, stress and health issues. It also costs families, friends and caregivers in worry and lost work when helping their loved ones recover from Medicare fraud. Everyone, however, can play a part in the fight against fraud. Take these steps during Medicare Fraud Prevention Week and beyond:
- Medicare beneficiaries can monitor their insurance statements to make sure products and services received match what is on the statements. They can request free My Health Care Trackers from their local SMP.
- Caregivers can help by being on the lookout for items such as durable medical equipment (like boxes of knee braces) lying around the house that may have been shipped to the beneficiary without their or their doctor’s approval. They can remind their client or loved one to never give out their Medicare number or other personal information over the phone to prevent unauthorized purchases.
- Families can help by talking to their loved ones about protecting their Medicare number just as they would a credit card number. Help loved ones create a Medicare.gov account to access Medicare statements online or remind them to open and review statements when they come in the mail. Beneficiaries can also register their phone number on “do not call” lists and visit Optoutprescreen.com to opt out of mailings.
- Partners and professionals can help by sharing SMP information on social media, referring clients and consumers to the SMP and inviting the SMP to speak during a shared event.
- Health care providers can help by talking to patients about health care scams such as those related to durable medical equipment and genetic testing schemes. Remind patients that products and services should only be ordered by physicians they regularly see. Needed medical items should never be ordered through TV ads or unsolicited calls.
- Community members can help by looking out for older neighbors. When in public, be aware of older individuals purchasing gift cards in large amounts. Encourage older adults to talk to a trusted source about Medicare questions and tell neighbors about the most recent Medicare scams. Community members can also volunteer with a local SMP.
Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones by joining SMP and their partners. Learn more about Medicare Fraud Prevention Week at Smpresource.org.
EGLE and Michigan Saves Launch Septic Replacement Loan Program
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has partnered with Michigan Saves, the nation’s first nonprofit green bank, to launch the Septic Replacement Loan Program (SRLP). This program — made possible through the $35 million we allocated to EGLE’s Onsite Wastewater Management Unit — provides low-interest financing options for loans up to $50,000 to Michigan homeowners needing to replace failing or near-failing septic systems.
The SRLP offers two tiers of financing: income-based loans (Tier One) up to $30,000 per project and market-based loans (Tier Two) up to $50,000 per project. Rates, terms, and loan amounts will vary.
To be eligible for the program, septic systems must be permitted by the local health department according to EGLE’s minimum standards and installed by a Michigan Saves authorized contractor.
For more information about the SRLP, to find a Michigan Saves authorized contractor, and to begin the financing process for septic system replacement, please visit MichiganSaves.org/Septic.
MDARD Encourages Owners to Help Keep Their Animals Safe this Summer
With the unofficial start of summer behind us, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) would like to remind owners of some of the best ways to keep their animals healthy and safe. Keep your animals safe this summer by following these seven easy tips:
- Vax & Relax – Keep animals up to date on routine vaccinations.
- Let it Flow: Provide unlimited cool, clean fresh water
- Happy Tummies: Avoid feeding animals people foods
- Know Their Limits: An animal’s ability to tolerate heat varies
- Look Before They Splash: Avoid harmful algal blooms (HABs) in bodies of water
- Animal illness due to HABs is reportable to MDARD. To report cases, submit a Reportable Disease Form or call 800-292-3939. In addition, to report any suspicious looking algae, please email algaebloom@michigan.gov.
- Search No More: Make sure animals have proper identification
- Small Circle of Friends: Keep animals away from wildlife, ill animals, and animals of unknown health status
Community Updates
Melvindale Days 2024
Happening this Weekend: Motor City Pride
Motor City Pride festival is coming up on June 8 & 9, 2024 at Hart Plaza in Detroit. Motor City Pride is an all-volunteer ran event celebrating the lives of Michigan’s LGBTQ+ citizens! For more information, visit the event website.
