Dear Neighbor,
This week, we paused to acknowledge the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 attacks and honor the bravery and sacrifice of our first responders. The men and women who risk their lives every day — whether running into burning buildings, responding to emergencies, or standing guard to protect our communities — deserve our deepest gratitude. I hope you’ll share in that gratitude with me.
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
- New Report Shows Democrat-led Clean Energy Legislation Will Lower Costs, Create Thousands of Good Paying Jobs, and Stimulate an Economic Boom
- Remembering 9/11 and Honoring the Lives Lost
- Michigan Dept. of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential Extends Deadline for Adults Ages 21-24 to Apply for Tuition-Free Community College
Legislative Updates
- Supporting the Families of Michigan’s Fallen Public Safety Heroes
- The Fall Legislative Session Has Begun: Learn More With 8 FAQs
Resources
- NotMISpecies Webinar Series
- September is Suicide Prevention Month
- Severe Weather Resources
Community Update
- Michigan Public Service Commission Public Hearing on DTE Rate Increase
In Recent News
New Report Shows Democrat-led Clean Energy Legislation Will Lower Costs, Create Thousands of Good Paying Jobs, and Stimulate an Economic Boom
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer highlighted a new report from 5 Lakes Energy, projecting that the historic clean energy package signed into law last year, combined with the Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), will drive significant economic growth and cost-savings in the state. According to the report, by 2030, the nation-leading package and federal investments will drive household energy bills down by $297 a year, secure $15.6 billion in federal funding, and save $7.3 billion in public health costs, and make progress towards the MI Healthy Climate Plan.
Read more here.
Remembering 9/11 and Honoring the Lives Lost
Twenty-three years ago, on Sept. 11, 2001, the United States endured the deadliest terrorist attack in its history. Nearly 3,000 innocent lives were lost that day, including 343 brave firefighters who responded to the crisis that unfolded at the World Trade Center. But the devastation of 9/11 didn’t end there — the death toll continues to rise, as more than 340 first responders have since died from illnesses directly linked to their heroic efforts on that tragic day.
Though the events of September 11th were horrendous, they also revealed the unwavering strength of the American spirit. In the face of unimaginable crisis, we united as a nation, standing shoulder to shoulder with our friends, neighbors, and fellow citizens. The indomitable resolve of the American people showed the world that, even in our darkest moments, we stand together.
Michigan Dept. of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential Extends Deadline for Adults Ages 21-24 to Apply for Tuition-Free Community College
The Michigan Dept. of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) recently announced that the application deadline for the Reconnect Age Expansion has been extended until Dec. 31, 2024, and is now applicable to students beginning their education in the winter and spring semesters of the 2024-2025 academic year.
Michigan Reconnect is the largest program in state history to help eligible students earn a skill certificate or degree tuition-free at their local community college.
Michiganders who are 21 to 24 –years-old and are not already participating in Michigan Reconnect must complete the following steps to take advantage of this limited-time scholarship opportunity:
- Apply for the Michigan Reconnect scholarship at Michigan.gov/Reconnect by Dec. 31, 2024.
- File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Apply and enroll in a community or tribal college no later than the summer semester of 2025.
For additional information, visit: michigan.gov/reconnect/community-college/michigan reconnect-for-ages-21-to-24.
Legislative Updates
Supporting the Families of Michigan’s Fallen Public Safety Heroes
Our public safety officers selflessly put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities. When a public safety officer makes the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, Michigan currently provides their surviving family with just $25,000 — a benefit that has not been increased in over two decades. Michigan Senate Democrats believe it’s time to better honor those who have fallen while serving their communities, and as such, my colleagues and I have introduced Senate Bill 834.
This bill will double the benefit to $50,000, providing greater financial support to the families of our first responders in their time of need. In recognition of the countless first responders who lost their lives following 9/11, as well as those who continue to make this sacrifice, Senate Democrats held a committee hearing on this legislation on Wednesday, September 11. Constituents and stakeholders delivered testimony supporting this bill, highlighting the need for Michigan to do more for the families of our fallen heroes.
Click here to read more about this legislation. To view the committee hearing and hear the testimony provided, click here.
The Fall Legislative Session Has Begun: Learn More With 8 FAQs
Legislators are ramping up our work in Lansing after a summer filled with in-district events, tours, and stakeholder meetings. As our legislative schedule for the fall gets underway, I invite you to learn more about the “what, where and how” of Senate session and how you can participate in the legislative process.
Understanding how to find, track and stay informed about the actions of your legislators is key. Click here to learn more and stay up to date on what’s happening in your Michigan Legislature.
Resources
NotMISpecies Webinar Series
Invasive species pose a threat to Michigan’s environment, economy, and sometimes even human health. What is at stake? What is being done?
This webinar series explores how agencies, universities, and locally led organizations are working together to protect Michigan’s natural resources through the Michigan Invasive Species Program.
If you are concerned about the impacts of invasive species or interested in the techniques used to control them, join us as we examine species-specific actions, innovations in research and technology, and programs designed to help communities prevent and manage harmful invasive species. A question-and-answer period will follow each presentation. Recorded versions of all previous NotMISpecies webinars are available at Michigan.gov/EGLE/Outreach under “All Webinar Series.”
September is Suicide Prevention Month
Suicide is a critical public health concern, claiming the lives of nearly 50,000 Americans in 2022. Just in 2021, we lost 1,482 Michiganders to suicide. The devastation of suicide is far-reaching, impacting innumerable families and communities across our state and beyond.
But suicide can be prevented — and September, National Suicide Prevention Month, is an opportune time to spread awareness and resources to connect members of our communities with the help they need.
- If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. The Lifeline provides 24-hour, toll-free, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
- The Veterans Crisis Line provides free 24/7, confidential crisis support for veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their loved ones. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect. Call 988 and press “1” to speak with a qualified responder, or text 838255.
- Find a suicide prevention coalition, support group, or crisis line near you by scrolling down this page and finding a listing in your county.
- Get help for yourself or a loved one, learn the facts and warning signs, locate advocacy resources, and much more through the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
From gun violence prevention efforts to investments in suicide prevention programs, my Senate colleagues and I remain committed to working toward practical solutions to help mitigate suicide in our Michigan communities. With suicides accounting for more than half of gun deaths in the United States in 2021, our Senate Democratic Majority worked hard to deliver a slate of gun violence prevention legislation in 2023, helping to keep deadly weapons out of the hands of those at risk of harming themselves or others. We also secured the following budget investments to help address the issue of suicide in Michigan:
- $9.4 million to provide statewide coverage for 988, the suicide and mental health crisis line.
- $750,000 in federal fund authorization to utilize a grant under the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, helping to provide resources toward community-based suicide prevention efforts to meet the needs of veterans, service members, and their families.
- $250,000 to support Six Feet Over’s suicide loss survivor program, a nonprofit that provides mental health education, advocacy, and support to individuals with lived experiences of suicide.
Severe Weather Resources
With the severe storms that recently swept across Michigan, I wanted to share some helpful resources from the Michigan Dept. of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) that you may find useful as you work with your insurance company to file a claim and repair any damages.
Additional information regarding severe weather preparedness is available on the DIFS website. Consumers having issues with their insurer or claims process may file a complaint with DIFS at Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints.
Please feel free to contact the Office of Consumer Services toll free at (877) 999-6442 Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with any questions you may have. DIFS can help answer questions regarding what an insurer must do and help explain policy language. Here a few more resources that may be of help:
- DIFS Consumer Counselor: Insurance Policies and How to Claim What is Yours
- DIFS Guide to Resolving Insurance Problems/Complaint Form
- How to Be “Claim Smart”
- DIFS Consumer Counselor: Homeownership vs. Repair Cost Policies
- Insurance Claims Tracking Sheet
Community Update
Michigan Public Service Commission Public Hearing on DTE Rate Increase
On Wednesday, September 18 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) is holding a public hearing notice at Mumford High School for the proposed rate hikes from DTE. This is a great opportunity to voice your opinions!
DTE customers and other members of the public are welcome to speak at this in-person hearing to address the utility’s proposed rate increase of approximately $456.4 million. If you are unable to attend but wish to provide comment, you can do so using the comment link, by emailing your comments to lara-mpsc-commissioners2@michigan.gov, or by mailing your comment to 7109 West Saginaw Highway, PO Box 30221, Lansing, Michigan, 48909.
I strongly oppose the proposed rate increase as it is unnecessary and unjust. Access to affordable energy is a fundamental necessity for modern life. I firmly stand against these rate hikes and will continue to advocate for reasonable energy costs for Michigan residents. I encourage you to attend the hearing or submit a comment of your own to make sure your voice is heard!