Dear Neighbor,
Whether you’re finding time for some fall yardwork, putting the finishing touches on a little one’s costume, gearing up for early in-person voting or comet-watching, I hope you’ve been enjoying the autumn season surrounded by those you hold near and dear.
My Senate Democratic colleagues and I have remained hard at work, advancing legislation in the past week that looks out for our loved ones from their earlier years to their later ones — protecting children in the workplace, promoting equity in maternal health care, and keeping our seniors safe from abuse and exploitation.
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
- Legislation to strengthen child labor laws, improve maternal health care for communities of color, bolster protections for vulnerable adults, and more advances in the Senate.
- Early in-person voting is in effect this election year. Learn more at mi.gov/vote, including where to find your clerk’s office or polling place and what’s on your ballot.
- Join River Rouge Public Library for pumpkin decorating on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 12:00 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 26 is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
In This Edition:
Legislative Updates
- Momnibus Legislation Passes Senate Commitee on Housing and Human Services
- Legislative Packages to Protect Michigan’s Kids, Moms, & Seniors Advance in the Senate
- Slate of Legislation Championed by Senate Democrats Signed into Law
Community Connections
- Pumpkin Decorating at River Rouge Public Library
Helpful News and Resources
- Early Voting is BOO-tiful! What You Need to Know
- Prescription Drug Take Back Day
- Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treating
Momnibus Legislation Passes Senate Commitee on Housing and Human Services
On October 16, 2024, I joined Rep. Mai Xiong (D-Warren) and other maternal health practitioners and advocates to testify before the Senate Committee on Housing and Human Services in support of the Momnibus bill package, comprising of Senate Bills 818–823, 825 and House Bill 5826.
Each of these bills were successfully voted on and passed out of the committee with recommendation they pass the full Senate chamber. This comprehensive bill package, sponsored by me, Sens. Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Twp.), Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), and Rep. Xiong, aims to enhance existing community-driven programs and care solutions, while also improving prenatal and maternal healthcare. Its focus is on amplifying the voices of Black and Brown birthing people, ensuring that their needs are prioritized and addressed.
Read more about the Momnibus here.
Legislative Packages to Protect Michigan’s Kids, Moms, & Seniors Advance in the Senate
Last week, Senate Democrats moved forward several pieces of legislation to protect Michiganders from their younger years to their older ones.
Protecting seniors and vulnerable adults from abuse: To combat the scams, fraud, and theft that Michigan’s seniors and vulnerable residents too often fall victim to, the Senate passed Senate Bills 922–925, which would ensure Michigan’s growing population of aging adults can enjoy the dignity, safety, and quality of life they deserve. These will now be taken up for consideration by the House.
Strengthening Michigan’s child labor laws: Senate Bills 963–965 would increase penalties and fines for businesses found employing minors illegally or subjecting them to unsafe working conditions. These bills moved through committee and are now on their way to the Senate floor for a vote.
Improving maternal health care services: The Momnibus bill package — Senate Bills 818–823, 825 and House Bill 5826 — focuses on amplifying the voices of Black and Brown birthing people, ensuring that their needs are prioritized and addressed. This package is also on its way to the full Senate chamber for consideration after passing through the Senate Committee on Housing and Human Services last week.
Slate of Legislation Championed by Senate Democrats Signed into Law
From increasing access to vital health services and putting more money back in Michiganders’ pockets to protecting our natural resources and celebrating our state’s automotive legacy — my colleagues and I have been busy working to pass legislation to build a stronger, more prosperous future for our state.
In recent weeks, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a slate of these bills into law, including legislation to:
- Strengthen Michigan’s home health care system by allowing individual home help caregivers to unionize. More specifically, these bills will support workforce development, expand training, and restore bargaining rights for 35,000 home care workers in Michigan.
- Improve health outcomes in rural communities by ensuring rural hospitals are equipped with the resources necessary to provide quality care services. Read more here.
- Lower costs for Michiganders by extending families’ access to cash assistance from the Family Independence Program (FIP) from 48 months to 60 months, helping put money back into the pockets of hard-working Michiganders so they can care for their children.
- Preserve Michigan’s unmatched natural resources by providing supplemental funding for outdoor recreation opportunities.
- Support breastfeeding moms and their babies by strengthening protections against discrimination for individuals who are currently breastfeeding.
- Bolster treatment services for addiction by providing $4 million more per year in funding towards expanding Michigan’s gaming and gambling prevention programming.
- Expand access to health care by repurposing Medicaid funding to allow low-income Michigander’s access to a broader range of care centers.
- Celebrate Michigan’s proud automotive history by providing historical vehicle owners the opportunity to obtain personalized license plates.
Read more about these bills and others signed into law here.
Pumpkin Decorating at River Rouge Public Library
WHEN: Saturday, October 26 at 12:00 p.m.
WHERE: River Rouge Public Library, 221 Burke St., River Rouge, MI 48218
Early Voting is BOO-tiful! What You Need to Know
It’s not just spooky season; it’s election season! In addition to fighting for your rights at the ballot box, Senate Democrats want to make sure you have all the information you need to elevate your voice in our democracy. Early in-person voting is already underway in some places and is an option statewide beginning Oct. 26. Avoid the lines by voting early in-person at your designated early voting site indicated by your municipality.
Visit mi.gov/vote to learn more about early in-person voting, where to find your clerk’s office or polling place, and what’s on the ballot.
Need to register? If you’ve recently moved or changed your name since the last election, you’ll need to update your voter registration. Now that we’re within 14 days of Election Day, you may only register in person at your local clerk’s office with documentation showing proof of residency.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Saturday, Oct. 26 is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. This is a great opportunity to clear out your medicine cabinet and dispose of any unwanted medication prescriptions in a safe and effective way.
Participating locations will be open from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Find the closest drop off location near you here. For additional details outlining which medications are accepted, click here.
Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treating
With temperatures continuing to drop and more eerie decorations popping up, we are getting closer and closer to Halloween. While the holiday is a time for spooky thrills and imagination, it can also bring some extra risks for children and teens. Before you head out trick-or-treating, make sure to check out these tips on how to keep your little ghosts and goblins safe:
- Choose your Halloween costume wisely. Make sure to check the weather forecast in advance and dress accordingly. Do not carry toy weapons that could be confused for the real thing. Make sure that your kids can not only be seen but that they can see through masks, makeup, and wigs.
- Walk, don’t run, and stay on the sidewalks. Cross only at intersections and designated crosswalks.
- Don’t assume cars will stop just because pedestrians have the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters.
- Be sure to have a charged cell phone while you’re out.
- Plan your route ahead of time and trick-or-treat in familiar neighborhoods.
- Only visit well-lit houses. Don’t stop at dark houses and never go inside.
- Review with your child how to call 9-1-1 if they ever have an emergency, get lost, or are prone to wander.