|
Note from Erika As the situation in Flat Rock begins to stabilize, I hope that all families can undergo a safe and smooth transition back into their homes. Please continue to monitor the City of Flat Rock website for further updates on the situation. If you have any questions or concerns, our office can be reached by email at SenEGeiss@senate.michigan.gov and by phone at (517) 373-7800.
|
|
Erika Geiss
In This Edition
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES State Budget Passage Last week, the Michigan House and Senate passed budgets and were sent to the Governor for her signature. The Fiscal Year 2022 state budget makes significant and much-needed investments in infrastructure, childcare, higher education, and police de-escalation training. It also addresses environmental and water concerns, foreclosures, and provides crucial mental health resources to those in need. You can read a summary of the budget heading to the governor’s desk here. I was proud to support this historic budget that provides funding to several projects in our community.
|
|
Expulsion Prevention Legislation Introduced Currently, Michigan students and their families face a severe lack of transparency as schools are not required to provide access to evidence prior to disciplinary hearings. Notifications to students and their families are often nonexistent or at the last minute. Even though students experiencing homelessness have special federal protection, they often aren’t considered. There are also no requirements for impartial hearing officers, and there is no defined appeal process. My colleagues, Senator Jeff Irwin, Senator Adam Hollier, and I introduced Senate Bills 634-636 to prevent and reduce students being removed from school, while ensuring that their due process rights are protected during disciplinary actions. Click here to read the full press release about this legislative package.
FLAT ROCK UPDATE The City of Flat Rock has received notice that both Zones 1 and 2 have been cleared and residents may begin returning to their homes. If you have any questions, please contact 734-782-2455, ext. 1105. The city has also updated their website with information for residents as well. The Wayne County Health Department and DHHS have both released notices regarding the clearance of both zones 1 and 2 which can be found below. Wayne County Health Department Notice
DHHS Notice
WAYNE COUNTY EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (ERAP) Wayne County has opened a Countywide Emergency Rental Assistance program for both tenants and landlords negatively impacted by COVID-19. This program* is geared toward Wayne County residents and property owners who are experiencing housing instability. Assistance through this program includes rent and utility assistance with electricity, home heating, water, and sewer bills. Internet stipends and relocation assistance are also available. *Please note: This program is only for residents outside of Detroit, which has its own separate rental assistance program.
UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE If you or someone you know who lives in Senate District 6 is having trouble receiving their Unemployment Insurance (UI) or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), please fill out this unemployment assistance form and our office will reach out to assist you with your issue as soon as possible. You can also visit the Michigan LEO FAQ page for answers to questions you may have regarding eligibility for unemployment or for issues you may have with your current claim. >> Click here to schedule an in-person appointment at a local UIA office.
COMMUNITY UPDATES The Iron Belle Trail now has an addition in Van Buren Township! The 7-mile section is accessible to bikes and hikers of all levels and abilities. Read more about it here. Romulus is holding a Downtown Scarecrow Contest from October 1st through November 5th! Everyone is invited to enter and scarecrows must be received by October 1st. Click here to learn about official rules and applications.
|
|
As an elected representative, I believe in being readily available and transparent because my office is your office. Email is a great way to share updates, and hear from you on the issues you care about. If you want to alter your email preferences, click here to unsubscribe. |