NOTE FROM ERIKA
Greetings friends and neighbors!
This week’s edition of my E-Newsletter is jam-packed with upcoming community events. Be sure to check out the ‘Community Update’ section for details.
Sincerely,
Erika GeissState Senator – 1st District517.373.7800
IN THIS EDITION:
- Meijer recalls select premade salads due to potential health risk
- Treasury offers to help taxpayers who missed tax filing deadline
- Fill out your FAFSA!
- EGLE public comment period extended
- COVID-19 Booster vaccinations
- Legislative Updates
- Community Updates
MEIJER RECALLS SELECT PREMADE SALADS DUE TO POTENTIAL HEALTH RISK
Meijer, in conjunction with its supplier, Revolution Farms, is announcing a voluntary recall of select Fresh From Meijer premade salads because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
The recalled pre-made salads have a Fresh From Meijer sticker on a clear plastic container. The following products are part of the recall:
Customers who have purchased any of these products should immediately throw them away. A full refund can be requested at the Customer Service desk of the nearest Meijer store. Customers with questions regarding this recall can contact Meijer at 800-543-3704 from 7:00 AM – 1:00 AM (EDT) daily. Customers with questions or concerns about their health are encouraged to contact their primary care provider.
TREASURY OFFERS HELP TO TAXPAYERS WHO MISSED TAX FILING DEADLINE
Michigan taxpayers who missed the April 18 state individual income tax filing deadline last week have options for filing a late return, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury (Treasury). For more information visit the Michigan Department of Treasury website.
HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS & OTHER COLLEGE BOUND FOLKS: FILL OUT YOUR FAFSA!
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) deadline is approaching soon. The deadline is May 1, 2023, to be given priority consideration for some Michigan financial aid programs. Filling out the FAFSA can shave thousands of dollars a year off the cost of community, private, or public college. You can unlock grants, scholarships, and other assistance to put you on the path to higher education right here in Michigan.
One of the new ways to save money is the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, a bipartisan scholarship we established last year to lower the cost of higher education by thousands of dollars a year—up to $27,500 over 5 years—for the majority of graduating seniors. All you need to do to qualify for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship is fill out your FAFSA—that’s it. You are probably eligible for more financial aid than you realize, so fill out your FAFSA as soon as possible!
EGLE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD EXTENDED
Michiganders have an additional 30 days to provide comment on the relicensing of aboveground hazardous waste operations at the Republic Industrial and Energy Services (RIES) hazardous waste facility in Romulus following the reopening of the public comment period by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).
The reopened comment period runs from April 3, 2023, to May 3, 2023. Written comments on the aboveground hazardous waste activities and the draft renewal license can be submitted to Ronda L. Blayer, Environmental Engineering Specialist, at BlayerR@Michigan.gov or EGLE, MMD, Hazardous Waste Section, P.O. Box 30241, Lansing, MI 48909.
Written comments must be postmarked no later than May 3, 2023, and include the writer’s name, address, and email; a concise statement of the basis for the comments; and the supporting relevant facts upon which the comments are based.
For additional information visit the EGLE website.
COVID-19 BOOSTER VACCINATIONS
Bivalent Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are available for booster shots in Michigan. To locate providers offering the Pfizer and Moderna bivalent booster doses check with your local pharmacy or visit http://vaccines.gov.
For more information regarding COVID-19 bivalent boosters visit the MDHHS website.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Michigan Senate Passes Bills to Accept Teacher and Counselor Licenses From Out of State
On April 19, 2023, the Michigan Senate passed Senate Bills 161 and 162 to reduce barriers for experienced, out-of-state educators and counselors to come to work in Michigan schools. The bills are sponsored by Sen. Sean McCann and myself.
Senate Bill 161 (Geiss): Streamlines the process for local school districts in Michigan to accept teacher licenses from other states by: allowing for three years of experience in lieu of a certification examination, removing requirements to obtain an initial teaching certificate, and expanding reciprocity for teaching certificates to Tribes and other countries.
Senate Bill 162 (McCann): Provides similar flexibility for local school districts to hire school counselors from other states using the same mechanisms as SB 161.
This legislation addresses the teacher shortage by allowing experienced, high-quality educators and counselors from other states and countries to come to Michigan. It’s no secret that Michigan has struggled to hire and retain educators in Michigan schools, then the shortage of professionals was only exacerbated by the pandemic. As Vice Chair of the Senate Education Committee, I want every student in my district and throughout Michigan to have qualified teachers and counselors accessible to them when they go to school. They deserve nothing less.Introduction of Senate Bill 301
On Thursday, April 27, 2023, I introduced Senate Bill 301 a bill that would codify reimbursement for doula services via Medicaid Insurance.
Doulas are trained professionals and trusted members of the communities they serve who provide physical, emotional, and informational support to women and their families before, during, and after childbirth. Research has shown that support from a doula is associated with improved birth outcomes and a reduced risk of complications that may lead to maternal and infant morbidity and mortality.
This reimbursement program for doulas is an important step in reducing racial health disparities in Michigan. Doulas can be particularly beneficial for women of color and women from low-income and underserved communities and can help reduce health disparities by ensuring that pregnant people who face the greatest risks have the additional support and advocacy they need. While doulas are not the only solution for maternal health disparities, they have a crucial role in improving the maternal outcomes of communities most affected by discrimination.
The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Health Policy where it awaits further action.Senate Resolution 39 – Survivors Speak Michigan Day
On Thursday, April 27, 2023, I introduced Senate Resolution 39 to recognize April 27, 2023, as Survivors Speak Michigan Day, a part of National Crime Victims Rights’ Week. The Michigan Senate adopted the resolution.Senate Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure – Testimony on Senate Bills 100 & 139
As Chair of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and in the wake of recent train derailments and other safety concerns, I introduced SB 100 and SB 139 to promote train safety. We also took up Sen. Camilleri’s bills, SB 124 and SB 125 to address these problems in the long run. The committee has taken testimony and heard debate regarding these bills. Click here to learn more.
COMMUNITY UPDATE
Lincoln Park Cinco de Mayo Festival
Visit downtown Lincoln Park to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with street vendors, crafts, food trucks, kids games, music, entertainment, and a showcase of our local Mexican heritage.
WHEN: April 29, 2023, from noon – 7 pmWHERE: 1681 – 1685 East of Fort St. between Arlington and O’Connor
State of Detroit’s Southwest Schools
Join 482Forward and partners for a two hour discussion on the state of Detroit’s southwest schools. You can share your funding priorities, COVID-19 related questions, and share your opinions on advocacy needs.
WHEN: May 4, 2023, from 6 – 8 pmWHERE: 2026 Lawndale St, Detroit, MI, 48209
Motor City Makeover
Take part in keeping Detroit a beautiful place by attending one of the clean up and beautification projects that will take place three Saturdays in May. This is a great way to get involved in the community, meet new people, get outdoors, express creativity, and be proud of the community you live in.
Register right now by clicking here. See the graphic below for more details!
58th Annual Cinco de Mayo Parade
The Mexican Patriotic Committee of Metropolitan Detroit will host the 58th Annual Cinco de Mayo Parade.
WHEN: Sunday, May 7, 2023, from noon – 7 pmWHERE: Vernor Highway, Southwest Detroit (from Springwells Street to West Grand Blvd)
The 2.2-mile parade route will start from Springwells Street and will travel east along W. Vernor ending at W. Grand Boulevard.
The Power of One Dedicated Woman honors deserving women who inspire others to be part of community work and build stronger neighborhoods. The annual opportunity recognizes women who set an example of what one woman can do to make a difference in the lives of others.
Nominate a woman from your community today! Completed nomination forms must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 8, 2023, for consideration.
Learn more and submit a nomination here. Nominations are due by Monday, May 8th at 11:59 p.m.DDOT Wants to Hear from You!
Learn and share your thoughts about the Detroit Department of Transportation’s updated Title VI program Plan and Proposed Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Overall Goal for 2023-2025.
When: Tuesday, May 9, 2023Time: NoonZoom Call-in Number: 1 (267) 831-0033|Meeting ID: 893-8178-7194
Submit comments about the proposed policies by Thursday, May 30, 2023 to one of the following:
- DDOTcomments@detroitmi.gov
- Detroit Department of Transportation ATTN: Compliance Manager, 100 Mack Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
- (313) 933-1300 or 7-1-1 (TTY)
- www.detroitmi.gov/ddot
Juneteenth Poetry Contest
The City of Detroit’s Civil Rights, Inclusion, and Opportunity Department is hosting a Juneteenth Poetry Contest for any Detroit students grades 9-12.
The deadline to enter is May 15, 2023! See the graphic below for additional details.
