Note from Erika
Greetings Friends and Neighbors!
Summer is officially here! As you may know, the heat, humidity and windy weather have pushed fire danger to high levels across the Lower Peninsula. Below are some tips for keeping fires under control this summer.
Safety tips to keep fires under control:
When you’re working with fire or equipment outdoors, keep in mind that fires can take off very fast and that the remains of a fire smolder for some time. Here are some tips to keep it safe out there:
- Contain your campfire or bonfire in a pit or ring and make sure you put it out thoroughly before leaving it. Douse the fire with water, stir the ashes and douse again.
- Never leave any fire — including hot coals — unattended.
- Keep a hose or other water source nearby when burning.
- Prevent sparks. Keep trailer chains from dragging when you’re on the road; don’t park hot equipment on dry grass.
- Never shoot fireworks into the woods, dry grass or shrubs. · Get more fire safety tips at Michigan.gov/FireManagement.
- It’s illegal to burn plastic, hazardous materials, foam or other household trash. This can release dangerous chemicals into the air.
- You can use a burn barrel with a screen on top to burn paper, leaves and natural materials.
Additional fire tips and information about the DNR’s fire programs here.
Sincerely,
Erika Geiss
State Senator – 1st District
517.373.7800
In this Edition:
- Helping Medicaid Members keep their Coverage
- Legislative Updates
- Celebrating Juneteenth in Michigan
- EGLE Air Quality Index
- Avoiding Heat Stroke and Exhaustion
- Community Update
HELPING MEDICAID MEMBERS KEEP THEIR COVERAGE
Take action now to avoid a gap in coverage
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government declared a Public Health Emergency (PHE), allowing Medicaid members to keep their health care coverage. Per recent federal legislation, eligibility renewals started this month. Monthly renewal notifications were sent by mail beginning in May.
Following these steps will help determine if you still qualify:
- Make sure your contact information is up to date.
- Check mail or text messages for a letter.
- Complete your renewal form (if you get one).
If you’re a Medicaid member, learn more about how these changes may affect your health care coverage at Michigan.gov/2023benefitchanges.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Building a Clean Energy Future
As the threat of climate change looms, evidenced by the hotter temperatures, hazy skies from wildfires, and adverse health effects, I am taking action with my colleagues by introducing the Clean Energy Future plan. My bill in this package, SB 271, will require that 100% of Michigan’s energy comes from renewable sources by 2035. This bill received its first hearing in the Senate Committee on Energy & Environment and work will continue throughout the summer to strengthen this bill, and those it accompanies in the Clean Energy Future package (SB 271-277).
Recruiting Election Inspectors
I introduced SB 385 to better recruit election inspectors and bring our election processes into the 21st century. This bill allows for local clerks to accept online applications for election inspectors, the friendly faces at the ballots who help people vote on and before election day. SB 385 passed out the Senate Committee on Elections & Ethics and awaits a vote from the full Senate.
Ending Medical Sexual Assault
My bill (SB 68) in the package to end sexual assault disguised as medical care passed out of the House of Representatives and is heading to the Governor for her signature. In the wake of the Larry Nassar crimes, this package is long overdue, and I am proud to be able to stand up for survivors of sexual assaults to ensure that similar tragedies are prevented.
Ending Child Marriage
The Senate Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, & Public Safety voted on my bill SB 216, part of a package to end child marriage, and it passed with 5 Yeas, 0 Nays, and 1 Pass. This bill is critical to protecting our young people from human trafficking and sexual assault. Later in the week, it received a vote from all Senate members and passed unanimously. This package now heads to the House of Representatives.
CROWN Act Signed By Governor Whitmer
I was so proud to see Governor Whitmer sign the CROWN Act, prohibiting discrimination against people based on their hair and how they choose to style it. We have heard countless stories about how people, particularly Black and Brown people, have faced discrimination just because of the way their hair grows. This discrimination not only has a financial cost, but an emotional toll when those discriminated against. Thank you to my colleague, Senator Sarah Anthony, for leading on this legislation.
CELEBRATING JUNETEENTH IN MICHIGAN
On Monday, June 19, we celebrated Juneteenth, the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to inform the last group of enslaved people they were freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation and marks the day slavery was ended in all parts of the United States.
Two years ago, the Federal Government officially established Juneteenth as a state holiday, demonstrating a commitment to the ongoing effort to racial justice and equity and honoring the true history of when slavery was truly abolished in our country.
With the celebration of Juneteenth comes a stark reminder that there is much more work to be done to ensure everyone in Michigan and the United States have equal rights and equitable opportunities.
EGLE AIR QUALITY INDEX
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a color-coded way for residents to see what the levels of some types of air pollution are in their area. The higher the AQI, the worse the air quality is and the more cause for concern. Because of recent fires in northern Michigan and Canada the past couple weeks, the AQI for particulate matter (PM) is high in many parts of Michigan and the eastern US. EPA’s Smoke and Fire map can be helpful in locating fires near you and seeing how smoke is moving.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has advised:
- For current health and safety information, follow social media at: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services | Facebook o Michigan HHS Dept (@MichiganHHS) / Twitter
- For people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teens it is suggested to take the following steps to reduce exposure:
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activities;
- Keep outdoor activities short;
- Consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them.
- For everyone else:
- Choose less strenuous activities (like walking instead of running) so you don’t breathe as hard;
- Shorten the amount of time you are active outdoors;
- Be active outdoors when air quality is better.
Air Quality Alerts are issued through the EnviroFlash system, sign up here to receive them. EnviroFlash is a free subscription service.
STAYING SAFE IN THE HEAT
Hot days are here! Please be mindful of excessive heat warnings and stay hydrated. As daily temperatures rise above 80°, emergency department visits for heat-related illness tend to increase. This is often more likely early in the summer season as people are not yet used to elevated temperatures and are not taking the necessary precautions.
To prevent complications from the heat, residents are encouraged to:
- Drink more fluids and avoid liquids with substantial amounts of sugar or alcohol.
- Limit outdoor activities to when it is coolest in the morning and evening.
- Spend time indoors with air conditioning.
- Angle venetian blinds so that you have indirect sunlight entering rooms.
- Use ceiling fans to help circulate cool air, even if you have air conditioning. If you do not have air conditioning and have box or window fans, use them as exhaust to draw warm air out.
- Wear lightweight, light colored, and loose-fitting clothing.
- Wear sunscreen rated at least at SPF15, as sunburn affects a body’s ability to cool down. (Reapply it often especially if you perspire or go swimming.)
- Check on elderly neighbors and relatives to determine if they need assistance.
- Never leave children, the elderly, or pets in closed vehicles with the windows up and engine off.
Additionally, use this infographic from Beaumont Health Systems to recognize the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke:
Taylor Summer Festival
WHEN: Thursday, June 22 – Sunday, June 25
WHERE: Heritage Park, 12111 Pardee Rd, Taylor, MI 48180
There will be a carnival, fireworks and concerts! Get more info at TaylorFestival.com
JUNE JUBILEE WEEKEND
WHEN: Thursday, June 22 – Sunday, June 25
Kicking off on Thursday, June 22, from 9am to 4pm, freedom summits will be held at the northwest campus of Wayne County Community College District. These summits will engage in discussions surrounding voter mobilization, registration and protection, the civil rights movement, labor, and other crucial topics.
On Friday, June 23, there will be a special ceremony to unveil a permanent commemorative statue of Dr. King in collaboration with the City of Detroit. This statue will be prominently placed in Hart Plaza, serving as a lasting tribute.
The highlight of the weekend will be the 60th Commemorative Freedom Walk, scheduled for Saturday, June 24. The march will commence at 10 a.m. at Woodward Ave. and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., proceeding south along Woodward Ave. towards Hart Plaza. Following the march, a significant rally will take place, amplifying the spirit of unity and progress. WXYZ will provide live coverage of the march, ensuring a broader audience can participate in this historic event.
On Sunday, June 25, the 68th annual Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner will feature Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock as the keynote speaker. The dinner, set to begin at 5 p.m. at Huntington Place, will be a remarkable occasion, with additional esteemed guests to be announced in the coming weeks.