NOTE FROM ERIKA
Greetings Friends and Neighbors!
As the summer season draws to a close, I’m excited to share with you some of the legislative milestones the Senate Democrats achieved recently — including the signing of voting rights expansion bills by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. These new laws are designed to ensure that every Michigander’s voice is heard — regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.
These new laws stand as a testament to the overwhelming support of Proposal 2 last November, a clear indication of Michigan voters’ dedication to democracy and inclusivity. Support for Proposal 2 propelled these laws into action, strengthening our commitment to fair and accessible elections. You can read more about each bill that was signed into law below.
In this edition of our eNews, you’ll find additional resources to keep you informed and engaged. August is National Immunization Month — please make sure you and your loved ones are protected this cold and flu season. Find more information on vaccination and other health resources, exciting news about Michigan’s automotive manufacturing and EV investments, public comment sessions, a community event at the Mercado Food Hub at the Ford Resource and Engagement Center and more.
Sincerely,
Erika Geiss
State Senator – 1st District
517.373.7800
In this Edition
- Legislative Update
- Voting rights expansion bills signed into law
- August is National Immunization Awareness Month
- Michigan Ranks High in Auto Manufacturing, EV Investments
- Michigan Departments Seeking Public Input on Agricultural Practices, Metallic Mineral Leases and Prescription Drugs
- Community Update
- Mercado Food Hub — Free food for Southwest Detroit residents
- Detroit’s Black History by the People That Lived It Walking Tour
- Wild Weekend
- WCCD Lunch and Learn Schedule
Legislative Update
Voting Rights Expansion Bills Signed Into Law
Ensuring that all individuals have an equal opportunity to vote — regardless of their socioeconomic status or background— is part of upholding our fundamental rights and liberties. That is why the Michigan Senate Democrats listened to voters last November who overwhelmingly voted in favor of expanding voting rights with Proposal 2. Now, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed Proposal 2 into law.
In this moment, it is important to highlight the work of our Michigan Senate Democrats in moving this legislation forward:
- Senate Bill 339, sponsored by Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak), will establish a website for Michiganders to track their ballots. It will ensure voters are notified when their vote is received and counted and inform them if there are any errors and offer a solution to remedy them.
- Senate Bill 367, sponsored by Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield), requires at least nine days of early voting before each statewide and federal election so people can find a convenient time to vote that works for them without facing lines on Election Day. It also authorizes pre-processing and early tabulation of absentee ballots, ensuring a timely result after polls close on Election Day.
- Senate Bill 370, sponsored by Sen. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit), implements requirements to allow voters to fix clerical errors with their ballots. It also requires prepaid postage for all absentee ballot applications and envelopes, saving voters time and trips to the Post Office.
- Senate Bill 373, sponsored by Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), allows Michiganders to use their US passport, tribal photo ID card, military ID card, or student ID to identify themselves when they show up to vote. As has always been the case, they will need to be registered to vote in their precinct to cast a ballot. This law simply expands the valid forms of ID accepted to certify that you are who you say you are.
This is a major legislative win — not only for the Majority Democratic Caucus — but for the entire state of Michigan. It was not too long ago that marginalized communities were fighting for their right to vote, and we are proud to further the hard work of our civil rights movement leaders and suffragists through passing Proposal 2.
August is National Immunization Awareness Month
With summer in full swing and flu season just around the corner, we recognize National Immunization Awareness Month to highlight the importance of routine vaccination for Michiganders of all ages. Vaccines are the best way for you to protect yourself from preventable diseases and avoid spreading those diseases to others in your community. In the recently passed state budget for Fiscal Year 2024, the Michigan Legislature — after 30 years of inadequate funding — reinvested in local health departments to ensure they had the resources necessary to provide residents with essential health services such as immunizations. Every Michigander committed to protecting the health of themselves, their family and community can receive free or low-cost vaccinations at their local health department.
- To locate a health department nearest you and get up to date on your vaccines, click here.
- Learn more about the vaccines you and your family members may need to stay healthy, visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website here.
- For Western Wayne Family Health Center patients, the Inkster location offers free COVID immunizations for all ages on Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm (people should arrive no later than 12:30 pm). For more information, call 313.561.5100.
Michigan Ranks High In Auto Manufacturing, EV Investments
A new report in Business Facilities Magazine ranks Michigan as a top state for automotive industry and electric vehicle investments, holding its number one spot from 2022. Additionally, this ranking follows multiple reports showing Michigan as a leader in business, clean energy, battery investments and high-tech mobility development.
The new Senate Democratic Majority — along with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer — has been pushing to grow Michigan’s electric vehicle economy with investments in our state’s budget and the establishment of the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification and the EV Jobs Academy and MI EV Scholars Program. Only one year out from the bipartisan CHIPS and Science ACT, there have been many opportunities for Michigan to win investments to support the growth of domestic semiconductor technology as well as better-paying, high-quality jobs for Michiganders.
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENTS SEEKING PUBLIC INPUT ON AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES, METALLIC MINERAL LEASES AND PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
As always, the government works best when the people who are being represented weigh in. There are several opportunities for this as various departments and commissions undertake planning projects. Among them:
- The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is holding its annual review period for the 2024 Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices. A virtual public meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m. on August 25, 2023; those unable to attend can email MDARD-RTF@michigan.gov. Read more here.
- The DNR Minerals Management Section will hold a virtual informational public meeting regarding a metallic mineral lease application from Talon Michigan LLC (of Minnesota) on October 11, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. EST. The meeting will allow for questions from the public. Questions may be submitted at DNRLeaseManagement@michigan.gov. For more information, click here.
- MDHHS will host a public meeting on Monday, Oct. 3, regarding the list of prescription drugs covered under Michigan’s Medicaid health plans (known as the Medicaid Health Plan Common Formulary). The purpose of the meeting is to provide an annual forum for the public, stakeholders and interested parties to comment on the prescription list. RSVP to krepsd@michigan.gov no later than Thursday, Sept. 29, to attend and request special accommodations to join the meeting, if needed. Those unable to attend can submit questions or comments to MDHHSCommonFormulary@michigan.gov. Read more here.
Community Updates
Mercado Food Hub — Free Food For Southwest Detroit Residents
Mercado Food Hub at the Ford Resource and Engagement Center (FREC 1) is a drive-up pantry serving residents of southwest Detroit.
- The traditional pantry is available by appointment for zip codes 48209, 48210, 48216 and 48217. They distribute free canned and boxed goods, frozen meat, cheese, milk, and juices. To make an appointment, click the registration link here.
- The fresh market pantry serves fresh produce, eggs, and milk only. No appointment is needed. The fresh pantry is open every Thursday from 5-7 p.m.
*Note: volunteers and donations are accepted, visit their website for details.
Detroit’s Black History By the People That Lived It Walking Tour
“With Detroit’s long and interesting history, many have wondered, “If these walls could talk, what stories would they tell?” Well, wonder no more as lifelong Detroiter Glen Hendricks shares his personal stories and memories about Detroit over the last 70 years. His lived experiences, like many Black Detroiters, are a huge part of Detroit’s history but too often are left out of the textbooks and headlines.
On this one-of-a-kind tour, you’ll walk through downtown hearing about Glen’s experiences with some well-known people and places, like Black Bottom, Hudson’s and Coleman Young. You’ll also hear about Black businesses and inspirational people that many people have forgotten or perhaps never knew about at all.”
This event is free of cost!
To learn more or sign up for the event click here.
WHERE: Roasting Plant Coffee 660 Woodward Avenue Detroit, MI 48226
WHEN: Saturday, August 19, 2023 – 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Junior League World Series Wraps Up in Taylor
This Sunday, August 20, at noon, spend time at Heritage Park in Taylor for the 2023 Junior League World Series championship game. Visit https://www.littleleague.org/world-series/2023/jlbws/ for standings, schedule, and more.
You can also tune in to ESPN at https://www.espn.com/espnplus/catalog/d4166e56-7955-4d30-93a9-f06cff7c3835/junior-league-baseball for the live stream of the rest of the tournament.
WCCCD Lunch and Learn Schedule
Wayne County Community College is hosting lunch and learn sessions on Thursdays at noon through the end of the year. Read the graphic below for more details or visit their website.
Wild Weekend
Taylor Petting Farm is having some friends visit on September 9 and 10. Stop by to see their wild animal friends! This event runs from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. $5 admission per person; children one year and younger are free. Click here to find more information and tickets.
WHERE: 12803 Pardee Rd Taylor, Michigan
WHEN: September 9-10 at 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
