Dear Neighbor,
Fall is here, which means it’s time to boost our immunity! Stay up-to-date on the latest COVID-19 booster shot and flu vaccination. Check out the “Take Steps to Protect Yourself From COVID-19 & Flu” section to learn more and take advantage of four free COVID-19 tests.
As always, if you need any assistance please contact my office by phone at 517-373-7800 or by email at SenEGeiss@senate.michigan.gov.
IN THIS EDITION
- Legislative Update
- Senate Democrats Take Steps to Improve Access to Care for Michigan Drivers
- Expanding Opportunities for Clean, Renewable Energy
- Transformational State Budget Takes Effect as New Fiscal Year Begins
- Breast Cancer Awareness Month
- Michigan Reconnect Applications Open for Expanded Age Group
- Public Comment Needed: Federal Funding Available for High-speed Internet Access Expansion
- MI Healthy Climate Corps to Launch In January 2024
- Take Steps To Protect Yourself From Covid-19 & Flu
- Community Update
- 2023 Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Events
- Hallowpalooza
- Halloween in the D
- Community Conversation and Legislative Update
- Gordie Howe Bridge Update
Erika Geiss
State Senator – 1st District
517.373.7800
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Senate Democrats Take Steps to Improve Access to Care for Michigan Drivers
We all want to do what we can to help Michiganders save money and lower costs for people, including the cost of auto insurance. But that shouldn’t be done at the expense of people who have been severely injured and permanently disabled by an auto accident.
With the previous changes to our state’s auto insurance system, we’ve now had several years to reevaluate some of the intended consequences — and address some of the unintended ones. Recently, Senate Democrats introduced Senate Bills 530and 531 to improve access to care for injured drivers.
The bills have been assigned to the Senate Committee on Finance, Insurance and Consumer Protection as Legislators are still having ongoing conversations with constituents, community organizations and other stakeholders to ensure the legislation best addresses residents’ concerns.
Read more about these bills here.
Expanding Opportunities for Clean, Renewable Energy
The use of solar energy as a power source, particularly on farmlands, is becoming increasingly popular across the United States. Through legislative efforts, Michigan is shaping up to be a leader in promoting cost-effective clean energy practices.
Recently, the Michigan Senate passed Senate Bill 277, which allows farmers to rent land for solar operations while maintaining the preservation of farmland enrolled in the PA 116 program. Garnering widespread, bipartisan support from various agricultural, economic and environmental organizations — this pro-farmer, pro-property rights and pro-environment legislation will help farmers to diversify revenue sources, while moving our state towards a clean energy future. The bill awaits further action in the Michigan House. Read more here.
Transformational State Budget Takes Effect as New Fiscal Year Begins
October 1 marked the beginning of a new fiscal year for the state of Michigan — the day when the historic state budget the Michigan Senate passed on June 28 took effect.
Totaling $81.7 billion, the budget is full of transformative, innovative and equitable investments that will improve the lives of Michiganders. Read more about the state budget and its impact here.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Every October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed to increase awareness and honor those impacted by breast cancer. In our state, breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among Michigan women. The American Cancer Society estimated that Michigan would have had 8,900 new cases of breast cancer and 1,390 deaths from breast cancer in 2022.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) urges Michiganders to put their health needs first through the following free health screening programs:
- The Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Navigation Program (BC3NP), available statewide, provides free breast and cervical cancer screening services to low-income women.
- The WISEWOMAN Program, available in select areas of the state, helps participants understand their chronic disease risk factors and make healthy lifestyle choices. Every participant receives a free health screening.
- In addition to health screenings, it’s necessary to note the importance of self breast exams as they empower individuals to take charge of their own breast health. By regularly examining your breasts, you can detect any changes and seek medical attention if needed. Stay proactive and aware!
To learn more about Michigan’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Navigation Program and the WISEWOMAN Program, call 844-446-8727 or visit Michigan.gov/cancer. For Spanish resources, call 800-379-1057.
Michigan Reconnect Applications Open for Expanded Age Group
Previously limited to individuals aged 25 and older, Michigan Reconnect has expanded its eligibility to include adults between the ages of 21 and 24 who have not yet obtained a college degree. The Reconnect program allows eligible students to pursue an associate degree or Pell-eligible skills certificate at in-district community colleges without the burden of tuition fees.
Applicants ages 21 to 24 must enroll no later than the fall semester of 2024. Students in the 21-24 age bracket must also apply for Reconnect before the application closes on November 15, 2024.
To be eligible, you just need to:
- Be at least 21 years of age;
- Apply and enroll in a community or tribal college no later than fall semester;
- Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid);
- Have lived in Michigan for at least a year;
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent or certificate of completion; and
- Have not yet completed a college degree
Don’t wait, apply today!
Public Comment Needed: Federal Funding Available for High-speed Internet Access Expansion
The Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI) is now accepting public comment on Volume 1 of Michigan’s Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Initial Proposal. Michigan has received $1.559 billion in funding from the BEAD Act to expand access to high-speed internet service to more communities.
As of 2023, close to 500,000 Michigan households are unserved or underserved by high-speed internet infrastructure and another 730,000 households face barriers related to a combination of affordability, adoption, device access and digital literacy.
Therefore, public comments will be incredibly useful in helping to draft MIHI’s proposal and determine how the state of Michigan will utilize the historic funding. Public comment on Volume 1 of the BEAD Initial Proposal is open now through 11:59 p.m. on October 31.
To submit a comment via form, click here.
MI Healthy Climate Corps to Launch in January 2024
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy has announced that the MI Healthy Climate Corps (MHCC) program will start in January 2024. MHCC will field a cohort of 30 federal AmeriCorps members who will provide vital support for climate action across Michigan. Corps members will receive training and career development support to bolster Michigan’s climate leadership pool.
Interested in being a candidate or a host community? Fill out this form to keep connected on program updates and launch information.
TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM COVID-19 & FLU
Fall is here which means it’s time to boost your immunity! Be sure to get your COVID-19 booster and flu shot to stay protected. Immunizations and testing continue to be critical tools in managing the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses. To help keep yourself and your community healthy, I encourage you to take advantage of the free vaccines and testing options available to you.
Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Protects Against New Variants
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recommends all Michiganders 6 months and older receive the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine which is designed to provide protection against severe COVID-19 disease from currently circulating variants.
Most Michigan residents can still get a COVID-19 vaccine for free. For people with health insurance, most plans will cover COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to you. Michigan residents who don’t have health insurance or have health plans that do not cover the cost can reach out to a health care provider or local pharmacy participating in the CDC’s Bridge Access Program, their health department or visit Vaccines.gov for additional information on ways to obtain a free vaccine.
For more information, click here.
Testing Options: At-Home and In-Person
As of September 25, 2023, every U.S. household may place an order to receive four FREE COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to your home. Order yours in less than 30 seconds here: COVID.gov – Free at-home COVID-19 tests
Note: Before you throw out “expired” tests: Check the FDA’s website to see if your COVID-19 tests’ expiration dates have been extended: At-Home OTC COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests | FDA
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) also continues to partner with libraries across the state to provide free at-home COVID-19 tests to Michiganders. Click here for a list of participating libraries.
For Michiganders who are thinking about plans for in-person testing, Michigan.gov/COVIDTest remains in place to assist in locating a testing site.
COMMUNITY UPDATE
Wayne County is resuming large scale household hazardous waste (HHW) collection events in 2023. The fall collection date is approaching quickly!
Taylor HHW Event
When: October 21, 2023 from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Where: Wayne County Community College, 21000 Northline Road in Taylor
In addition, there are other resources available for you to manage your waste materials:
- You can download the “Wayne County Recycles” app from Google Play or the App store. It provides options for safe disposal on a wide variety of household hazardous waste and electronic waste items.
- An online version of the application can be found on their website here. At the bottom of the page you will see the “Resource Recovery Guide” where you can type in the name of an item and receive safe disposal options.
- Obtain a free recycling voucher available to Wayne County residents. See the section above for details on this new and innovative program for recycling household hazardous waste.
- Our processing contractor, Environmental Recycling Group in Livonia, accepts residential drop off of HHW by appointment for a fee. You can call them at 734-437-9650.
Hallowpalooza
All you goblins and ghouls, get ready for HALLOW~PALOOZA!
Join us on Friday, October 27 at 4pm for tons of family-friendly fun. This event is FREE for Taylor resident children, and $5 per non-resident child. PLEASE NOTE: Pre-registration is required, no walk-ups will be taken due to supply purposes.
Register here to ensure your spot.
Halloween in the D
WHEN: October 31, 2023, see graphic for times
WHERE: Police precincts, fire stations, and recreation centers in Detroit (see graphic below for specific locations)
Community Conversation & Legislative Update
Chat with me on Zoom every second Wednesday of the month for a legislative update. Our next meeting will be on November 8, 2023, from 6– 7 p.m.
You can register to attend here.
Gordie Howe Bridge Update
The deadline to participate in the Gordie Howe Bridge Local Community Group is October 17, 2023, at 4:00 p.m.
Meeting quarterly, representatives from Sandwich/west Windsor, Delray/Southwest Detroit, Windsor-Essex County and the Greater Detroit area will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the Community Benefits Plan and help positively impact local communities. Be a part of the change you want to see in your area and sign up today: Gordie Howe International Bridge | Local Community Group