Dear Neighbor,
From the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community in the northern part of the state to the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians in the south, Michigan’s 12 federally recognized tribes are vast and diverse, enriching our communities in invaluable ways. This November, I hope you’ll join me in honoring the histories, cultures and contributions of tribal communities here in our state and across the nation in recognition of Native American Heritage Month.
As the holiday season begins, Senate Democrats have been working hard to advance issues that Michiganders care about. Read on to get the latest legislative updates, helpful news and resources. (Oh, and if you take part — happy firearm deer hunting season!)
If you or someone you know would like to provide feedback about what’s happening in Lansing or needs assistance, feel free to contact my office by sending an email to SenEGeiss@senate.michigan.gov or calling 517-373-7800. (Note for this edition: our offices will be closed Wednesday, November 27 through Sunday, December 1.)
Whether you are preparing for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving or both, I wish you and yours a safe holiday. No matter how you celebrate, may your holiday be filled with warmth, mirth, and gratitude.
Sincerely,
Erika Geiss
State Senator
District 1
- Last week, Senate Democrats introduced legislation to expand access to childbirth classes for expectant parents, enhance public safety and trust through greater police accountability measures, and protect Michigan consumers by ensuring greater transparency in the insurance industry.
- Join the Michigan Dept. of Transportation (MDOT) and the City of Detroit on Wednesday, December 4 for a public meeting to discuss the US-12 (Michigan Ave.) Improvement Project. This is a great opportunity to make your voice heard and ask any questions you may have regarding a project that will impact your community.
- Firearm deer hunting season is officially underway! Click here to find helpful resources and learn how Senate Democrats have been working to protect Michigan’s hunting traditions and our great outdoors that makes it all possible.
In This Edition:
Legislative Updates
- Just Last Week, Senate Democrats Introduced Bills to:
- Expand Healthcare Supports for Expectant Parents
- Enhance Public Safety
- Protect Michigan Consumers
- Legislation to Protect Foster Kids’ Money Passes Senate Unanimously
- 10 Ways Senate Democrats Have Been Tackling Hunger in Michigan
Community Connections
- Motor City Match Detroit Business Grants Program
- Gordie Howe International Bridge Photo Gallery
Upcoming Events
- Gordie Howe International Bridge Project Public Information Meetings
- Community Meeting with MDOT and the City of Detroit
- Taylor Winterfest: 5k, Parade, Tree Lighting
Helpful News and Resources
- Honoring Michigan’s Native American Communities
- Firearm Deer Hunting is Underway!
- Tips to Stay Safe on the Roads this Winter
Just Last Week, Senate Democrats Introduced Bills to:
- Expand Healthcare Supports for Expectant Parents: Introduced by Sen. Stephanie Chang, Senate Bills 1127 and 1128 would enable more individuals to receive prenatal care in a group-based setting, such as the childbirth classes offered through the CenteringPregnancy programs. Building on other legislation championed by Senate Democrats earlier this year to improve equity and accountability in the maternal healthcare system and expand Michiganders’ reproductive rights, this legislation would require private insurers and Medicaid to provide coverage for group-based pregnancy support programs, which are shown to result in improved health outcomes for both the birthing parent and baby.
- Enhance Public Safety: A large-scale bipartisan bill package to improve police accountability and build community trust is now up for a committee hearing. Incorporating extensive feedback from stakeholders, law enforcement professionals, and legislators on both sides of the aisle, Senate Bills 1091–1101 seek to reform how police officers handle interactions with community members to strengthen the profession and prevent the use of excessive force and abuse of power by bad actors. Some of the proposed reforms include issuing a verbal warning before using physical force, exhausting other alternatives before using deadly force, and limiting use of no-knock warrants.
- Protect Michigan Consumers: Sen. Mary Cavanagh introduced a comprehensive bill package to ensure greater accountability and transparency in the insurance industry and better serve millions of Michigan consumers. Cosponsored by Sens. Rosemary Bayer, Veronica Klinefelt, and Stephanie Chang, Senate Bills 1087–1090 work to bolster the Michigan Dept. of Insurance and Financial Services’ (DIFS) enforcement of insurance code regulations and expand the department’s ability to discipline offenders.
Legislation to Protect Foster Kids’ Money Passes Senate Unanimously
Last week, the Michigan Senate unanimously passed legislation to end the state’s current practice of seizing foster children’s benefits to subsidize the state budget. Whether because they are disabled or orphaned, many foster children are eligible for benefits. However, currently, when a child enters foster care, the state begins collecting any existing benefits and often applies for them on the child’s behalf. Senate Bill 872, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Irwin, would eliminate the practice of taking these assets from children who are under the care of the state. Instead, the funds would be managed for the benefit of the children, providing a path to stability for them and their families when they exit foster care. This bill is now up for consideration in the House.
10 Ways Senate Democrats Have Been Tackling Hunger in Michigan
As the holiday season approaches, there’s a lot to reflect on and be grateful for. Along with this season of giving thanks, it’s important to also recognize the difficulties many in our community are having making ends meet, from struggling to put food on the table to ensuring bills are paid on time. With about one in eight Michigan households dealing with the devastating effects of food insecurity, it goes without saying — hunger is a serious problem in our state. And it comes with serious consequences, impacting an individual’s health, financial stability and overall well-being.
From continuing the free school meals program for our students to ensuring seniors across our state can access food assistance, my colleagues and I have made significant groundwork in combating food insecurity in Michigan. Click here to learn more about the different ways Senate Democrats have been tackling hunger across the state.
Motor City Match Detroit Business Grants Program
Motor City Match is back, offering grants of up to $50,000 to help Detroit entrepreneurs start or expand their business in Detroit. Visit motorcitymatch.com for more information and how to apply.
Gordie Howe International Bridge Photo Gallery
As you may know, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is under construction, and great progress has been made. Currently, the team is working on paving the deck, installing electrical, drainage, and fire suppression systems, and more. Click here to check out the stunning photo and video gallery capturing the progress and construction of the bridge.
Gordie Howe International Bridge Project Public Information Meeting
Public Information Meetings for the Gordie Howe International Bridge project will take place in person on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at the WDBA Southwest Detroit Community Office. Presentations will be about 25 minutes long with time for Q & A.
WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, from 3:00 – 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: WDBA Southwest Detroit Community Office, 7744 W.Vernor Highway, Detroit, MI 48209
Community Meeting with MDOT and the City of Detroit
Join MDOT and the City of Detroit for a public meeting to discuss the US-12 (Michigan Ave.) Improvement Project. This is a great opportunity to make your voice heard and ask any questions you may have regarding a project that will impact your community.
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Gaelic League Detroit, 2068 Michigan Ave., Detroit, MI 48216
Taylor Winterfest: 5k, Parade, Tree Lighting
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024
WHERE: Heritage Park, 12111 Pardee Rd., Taylor, MI 48180
Honoring Michigan’s Native American Communities
November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor and celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Native American communities here in Michigan and across the country. As home to 12 federally recognized tribes that operate on sovereign land, Michigan’s Indigenous communities are vast and diverse.
From raising awareness about the history of Indian boarding schools in our state to protecting tribal fishing areas, Senate Democrats have been working hard to tackle issues important to our state’s Native American communities.
Earlier this year, legislation to ensure that Michigan’s Foster Care Review Boards will work effectively with tribal governments to serve Native American children was signed into law by Gov. Whitmer. Sponsored by Sen. Jeff Irwin, Michigan’s only Native American State Senator, Senate Bill 498 takes a critical step towards repairing the harm done to tribal communities by the child welfare system and will keep children better connected to their communities and cultures.
And, just last month, the Senate Appropriations Commitee favorably passed House Bill 5600 on to the Senate floor, legislation that would establish the Office of Tribal Legislative Liaison to strengthen partnerships and communication between Michigan’s tribal communities and the state legislature.
Whether by cracking open a new book by a local Native American author or making plans to visit any of the four must-see Native American cultural sites in our state, I hope you’ll join me in honoring and uplifting Michigan’s resilient Indigenous communities who’ve been here for millennia and are here to stay.
Firearm Deer Hunting is Underway!
The opening day of Michigan’s 2024 firearm deer hunting season began on Friday, Nov. 15. Whether you have a first-time hunter in the household or are a seasoned sportsman yourself, I wish you a safe and successful firearm season. The Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources has compiled numerous resources you may find helpful in the days and weeks ahead — find licenses, regulations, maps, and more here.
Recognizing the significance and tradition of hunting here in Michigan, my colleagues and I have been working to reduce red tape for hunters and restore our game species, while also protecting Michigan’s many outdoor spaces, which offer ample opportunities for residents to explore, unwind, and enjoy nature. Click here to learn more about these efforts as well as other work that has been underway to protect this much-cherished sport and ensure our great outdoors are protected for years to come.
If you’re planning on taking part in this tradition this year, good luck and remember to stay safe!
Tips to Stay Safe on the Roads this Winter
Michiganders know all too well — wintertime driving in this state is no joke. To encourage safe-driving habits while traveling on Michigan roadways during the winter months, the Michigan State Police’s Office of Highway and Safety Planning (OHSP) reminds motorists to keep these safety tips in mind:
- Drive slow on ice and snow. It can take up to ten times longer to stop your vehicle on snowy and/or icy roads. Slow down and allow more room between your vehicle and the one ahead of you.
- Be prepared by taking time to winterize your vehicle and stock it with emergency supplies. Refer to this packet for a complete list of supplies to keep in your vehicle.
- During the winter months, check your tire pressure weekly. Additionally, examine the tread on your tires for wear when you check tire pressure, when rotating your tires, and before you take long trips. Use the penny test to check your tread.
- A new Michigan law (led by my colleague Sen. Sam Singh) requires drivers following a snowplow to stay at least 200 feet away from snowplows. It also states that motorists cannot stop within 20 feet of a snowplow at an intersection.
- Know how to handle winter-driving emergencies should you find yourself stopped or stalled on the road. Stay with your vehicle and call 911 or a roadside service like AAA. Make yourself visible to other motorists by turning on your hazard lights.
Visit the OHSP’s Winter-Driving web page for more safety tips and information.