July 7, 2021
Note from Erika
I hope that everyone had a safe and happy 4th of July! This weekend we celebrated the 245th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Each and every day since, our country strives to uphold the principles of peace and justice for all and we continuously work to build upon these values.
Please be aware that while we are re-engaging in-person office operations, we also continue to serve Michigan’s 6th Senate District remotely. If you have any questions or concerns, we can be reached by email at SenEGeiss@senate.michigan.gov and by voicemail at (517) 373-7800.
Erika Geiss
State Senator
6th District
In This Edition
- Legislative Update
- MI Shot to Win
- Unemployment Assistance Update
- Flood Damage Resources
- Community Update
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Senate Bill 568: Creating a path to becoming a teacher for paraprofessionals
On June 24th, Senator Polehanki and I introduced a two-bill package to establish different tracks that paraprofessionals may utilize to become teachers. My bill, Senate Bill 568, would establish a fund for a financial aid program aimed at assisting K-12 paraprofessionals seeking college degrees in teaching related fields.
If passed, this package of bills would help address the growing teacher shortage in Michigan, a problem that has only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic with teachers retiring faster than they can be replaced. These bills would help streamline the process by which paraprofessionals earn their teaching certificate and bring more high-quality teachers into the classroom.
Michigan’s Largest Education Investment
On June 30th, I was proud to support a historic investment in our state’s future when the Michigan Senate passed a K-12 budget that makes the largest investment in K-12 public schools in our state’s history and closes the gap between the lowest- and highest-funded school districts for the first time since the goal was introduced in 1994. If signed by the governor, it will be the largest investment into education ever made.
Among the many great pieces in this School Aid Fund budget, a few key areas of increased funding include:
- $31.5M designated for early literacy coaches to accelerate reading skills at the beginning stages of our children’s education.
- $4.5M to increase the nutritional value of the meals that we provide our students through a partnership with Michigan farmers via the 10 Cent a Meal program.
- $7.5M to strengthen skilled trades initiatives in high schools throughout the state through Career Technical Education, which the three CTE programs in the senate district will benefit from.
- $4.7M for Robotics programs throughout the state that builds STEM skills in a fun, competitive atmosphere, which will also directly benefit the robotics programs in the senate district.
MI SHOT TO WIN
As part of the effort to encourage Michiganders to #SleeveUpMichigan, vaccinated adult residents are now eligible to register for a combined total of $5 million in cash giveaways. Further, vaccinated residents ages 12 through 17 can win one of nine scholarship drawing prizes via the Michigan Education Trust (MET).
Visit MIShottoWin.com for more information on sweepstakes rules and eligibility requirements. The sweepstakes began July 1 and ends on Aug. 3, 2021. Michigan residents can register to win online or to enter the sweepstakes by phone, call the MI Shot to Win Sweepstakes Hotline at 888-535-6136 (press 1) between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday, or from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.
If you have not yet been vaccinated, you may find vaccine locations by texting your ZIP code to GETVAX (438829) in English or to VACUNA (822862) en Español.
UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE UPDATE
On Wednesday, June 23, the Unemployment Insurance Agency announced it would begin offering in-person unemployment insurance services at 12 unemployment offices starting June 30, by appointment only, walk-ins will not be accepted.
Residents across Michigan can begin scheduling appointments online. Each appointment is offered in 15-minute intervals and can be scheduled up to a week in advance. Appointments will be available 8:15 a.m. through 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The Unemployment Insurance Agency will only be accepting appointments for issues pertaining to:
- Pending payments/payments pending manager review
- Non-monetary cases
- Stop payment indicators
- Additional claim indicators
- Overpayments
Offices offering in-person appointments in Wayne County:
- Detroit — 3024 West Grand Boulevard, Suite L-385
The agency will retain some COVID-19 safety protocols such as requesting customers to wear a mask prior to entry. Customers should bring their driver’s license or photo ID and any other documents pertinent to their claim.
Being late for an appointment can cause it to be rescheduled. The UIA anticipates serving 900 customers a day through the in-person option.
You can schedule an in-person appointment here.
If you or someone you know who lives in Senate District 6 is having trouble receiving their Unemployment Insurance (UI) or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), please fill out this unemployment assistance form and our office will reach out to assist you with your issue as soon as possible.
You can also visit the Michigan LEO FAQ page for answers to questions you may have regarding eligibility for unemployment or for issues you may have with your current claim.
FLOOD DAMAGE RESOURCES
If you’re still addressing damages and other negative impacts from the storms and flooding that wracked Southeastern Michigan, there are several resources that may be able to offer help.
MI Bridges State Emergency Relief
Michigan.gov/MIBridges
United Way of Southeast Michigan
Call 2-1-1
MI211.org
Wayne Metro Community Action Agency
(313) 388-9799
WayneMetro.org/programs
If your home has been flooded and has been closed up for several days, CDC cleaning recommendations include washing and sanitizing flooded areas of the home. MDHHS provides recommendations to clean up visible mold.
COMMUNITY UPDATE
Check out this article in the News Herald about how the Downriver community came together to help two of its own members get back on their feet.
Further, congratulations to Belleville High School for their efforts in the Dash for Cash FAFSA incentive program! During the program’s 30-day dash period, Belleville High School saw a 6% increase in FAFSA completion, making them one of the best in Michigan. Thank you to all the Belleville High School staff who helped their students navigate the process of applying for financial aid.