Senate District 6 Update

Note from Erika

This past Monday, for the first time in the state of Michigan, we celebrated Indigenous Peoples’ Day. I hope everyone has had the opportunity to recognize and honor the rich history of indigenous people and communities and pay respect and gratitude to those who first called these lands home.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our office by email at SenEGeiss@senate.michigan.gov and by phone at (517) 373-7800.

Erika Geiss
State Senator 
6th District    

In This Edition  

• Legislative Update 
• Flood Assistance Extension
• COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccine Update
• Wayne County Emergency Rental Assistance Program
• Unemployment Assistance Update
• Community Update

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Update on Voter Suppression Bills
On Oct. 6, I voted NO on Senate Bill 303 and on Oct. 7, I voted NO on Senate Bill 304. These bills would make it harder to vote by installing tougher voter ID laws at the polls and when voting by mail. Michigan already has a voter ID law in place that works well. Rather, these are copycat bills identical to many pieces of legislation introduced in 48 other states that are designed to disenfranchise voters across the U.S. and in the state of Michigan. These bills, simply put, make it harder for voters to cast their ballot and have their ballots be counted. Watch my no-vote explanation on SB 304 here.

Bill to Withhold Funds from Schools for CRT Education
On Oct. 5, the Education and Career Readiness Committee took up testimony on Senate Bill 460, a bill that would withhold 5% of school’s funding for those that provide instruction on Critical Race Theory. While Critical Race Theory is not currently taught in any K-12 educational institution in the State of Michigan, I will not support a bill that restricts imparting accurate, important knowledge and information or one that extorts schools and holds them hostage.  

SB 460 creates a gross censorship of teachers and restricts an equitable dialogue about our country’s history — one that acknowledges the role of racism in U.S. history and includes the experiences and viewpoints of people of color and other marginalized communities. 

FLOOD ASSISTANCE EXTENSION

On Sept. 30, FEMA announced that the registration deadline for disaster relief for those affected by the June 25-26 severe flooding has been extended to Nov. 12 for Wayne County and Washtenaw County residents.

If you were negatively impacted by the June 25-26 storms and have not already registered for relief, you can do so online or by phone at (800) 621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585), between the hours of 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, seven days a week.

Assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property, and vehicle losses. Assistance may also be available for other serious disaster related uninsured or underinsured expenses or unmet needs.

>> Read the FEMA press release here.

COVID-19 AND INFLUENZA VACCINE UPDATE

The Wayne County Health Department has begun administering Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine booster shots to immunocompromised residents. Boosters are available at no cost to eligible residents at all Wayne County-sponsored vaccine sites.

Residents seeking a booster should wait at least 28 days after receiving their second vaccine dose and should get the same brand as their original vaccine.

The COVID-19 vaccine is the safest and most effective way
to stay healthy from this deadly pandemic. Visit the Wayne County website for more information and where to get vaccinated, or call the state’s COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136 and press 1.

I also encourage all residents who are eligible to get the seasonal influenza and pneumonia vaccines. Visit the CDC website for more information on how to prevent influenza and to find a vaccine near you.

WAYNE COUNTY EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (ERAP)

Wayne County has opened a Countywide Emergency Rental Assistance program for both tenants and landlords negatively impacted by COVID-19. This program* is geared toward Wayne County residents and property owners who are experiencing housing instability.

Assistance through this program includes rent and utility assistance with electricity, home heating, water, and sewer bills. Internet stipends and relocation assistance are also available.

>> Click here to be taken to the Wayne County website for more information on the application process, eligibility requirements, and required documents.

*Please note: This program is only for residents outside of Detroit, which has its own separate rental assistance program.

UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE UPDATE

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.

>> Click here to schedule an in-person appointment at a local UIA office.

COMMUNITY UPDATE

Romulus Boos Cruise

This Saturday, Oct. 16, the city of Romulus is holding a Boos Cruise! You may pre-register before the event at the Community Development office or during check-in. There will be all kinds of fun activities, food, and a raffle for a grand prize! 

Taylor Hallow-Palooza

The City of Taylor’s Hallow-Palooza, its premiere Halloween event, is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 29, in Heritage Park. Register as soon as possible because time slots will fill up quickly!

This Trick-or-Treat event kicks off at 4 p.m. in Heritage Park. The line starts in front of the Sheridan Center Open Air Pavilion and includes an epic stroll including more than 50 treat stops and plenty of tricks. It will wind through Heritage Park and the spooky Petting Farm. Taylor residents are free with a valid identification. Non-residents are $5 per child (pre-register online and pay at the gate).

Pre-register online by clicking here.

Spooktacular activities inside the Sheridan Center kick off at 5 p.m. and will include a professional pumpkin carver, child-friendly DJ, and more.

Donuts, cider, and pizza will be for sale. There will also be a movie on the big screen at approximately 7:30 p.m. Festivities will end at 9 p.m.