Dear Neighbor,
As we enter 2021, I contact you today optimistic about the future despite recent threats to our democracy. Michigan has continued to make strides in lowering the number of COVID-19 caseloads. We have moved into the next phase of our vaccine distribution and I expect that vaccine production will continue to accelerate. Ensuring a smoother rollout of vaccinations continues to be one of my top priorities as we return to a new legislative session, and I am committed to working on these issues more as the year progresses.
While the Michigan Senate convenes for the year, I would like to take this opportunity to speak out against the insurrection that occurred at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 during the certification of the results of the 2020 presidential election. These actions were deplorable, and I am extremely glad the rioters failed at their attempt to overtake our democracy. All parties responsible should be fully prosecuted and, to do my part, I will continue to be vocal against any continued attempts to undermine the freedoms and values that our country stands for.
What follows in this e-news is a long update, but there is so much happening, and I want to make sure you’re informed. Below you will find updates on:
- Return-to-school plans from each school district in the 18th Senate District.
- Information on changing COVID restrictions and how to get more information on vaccines.
- Updates on available grants for performance venues.
- How to apply for employee assistance grants up to $1,650 for those out of work.
As always, please reach out to my office if you need any assistance or have questions. Feedback from my constituents is important to me and helps me best serve the 280,000 people whose interests I represent in Lansing every day.
Sincerely,
State Senator Jeff Irwin
SCHOOL UPDATES
Earlier this month, Governor Whitmer issued guidance encouraging all K-12 schools to prepare to offer an in-person instruction option for students by March 1, while still giving each district the flexibility to make their own plans for when and how to return to in-person education. Below, I’ve included links to each school district’s update page where you can find more information about their reopening plans.
K-12 School Districts
Ann Arbor Public Schools
Lincoln Consolidated Schools
Milan Area Schools
Saline Area Schools
South Lyon Community Schools
Ypsilanti Community Schools
Van Buren Public Schools
WISD
Colleges & UniversitiesEastern Michigan University
University of Michigan
Concordia University
Washtenaw Community College
MDHHS EPIDEMIC ORDER ALLOWS INDOOR GROUP EXERCISE, NON-CONTACT SPORTS
On Wednesday, Jan. 13, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) updated its epidemic order to allow re-opening of additional activities where Michiganders can remain masked and socially distanced, as such precautions have been scientifically shown to slow the spread of the virus.
Indoor group exercise and non-contact sports resumed as of last Saturday, Jan. 16 and will last until Sunday, Jan. 31.Indoor residential gatherings remain limited to 10 people and two households. MDHHS continues to urge families to avoid indoor gatherings or to pick a single other household to interact with consistent with guidance already released by the department. Families are encouraged to stay home as much as possible to maintain momentum and to protect loved ones, and are also encouraged to Mask Up, Mask Right, using guidance for what masks to wear and how to wear them.
The epidemic order continues to temporarily pause indoor dining in bars and restaurants, but they can continue to offer outdoor dining, carryout, and delivery. The working plan is to open indoor dining with mitigation measures, capacity limits and a curfew on Feb. 1, but the ultimate decision depends on data continuing to stabilize.
As of Jan. 18, colleges and universities were able to have students return to campus for the winter semester and restart in-person courses.
As before, employees who work in jobs that cannot be performed from home can continue to go to work, while employees who can work from home should continue to do so. Individualized activities with distancing and face masks are still allowed, including retail shopping; public transit; restaurant takeout; and personal-care services such as haircuts, by appointment.
COVID-19 VACCINE INFORMATION
On Monday, Jan. 11, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) began vaccinating residents 65 and older along with frontline workers — including police officers, first responders, frontline state and federal workers and jail and prison staff, and preK-12 teachers and childcare providers — to help reach the state’s goal of vaccinating 70% of Michiganders over age 16 and bring a quicker end to the COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan.
>> If you fall into the above-named categories of individuals eligible to start receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, contact the Washtenaw County Health Department to schedule your vaccination appointments.
If you need assistance scheduling a vaccination appointment or have any more questions about where to get one, please contact my office.
SAVE OUR STAGES – LIVE MUSIC GRANTS
The Michigan Strategic Fund Board also approved $3.5 million to support the state’s live music and entertainment venues that have been negatively impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The program will provide up to $40,000 in one-time grants for eligible entertainment venues throughout Michigan.
>> Applications for the program will be made available beginning Thursday, Jan. 21 at 9:00 a.m. at MichiganBusiness.org/Stages. Completed applications are due by noon, Thursday, Jan. 28.
Please note: Applications will be submitted to, and processed by, the Michigan Independent Venue and Promoter Association (MIVPA) who will recommend grant awards to the MEDC for disbursement by Feb. 28.
>> Visit MichiganBusiness.org/Stages for more information and a list of FAQs.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE GRANT APPLICATIONS
Workers who lost jobs or wages due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related state health orders may receive up to $1,650 in grant funding. Applications are due no later than 5:00 PM on Monday, Jan. 25.
>> Apply online at mrlaef.org/money
Michigan employees impacted by the MDHHS Order of November 2020 must have been working in one of the following industries to qualify for an Employee Assistance Grant:
- Bars
- Banquet Halls
- Bowling Allies
- Cafeterias
- Casinos
- Caterers
- Food Trucks
- Golf Courses
- Hotels, Motels, Bed & Breakfasts, Resorts
- Nightclubs
- Restaurants
- Theaters
- And other such recreational facilities.
The following information will be required during the online Employee Assistance Grants application process:
- Legal Name
- Mailing Address
- Social Security Number
- Date of Hire
- Employer Business Name, Manager Name, Phone Number and Email Address
- Proof of Employment in November 2020 (via a paystub or signed letter on business letterhead stating employment was impacted by MDHHS Order of November 2020)
>> Apply online at mrlaef.org/money
Please note: All Employee Assistance Grant applicants will receive an email no later than Friday, Feb. 26, 2021 confirming whether their application was approved or denied. The State of Michigan Department of Treasury will issue the grant payments. Grant awards are taxable but will not count against unemployment as income.
Join me at my upcoming virtual coffee hour on Saturday, Jan. 30 at 11:00 a.m. on Zoom.
>> Please use this form to RSVP to the coffee hour and to receive the information about how to join the meeting, which you can also watch on my Facebook page.
If you are unable to access the form or have any problems with the link, please contact Samantha Martin, my Constituent Relations Director, at 734-730-9327.
During the coffee hour, I will provide a legislative update on my work for you in Lansing and answer some questions that you submit. I hope to see you all online with me soon!