February 18, 2021
Dear Neighbor,
As we move through February, I have been hard at work in our community pressing for a faster vaccine rollout that allows every person who wants a vaccine to get one.
Unfortunately, vaccine supplies continue to be extremely limited, whether through the county, Michigan Medicine, or IHA Health. I am in regular contact with these institutions to push for more vaccines for our seniors, teachers, and other essential health care workers who have been unable to get vaccinated.
In the e-news below, you find updates on some of the bills I’ve introduced since starting the 101st Legislative Session last month, information about where you can receive a vaccine in our community, and an update on my upcoming coffee hour.
As always, please feel free to reach out to me if my office can assist you in any way.
Sincerely,
Jeff Irwin
State Senator
18th District
EITC EXPANSION
Helping low-income families pay their bills has always been one of my top priorities in office, especially as we continue to deal with the economic fallout from COVID-19. That’s why I recently introduced Senate Bill 105, which will provide tax relief for people in poverty by reinvigorating Michigan’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
In 2011, Michigan Republicans increased taxes for low-income workers by reducing the EITC. This increased taxes for the average low-income family by over $400/year. Now, as COVID-19 continues to hurt working families across Michigan, I’m pushing to expand the EITC to help families in all our communities.
UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE
Over the last year, we have faced an unprecedented surge in unemployment claims due to COVID-19. My office has been working hard to make sure you’re able to get the unemployment benefits you deserve.
If you or anyone else you know may be struggling with receiving any benefits owed to you, please contact us using the Unemployment Assistance Form available on my website.
COVID-19 VACCINE INFORMATION
As vaccine distribution efforts continue around the country, a federal program now allows vaccines to be made available at local Meijer and Rite-Aid stores throughout our community. Rite-Aid’s vaccinations are specifically focused on adults 65 and older and Meijer can administer vaccines to anyone currently eligible under the state’s prioritization guidance. Both have online registration processes for scheduling appointments, and Meijer also offers registration assistance by phone.
- Register to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at Meijer.
- Take the registration survey and see if you qualify to register for the COVID-19 vaccine at Rite-Aid.
If you are a Washtenaw County resident and need vaccination information, I encourage you to visit the county’s COVID-19 resource and update webpage. They have the most current information about where to get a vaccine and when more vaccines will become available as production continues to ramp up.
If you need assistance navigating any of these resources, please reach out to my office by replying to this email or calling at (517) 373-2406.
UPCOMING COFFEE HOUR ON SATURDAY, FEB. 20
Join me at my upcoming virtual coffee hour on Saturday, Feb. 20 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!