June 18, 2021
Dear Neighbor,
As your State Senator, I want to make sure you’re informed about state and local issues affecting our communities in the 18th Senate District.
To that end, in the edition below, you can find information about:
- A legislative update on my work in Lansing
- An update on K-12 funding approved by the Senate
- COVID-19 emergency resources
- An unemployment update regarding work search requirements
- Registration for my upcoming coffee hour on June 26th
- Other updates from the Governor, Attorney General, and MDHHS
As always, you can reach my office by calling me at (517) 373-2406 or by sending me an email.
Jeff Irwin
State Senator
18th District
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Senate Bill 482 – Updating training standards and requiring continuing education for law enforcement officers
This bill seeks to improve police practices by improving the quality of the training and by requiring continuing education for police officers. The bill requires all incoming law enforcement officers complete training on de-escalation techniques and mental health screening, and adds these elements to the certification requirements from the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES).
Senate Bill 445 – Aid in additional pandemic unemployment claims
This bill would amend Michigan’s unemployment law to ensure that claimants receive the benefits they qualify for under the Federal CARES Act. It would apply retroactively to all PUA claims filed after March 1, 2020 and allow full or part-time workers to receive PUA benefits. This will relieve claimants and the agency from fighting over eligibility issues from last year caused by the bureaucratic morass of the UIA laws in Michigan.
Senate Bill 497 – Prosecute sexual assaults facilitated by drugs and alcohol
Under current Michigan law, only individuals who were unwittingly or forcibly given drugs or alcohol prior to being sexually assaulted or raped are considered mentally incapacitated and therefore unable to consent to sexual activity due to mental incapacitation. If an individual uses drugs or alcohol, due to their own volition, and is later sexually assaulted or raped, they are not considered mentally incapacitated under Michigan law. It is possible that assailants would be prosecuted under current law, but the narrow definition of mental incapacitation complicates the prosecution.
Senate Bill 497 would change the definition of mental incapacitation such that anyone who is under the influence of a mind-altering substance, to the extent that they can no longer knowingly consent to sexual activity, is considered mentally incapacitated whether that substance was used voluntarily or not. This would include situations wherein the victim is unconscious, experiencing a so-called “blackout,” or otherwise rendered incapable of appraising or controlling their conduct due to the use of said substance. Changing this law is crucial in enabling those who are sexually assaulted or raped while under the influence of drugs or alcohol to seek justice.
Senate Joint Resolution I – Repeal the ban on Affirmative Action programs
This Senate Joint Resolution would amend the state constitution to repeal the law banning affirmative action programs, a law that has created more significant socioeconomic disparities in our state. Repealing this ban will allow greater opportunities in spaces such as education and the workplace for individuals who have been historically marginalized and received fewer opportunities based on their race, ethnicity, sex, national origin, or religion.
Senate Bill 500 – Ensure access to quality complex rehabilitation technology
This bill will ensure access to quality and necessary rehabilitation technology, like wheelchairs, in the Medicaid program for people with complex medical needs and allow state departments to prescribe the powers and duties for that technology.
Senate Bill 505 – Revise and update court-appointed guardian or conservator rules
Senate Bill 505 will change the considerations and procedures for a court in determining whether a guardian needs to be appointed for an allegedly incapacitated individual, and any related matters. The bill requires the court to set an “initial” hearing after a petition is newly filed so that a scheduling order can be entered, allowing meaningful preparation for trial. The bill also updates requirements related to filing a medical examination report, and the court may dismiss a proceeding if it cannot be shown by clear and convincing evidence that the individual is an incapacitated individual, and that the appointment is necessary as a means of providing care and supervision of the individual.
SENATE PASSES NEARLY $4.4B IN K-12 SCHOOL FUNDING
On Tuesday, June 15th, the Michigan Senate passed a $4.38 billion coronavirus relief funding bill for K-12 schools in Michigan.
A substitute version of House Bill 4421, the approved legislation appropriates the entirety of the federal stimulus money provided to Michigan’s School Aid Fund from the American Rescue Plan. Most of the money in the bill — $3.35 billion — is from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief III, with another $840.7 million in funds that were sent to Michigan in December but have not yet been appropriated. Although we should have gotten these dollars to the community more quickly, it is good to finally get these dollars go to work in our schools.
COVID-19 EMERGENCY RENT AND UTILITY RESOURCES
For renters: MSHDA operates the COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) Program through local nonprofits. This program helps with water, energy bills, and rent.
For non-renters: The State Emergency Relief (SER) Program provides eligible seniors and low-income families with assistance paying water, electric, and heating bills and helps restore or keep utility services. Find this resource through local DHHS offices; the application is here can be obtained online at Michigan.gov/MIBridges (*Note: You must apply for SER before receiving MEAP services.)
Washtenaw County Barrier Busters
Barrier Busters is a group of 90+ social service agencies committed to improving services for Washtenaw County residents in need. To serve residents, member agencies have access to the “Barrier Busters Emergency Unmet Needs” Fund — public and private funds that provide social workers, case managers, and other direct-service providers access to emergency assistance funds for clients.
This fund provides agencies an efficient way to prevent evictions and utility shutoffs and assist with other emergency costs that threaten residents’ housing and financial stability. Residents in need work with their existing provider to access financial assistance.
If you or someone you know needs assistance, please visit Washtenaw.org to find an agency provider.
UNEMPLOYMENT SEARCH FOR WORK UPDATED REQUIREMENTS
Michigan’s requirement to search for work to remain eligible for unemployment benefits will be reinstated as of May 30, 2021. For each week you claim unemployment benefits, you will be required to search for work and submit details of at least one work search activity per week.
Make sure you understand your responsibilities when it comes to conducting and documenting your work search to avoid mistakes which could result in you having to repay the benefits you receive.
- You must actively search for work while you are claiming benefits.
- You must conduct at least one work search activity each week.
- You must report your work search activities at the time you certify for benefits. Your report will not be complete, and benefits will not be paid until your work search activities have been reported to the UIA.
Work search activities include but are not limited to:
- applying for jobs in person or online
- attending job fairs
- creating a profile or resume on a professional networking site
- participating in online job search workshops or seminars
While the work search requirements continue to be in effect, you may also be eligible for a work search waiver for certain COVID-19 related reasons. Claimants who are self-employed and on PUA are automatically granted waivers from work search.
To apply for a waiver:
- Log into your MiWAM account.
- Under the Claimant Services tab, click on “Request a COVID-19 Work Search Waiver.”
- Answer the questions and click submit.
A confirmation page will let you know if your waiver is approved or denied. If approved, the confirmation page will provide the dates of the approved waiver. A waiver may be from two weeks up to Sept. 4, 2021.
Finally, my office will continue to serve as a resource for any constituents who may be struggling with receiving unemployment benefits. If you have questions or concerns regarding UIA please complete our unemployment assistance form on my website.
UPCOMING COFFEE HOUR ON SATURDAY, JUNE 26
Join me at my upcoming virtual coffee hour on Saturday, June 26 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 my Constituent Relations Director, Nick Voelkner, at 810-623-2287 or by responding to this email.
I will provide a legislative update on my work for you in Lansing at the coffee hour and answer questions that you submit. I hope to see you all there!
MDHHS TO LIFT REMAINING COVID RESTRICTIONS JUNE 22
On Thursday, June 17, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced that beginning June 22, capacity in both indoor and outdoor settings will increase to 100% and the state will no longer require residents to wear a face mask.
Nearly five million Michiganders ages 16 and older have received their first vaccine dose, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. And, according to data from the Michigan Care Improvement Registry, half of Michigan residents have completed their vaccination and more than 60% have gotten their first shots.
Case rates, percent positivity and hospitalizations have all plummeted over the past several weeks. Currently, Michigan is experiencing 24.3 cases per million and has recorded a 1.9% positivity rate over the last seven days.
Some orders will remain in effect to protect vulnerable populations in corrections, long-term care, and agriculture. Public health measures will continue for reporting requirements and COVID testing to make sure areas where community spread is high are identified, kids are safe in school, and free COVID-19 tests are available. Guidance for keeping children and staff safe in schools will be released next week.
To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine and where to find the nearest vaccination site, visit Michigan.gov/COVIDvaccine and VaccineFinder.org.
AG NESSEL REMINDS CONSUMERS TO WATCH OUT FOR CALLERS CLAIMING TO BE FROM THE HEALTH DEPARTMENTS
In partnership with the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS), Attorney General Dana Nessel is reissuing a consumer alert, warning Michiganders to beware of health care scammers — this time, claiming to be a representative from the “U.S. Department of Health Insurance Plans for Citizens” offering health insurance plans at a discount.
These types of scams often contact residents through a robocall. If you receive an unsolicited call from someone saying they represent a local, state or federal agency, be skeptical and trust your instincts.
Hang up if they claim to be from a government agency and:
- offer a new medical plan enrollment by asking for your current insurance information;
- make threats (like that your existing coverage will be cancelled) or rush you to make a decision; or
- attempt to obtain banking information from you.
Consumer complaints can be filed online at the Attorney General’s website, or by calling 877-765-8388.
GOVERNOR WHITMER ANNOUNCES RECORD INVESTMENT IN CHILDCARE
On Monday, June 14, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced a $1.4 billion investment in federal childcare funding to expand access to high-quality childcare, make it more affordable, and support childcare professionals as part of the administration’s Economic Jumpstart Investment. Highlights include:
Making childcare more affordable for families.
- Increase income eligibility from 150% of the federal poverty level (FPL), $39,300 annually for a family of four, to 200% or $53,000 annually for a family of four from August 1, 2021 – September 30, 2023, making low or no-cost childcare available to an estimated 150,000 more children. Thereafter, income eligibility permanently increases to 160% FPL, $41,920 annually for a family of four.
- Increase access to the childcare subsidy for student parents enrolled in Michigan Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners for a 12-month period. Individual student parents will leave the program per the exit requirements.
Supporting early educators.
- Offer premium pay for childcare professionals with stipends paid quarterly from July 2021 – September 2022.
- Maintain mental health supports provided by infant and early childhood mental health consultants for children enrolled in childcare.
Stabilizing childcare businesses.
- Raise childcare subsidy rates by 20% for providers to move closer to the market rate for childcare.
- Provide business stimulus grants to all childcare providers to help them remain open and serving Michigan families.
Expanding access to childcare.
- Provide grants to new and expanding sites in communities without adequate childcare.
MDHHS ANNOUCES ADDITIONAL FOOD ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS IN JUNE
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has announced that all Michigan families who are eligible for food assistance benefits will receive an additional payment in June in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately 700,000 Michigan households will benefit under approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service.
All households will receive an increase of at least $95 monthly, even if they are already receiving the maximum payment or are close to that amount. Households that received over $95 to bring them to the maximum payment for their group size will continue to receive that larger amount. Eligible clients will see additional food assistance benefits on their Bridge Card from June 12-22. Additional benefits will be loaded onto Bridge Cards as a separate payment from the assistance that is provided earlier in the month.
Eligible families do not need to re-apply to receive the additional benefits. People who receive food assistance can check their benefits balance on their Michigan Bridge Card by going online to Michigan.gov/MIBridges or calling a consumer service representative toll-free at 888-678-8914. They can ask questions about the additional benefits by calling or emailing their caseworker.