October 8, 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 District.
To that end, in the edition below, you can find information about:
- My recent legislative work on increasing police accountability and fighting against bills that would restrict your freedom to vote.
- Registration for my coffee hour next week.
- FAFSA application information.
- MI Works! expungement fair information.
- Emergency rent and utility resources.
- COVID-19 testing and vaccine information.
As always, you can reach my office at (517) 373-2406 or by replying to this email.
Working for you,
Jeff Irwin
State Senator
18th District
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Last week, I introduced four bills that would increase police accountability.
Ending Protections for Police that Lie
Senate Bill 667 ends a terrible court precedent that provides law enforcement officers protection if they lie in an internal investigation. Michigan law was written to protect officers who do the right thing and tell the truth, but a misguided court ruling put a blanket protection on officers who also lie during internal investigations. This legislation restores accountability. As Americans, we demand that our civil servants be truthful and do what is right. Bad actors should not be protected.
Empowering the MI Attorney General to Investigate Crimes Committed by Police
Senate Bill 668 allows the attorney general to appoint a special prosecuting attorney to investigate crimes committed by a law enforcement officer. If a county prosecutor determines that a law enforcement officer committed a crime or used excessive force that violated an individual’s civil rights they can notify the attorney general who will then either appoint a special prosecutor or choose an agency to investigate the allegations of excessive force.
Protecting Juvenile Informants
Senate Bill 669 prohibits police agencies from using under-18 informants without parental/guardian permission. This legislation would also give parents/guardians the right to a court order to stop a violation. Not requiring law enforcement to inform parents of this is a serious gap in our laws. Many times juvenile informants are sent into situations that may be dangerous or life threatening, or can potentially harm the child’s mental health. I introduced this legislation because of the heartbreaking story of Shelly Hilliard, a Detroit native, who was gruesomely murdered after being convinced to become an informant and helping police arrest a drug dealer.
You can read my full press release on this legislation here.
Empowering MCOLES to Revoke Police Licenses
Senate Bill 670 strengthens the authority of Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) allowing the commission to revoke police licenses if an officer is convicted of a misdemeanor. Currently, the commission can only revoke a license if an officer is convicted of serious felonies. Many times, officers will plead to lesser charges resulting in MCOLES not being able to revoke their license. If a police officer pleads guilty to lesser charges that does not mean that the crimes committed were not serious enough to warrant an officer losing their license. MCOLES should have the power to revoke their licenses.
Fighting Against Voter Suppression Legislation
This week, the Republican-controlled Senate passed Senate Bills 303 and 304, which will create additional barriers to voting in Michigan.
I voted NO on these bills because we already have voter ID laws in Michigan. Adding additional hurdles will make it more difficult for our seniors, disabled persons, students, immigrants, and anyone who doesn’t drive to vote. And when you make it more difficult for them, you are making it more difficult for anyone living in urban areas with busy precincts. Because when someone who might not have an ID gets to the front of the line, there will be a disagreement about whether or not their vote will count, holding up everyone else in line. It means longer lines in communities like Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Flint. But, unfortunately, that is exactly what this legislation is designed to do. Make it harder to vote, make longer lines, and discourage people from voting.
What our legislature should be doing is focusing on guaranteeing equal access to the polls. When people in one community have to wait four hours to vote, and people in another can walk in and out in 10 minutes, that is not equal access. We should be fixing this, not making it worse.
UPCOMING COFFEE HOUR ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16 AT 11 AM
Join me at my upcoming virtual coffee hour on Saturday, October 16th at 11:00 a.m. on Zoom or Facebook Live.
>> 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 office at (517) 373-2406 or by responding to this email.
FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID (FAFSA)
The application for FAFSA has opened! FAFSA helps current and prospective college students (undergraduate and graduate) determine their eligibility for student financial aid, like the Pell Grant or Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG).
Visit the FAFSA website to find more information and apply.
MI WORKS! EXPUNGEMENT FAIR ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16th FROM 10AM TO 3PM
Michigan Works! Southeast is hosting an event where people can begin the legal process of sealing eligible criminal offenses from the public, also known as expungement. An expungement gives people a second chance at employment, housing, and other resources often difficult to attain for those with past criminal convictions.
The expungement fair will take place at the Washtenaw Learning Resource Center, located at 4135 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48108 on Saturday, October 16th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit the MI Works! Southeast websiteand click on “Washtenaw” under “Expungement Events” for more info and how to start the expungement process.
COVID-19 EMERGENCY RENT AND UTILITY RESOURCES
Need help with rent, utilities, and/or internet bills? Apply today at Michigan.gov/CERA. You can also access the CERA online application, links to paper applications, and new user guides to walk tenants and landlords through the application process at Washtenaw.org.
WASHTENAW COUNTY VACCINE UPDATE
Good news: More than 70% of Washtenaw County residents 16+ have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine!
The Washtenaw County Health Department has an ongoing COVID-19 vaccination site located at 555 Towner St. in Ypsilanti. This site is open to anyone 12 years or older with no appointment necessary. You can request the Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Below are the times/days the site is open:
- Every Tuesday: 9-11:30 a.m., 1-3:30 p.m., and 5-7 p.m.
- Every Wednesday: 9-11:30 a.m. and 1-3:30 p.m.
- Every Thursday: 9-11:30 a.m. and 1-3:30 p.m.
- Every Friday: 9-11:30 a.m. and 1-3:30 p.m.
In addition, the health department is also now hosting an October drive-through for booster shots and vaccinations at the same location (555 Towner St. in Ypsilanti). Similar rules apply, whereby the drive-through option can be utilized by anyone 12 years or older with no appointment necessary, and you can request the Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
- NOTE: For Pfizer boosters, the WCHD is asking that you bring your vaccination card, if possible. If you are unsure if you or a loved one should receive a booster shot, please check the CDC’s website for more info.
Here are the times/days the drive-through is open:
- Every Tuesday: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Every Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Every Thursday: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Every Friday: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Two Saturdays: Oct 16th and Oct 23rd from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.