Dear Neighbor,
I hope this newsletter reaches you and your family safe and healthy. It’s an exciting time here in Lansing as we continue with budget negotiations and work to further investments in our communities, infrastructure, and schools.
Featured in this newsletter:
- Legislative Updates
- Upcoming Coffee Hours
- Resources
As always, if you need anything, please do not hesitate to reach our office at https://senatedems.com/klinefelt/contact/ or by phone at (517) 373-7670.
Veronica Klinefelt
State Senator
District 11
Legislative Updates
Distracted Driving Bills
House Bills 4250-4252, which passed through the House and the Senate and were signed by the Governor earlier this week, ban distracted driving/using a non-hands-free cell phone while on the roads. These bills go into effect on June 30th and aim to curb distracted driving and increase safety on the roads.
- HB 4250 – 4251 update the Michigan Vehicle Code to include new penalties and require someone who commits three violations of the law in a three-year span to take a basic driving instruction course.
- HB 4252 would require the Michigan State Police to prepare a report on the new law 42 months after it becomes effective. The report would track racial and demographic data on traffic stops for distracted driving, as well as monitor how many crashes, serious injuries and deaths are caused by violations. The bill also sets fine amounts for violating the law.
Coffee Hours
Coffee Hour with Sen. Hertel and Sen. Klinefelt
WHEN: Friday, June 23, 2023, at 11 am
WHERE: Clinton-Macomb Public Library, 40900 Romeo Plank Rd, Clinton Township, MI 48038
Coffee Hour with Sen. Klinefelt
WHEN: Monday, July 17, 2023, at 12:30 pm
WHERE: Peace Manor, 17275 Fifteen Mile Rd, Clinton Twp, MI 48035
Resources
Comcast RISE Grant Presentation
Join the Macomb County Chamber for a free presentation about the Comcast RISE Monetary Grant. 100 small businesses in Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties will be named Comcast RISE recipients and awarded packages that include business consultation services, educational resources, a monetary grant, creative production, a media schedule, and a technology makeover.
WHEN: Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at 11:30 am
WHERE: Michigan Works, 43630 Hayes Rd, Suite #240, Clinton Township, MI 48038
This event is free, but space is limited. Registration is required.
Michigan Air Quality Impacted by Smoke and Fires
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a color-coded way for residents to see what the levels of some types of air pollution are in their area. The higher the AQI, the worse the air quality is and the more cause for concern. Due to the recent fires in northern Michigan and Canada the past couple weeks, the AQI for particulate matter (PM) is high in many parts of Michigan and the eastern US. EPA’s Smoke and Fire map can be helpful in locating fires near you and seeing how smoke is moving.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has advised:
- For current health and safety information, follow social media at:
- For people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teens it is suggested to take the following steps to reduce exposure:
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activities;
- Keep outdoor activities short;
- Consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them.
- For everyone else:
- Choose less strenuous activities (like walking instead of running) so you don’t breathe as hard;
- Shorten the amount of time you are active outdoors;
- Be active outdoors when air quality is better.
Air Quality Alerts are issued through the EnviroFlash system, sign up here to receive them. EnviroFlash is a free subscription service.
Fire Danger is High across Michigan; Practice Fire Safety Outside
The heat, humidity and windy weather have pushed fire danger to high levels across the Lower Peninsula. Below are some tips for keeping fires under control this summer.
Safety tips to keep fires under control:
- When you’re working with fire or equipment outdoors, keep in mind that fires can take off very fast and that the remains of a fire smolder for some time. Here are some tips to keep it safe out there:
- Contain your campfire or bonfire in a pit or ring and make sure you put it out thoroughly before leaving for the night. Douse the fire with water, stir the ashes and douse again.
- Never leave any fire — including hot coals — unattended.
- Keep a hose or other water source nearby when burning.
- Prevent sparks. Keep trailer chains from dragging when you’re on the road; don’t park hot equipment on dry grass.
- Never shoot fireworks into the woods, dry grass or shrubs.
- Get more fire safety tips at Michigan.gov/FireManagement.
- It’s illegal to burn plastic, hazardous materials, foam or other household trash. This can release dangerous chemicals into the air.
- You can use a burn barrel with a screen on top to burn paper, leaves and natural materials.
Information on Climate and Wildfires
Additional Helpful Resources
These resources may be helpful to you if you are looking to learn more about air quality in your area, specifically around wildfires and smoke impacts.
Project Health – CVS
No-cost, no-catch health checkups. Select stores, most Thursdays–Sundays. From blood pressure readings to mental health assessments, they are here to support your whole health. Learn more about offerings at CVS.com/ProjectHealth
WHERE: Covenant Missionary Temple, 28491 Utica Rd, Roseville, MI 48066
WHERE: CVS, 15455 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48205
WHERE: CVS, 15455 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48205
Michigan Public Service Commission: Help with Home Energy Bills
Help is available for Michigan households struggling with home energy bills. The MPSC’s one-stop webpage on utility assistance is at www.michigan.gov/mpsc/gethelp. Residential utility and propane customers in financial distress can contact their utility for help or seek assistance by calling 211 or applying for State Emergency Relief.