Dear Neighbor,
I hope that this newsletter finds you safe and healthy, especially given the recent storms. As fall is quickly approaching, I hope you and your loved ones are able to have a relaxing Labor Day weekend.
Featured in this newsletter:
- In the Community
- Upcoming Events
- Resources
As always, if you need anything, please do not hesitate to reach our office via our website or by phone at (517) 373-7670.
Sincerely,
Veronica Klinefelt
State Senator
District 11
In the Community
From ribbon cuttings to legislative door-knocking and school tours, our team has been very busy over the past few weeks!
Door Knocking with Team Chang, Team McMorrow, Team Polehanki and the MI League of Conservation Voters
Tour of Chippewa Valley Schools
Chelsea Park Subdivision Ribbon Cutting with Residents and the Macomb Township Board
Greeting Kids on the First Day of School with Governor Whitmer at Forest Park Elementary
Speaking at the Macomb County Legislative Town Hall
Upcoming Events
Coffee Hours
WHEN: Monday, Sept. 25, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.
WHERE: Recreational Authority of Roseville & Eastpointe, 18185 Sycamore St, Roseville, MI 48066
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 23, 2023, at 10:00 am
WHERE: Recreational Authority of Roseville & Eastpointe, 18185 Sycamore St, Roseville, MI 48066
Resources
Severe Weather Resources
In response to recent severe weather across the state, our first responders and officials are working hard to ensure there is a swift delivery of resources to affected areas. We applaud this effort and our dedicated first responders, who have been working tirelessly around the clock. Please continue to exercise caution as some areas are still being cleared and assessed for damage. If you need help or see something to report, use the following links.
To report downed power lines:
🔌 DTE: outage.dteenergy.com/report-down-line
🔌 Consumers Energy: Call 1-888-535-9003
🔌 Lansing BWL: Call 1-877-295-5001
To report flooding or flood damage, visit Michigan.gov/difs/consumers/disaster-prep/flood.
For additional safety tips, visit Michigan.gov/miready.
UIA Offers New Coaching Sessions for First-Time Filers
Workers in Michigan applying for jobless benefits now can receive online guidance from trained instructors at the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA). These coaching sessions can be accessed through the UIA website. It’s important to note that participating in an orientation session is not mandatory to qualify for benefits.
During these sessions, UIA staff will provide guidance on the UIA’s new online Claimant Roadmap, a user-friendly tool designed to simplify the application process and enhance understanding of benefits. Here’s the specific information you need to know:
- Sessions are available on specific days and times:
- 9-11 a.m. Tuesdays
- 3-5 p.m. Wednesdays
- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays
- 1-3 p.m. Fridays
- After signing up, users will receive an email with a link to use during their selected session.
- Reminder emails will be sent one day and one hour before the session begins.
- These sessions are not for individuals with current claims.
- Those with current claims can seek assistance through other channels:
- Call UIA’s Customer Service line at 1-866-500-0017
- Visit Michigan.gov/UIA to schedule an in-person, phone or virtual appointment
- Use the website’s Ask Ava chat feature for answers to questions
Safety Precautions During Yellowjacket and Hornet Peak Seasons
As we transition into the late summer and early fall, it’s important to be aware that August and September mark the peak seasons for yellowjackets and hornets. These stinging insects become more active during this time, making it crucial to take necessary precautions to ensure your safety.
- Locate the nest and treat it with a registered insecticide.
- Check your property for potential harborage points, like open spots in the ground, hollow tree stumps or openings between the walls.
- Cover eating containers as much as possible, especially when eating outdoors.
- Be sure to add natural wasp-repellent plants like eucalyptus, spearmint or thyme around your surrounding property.
- Contact pest control for removal service and related information:
- To contact the State of Michigan’s Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division (PPPMD), call 1-800-292-3939.
- To utilize free yellow jacket and hornet removal, contact mihornetremoval.com. They are willing to travel 40 miles from Perry, Michigan or further based on order status. In the event they cannot make it to your area, they will be able to provide solid referrals to other free removal services.
Things to Know When Considering Student Loans
As Michiganders prepare for the fall semester, tuition bills are piling up and student loans are looming. That is why the Michigan Department of Treasury’s MI Student Aid Team is asking students and their families to be alert and informed when considering student loans. To make the best decision regarding student loans, the MI Student Aid Team recommends to:
- Complete the FAFSA to maximize financial aid options
- Understand that loans must be repaid with interest
- Compare interest rates and repayment terms before accepting a loan
- Only accept the amount needed and follow instructions to adjust loan amounts
- Beware of loan scams and protect personal banking information
- Visit the school’s financial aid office regularly to stay informed
- Create a studentaid.gov account to manage federal student loans and explore repayment options