Dear Neighbor,
As we approach the holiday season and prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, I hope you are taking time to rest and gather with loved ones. Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to express gratitude in our lives — and I am incredibly thankful to serve and represent you in District 11.
In this legislative year alone, my colleagues and I have passed critical legislation to address the issues and challenges facing our state. I am proud that we accomplished this by listening and engaging in conversations with constituents and I look forward to continuing our work in the new year.
As always, if you or someone you know wants to provide any feedback about what’s happening in Lansing or needs assistance of any sort, please feel free to reach out to my office. You can email us at SenVKlinefelt@senate.michigan.gov or call (517) 373-7670.
Featured in this newsletter:
- Legislative Updates
- Upcoming Events
- Helpful Resources
Sincerely,
Veronica Klinefelt
State Senator
District 11
Legislative Updates
Protecting Survivors of Domestic Violence from Further Abuse
Domestic violence is a crisis facing women and families across Michigan and the United States. The issue of domestic violence is also deeply interconnected with gun violence, as more abusers are choosing firearms as their weapon of choice.
For a long time under state law, individuals convicted of a domestic violence misdemeanor were not barred from possessing or carrying a firearm for any amount of time. To close this dangerous loophole, Sen. Stephanie Chang and Sen. Sue Shink introduced Senate Bills 471, 472 and 528.
Michigan has now joined the majority of states that have enhanced protections for survivors of domestic violence. Click here to read more about this legislation.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, visit the Michigan State Police webpage on domestic violence here for more information, or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
Financial Disclosure
For a long time, Michigan was one of only two states where lawmakers did not have to file any type of public report about their personal finances. After extensive conversations, bipartisan financial disclosure Senate Bills 613–616 passed the Senate nearly unanimously and are now one step closer to helping improve government transparency and codifying Proposal 1 of 2022 — which was supported by 2.8 million Michigan voters just last year.
Per Proposal 1 of 2022, and going beyond it, the legislation passed would ensure that starting next year on April 15th, each lawmaker must disclose:
Every source of income;
- Assets held for investment or production of income;
- Significant liabilities;
- Positions held in organizations;
- Future employment agreements;
- Spouse’s occupation and more.
The Senate bills also extend this disclosure to candidates for office so that voters can vet these potential conflicts as they decide on who they want to represent them.
Upcoming Events
Coffee Hour
As a State Senator, I look forward to opportunities where I get to hear directly from the people I serve. Please attend my coffee hour next month so you can stay informed about district updates and upcoming legislative priorities. I hope to see you there!
WHERE: LT Wood – CPL Reid VFW Post 6691, 17075 Anita Ave, Fraser, MI 48026
Helpful Resources
Community Holiday Resources
If you or anyone you know needs assistance this holiday season, please check out the following local food banks and shelters in our community:
- Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency
- Macomb Community Action
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Find Shelter tool
- Vietnam Veterans of America: Call (586) 776-9810, or visit 18025 E. 15 Mile Road, Clinton Township, 48035
- Food Pantry by Christian Trinity Church: Call (586) 778-2760, or visit 21770 Kelly Road, Eastpointe, MI 48021
- M:25 Mobile Food Pantry: Call (586) 217-5052, or visit 15115 Deerfield Ave. Eastpointe, MI 48021
- Food Pantry by Live Rite: Call (586) 217-5899, or visit 27700 Gratiot Ave, Roseville, MI 48066
- Lighthouse Food Bank: Call (586) 776-1230, or visit 28571 Gratiot Ave, Roseville, MI 48066
Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Protects Against New Variants
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recommends all Michiganders 6 months and older receive the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine which is designed to provide protection against severe COVID-19 disease from currently circulating variants.
Most Michigan residents can still get a COVID-19 vaccine for free. For people with health insurance, most plans will cover COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to you. Michigan residents who don’t have health insurance or have health plans that do not cover the cost can reach out to a health care provider or local pharmacy participating in the CDC’s Bridge Access Program, their health department or visit Vaccines.gov for additional information on ways to obtain a free vaccine. For more information, click here.
Health Insurance Marketplace Enrollment Period Opens
Open enrollment for 2024 health insurance runs from November 1, 2023, through January 15, 2024. Consumers must select a plan no later than December 15, 2023, for coverage to start on January 1, 2024.
Shop for a health plan by visiting the Health Insurance Marketplace or calling 800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325). During open enrollment for 2024 coverage, consumers will be able to choose from 169 health plans on the Marketplace. For the overall individual market, which includes off-Marketplace plans, 228 plans will be available.
For questions about health coverage, visit Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance or call DIFS 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 877-999-6442.
Keep Your Home 2023 — Application Assistance
