Dear Neighbor,
I hope you are having a great start to the spring season and are looking forward to some warmer weather and that this newsletter informs you of all the exciting things happening in the Legislature and District 11.
As always, if you would like to provide any feedback about what’s happening in Lansing, or need 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.
Sincerely,
Veronica Klinefelt
State Senator
District 11
Featured in This Newsletter
- In Recent News
- Legislative Updates
- Upcoming Event
- In the Community
In Recent News
March is Reading Month
Throughout March, we celebrate the joy of reading! Schools, libraries, and communities come together to promote literacy and encourage everyone to pick up a book. From reading challenges to author visits, there are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of books.
I have had so much fun visiting classrooms in District 11 to read and celebrate March is Reading Month!
Legislative Updates
Senate Passes the Fertility Health Care Act
Just weeks after the Alabama court ruling that declared that frozen embryos have equal legal rights as children, jeopardizing fertility treatments such as IVF, my colleagues and I voted on the final passage of House Bills 5207–5215, which eliminate barriers to parentage in fertility health care and allows Michiganders more ways to grow their families.
Currently in Michigan, children born through assisted reproduction, such as IVF and surrogacy, have no clear legal link to their parents. Additionally, Michigan is the only state that criminalizes paid surrogacy which leaves many children in Michigan born through assisted reproduction or surrogacy without clear legal protection and vulnerable uncertainty regarding their legal status. This legislation will address these concerns to help keep families together, including same sex couples and those who choose IVF or surrogacy.
These bills now head to the governor’s desk for signature.
Michigan Senate Passes Legislation to Tackle Predatory Payday Loan Practices
Last week, the Senate passed a bipartisan bill to cap interest rates on predatory payday loans in Michigan. Currently, there are no restrictions on these interest rates and lenders have been charging residents up to 370% on payday loans. Under the legislation spearheaded by Sen. Sarah Anthony, the cap would be set at 36%.
In Michigan, 7 out of 10 payday borrowers fall into a cycle of debt, immediately taking out new loans after repaying their previous ones. Moreover, a substantial three-quarters of payday lenders’ profits stem from borrowers caught in a cycle of at least 10 loans per year.
The predatory practices of payday lenders lead borrowers to face a higher risk of bankruptcy than those in similar financial situations who do not borrow from such institutions. Studies also show that payday lending stores are more likely to operate in Black and Latino communities, which can contribute to long-term economic disparities. Senate Bill 632 addresses these issues by proposing a cap on interest rates for payday loans in Michigan.
During discussion of the legislation in the Senate Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection, testimony showed how financially and emotionally devastating predatory payday loan practices are to Michiganders. These lenders tend to target and adversely impact those in rural areas and marginalized communities. More than 100 organizations from around the state also indicated their support for the bill.
The bill now moves to the House for further consideration. If the bill passes in the House and the governor signs the legislation into law, Michigan will join 20 other states and the District of Columbia in implementing similar measures.
Upcoming Event
As a State Senator, I look forward to opportunities where I get to hear directly from you. Below is the information regarding April’s coffee hour, I hope to see you there!
Coffee & Conversation
WHEN: Friday, April 5, 2024, at 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Heilmann Recreation Center, 19601 Crusade St. Detroit, MI 48205
In the Community
Voting & Elections Town Hall with Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson
Thank you to all who attended this town hall! We had a great time chatting with Secretary Benson.
Resources
Virtual Resource Fair for Families of Children with Special Health Care Needs
The Family Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs, Michigan Family to Family, and Michigan Family Voices are teaming up for a Virtual Resource Fair on May 7, 2024, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Microsoft Teams.
This event is meant to inform individuals with disabilities and their families, caregivers, youth, providers, and community support about the variety of services and resources available in Michigan for children and youth with disabilities and special health care needs, and their families.
Tax Help and Resources
It’s tax season! Remember that the deadline to file state and federal taxes is April 15. If you have questions about filing your taxes or want to check your refund status, view account information and more, click here.
Many Michiganders who are working hard but earning the least will now be able to keep more in their wallets thanks to the expansion of the Working Families Tax Credit. Those who qualify began receiving supplemental checks earlier this month. If you are a qualified recipient and believe there was an issue with getting your check, the Michigan Tax Help Center may be able to provide additional help.