Dear Neighbor,
July has been a great opportunity for me and my team to get out into the district and go door to door to talk to you directly! As we finish out July and head into August, we hope to see you out and about as we continue to enjoy this beautiful Michigan summer.
Please see below for some updates from our office.
Featured in this newsletter:
- In Recent News
- Legislative Updates
- In the Community
- Upcoming Events
- Resources
If you or someone you know would like 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 at SenVKlinefelt@senate.michigan.gov or call 517-373-7670.
Sincerely,
Veronica Klinefelt
State Senator
District 11
In Recent News
Recognizing People with Disabilities this Month and Always
Friday, July 26 is National Disability Independence Day, the 34th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in July 1990 — a historic milestone in advancing the rights of all people with disabilities. Since then, Disability Pride Month (recognized each July) has become a celebration of the unique experiences, strengths, and achievements of people with disabilities. It is also a time to recognize that people with disabilities often face discrimination or marginalization based on their disability, race, gender, sexual orientation, or other intersecting factors.
Disabilities are a beautiful and natural part of human diversity, and we strive to create an inclusive and accessible society that enables individuals with disabilities to live fulfilling lives and participate in their communities. Activities during Disability Pride Month are aimed at inspiring all citizens to celebrate the contributions of persons with disabilities, promote inclusivity, and foster greater respect and understanding.
Below are some activities and resources shared by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to recognize and celebrate Disability Pride Month here in Michigan:
- Learn more about Disability Pride Month in Michigan
- View the 2024 Breaking Barriers Art Exhibit
- Article: Navigating pregnancy with a disability, Mayo Clinic
- Podcast: Disability Advocacy and Inclusivity in Maternal Health
Celebrating Michigan’s Many, Many Lakes During National Lakes Appreciation Month!
Here in Michigan, we take pride in being known as the Great Lakes State. Our five Great Lakes are the source of 20% of Earth’s total fresh water. In addition to these, Michigan is also home to more than 11,000 inland lakes (You can find one near you using this interactive map).
Our lakes and various waterways are integral to the health of our families and our economy. The Great Lakes system is invaluable as the source of drinking water for more than 40 million people in the U.S. and Canada, and the Great Lakes shipping industry generates more than $36 billion in economic activity and supports more than 664,000 jobs. Our lakes also provide families with unmatched recreational opportunities.
Since taking office, my colleagues and I have:
- Secured over $105 million in the 2025 State Budget for statewide water infrastructure projects, building on the progress made in the previous year’s budget. Funding will go towards replacing lead service lines, rebuilding sewers and more.
- Passed legislation to empower the Michigan Dept. of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to issue written emergency orders when inland lakes and streams are threatened with harm.
- Repealed a harmful law that restricted Michigan officials from implementing environmental and public health safeguards beyond federal standards, empowering Michigan to protect its natural resources and environment more effectively.
During National Lakes Appreciation Month, my colleagues and I remain committed to building on this work and advancing legislation to strengthen environmental protections, so future generations of Michiganders can enjoy our state’s lakes for years to come.
Legislative Updates
Signed into Law: State Budget Dedicated to Building Up Michigan
This week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer officially signed the Fiscal Year 2025 State Budget into law, building on last year’s transformative budget by continuing to invest in children and families, students and workers, public safety, community development, and more.
Read more here.
Creating an Environment Where Workers and Businesses Can Thrive
Recently, CNBC ranked Michigan as No. 9 on their list of America’s Top States for Business in 2024 list. This marks the third time since the list was launched that Michigan has cracked the top 10. This announcement comes after Michigan’s unemployment rate fell below the national average, remaining at 3.9% for the fourth consecutive month in May. With all this news, the message to workers and businesses is clear: whether you’re looking for a good-paying job or a place to start a successful small business, Michigan is a state where you can thrive.
Since taking office, my colleagues and I have championed legislation to make this reality possible. Here’s just a few of our legislative highlights:
- Expanded the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), benefiting 750,000 Michigan workers and boosting local purchasing power to add an additional $553 million to our economy;
- Rolled back the unfair and unpopular retirement tax, putting an average of $1,000 back in the pockets of 500,000 seniors;
- Created a process for small businesses to claim a personal property tax exemption for a property with a true cash value between $80,000-$180,000, helping alleviate the financial strains small business owners may face;
- Expanded the Transformational Brownfield Plan program and made housing development projects eligible to receive tax increment financing (TIF) when transforming obsolete and vacant properties, helping to increase access to affordable housing; and
- Provided additional flexibility to businesses to establish Business Improvement Zones, increasing the tools that business owners have at their disposal to build more vibrant, cohesive community centers.
Additionally, in our 2025 State Budget, we secured the resources necessary to build up workers and small businesses throughout our state, including funding to:
- Continue Michigan Reconnect, providing a tuition-free pathway to adult learners 25 and older.
- Expand access to free community college for students in every part of the state with the Community College Guarantee. Beginning Fall 2024, students from the Class of 2023 and beyond are eligible for this funding.
- Support Michigan’s current and future workforce needs and population growth, including specialized economic assistance to businesses locating or expanding in Michigan to meet their talent and workforce needs.
- Uplift Minority Owned Businesses.
- Establish an Innovation Fund to invest in scalable startups and help launch hundreds of new Michigan-based companies, creating thousands of jobs.
Read more about our Building Up Michigan Budget here.
Upcoming Event
Coffee and Conversation
WHEN: Monday, August 19th, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: Eastpointe Memorial Library 15875 Oak Eastpointe, MI 48021
In the Community
Team Klinefelt Out to Knock Doors and Talk with Constituents
Groundbreaking for Clinton Township’s Inclusive Playground
Opening Reception for Concert of Colors
Constituent Relations Director, Noah, Welcoming Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken to Macomb County
Resources
Find the Help You Need with Michigan 2-1-1
Michigan 2-1-1 is an all-in-one resource for Michiganders. Call 2-1-1 or go to their website to find information and resources pertaining to utility assistance, housing programs, food assistance, HIV/STI services, COVID-19, home visiting, grief and bereavement resources and services and much more. The 2-1-1 line is open 24/7 and offers help in over 180 languages. You can also use this link to find your local number to text.
Free Summer Meals for Students
It can be a challenge for families to keep food on the table while school is out for the summer. One in six kids in Michigan face food insecurity, and more than 850,000 Michigan children rely on free public school lunches. That’s why organizations and local school districts are working with Meet Up and Eat Up and providing those ages 18 and under with delicious, nutritious meals.
All summer long, children 18 and under can eat healthy, satisfying meals in their own communities at no cost. No application forms required, no registration needed, and no proof of residency asked for — just show up and enjoy a meal! All meals must be eaten at the site. Visit the interactive map for locations near you. You can also text “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 304-304 to find free meals in your neighborhood.