Dear Neighbor,
My team and I have stayed busy this summer, getting out and about in the community while attending and hosting in-district events. This face-to-face time with District 11 residents is my favorite part of the job and helps to make sure I can better understand your concerns and uplift issues you care about at our state Capitol.
Featured in this newsletter:
- In Recent News
- In the Community
- Upcoming Events
- Resources
- Resources for Veterans
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
Pre-K for All
It’s not too late for families to enroll their 4-year-olds in free, high-quality Pre-K through their local school district. The recent historic investment in Pre-K for All included in the state’s new budget will allow nearly 59,000 4-year-olds across the state to access free Pre-K. As of August 15, enrollment has expanded to all families regardless of income level, while continuing to prioritize families most in need.
Under the 2025 budget, free pre-K enrollment is open to families up to 400% of the federal poverty limit, or about $120,000 for a family of four.
Families still have time to enroll children who will be 4 years old by Dec. 1 in Pre-K this fall! Availability varies by location, with priority given to those who need it most. Visit MiPreKforAll.org to find programs near you.
Dept. of Energy Awards $18 Million to Michigan to Help Small Suppliers Modernize Their Manufacturing Capabilities
Two weeks ago, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced that Michigan will receive $18 million from the federal Dept. of Energy (DOE) to help small- and medium-sized automotive companies modernize their capabilities to manufacture electric vehicles (EV).
Michigan’s funding accounts for more than one-third of the $50 million grant program, which was created in direct response to a proposal submitted by the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) last year recommending DOE create a program for small suppliers and medium-sized auto suppliers. This investment allows Michigan to develop a domestic and diversified EV supply chain, retain high-quality, good-paying jobs, meet the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan and support the Biden-Harris administration’s goal of having 50% of all new vehicle sales be electric by 2030.
According to the Center for Automotive Research, Michigan is home to over 1,000 independent automotive suppliers, and 140 of these suppliers and over 45,000 of their workers may need to retool their facilities and convert from making internal combustion engine vehicles or components to EVs. The $18 million in funding will further position Michigan as a leader in clean energy jobs and manufacturing and ensure the state remains a leader in the automotive industry.
The DOE, along with the U.S. Dept. of Labor, has also designated Michigan as an EV Workforce Hub in partnership with LEO to ensure Michigan workers have equitable access to high-quality training, education and services that provide a path to a good career without leaving their community.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, coupled with Michigan’s historic clean energy legislation, have created an unprecedented opportunity for Michigan to advance a clean energy future. This funding, in tandem with bipartisan economic development tools, is growing the middle class, creating good-paying, in-demand manufacturing jobs, bringing supply chains home, and lowering energy costs for families.
Legislative Updates
Keeping Our Workers Front and Center This Labor Day and Always
This Labor Day, I hope you’ll join me in reflecting on the hard-working individuals who build up Michigan every day, from our educators to our homecare workers, our skilled tradespeople to our first responders.
Last year, we passed powerful legislation to strengthen and protect workers’ rights, repealing the state’s harmful anti-union law, reinstating prevailing wages and more. And so far, this year, we have continued that progress.
In the 2025 state budget passed last month, $2.5 million was approved for the creation of the Community and Worker Economic Transition Office. Established by the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity, this office will develop proactive strategies that help companies and residents take full advantage of the high-tech, high-paying jobs coming to the state in the auto and energy sectors.
The new state budget also included $52 million in continued support for Michigan Reconnect scholarships, enabling workers to go back to school to pursue a degree or a skilled trade certification.
Building on last year’s momentum, several other bills to uplift our workers are making their way through the Legislature. Some of those include:
- The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (MIOSHA) maximum penalties package, Senate Bills 829–830, will enhance workplace safety by bringing Michigan’s maximum penalties for MIOSHA violations up to par with federal levels. This package has been passed by the Senate and awaits further consideration in the House.
- A new set of bills to strengthen Michigan’s child labor laws was introduced this summer. Senate Bills 963–965 would increase penalties and fines for businesses found employing minors illegally or subjecting them to unsafe working conditions; transfer the authority to issue work permits for minors from the Michigan Dept. of Education to the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO); and establish a new Youth Employment Standards Act registration system under LEO for the employment of minors.
- Senate Bills 790–791 would restore the right of 35,000 independent provider home care workers to have the choice to form a union, create access to training for caregivers, and more. This package passed the Senate this past June and awaits further consideration in the House.
- Prevailing wage protections have been extended to essential wind and solar projects statewide through Senate Bill 571. Officially signed into law last month, this legislation ensures fair compensation and safeguards the skills and safety of our workforce.
Upcoming Event
Coffee and Conversation
WHEN: Friday, September 6, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: Marvin Blank Senior Center, 51210 Alma Dr., Macomb, MI 48042
In the Community
Macomb Township’s Board of Trustee Meeting Announcing Funding for 21 Mile/Heydenreich Road Improvements
Celebrating Our Summer Interns Aidan, Marissa, and Sarah
Coffee Hour in Eastpointe on August 19th
Back to School Supply Giveaway Event at the VFW in Eastpointe
Constituent Relations Director, Noah, Welcoming Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken to Macomb County
Team Klinefelt Out and About in District 11!
Resources
Shining a Light on Substance Use Disorder & Remembering Those Lost
This Saturday, August 31, is Overdose Awareness Day here in Michigan and globally. It’s an opportunity to raise awareness about the risks of overdosing, honor the individuals whose lives have been lost, and acknowledge the grief felt by families, friends, and the community.
Substance use disorder (SUD) has wrought devastating effects on individuals and families across Michigan. In 2023, 2,820 individuals died from a drug overdose in Michigan and, of those deaths, 74.3% were opioid involved.
The Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) encourages the public to end the stigma surrounding substance use disorder, acknowledging that isolation, discrimination, and prejudice are obstacles to social inclusion and can prevent people who are struggling with SUD from seeking help and maintaining sobriety.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Hotline
If you or someone you know needs help with opioid use disorder, call the SAMHSA National Hotline, a 24-hour, 365-day-a-year treatment referral hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
To find more information and resources regarding substance use disorder, including additional ways to find help for yourself or a loved one, click here.
Resources for Veterans
Notification to VSOs, Presidential Pardon
On June 26th, the President granted a full, complete, and unconditional pardon to individuals with court-martial convictions for violations of former Article 125 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) based on conduct that involved consensual, private conduct with persons aged 18 and older. Individuals convicted of attempts, conspiracies, and solicitation to commit qualifying former Article 125 offenses under Articles 80, 81, and 82 of the UCMJ are also pardoned. The proclamation applies to qualifying court-martial convictions occurring between May 31, 1951, and December 26, 2013. To qualify for a pardon certificate, a person must not have engaged in conduct contained in the exceptions listed in the proclamation.
Individuals who meet the criteria and receive a pardon certificate may be eligible for additional VA benefits earned during periods of military service. The pardon does not change an individual’s character of service. VA encourages any person discharged from the military under dishonorable conditions who receives a pardon certificate to apply to their Board of Correction of Military or Naval Records.
More information about this Presidential pardon and VA benefits is available on VA’s website: Presidential Proclamation on Certain Violations of Article 125 under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (va.gov)
VA Transportation Navigation Hub
The Transportation Navigation Hub (TNH) is a “one-stop shop” for your VA transportation needs! The TNH aims to provide an easy and streamlined process through which veterans can receive transportation for their care needs. Call (877) VET-LIFT to utilize this service.
The TNH operates Monday – Friday from 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Please note: Requests must be made at least three business days prior to your appointment.