Dear Neighbor,
As we head into fall, I wanted to provide an update on what our team has been working on. From working to protect older and vulnerable adults to championing voting rights for all Michiganders, my colleagues and I have been focused on tackling the issues that matter most to our communities.
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
Featured in This Newsletter
- Legislative Updates
- In the Community
- Upcoming Event
- Helpful News and Resources
Legislative Updates
Michigan Voting Rights Act to Bolster Election Protections Passes Senate
On National Voter Registration Day, my colleagues and I passed legislation to establish the Michigan Voting Rights Act (MVRA). Building on the progress of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, the MVRA would set additional protections at the state level, shielding voters from attacks on exercising their right to vote that have been witnessed in this state and across the country.
Outlined in the legislation are protections for all Michiganders, including those with limited-English proficiency and voters with disabilities.
Learn more here.
Testifying On Senate Bills 922-925 to Protect Michigan’s Most Vulnerable
Michigan laws are not well designed to protect older and vulnerable adults from the types of abuse they are most likely to experience. Currently, vulnerable adults remain susceptible to both physical abuse and acts of fraud like embezzlement, which can remain undiscovered for many years. That’s why I, along with Sens. Anthony, Hertel, and Irwin, introduced Senate Bills 922–925. This package of bills was taken up for testimony this week in the Senate Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety. To read more about these bills, click here.
Supporting the Families of Michigan’s Fallen Public Safety Heroes
Our public safety officers selflessly put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities. When a public safety officer makes the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, Michigan currently provides their surviving family with just $25,000 — a benefit that has not been increased in over two decades. To honor those who have fallen while serving their communities, my colleagues and I passed Senate Bill 834 this week. This bill will double the benefit to $50,000, providing greater financial support to the families of our first responders in their time of need. Learn more here.
In the Community
Celebrating the 100th Graduating Class of Roseville Community Schools
Announcing State Funding for Roseville Pump Station Project
Attending the House of Representatives’ 9/11 Ceremony
Upcoming Event
Coffee and Conversation in Roseville
WHEN: Monday, October 7, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
WHERE: Recreation Authority of Roseville & Eastpointe – RARE, 18185 Sycamore St., Roseville, MI 48066
Helpful News and Resources
Make Sure Your Voter Registration Status is Up to Date
Voting is a powerful way Michiganders can preserve and protect our democracy. On September 17, 2024, we recognized National Voter Registration Day to encourage all citizens of voting age to register to vote or update their registration status. Registering or updating your registration status is simple and can be done in less than ten minutes. You can do it online, by mail or in-person at your local clerk’s office or Secretary of State branch.
Apply for the Home Heating Tax Credit by September 30
The Home Heating Tax Credit is a way the state of Michigan helps low-income families pay some of their heating expenses. This year, the average qualifying household received $108 in assistance, which is most often applied directly to residents’ utility bills. With these savings, more Michiganders can have additional money in their pockets to put food on the table, afford medication, pay bills, and more.
Residents can apply for the Home Heating Tax Credit until the September 30 deadline. To qualify, residents must be a renter with a contracted lease or a homeowner and meet income requirements. You can apply for the Home Heating Tax Credit here.
New Report Shows Clean Energy Legislation Will Lower Costs, Create Thousands of Good Paying Jobs, and Stimulate an Economic Boom
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer highlighted a new report from 5 Lakes Energy, projecting that the historic clean energy package signed into law last year, combined with the Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), will drive significant economic growth and cost-savings in the state. According to the report, by 2030, the nation-leading package and federal investments will drive household energy bills down by $297 a year, secure $15.6 billion in federal funding, save $7.3 billion in public health costs, and make progress towards the MI Healthy Climate Plan.
Read more here.
Hope is Possible: Mental Health Resources
Suicide is a critical public health concern, claiming the lives of nearly 50,000 Americans in 2022. The devastation of suicide is far-reaching, impacting innumerable families and communities across our state and beyond.
But suicide can be prevented — and September, National Suicide Prevention Month, is an opportune time to spread awareness and resources to connect members of our communities with the help they need. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please utilize available resources:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for 24-hour, toll-free, confidential support. Learn more here.
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press “1” to speak with a qualified responder, or text 838255. Available to veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their loved ones. Learn more here.
- Local Resources: Find a suicide prevention coalition, support group, or crisis line near you by scrolling down this page and finding a listing in your county.