Dear Neighbor,
It’s been an eventful November with the election of our new president and the selection of legislative leaders at both the state and federal levels. I want to thank everyone who exercised their right to vote. Whether you voted early, absentee, or in person on Election Day, you played your part in our democracy and helped us set a new state record for ballots cast during a general election.
Read on for some updates from our office, and 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.
Sincerely,
Veronica Klinefelt
State Senator
District 11
Protecting Michigan Workers of All Ages
- Improving Michigan’s Unemployment System: Unemployment benefits have long been a critical lifeline for Michigan workers — helping them put food on the table, pay their rent, and afford other essential items in times of difficulty. This week, the Senate Labor Committee voted to advance a package of bills that would make updates to Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA), improving system processes for unemployed workers in the state. These bills now head to the Senate floor.
- Bolstering Child Labor Laws: My colleagues and I passed Senate Bills 963–965 last week, which would increase penalties and fines for businesses found employing minors illegally or subjecting them to unsafe working conditions. These now head over to the Michigan House for their consideration.
- Strengthening Retirement Benefits for Officers: The Michigan Senate recently passed Senate Bills 165–167. This legislation would allow new corrections, conservation, and other certain state officers to become members of the Michigan State Police hybrid retirement system and would allow current officers to elect to move retirement systems. These bills now advance to the House for consideration.
Building a Healthier Michigan
- Improving Breast Cancer Detection Standards: Too many families in Michigan and across the country know the pain of losing a loved one to breast cancer — whether it’s a mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, or friend. Recognizing the immense benefits of early detection, Sen. Sarah Anthony introduced Senate Bill 1042 to improve the quality of information and the way in which it is provided to women following their mammograms. Senate Bill 1042, which was voted favorably out of the Senate Committee on Health Policy, will now head to the Senate floor for a vote by the full chamber.
Speaking at the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency’s Veterans Day Recognition Ceremony
Team Klinefelt Attending the Eastpointe-Roseville Chamber of Commerce’s Deck the Halls Event
Welcoming Students from Mohawk Elementary to the Capitol
Winter Hazards Awareness Week
As winter approaches, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared Nov. 3-9 as Winter Hazards Awareness Week, urging Michiganders to prioritize emergency preparedness.
The Michigan State Police recommend weatherproofing homes, insulating pipes, cleaning gutters to prevent ice dams, and ensuring heating systems are safe. Install battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors and create an emergency kit with essentials like food, water, and blankets. Drivers should winterize vehicles and carry emergency supplies, including a flashlight, jumper cables, and extra warm clothing. For more tips, visit Michigan.gov/miready.