Dear Neighbor,
I hope this email finds you well. Please see below for some updates from our office.
We encourage you to reach out to share your thoughts or seek assistance with any challenges you may be facing with state departments. You can contact me by sending an email to SenVKlinefelt@senate.michigan.gov or calling 517-373-7670.
Sincerely,
Veronica Klinefelt
State Senator
District 11
Holding the Trump Administration and DOGE Accountable
Building on previous work Senate Democrats have done to expose and highlight the consequences the federal funding freeze is having on public safety as well as on Michigan children, seniors, and families, my colleagues and I came together over the past few weeks to stand up and speak out to protect Michiganders’ health care and private data.
Protecting Health Care Access
Last month, Republicans in Washington voted for a budget resolution that paves the way for massive, indiscriminate cuts to Medicaid. And as the federal Dept. of Government Efficiency (DOGE) seeks to slash enough from the federal budget to pay for a tax break for the wealthiest 1% of Americans, Medicaid is among the critical programs on the chopping block.
To protect the 2.6 million Michiganders — including children, seniors, and veterans — who rely on Medicaid for essential health care services, my colleagues and I joined physicians, patients, and advocates for a committee hearing and press conference where we called on the Trump administration to stop these dangerous cuts.
To learn more, you can watch the committee hearing here.
Addressing DOGE’s Access to Your Private Information
Last week, the Senate Oversight Committee heard testimony from IT and cybersecurity experts on the impact and potential implications of DOGE’s unfettered access to personal, financial, and health information. In addition to addressing the various cybersecurity issues raised by the Trump administration’s invasion of private data, experts also shared ways individuals can protect themselves from any repercussions.
To watch the committee hearing and learn more, click here.
I would like to thank community members for coming out and sharing their thoughts and experiences to help inform me on my decision making. We gain the most valuable information from talking with residents.
Community Conversation in Eastpointe
Community Conversation in Roseville
Veterans Townhall with Senator Elissa Slotkin
Celebrating the Signing of MEAP Expansion
March is Reading Month
Coffee Hour
WHEN: Friday, April 25, 2025, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: LT Wood – CPL Reid VFW Post 6691, 17075 Anita Ave., Fraser, MI 48026
Continued Support for Federal Workers Impacted by Federal Layoffs and Funding Cuts
To support federal workers who may have recently lost their jobs, the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has compiled several resources to offer support. A new, comprehensive webpage, Michigan.gov/FederalWorkerHelp, provides impacted federal workers with easy access to unemployment, job search, and community resources.
Workers who recently lost their jobs through no fault of their own may be eligible to apply for temporary financial assistance through the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) as well.
UIA has resources in place to help any laid off federal worker, including:
- UIA Claimant Roadmap: An easy-to-follow, six-step guide to applying for and understanding unemployment benefits.
- Online Coaching Sessions: Web-based guidance from UIA staff who walk users through the steps needed to complete an application and qualify for payments.
- UIA Community Connect: This program partners with local groups to provide guidance for workers from underserved groups who have faced barriers when filing for jobless benefits.
- Schedule an Appointment: Schedule either an in-person, phone or virtual appointment to speak with a UIA Customer Service Agent.
- Looking for Work: Tips to understanding your responsibilities when it comes to conducting and documenting your successful work searches.
- Assistance with Setting Up an Account: Workers must create a MiLogin account before setting up a MiWAM account.
For additional assistance, workers can find FAQs, videos, and other resources at Michigan.gov/UIA. To reach an agent or unlock a MiWAM or MiLogin account, you can reach a customer service representative at 866-500-0017.
In partnership with LEO’s Office of Employment and Training, Michigan Works! agencies are also available to assist affected federal workers. Services offered include:
- Basic Career Services, which are available to all workers seeking services.
- Individualized Career Services, which are designed for workers who are unable to obtain employment through basic career services alone.
- Training Services, which are necessary to equip workers with the skills needed to obtain and retain employment.
To connect with your local Michigan Works! service center, call 800-285-WORKS (9675) or visit Michigan.gov/MichiganWorks.
Reminder: New Child Restraint Law Takes Effect April 2
Beginning April 2, Michigan’s child restraint law is changing. Here’s what you need to know:
- Children must ride rear-facing until they are at least 2 years old or outgrow the height or weight limits of their rear facing car seat.
- Children must ride in a forward-facing car seat with an internal five-point harness until they are at least 5 years old or outgrow the car seat’s height or weight limits.
- Children must ride in a booster seat secured with a lap and shoulder seatbelt until they are at least 8 years old or until they are 4 feet 9 inches tall.
- Children younger than 13 years old must be restrained in the vehicle’s rear seats, unless all rear seats are occupied by other children, or the vehicle doesn’t have rear seating.
While not every location offers car seat installation, many fire or police departments have individuals certified as Child Passenger Safety Technicians who can assist with car seat inspections and installations, often free of charge. Contact your local station to learn more.
For more information about the law change or tips on how to install a car seat yourself, visit the Michigan State Police’s webpage on child passenger safety here.