Dear Neighbor,
Please see below for an update from our office.
I appreciate your feedback, so please feel free to reach out. You can contact me by sending an email to SenVKlinefelt@senate.michigan.gov, calling 517-373-7670, or visiting my website here.
Sincerely,
Veronica Klinefelt
State Senator
District 11
State Budget Update
Negotiations continue on the state budget. We are hoping to get an agreement before the October 1 deadline. Right now, the two sides are pretty far apart — if we don’t have an agreement by October 1, state services will shut down.
Senate Advances Bipartisan Bills Only for Them to Stall in the House
There are 49 bills that passed the Senate with unanimous, bipartisan support. These bills have been sitting in the House awaiting action. Among them is legislation to:
- Address Michigan’s opioid crisis by expanding access to support services and treatment options;
- Strengthen protections for our retired service members and their families, while also improving veterans’ access to the benefits they’ve earned; and,
- Allow survivors of sexual assault the opportunity to get the justice they deserve by fixing Michigan’s broken statute of limitations for civil claims and repealing immunity for educational institutions that conceal systemic abuse.
You can learn more about these bills here.
Door Knocking in the Community
Community Conversation in Clinton Township
Groundbreaking on Project to Modernize Fraser Industrial Corridor
Touring Live Rite Structured Recovery Corp
Honoring September as Suicide Prevention Month
The devastation of suicide is far-reaching, impacting families and communities across our state and beyond. But suicide is preventable — and September, National Suicide Prevention Month, serves as a great opportunity to spread awareness and resources to connect residents with the help they may need.
- If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. The Lifeline provides 24-hour, toll-free, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
- The Veterans Crisis Line provides free 24/7, confidential crisis support for veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their loved ones. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect. Call 988 and press “1” to speak with a qualified responder, or text 838255.
- Find a suicide prevention coalition, support group, or crisis line near you by scrolling down this page and finding a listing in your county.
- Get help for yourself or a loved one, learn the facts and warning signs, locate advocacy resources, and much more through the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
How to Save With the Home Heating Tax Credit
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 $180 in assistance, which is most often applied directly to residents’ utility bills. Some energy providers automatically provide claimants with a residential income assistance credit worth up to $20 monthly.
Residents can apply for the Home Heating Tax Credit until the Sept. 30 deadline. To qualify, you 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.