Dear Neighbor,
Seniors like you have spent decades contributing to our community, and as a result, you deserve to have a joyful and secure retirement. My team is here to help you navigate state services and answer questions you may have.
As always, thank you for the opportunity to represent you. Please do not hesitate to contact my office; we are here to serve you.
Sincerely,
Veronica Klinefelt
State Senator
District 11
Reining in Skyrocketing Prescription Drug Costs
The burden of high drug costs falls hardest on our most vulnerable residents — seniors, children, and those managing chronic conditions. That’s why I joined my colleagues to introduce legislation that would give the state a vital tool to protect consumers and bring much-needed fairness, transparency, and accountability to drug pricing in our state. By establishing a Prescription Drug Affordability Board here in Michigan, we can hold Big Pharma accountable while making life-saving medications more accessible and affordable for those who need them most.
These bills have been voted out of the Senate and sent to the Michigan House for their consideration.
Strengthening Protections and Benefits for Retired Veterans
Those who have worn the uniform of our nation’s armed forces with courage and conviction have done so much for us and our country. In return, they deserve not just our gratitude, but our fullest support when they return home. To achieve that goal, the Senate unanimously passed legislation to:
- Strengthen protections for veterans and their families seeking benefits.
- Create and fund the Michigan Veterans Coalition Grant Program to improve veterans’ access to the benefits they’ve earned.
Keeping Seniors Safe
To address the serious and growing concern of elder abuse and exploitation facing Michigan seniors, I introduced legislation that would provide the tools needed to better prevent, detect, and prosecute all forms of elder abuse by:
- Enhancing protections for vulnerable adults.
- Bolstering financial exploitation penalties.
- Increasing support services for vulnerable adults.
These bills were passed by the Senate and now await further action in the Michigan House.
Expanding Health Care Services
My colleagues and I have made it a priority to advance policies that support accessible, affordable health care for every senior in our state, including legislation to:
- Protect the Affordable Care Act and residents with pre-existing conditions.
- Strengthen our home health care system, so seniors can age with dignity.
- Expand access to preventative health services such as vaccines.
Heads Up Michigan Drivers Be Aware of Toll Road Scams
I am joining the Michigan Dept. of Transportation (MDOT) to help make Michigan drivers aware of the newest toll road scam, which includes an imposter government website that mimics MDOT’s official site but carries a different URL address. MDOT reminds all drivers that Michigan does not have toll roads and will never solicit payment via text or include threatening verbiage to avoid late fees or harsher penalties.
To stay safe, please remember that government agencies:
- Will not request personal information through email, over the phone or text.
- Will never demand money through email, over the phone or text. They will mail you a notice and offer payment options.
- Do not ask for or take payment by prepaid gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or a payment app.