Dear Neighbor,
Please see below for updates from our office, including how we’re protecting workers from the claw back of pandemic-era unemployment benefits, resources on warming centers and housing assistance, as well as alarming news on how Republicans in Lansing continue to prioritize politics over people by unprecedently slashing over a half a billion dollars promised to communities around the state.
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
Lansing Republicans Axe Crucial Funding for Michigan Kids & Communities
Last week, in a deliberately cruel and reckless political stunt lacking any ounce of transparency, Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall and his Republican colleagues exploited a rarely used provision in state law to unilaterally slash over a half billion dollars in budget funding for Michigan’s kids, families, small businesses, and communities. Among the $645 million in bipartisan passed, already agreed upon funding promised to programs around the state were resources to:
- Provide wigs for kids undergoing cancer treatment;
- Uplift new moms and their babies at the most vulnerable stage of life;
- Tackle our state’s opioid epidemic;
- Invest in affordable housing solutions;
- Ensure our state’s Holocaust museum can continue offering education on a piece of world history we must never forget;
- And so much more.
In the middle of the holiday season, at a time when Michiganders are already feeling the financial stress from the whiplash of federal policies, Matt Hall and his Republican colleagues pull the rug out from under them.
Your voice is vital to us. Click here to tell Speaker Matt Hall and Lansing Republicans you disagree with these budget cuts. You can also let us know if you have a personal connection to these cuts.
Senate Unanimously Acts to Deliver Relief for Michiganders Facing UIA Benefit Recovery
During the chaos of the pandemic, thousands of Michiganders turned to their government for help, tapping into the unemployment system to put food on the table, pay their bills, and ensure their family could weather a once-in-a-lifetime global health crisis. Since then, the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) has been attempting to claw back overpayments they mistakenly made to these same individuals — causing stress for many around the state at an already financially tough time.
Let’s be clear: these families did nothing wrong. That’s why, last week, alongside every single Senator, across party lines, I voted to pass legislation that would provide a clean slate for these folks by waiving any overpayments the UIA is currently attempting to collect from this pandemic-era timeframe. Senate Bill 700 now heads to the Michigan House.
Signed Into Law! — Bills to Support Michigan National Guard Members
Last week, Gov. Gretchen Whiter signed bipartisan legislation to deliver meaningful support to Michigan National Guard members and their families. Our guardsmen and women make sacrifices on a daily basis to keep our communities and loved ones safe. To protect them in return, these new laws will do the following:
- My bill, Senate Bill 542, will support guard members to advance their education and pursue their goals by requiring the balance remaining in the Michigan National Guard Tuition Assistance Fund at the end of the fiscal year to be transferred to the Michigan National Guard Member Benefits Fund; and
- Senate Bill 370 will ensure guard members can access the health care and dental coverage they need by requiring the Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to create and operate a Tricare premium reimbursement program; and
- Senate Bill 540 will help members pay for child care costs by creating the Michigan National Guard Child Care Assistance Program within the DMVA.
Read more here.
Protect Yourself from Scams This Holiday Season
The holidays are an opportune time for scammers to take advantage of your personal and financial information. To keep yourself protected in the weeks ahead, Attorney General Dana Nessel encourages residents to be aware of the following scams.
- Phishing Scams: Residents are urged to avoid clicking suspicious links or opening attachments from unknown senders to protect themselves from fraudsters.
- Scanner Law: Under Michigan’s Scanner Law, stores must honor the lowest advertised price.
- Puppy Scams: Consumers seeking to add a furry friend to their family should be aware of fraudulent online pet sellers. Remember to always see the pet in person and verify the breeder before sending any money.
- AI Scams: Fraudsters are using artificial intelligence to mimic loved ones.
- Credit Card Charges: Consumers are encouraged to check their credit card statements often and report unfamiliar charges right away to prevent identity theft.
Another way you and your loved ones can stay safeguarded from deceptive behavior is by following AG Nessel’s new consumer protection social media account, which will serve as a trusted source for scam alerts, consumer protection tips, education resources, and updates from her office. You can follow @MIConsumerWatch on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.
Warming Centers and Housing Assistance
As temperatures continue to drop into frigid temperatures, many community organizations across Michigan open their doors to ensure everyone can stay warm. To learn more and find warming centers near you:
- Visit mi211.org/housing-assistance
- Scroll down to the Getting Help in Michigan section
- Click Extreme Cold Warming Center and input your zip code to find local resources