Dear Neighbor,
We wanted to give you an update regarding issues the legislature has been working on.
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
A Snapshot of Capitol Activity
Along with working to craft a balanced state budget on time that delivers meaningful relief for residents, my colleagues and I have also been busy driving forward legislation to address critical issues facing residents and communities across the state. I’m proud to report that we’ve made some progress advancing bills through the Senate to:
Narrow the gender wage gap — The gender wage gap in Michigan isn’t only one of the worst in the country — it’s growing. To help address this issue, my Senate colleagues and I passed legislation to ban employers from seeking irrelevant information about an applicant’s past pay and credit history while making hiring and compensation decisions. For too long, these practices have contributed to unfair employment-related decisions that disproportionately impact women and prevent them from accessing the opportunities and wages they deserve. While it will take a comprehensive effort to close the gender pay gap in Michigan, the legislation we passed this week is a solid step in the right direction.
Support Michigan nurses — Despite already working long shifts, nurses are often forced to stay overtime, which could mean staying for shifts of 16 or more hours. Unable to say no, mandatory overtime isn’t only grueling for nurses, contributing to high burnout rates, but it also poses risks to patients and the care they are provided. To improve working conditions for our nurses and protect residents seeking care, the Michigan Senate passed bipartisan legislation last week that would end this dangerous practice while also implementing additional safeguards to ensure nurses can get the rest they need.
Combat human trafficking — Building on our previous efforts to address human trafficking in Michigan, we are ushering forward a bill that would help tackle the issue by requiring every hotel and motel in the state to prominently display the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline number. With Michigan positioned at the intersection of many highway corridors and crossing points, this legislation would help victims connect with critical support while also signaling a warning sign to traffickers. This bill has passed the Senate and moves to the House for consideration.
Ceremonial Signing of Senate Bills 370, 540, 542 and House Bill 4692
Community Conversation in Clinton Township
Updates from Lansing with the City of Roseville
Planning Spring Yard Projects? Call Before You Dig
Whether you want to install a fence or plant a tree, remember to first reach out to MISS DIG 811 beforehand so that underground utility lines can be marked for safety.
April is Safe Digging Month, an annual reminder for residents’ legal responsibility to call 811 or head to MISSDIG811.org at least three days before they start a project that involves putting a shovel in the ground. Contacting MISS DIG 811 is free and allows crews to mark buried utility lines in advance to prevent costly damage, service disruptions, and risks of serious injury or death. Learn more here.