Dear Neighbor,
I hope you are staying safe and warm. As we continue the legislative session, I want to provide you with an update on what is going on in Lansing and in District 11. Feel free to stay updated on our latest events by clicking here.
As always, if you would like to provide any feedback about what’s happening in Lansing, or need assistance of any sort, please feel free to reach out to my office. You can email us at SenVKlinefelt@senate.michigan.gov or call 517-373-7670.
Sincerely,
Veronica Klinefelt
State Senator
District 11
In Recent News
Michigan Serves as a Clean Energy Leader in the Midwest
Michigan leads the nation in federal climate investments, strategic initiatives and groundbreaking legislative victories that put our great state on track to achieve 100% clean energy by 2040 while also creating thousands of jobs. Michigan’s commitment is exemplified by the MI Healthy Climate Plan 2023 Report, an annual report developed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE) Office of Climate and Energy. The report summarizes the 2023 progress on the state’s MI Healthy Climate Plan (MHCP).
Anchored in legislative victories, state investment and action, as well as federal investments, the MHCP positions Michigan as a national leader in clean energy and climate action. My colleagues and I have worked hard to implement policies that: reduce costs; protect land, air, water, and public health; foster equity; and create family-sustaining jobs. In doing so, Michigan is creating a blueprint for a more sustainable, just and prosperous future for all.
According to the 2023 Clean Jobs Midwest report, Michigan was No. 1 in the Midwest for clean energy jobs, and the sector is growing twice as fast as the overall economy.
Michigan has an all-of-government approach to climate and has worked to incorporate climate into existing programs and launch new programs including the new MI Healthy Climate Corps and the EGLE climate liaisons. You can learn more about the state’s accomplishments and initiatives to improve clean energy in the MI Healthy Climate Plan 2023 Report.
Michigan Seeks Input on Advancing Clean Energy Economy
Billions of dollars in federal loans and loan guarantees are available to invest in climate- and energy-related projects through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office. Michigan is committed to fully decarbonize the state’s economy by 2050 and generate 100% of the state’s power from clean sources by 2040.
The State of Michigan is inviting input on a historic opportunity to leverage significant federal financing for clean energy generation and infrastructure, economic development, supplier retooling and diversification and other related projects in Michigan. You may provide input on these climate- and energy-related projects through any of the following channels.
Responses must be received by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024. Submit written responses via one of the following:
- Online form.
- Email to EGLE-OCE@Michigan.gov with subject line “SEFI R”
- Regular U.S. mail to:
Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
Executive Office, Office of Climate and Energy
P.O. Box 30473 Lansing, MI 48909-7973
Calling All Michigan Artists!
Michigan is calling upon young artists from across the state to submit their artwork for two art contests. Find more information on each contest below!
Michigan State Police National Missing Children’s Poster Contest
The Michigan State Police (MSP) Missing Children’s Clearinghouse invites fifth-grade students statewide to participate in the 2024 National Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest. The annual contest creates an opportunity to promote child safety while discussing the issue of missing and/or exploited children. There are over 670 missing children in the state of Michigan currently.
Michigan’s winning artist will have a shot at the national contest, which includes a free trip to Washington, D.C. and their artwork featured as the National Missing Children’s Day poster. The 2018 national winner was a Michigan student from Clinton Township.
Contest rules:
- Applicants must be in the fifth grade.
- Original artwork should reflect the theme “Bringing Our Missing Children Home” and the phrase must appear somewhere on the poster.
- Digitally produced images, collages, cut-outs and stamping will not be eligible for consideration.
- The finished poster must measure 8.5 x 14 inches.
The poster must be submitted with a completed application, which includes a description of the artwork and a brief biography of the artist, either written or typed. Submissions must be postmarked by Friday, February 2, 2024, and must be mailed to:
Michigan State Police
Missing Children’s Clearinghouse
Attn: Ms. Jolene Hardesty
7150 Harris Drive
Dimondale, MI 48821
MI Coloring Contest for State Mascot
In honor of the state’s semi-quincentennial, the State of Michigan invites young artists to download the 2-page sheet available here, color it in and give it a name! The winner’s suggested name will become the name of our state mascot, and they’ll get all 12 issues of Michigan History for Kids Magazine.
All submissions should be returned by July 4, 2024, to america250MI@gmail.com, or mailed to 7453 Westshire Drive, Lansing, MI 48917.
Tune into the 2024 State of the State Address
Mark your calendars! Governor Gretchen Whitmer will be delivering the 2024 State of the State Address at 7:00 p.m. on January 24.
In the address, the Governor will lay out plans for the year ahead, covering topics such as education, expanding affordable housing, the state’s economy and protecting Michigan seniors.
You can watch the address:
• On your local TV Channel
• Online at Michigan.gov/StateOfTheState
• On Facebook
• On YouTube
We have had a productive year of working with the governor to address the needs of our fellow Michiganders, and I look forward to continuing to collaborate in 2024 to build a better state for you and your family. You can also follow my social media — Facebook, Twitter — for my reaction and more information on the governor’s speech and our collective priorities for the coming year.
Legislative Updates
Working to Expand Access to Quality, Affordable Housing
Safe and affordable housing continues to be a critical need for Michiganders. High interest rates and home prices create challenging conditions for both buyers and sellers, and many Michigan renters face challenges finding affordable housing too. Due to the high cost of housing, families often have to forgo food, healthcare or other necessities to avoid eviction.
Since taking office, addressing Michigan’s housing shortage has been a top priority for me. Through investments in housing and community development, passing historic tax relief and incentivizing redevelopment projects, Senate Democrats have been working to tackle this issue head on and make it easier for people to find and keep a place to call home.
To learn more about Senate Democrats’ efforts to expand access to affordable housing, click here.
Upcoming Events
As a State Senator, I look forward to opportunities where I get to hear directly from you. Please attend my coffee hour this month so you can stay informed about district updates and upcoming legislative priorities. I hope to see you there!
Joint Coffee Hour with Representative Denise Mentzer
WHEN: January 27, 2024, at 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Clinton-Macomb Public Library – Main Branch, 40900 Romeo Plank Rd., Clinton Township, MI
Veterans Community Conversation
WHEN: January 29, 2024, at 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: Clinton-Macomb Public Library – South Branch, 35679 Southbound Gratiot Ave, Clinton Township, MI
Resources
Take Care of Yourself, Combat Winter Blues
The winter season can bring joy and happiness but can also have an adverse impact on mental health. It is important to prioritize your mental health and ensure you are getting the support you need. If you find yourself emotionally struggling or experiencing a mental health crisis, please be sure to utilize the following resources:
- Call or text 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (or 988 Lifeline). It is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and administered by Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant). To learn more, click here.
- If you need mental health care, go to the MDHHS website for more information.
Statewide Warming Centers
As the temperatures drop and power outages are apt to occur, Michiganders must know which warming centers are available and accessible in their area. If you or someone you know needs to get warm, here are some warming centers in District 11.
- Detroit Warming Centers
- Macomb County Warming Centers
- Wayne County Warming Shelters
- Warming Centers in Michigan
Be sure to travel only if the conditions permit. If possible, call ahead to ensure the warming center has space and capacity.