Dear Neighbor,
February is Black History Month — an annual month-long celebration commemorating the accomplishments of African Americans, that serves to acknowledge their pivotal contributions to the history of the United States. There are plenty of ways to celebrate Black History Month in Michigan.
In other news, several important pieces of legislation passed and signed last year took effect this week, including new gun safety laws, the retirement tax repeal and clean energy legislation. In addition to these laws taking effect, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer presented her executive budget last week. My colleagues and I are looking forward to working with Gov. Whitmer to develop another state budget that continues to invest in our state’s most precious resource — our people.
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
Honoring the Memory of Those Lost in the MSU Tragedy
This week marked the one-year anniversary of the tragic shooting on Michigan State University’s campus, which occurred on February 13, 2023. In the aftermath of this devastating event, the MSU community, along with communities throughout Michigan, united to extend their support to the victims, their families and the survivors coping with the trauma of the event.
The swift and brave response of our first responders, who worked to secure buildings around campus and safeguard the well-being of students, undoubtedly prevented more lives from being lost — I am extremely thankful for them.
EGLE Announces MI Clean Water Grants to Help Michigan Communities Upgrade Water Infrastructure, Protect Health and the Environment
Michigan communities recently received over $67.1 million in state grants, part of the MI Clean Water Plan funded by the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) and the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). These grants aim to address challenges like sewage overflows into Lake St. Clair and the replacement of hazardous lead drinking water service lines.
The grants support upgrading aging infrastructure, ensuring healthy drinking water and safeguarding Michigan’s environment. Over 70% of Michiganders rely on more than 1,000 community wastewater systems and face issues with aging facilities and emerging challenges like PFAS “forever chemicals.”
The legislature, Gov. Whitmer and federal agencies are prioritizing funding for aging water infrastructure to protect public health and Michigan’s freshwater resources. Over half of EGLE’s budget typically supports Michigan cities, towns and villages for critical improvements, strengthening their ability to protect residents and natural resources.
Grant Roundup
Here in District 11, the City of Detroit and Macomb County are set to receive funds for infrastructure improvements. The Detroit Water and Sewage Department will receive $5 million to replace and rehabilitate 31,912 feet of vintage water mains, including the replacement of approximately 475 lead service lines.
Additionally, with funds from the federal American Rescue Plan Act, Macomb County will receive $5 million for a sewer interceptor project at the Chapaton Retention Basin that will help reduce combined sewer overflows into Lake St. Clair.
Celebrate Black History Month
AG Nessel Informs Businesses About New Transparency Requirements and Scammers
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel alerts small business owners about the new federal Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), effective January 1, 2024. The CTA requires small and medium-sized businesses to submit a Beneficial Ownership Information report to the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), disclosing ownership details. The new law aims to stop criminals who are using U.S. businesses for anonymous money laundering and support law enforcement efforts against illegal activities.
Many business owners are unaware of the CTA’s requirements, but non-compliance can lead to civil and criminal penalties. Be cautious of fraudulent emails titled “Important Compliance Notice,” urging you to click on URLs or scan QR codes, as FinCEN never sends unsolicited requests. Falling for scams could result in business identity fraud.
If you believe your business has been the victim of fraud, contact FinCEN or call 1-800-767-2825. You can also contact the Department of Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team:
Online complaint form
Legislation Ensuring Michigan’s Clean Energy Future Takes Effect February 13
These laws mark significant and historic progress toward a sustainable future for Michigan and lay a solid foundation for continued work to improve Michigan’s energy industry and protect our air, land, and water. Read more here.
New Gun Safety Laws Take Effect February 13
To help protect Michigan families — particularly children — from the tragedies of gun violence and unintentional firearms injuries, a law requiring secure storage of firearms goes into effect starting Tuesday, Feb. 13.
Under Public Act 17 of 2023, firearms must be locked and unloaded when unattended if minors are likely to be present. Failure to comply, as outlined in Public Act 16 of 2023, results in penalties including misdemeanors and felonies if minors gain access to improperly stored firearms.
Firearm safety devices are exempt from sales and use taxes through Dec. 24, 2024. Free gun safety kits can also be obtained through Project ChildSafe law enforcement partners across the state. MDHHS is also working with the Michigan State Police to make gun locks available; additional details of this partnership will be announced soon.
Find more information on the new gun safety laws here.
In the Community
Our office always enjoys getting out into the district to attend town halls and meetings and hear directly from constituents!
Coffee Hour at Peace Manor with Rep. Denise Mentzer
UAW Region 1 Celebration of Workers’ Rights Legislation
Resources
Call Michigan 2-1-1
Michigan 2-1-1 is a toll-free service that provides residents with information. Specialists trained to assist community members will connect you with the proper resources. From utility payment assistance to household needs, 2-1-1 is a great tool for you and your loved ones to use.
Though based in Lansing, Michigan 2-1-1 supports about seven regions in the state of Michigan. You can text, email or call for help. For more information, click here.