June 25, 2021
In this Edition:
- COVID-19 Update
- Legislative Update
- UIA Update
COVID-19 Update
As a reminder, as of Tuesday, June 22, all COVID-19 Epidemic/Emergency Orders have been lifted. Restaurants, bars, gyms, and other establishments are now able to return to full capacity and any mask mandate has been rescinded (though individual establishments are still permitted to require a mask as they see fit).
For more information on this change, please visit here.
Legislative Update
BUDGET: As we move toward the beginning of summer in-district work period, budget negotiations are coming to a close. Last night, the Michigan House of Representatives voted to approve a $65 billion appropriations package that would release federal COVID-19 relief funds to K-12 schools. This spending plan has been referred to the Michigan Senate, where it will likely be voted on next week, before the July 1 deadline. We will continue to keep you updated as the budget moves through the legislative process.
Outside of budget actions, while in session this week, we voted on a variety of legislation, including:
SCHOOL BUS SAFETY: This legislative bill package (House Bills 4201 – 4204) would seek to improve school bus safety by prohibiting unauthorized individuals from entering school buses and allowing school buses to be equipped with a stop-arm camera system to help prosecute reckless drivers. I voted yes on these bills. They now head to the governor for her signature into law.
MARIJUANA SALES: This bill (House Bill 4516) would prohibit the sale of marijuana to minors or individuals who are visibly intoxicated, and would create a cause of action against a licensee for harm caused by the aforementioned individuals due to the sale of marijuana. I voted yes on this bill. It was then sent to the House for their approval of amendments, and has now been sent to the governor for her review.
MILITARY VOTING: This two-bill package (Senate Bill 8 and Senate Bill 311) would allow overseas active duty military voters to return their absentee ballots electronically. I voted yes on both pieces of legislation. These bills have now been referred to the Michigan House Committee on Elections and Ethics.
Click here to see additional information on Michigan’s Legislature’s most recent bill activity
UIA Update
This week, the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency announced the re-opening of some of their offices starting Wednesday, June 30. These offices will be open for appointment only.
At that time, Michiganders can go online here to schedule appointments to be seen by a UIA representative. Although the agency anticipates appointments to fill up quickly, some say day appointments may be available as cancellations occur. As these locations open, UIA will maintain some COViD-19 safety protocols, such as wearing a mask before entry.
When visiting for your appointment, please bring your driver’s license or photo ID, and any other documents that pertain to your claim.
For more information on unemployment benefits and necessary documents, visit their website. To see which offices will be open for appointments across the state, visit here.
UIA Office Locations nearest Senate District 13 include:
Detroit: 3024 W. Grand Blvd., Suite L-385
Sterling Heights: 43015 Hayes Road
Mallory McMorrow
State Senator
13th District