LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
FY 19-20 Supplemental: This week, the Michigan Legislature passed a $321 million supplemental budget (Senate Bill 151) that included funding of different state programs. Included were:
Coronavirus funding: $25 million in funding was approved by the State Legislature to fund response and prevention efforts related to COVID-19. SB151 included $10 million for different state departments to mobilize on monitoring, laboratory testing, contact tracing, infection control and continuation of critical state government functions. The other $15 million would be reserved for the Coronavirus Response Fund for future use. Visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus for updates and the latest information.
Additionally, the U.S. Senate has recently passed legislation that would provide Michigan with an additional $14.5 million in funding to help address COVID-19 within our state.
Michigan Reconnect: $35 million to the Michigan Reconnect program. This program is an economic-growth/workforce development program proposed by Governor Whitmer that would provide a tuition-free pathway to an in-demand industry certificate or associate degree for Michigan adults 25 and older.
Restored Funding included: $100,000 for the Clawson Downtown Development Authority, and funding for three of the state’s civil rights museums: the Holocaust Memorial Center, the Arab American National Museum, and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.
EXPANDING SALES FOR WINE RETAILERS
Last week I introduced legislation that would allow Michigan residents to receive direct shipments from Michigan distilleries, as well as from out-of-state wine and spirit retailers.
This bill is estimated to bring in between $1.7 to $2.5 million in much-needed tax revenue in the first year of implementation for the state, along with allowing local Michigan distilleries to expand their businesses by selling direct to Michiganders all around the state.
CENSUS 2020
Be counted! This year, the 2020 Census is being conducted. It is of the utmost importance that everyone fills out the census this year, Census results help determine how billions of dollars in federal funding flow into states and communities each year. These programs include Medicaid, nutrition assistance, highway construction and planning, Title I and Special Education Grants, Foster Care and Child Care Grants, K-12 education, and Section 8 Vouchers.
One of the questions we received when we hosted the 2020:101 Town Hall was: How likely is it that Michigan will lose a congressional district after the census?
This was a bit of a difficult question for our panelists, as it all depends on the count of the 2020 Census — but one thing for sure is that after the 2010 Census, Michigan’s population was undercounted. If this continues in 2020, we may lose a seat of representation in the U.S. House of Representatives. That is why it is so important that we take the pledge to #BeCounted.
If you are interested in volunteering or getting involved with the 2020 Census, you can find more information online at Michigan.gov/Census2020.
YOUR HELP MATTERS: With the recent outbreak of COVID-19, many of the efforts to educate residents on the Census are being reconsidered or cancelled, including public town halls. Additionally, many of the residents who are most likely to be undercounted may be hesitant to answer their door if a Census worker attempts to contact them. That’s why it’s critical that you join with us to help us spread the word about the Census. Talk to your family, neighbors, and friends, and help us ensure everyone is counted this year.
MARCH IS READING MONTH
Last night at 11:00 P.M., Governor Whitmer ordered the closure of all K-12 school buildings to students starting Monday, March 16 until Sunday, April 5. School buildings are scheduled to reopen on Monday, April 6. This executive action was put in place in order to prevent further spreading of COVID-19.
While schools will remain closed during the remainder of March is Reading Month, we’re finding new ways to keep Reading Month going! Throughout the rest of the month, I’ll be reading a few of my favorite books on video through Facebook LIVE. Keep an eye out for more information on dates and times so you can log in live or watch the videos with your kids whenever you’d like!
Here’s a sneak peek at what I’ll be reading:
Grace Goes to Washington
The Lorax
Dragons Love Tacos
LATEST HAPPENINGS
Friday, February 28th: Joint Coffee Hour with Representative Webber
Discussion topics included Senate Bills 596-589 regarding solar panels and House Bills 4497 & 4498, regarding domestic violence protection orders.
Wednesday, March 4th: Tribute Presentation
Amanda Todd was presented with a tribute for receiving a Michigan Works! Impact Award. Amanda participated in the “Women Who Weld” program with FEV North America. (A region of high-tech businesses that are driving force for technical innovation in the automotive industry.)
Friday, March 6th: Joint Coffee Hour with Rep. Manoogian
In addition to speaking with residents about transit, the election, and other state issues, we were joined by a delegation from the State Department who are visiting from the Near East and North Africa to learn about American democracy and the electoral process.
Sunday, March 8th: International Women’s Day
On International Women’s Day, I was asked to fire up an incredible group of women entrepreneurs, community leaders, and guests about the rights we’ve fought for and how critical it is, especially on the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage, for us to exercise our right to vote each and every time. Check out a quick clip and make sure YOU vote every time!
Monday March 9th: Meet Up with Mallory
At our regularly scheduled coffee hour at The Office Coffee Shop in Royal Oak, we spoke about increased access to education, COVID-19, and my EV Bill package.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Out of an abundance of caution for all residents, our office will shift all meetings and constituent events from in-person to remote. Our priority is providing uninterrupted representation and service while being proactive to keep everyone safe. We’ll update our Facebook events with details on how to call in or join virtually, so keep a lookout for more information on how to stay connected from the comfort of home.
April 13th: Telephone Town Hall
Stay tuned for updates on our Facebook page!