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Friends, Since 2019, it has been an honor to serve the 7th District and advocate for the diverse range of communities it contains. Starting in January, however, I’ll be representing the new 5th Senate District, which is made up of the following cities and townships: Canton Township and the cities of Garden City, Inkster, Southwest Livonia, and Westland. If I will no longer be representing you in this next term, I want to truly thank you for trusting me to work on your behalf these past four years. If you’re a new constituent, I look forward to serving you and your family every day in Lansing. Featured in this newsletter:
Should you need any help, please do not hesitate to contact my office by phone at (517) 373-7350 or by email at SenDPolehanki@senate.michigan.gov. |
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MICHIGAN RECOGNIZES NATIONAL INFLUENZA VACCINATION WEEK This week is National Influenza Vaccination Week — a great time to remind folks that it’s never too late to get your flu vaccine. Already, we are seeing early season elevated flu activity nationally, with 35 states reporting high or very high activity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that, so far this season, there have been at least 8.7 million illnesses, 78,000 hospitalizations, and 4,500 deaths from flu. Its latest report indicated that a total of 14 pediatric flu deaths had been reported so far this season. In Michigan, flu activity is steadily increasing and positive flu cases have been reported in the central, southwestern and southeastern regions across the state. The early surge of flu activity is occurring along with significant activity of another respiratory virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), throughout the country and in Michigan. While there is no current vaccine to protect from RSV, the flu and COVID-19 vaccines can help protect against respiratory illnesses and they can be given at the same visit. The CDC recommends annual influenza vaccination for all persons ages 6 months and older with rare exceptions. For people younger than 65 years, CDC does not recommend any specific flu vaccine over another during the 2022-2023 flu season. Options for this age group include inactivated flu vaccine, recombinant flu vaccine or live-attenuated flu vaccine. Finally, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is reminding Michiganders that flu shots are an essential health benefit under the Affordable Care Act and are covered with no out-of-pocket costs by most health plans in Michigan.
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES HOSTS HEALTH INSURANCE TOWN HALL SERIES Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director Anita Fox has announced a new series of health insurance virtual town halls to help inform Michiganders about new health plan options, newly extended savings, and increased opportunities for free local enrollment help during the current Health Insurance Marketplace open enrollment period. Michiganders have until January 15, 2023, to purchase affordable, high quality health insurance for 2023, and newly extended subsidies will help many Michiganders find a plan for as little as $10 per month. The virtual town hall series expects to give consumers the information they need to sign up for a plan and what to look for when shopping on HealthCare.gov. With savings still in effect making health insurance more affordable for more Michiganders, new grants for free local help, and more plan options than last year, buying a health insurance plan that works for Michigan families has never been easier. The remaining town halls are scheduled to take place on: Pre-registration for the online-only town halls is not required. To attend a virtual town hall event, click the event link at its start time. For more information about the town hall series or for questions about health insurance, visit Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance or call DIFS 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 877-999-6442.
MICHIGAN’S MINIMUM WAGE SET TO INCREASE IN JANUARY 2023 On Jan. 1, 2023, Michigan’s minimum wage rate will increase from $9.87 to $10.10 per hour as set by Michigan’s Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act of 2018 establishing the annual schedule of increases. Effective Jan. 1, 2023:
It is important to note there is pending litigation that may affect this minimum wage increase. The 2018 petition that ushered in these increases may have been unconstitutionally altered by the Michigan Legislature such that —pending a final resolution and the lifting of a stay issued in July 2018 — the minimum wage rate for 2023 may increase even more to $13.03 and $11.73 for tipped employees. For more information regarding the pending minimum wage litigation, and potential amended minimum wage rates as a result of that litigation, or a copy of the Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act and related resources, including the required poster, visit Michigan.gov/WageHour.
VETERANS RESOURCE FAIR TAKING PLACE ON DEC. 12 The Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, in coordination with local partners, is hosting a resource fair for veterans on Monday, Dec. 12, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the CNS Healthcare Building, located at 2900 Conner Ave. in Detroit. The event is intended for veterans, families, and veteran caregivers. Free holiday food baskets and food vouchers will be available while supplies last. Resources and services will include:
Register at eventbrite.com/e/veterans-the-road-to-resources-benefits-fair-tickets. |