Dear Neighbors,
This has been a tumultuous year for many across our district, but I have been amazed at the way we have come together to get through these unprecedented times. I am so proud to represent such strong and resilient communities across Western Wayne County.
In this newsletter, you will find helpful resources about the COVID-19 pandemic, information about returning to school, a legislative update, and statistics on how my office has been working to help our constituents.
I know these past few months have been hard and uncomfortable, and that we are facing challenges unlike any we’ve ever experienced. My office stands ready to assist you in any way we can, so please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Proudly serving you,
Dayna Polehanki
State Senator 7th District
Toll-free: (855) 347-8007
Website: SenatorPolehanki.com
Email: SenDPolehanki@senate.michigan.gov
SUPPORTING YOU
DURING COVID-19*
3,255
Constituent Inquiries Addressed
906
Unemployment Claims Assisted
2
Virtual Coffee Hours
1
Virtual Town Hall
*Data between March and July 2020
COVID-19 RESOURCES
| SENATE DISTRICT 13 RESOURCES Information from my office about COVID-19 SenatorMcMorrow.com | 1- 855-347-8011 | AREA AGENCY ON AGING 1-B Coronavirus resources for seniors aaa1b.org/coronavirus 1-800-852-7795 |
| SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES Michigan Economic Development Corporation michiganbusiness.org 1-888-522-0103 | CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL How to protect yourself and what to do if you are sick cdc.gov | 1-800-232-4636 |
| REPORT CONSUMER SCAMS Michigan Attorney General Consumer Protection 1-877-765-8388 | TESTING LOCATIONS and more information on Michigan’s response: michigan.gov/coronavirus 1-888-535-6136 |
| MI HELP LINE For health-related questions Available every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1-888-535-6136 | OAKLAND COUNTY COVID RESOURCES Local COVID-19 resources www.oakgov.com/covid/Pages/default.aspx | 248-858-1000 |
AUTO INSURANCE UPDATES
A SUMMARY OF WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Benefit Coverage Levels
- Unlimited
- $500,000
- $250,000
- $50,000 for individuals on Medicaid only
- Opt-Out for qualified persons with qualified health coverage. Qualified health coverage means:
- Medicare Parts A & B
- Enhanced Coordination
- Allow for an applicant or named insured who has selected the $250,000 PIP benefit coverage to reduce his/her PIP benefits premium by 100% if the named insured, his/her spouse, and all relatives domiciled in the same household have health coverage that will cover injuries related to an auto accident.
Rate ROLLBACKS
- 10% for unlimited PIP coverage plans
- 20% for $500,000 PIP coverage plans
- 35% for $250,000 PIP coverage plans
- 45% for $50,000+Medicaid PIP coverage plans
- 100% for Medicare Opt-Out or for Enhanced Coordination as described above
- The above applies only to the PIP line of the auto policy.
Rating Factors
- Insurers are prohibited from using sex, marital status, home ownership, credit score, educational level, occupation, or postal code when establishing rates on any type of auto insurance policy.
- The use of ZIP codes is prohibited, but insurers may still use “territory” as a rating factor, the intent being to limit
prices spikes from occurring between adjacent towns, cities, or villages when an insurer establishes rates. - Groups like alumni clubs and professional organizations will still be able to obtain discounts for their members.
- The use of ZIP codes is prohibited, but insurers may still use “territory” as a rating factor, the intent being to limit
File and Approve
- Insurers are now required to file their rates with the state Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) and cannot use those rates until they are either approved by DIFS or 90 days have elapsed, whichever comes first.
- If DIFS disapproves of an insurer’s rates, the insurer has 15 days to refile a rate.
Anti-Fraud Unit
- A permanent anti-fraud unit has been established within DIFS as it relates to auto insurance.
- DIFS is required to provide an annual report on the unit’s activities to the legislature.
Re-entry Penalty
- Insurers are prohibited from charging a re-entry penalty, limiting available coverage, refusing to provide or continue coverage, or increasing premiums for auto insurance for an individual solely because the individual failed to maintain mandatory auto insurance coverage.
- This is effective for 18 months after the PIP cap levels become available to consumers.
Arbor Hills Landfill
In July, I authored a letter opposing the Arbor Hills Landfill’s permit requests to dump contaminated water into Johnson Creek, as the creek is an irreplaceable asset to the community and the only cold-water trout stream in Wayne County. The environmental destruction that would be caused by approving these permits would be devastating, and I stand with Northville Township residents and their leadership in opposing them.
Michigan families and communities deserve every opportunity to be healthy and live in a safe, clean environment. That’s why, after taking office, I helped add air quality monitoring to the Arbor Hills Consent Agreement for its work near Ridgewood Elementary. I am relieved families and staff will have peace of mind in knowing the air they breathe is safe from toxic vapors and will continue to work on amending the laws currently allowing repeat violators, like Arbor Hills, from expanding their physical footprint.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Helping the Unemployed
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a chilling effect on the economy here in Michigan and across the country. That is why I introduced legislation to raise the weekly unemployment benefit from $362 a week to $602 a week. My legislation would also expand the benefits from the current 20 weeks to 26 weeks.Times are hard, and many people have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. I am committed to helping people stay in their houses, put food on the table, and make ends meet.
Mask Up, Michigan!
Join me in wearing a mask when you are out in public. By wearing a mask and physically distancing, we can prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
To see the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 or for further assistance, visit my website at SenatorPolehanki.com.
Pausing Standardized Testing
Michigan students have experienced tremendous challenges. When they return to school, it is important students get meaningful in-person instruction with their teachers. By prioritizing teaching time and assessments that drive instruction, we can get our students back on track.
On June 25, I introduced a concurrent resolution to urge the U.S. Department of Education to grant waivers to Michigan for federally mandated standardized tests. Later that week, Michigan State Superintendent followed suit and requested a similar waiver.
Mask Up, Michigan!
Join me in wearing a mask when you are out in public. By wearing a mask and physically distancing, we can prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
To see the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 or for further assistance, visit my website at SenatorPolehanki.com.
Return to Learn Advisory Committee
“It is of the utmost importance that we ensure our students, faculty, and staff feel safe and taken care of when they return. For me, this will continue to be at the forefront of anything else we do in the legislature related to school reopenings. “
State Senator Dayna Polehanki
I was asked by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to be a legislative representative on the Michigan Return to Learn Advisory Committee, which crafted guidelines for schools to return in the fall. The committee included teachers, administrators, parents, health professionals, school board members, and community leaders.
After meeting virtually in June, below are some of the key recommendations of the committee:
- School reopening should be tied to MI Safe Start Phases
- Hygiene and safety precautions will be required
- Staff must wear face coverings
- K-5 students must wear face coverings, unless in a cohort
- Students in grades 6-12 must wear face coverings
- Handwashing and hand sanitizer will be available for students
- Physical distancing of six feet is highly recommended
- Athletics will be permitted during Safe Start Phases 4-6
- Michigan High School Athletic Association officials will work with school leaders to develop a plan to safely run sporting programs
- Large gatherings of students — whether for sporting events or otherwise — will be restricted depending on recovery phase
