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Friends, I hope you’ve been able to enjoy the warm weather we’ve been having with your family and friends. As always, it is an honor to serve as your State Senator in Lansing, and I thank you for sharing thoughts and concerns with me. Featured in this newsletter:
Please do not hesitate to call my office at (517) 373-0990 or reply to this email if you have any questions or need assistance. Working for you, |
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I was honored to speak at Henry Ford College last week in commemoration of Juneteenth, the celebration of the end of chattel slavery in the United States. In my remarks, I talked briefly about the history of the holiday, from the horrifying years of slavery to the painful legacy of the Jim Crow era that we still experience today. I outlined how far we have come, as well the long way we have left to go toward achieving true justice in this country. Juneteenth is a time to honor the resilience of our Black ancestors and acknowledge the challenges we still face today. I was grateful for the opportunity to remind us that only through action can we right the wrongs of the past, root out racism, and that hate will not and cannot win, because we, as a people, have the power to stop it. I hope you had a Happy Juneteenth and continue to carry on the lessons of this important holiday.
CHILDREN AGES 6 MONTHS THROUGH 4 YEARS NOW ELIGIBLE FOR COVID-19 VACCINE The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has announced that all Michiganders ages 6 months and up are now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. The pediatric vaccine, which received emergency use authorization for this age group from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), was recommended by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on June 18, 2022. MDHHS is recommending providers begin vaccinating children ages 6 months and up as soon as possible.
MDHHS recommends all eligible children get vaccinated and stay up to date on vaccines even if they have previously had COVID-19. Children younger than 5 can receive vaccine from a primary care provider, local health department or federally qualified health center. Some pharmacies will vaccinate people ages 3 and up. Visit Vaccines.gov for nearby vaccine locations — age specific information will soon be available.
EGLE SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT ON MARATHON AIR PERMIT Marathon Petroleum Company, LP, is requesting an air permit to move some sulfur production from the East Plant Sulfur Recovery Unit in Detroit to the newer, more efficient North Plant Sulfur Recovery Unit, which it claims will reduce sulfur dioxide emissions. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is hosting an open public comment period for the requested permit until Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022. Facilities requesting to make changes like this must have an air permit to limit the emissions of air pollutants and to ensure the request will meet air quality standards, including health-based standards. The conditions associated with an air permit include things such as limiting air emissions, and installing and operating equipment in ways to best protect public health and the environment. An air permit would also include testing of equipment to make sure all requirements are met. The public is encouraged to review information about the proposed changes and draft air permit, which give a good overview of what Marathon is requesting and what this may mean to residents. Comments may be given at any time before the end of the comment period on Wednesday, Aug. 10. There are several ways to provide comment on the proposed permit.
If you have questions about the proposed air permit or how to comment on this proposed air permit, please contact Andy Drury at DruryA@Michigan.gov or 517-648-6663.
STAYING SAFE IN THE HEAT Hot days are here! With the current and upcoming excessive heat warnings, please be mindful and stay hydrated. As daily temperatures rise above 80°, emergency department visits for heat-related illness tend to increase. This is often more likely early in the summer season as people are not yet used to elevated temperatures and are not taking the necessary precautions. To prevent complications from the heat, residents are encouraged to:
Never leave children, the elderly, or pets in closed vehicles with the windows up and engine off. If you are looking for other ways to stay cool, the City of Detroit opens cooling centers during heat waves. Click here to find a cooling center near you and call ahead for hours and capacity and availability.
MAKE SURE YOUR KIDS STAY SAFE ONLINE Are your children safe while online? Michigan families, especially minors, are becoming inundated with advertisements from alcohol, tobacco, pornography, illegal drugs, and gambling marketers through different internet and cell phone inboxes. Thankfully, the State of Michigan offers a free program to stop adult advertisements from reaching emails, text messages, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter. The Michigan Child Protection Registry is a free, do-not-contact service for Michigan’s families and can be located at ProtectMIChild.com. I encourage you to sign your entire family up for the Registry and inform your friends and colleagues about how it can also protect their children and families from unwanted adult advertising. It takes seconds to sign up — visit ProtectMIChild.com today and keep your family safe.
MDHHS HOSTING BABY FAIR FOR NEW OR EXPECTING FAMILIES The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has been hosting virtual baby fairs for new or expecting parents this month free of charge. At these virtual events, families have an opportunity to learn about available resources, important health and safety information and ask questions directly to program experts. The final free virtual event takes place at the following date and time: Tuesday, June 28 from 9 to 11 a.m. Some of the many MDHHS programs participating in these baby fairs include:
Participants can register for one of these sessions online. |
