Senate District 2 Updates

May 8, 2023 | Email

Dear Neighbors, 

I hope this newsletter reaches you and your family safe and healthy. It’s an exciting time in the Legislature as we begin negotiations for the state budget. I’m committed to advocating for funding that will continue to uplift and support our community and will keep you updated as my colleagues and I work to finalize our plans.  

Featured in this newsletter: 

  • Senator Santana’s Community Capitol Day 
  • Legislative Update  
  • Gov. Whitmer Proclaims May as Military Appreciation Month 
  • Summer 2023 Job Market Forecast for Michigan Teens (Ages 16–19) 
  • Gov. Whitmer Signs Legislation Expanding Absentee Voting for Michigan Service Members Overseas 
  • Helping Medicaid members keep their coverage 

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,

Sylvia Santana
State Senator
District 2

 

Senator Santana’s Community Capitol Day

Please join me Tuesday, May 16, 2023, for Community Day at the Capitol. I invite you to come tour the Capitol as well as hear from some of our State Departments, who will be sharing briefings and updates with you all. I will be sharing a legislative update as well.    

Round trip transportation will be provided, departing at 7:30am from Ford Community & Performing Arts 15810 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI 48126 with a return time of 4:00pm. Lunch will also be provided. Transportation is limited to 50 people, so reserve your spot as soon as possible by calling my office at (517) 373-0900 or email senssantana@senate.michigan.gov.   

I look forward to meeting with you all then! If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office, which can be reached by phone at (517) 373-0900 or by email at senssantana@senate.michigan.gov.   

WHAT: Community Day at the Capitol
WHEN: Tuesday, May 16, 2023, from 7:30 am-4:00 pm
WHERE: Lansing State Capitol 

Departing From: Ford Community & Performing Arts 15801 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI 48126  

 

Legislative Update 

As Chairwoman of the Department of Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee, I am pleased to report the Senate Appropriations Committee approved a $35.4 billion budget for the Department of Health and Human Services on Wednesday that includes $20.3 million for Highland Park to use to repay the estimated $24 million with interest it owes the Great Lakes Water Authority for years of unpaid drinking water bills. 

“It’s very imperative that we as a state prioritize water affordability and provide that support to Highland Park. This is something that is key to making sure that Highland Park can continue to be sustainable.” 

Also included in my budget recommendation: 

  • Unpaid Medical Debt – $10,000,000 
  • ACCESS SUD Treatment – $10,000,000 
  • Food Bank Council of Michigan – MASS $10,000,000 
  • City of Dearborn Public Health Initiative – $5,000,000 
  • Healthy and Resilient Communities (Combatting Food Deserts) – Authority Health – $5,000,000 
  • Food Assistance Program Benefit Cut Backfill – $5,000,000 
  • Domestic Violence / Sexual Assault Victims of Crimes Act (VOCA) Grants – $3,610,300 
  • City of Detroit Senior Citizen Home Renovation – $3,000,000 
  • Homeless Youth & Runaway Funding – $2,146,000 
  • LAHC Health Initiative – $1,500,000 
  • American Indian Health & Family Services – $1,500,000 
The DHHS budget now advances to the full Senate, where a vote is expected in the coming weeks.

Gov. Whitmer Proclaims May as Military Appreciation Month 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed May as Military Appreciation Month in Michigan, honoring military members and their families throughout the state by recognizing their sacrifices and celebrating their successes. 

Michigan is committed to making the state the premier choice for military service members, veterans and their families to live, work, serve and play. In support of this effort, the MVAA helps connect veterans with federal, state and local benefits and resources they earned for their service. To learn more about employment, healthcare, education and quality-of-life benefits, veterans can contact the Michigan Veteran Resource Service Center at 1-800-MICH-VET or visit www.michigan.gov/MVAA.   

For more information on upcoming ceremonies and activities to honor veterans and military families, please visit the MVAA events calendar at www.michigan.gov/mvaa/events. 

Summer 2023 Job Market Forecast for Michigan Teens (Ages 16–19) 

The Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget’s Michigan Center for Data and Analytics released its summer (June–August) teen employment forecast for 2023. For more information, including resources for finding summer employment, click here.  
 

Gov. Whitmer Signs Legislation Expanding Absentee Voting for Michigan Service Members Overseas 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Senate Bill 259, bipartisan legislation ensuring that absentee voter ballots from military and overseas voters are counted if received up to six days after an election. Last year, Michiganders turned out in record numbers to approve Ballot Proposal 22-2, which expanded absentee voting for military and overseas voters. Senate Bill 259 brings Michigan Election Law up to date with the Michigan Constitution and helps ensure service members overseas can make their voices heard. 

“Our military personnel defend our democracy; we must defend their right to participate in our democracy. Senate Bill 259 ensures that ballots from active-duty service members and overseas voters will be counted,” said state Senator Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield). “I’m honored to chair the Senate Elections and Ethics Committee and this bill is just the beginning of our work implementing the will of Michiganders who overwhelmingly supported Proposal 2 to improve access to voting.”  

“As a former municipal clerk and member of the Senate Election Committee, I am pleased that this legislation was passed with bipartisan support to give our servicemen and women the peace of mind that when they are deployed in defense of our nation their ballot will be counted,” said state Senator Paul Wojno (D-Warren), bill sponsor. “The legislation also gives our dedicated election officials the tools they need to ensure our elections maintain the highest standards for transparency and integrity.”  

Senate Bill 259 provides that if an absentee voter ballot return envelope containing a ballot cast by a military or overseas voter was postmarked on or before election day and was received by the voter’s city or township clerk within six days after the election, the ballot must be counted. City or township clerks forward all received absentee voter ballots from military or overseas voters to county clerks for tabulation at a county canvass board meeting. Senate Bill 259 also provides procedures if the postmark on the envelope is missing or unclear.  
 

Helping Medicaid members keep their coverage 

Take action to avoid a gap in coverage 

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government declared a Public Health Emergency (PHE), allowing Medicaid members to keep their health care coverage. Per recent federal legislation, eligibility renewals will start again in June. Monthly renewal notifications will be sent by mail beginning in May. 

Following these steps will help determine if you still qualify: 
  • Make sure your contact information is up to date. 
  • Check mail or text messages for a letter. 
  • Complete your renewal form (if you get one).  
If you’re a Medicaid member, learn more about how these changes may affect your health care coverage at Michigan.gov/2023benefitchanges.