Dear Neighbors,
I hope this newsletter finds you and your family safe and healthy. July 4th is just around the corner, which means lots of outdoor activities, and, of course, fireworks! Please remember to take extra precautions when lighting fireworks on your property. You can find additional firework safety tips below.
Featured in this newsletter:
- Legislative Updates
- Fireworks Safety Helps Protect People and Landscapes
- Free Summer Meals in Your Community
- Helping Medicaid members keep their coverage
- EGLE Air Quality Index
- Fire Danger is High Across Michigan; Practice Fire Safety Outside
- MDHHS Virtual Baby Fair
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
Legislative Updates
Sen. Santana and Rep. Farhat Secure Over $159 Million For Their Communities
On Wednesday, the Michigan Legislature 2024 state budget, including over $159 million that they advocated for to support local residents and address the needs of their communities.
The budget bills were House Bill 4437, which includes funding for all state departments for 2024, and Senate Bill 173, which covers school funding for the upcoming school year. Both bills passed the Senate with bipartisan support and were given immediate effect.
“From my committee work on the Department of Health and Human Services to my votes yesterday, I have been fighting for the constituents and communities I represent throughout the budget process and am very pleased that we were able to deliver so many wins for the district,” said Sen. Santana, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Department of Health and Human Services. “This budget invests in our state and our people, with a particular emphasis on equity and inclusivity to address the populations with the greatest needs.”
The budget funding Sen. Santana and Rep. Farhat secured for their constituents includes:
- $15.5 million for public safety, like funding for the Dearborn Fire Department upgrades and increased funding to the Dearborn Police Department;
- $14.5 million to fight substance use disorder, including money for ACCESS to specifically address this issue in the Arab community and funding for Team Wellness and Hype;
- $6.6 million for seniors’ needs, such as money to assist Detroit seniors with home renovations, expanding Senior University, and launching a grocery delivery pilot project;
- $17.5 million to support communities and address local residents’ needs, including funding for housing support, literacy programs, Brilliant Detroit, the Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Michigan and more;
- $22.7 million focusing on health services, such as support for Corewell Health Psychiatric GME-Dearborn, American Indian Health and Family Services, Wayne County Children Developmental Milestones, healthy food in the community, medical debt relief, and Dearborn Health Initiative;
- $25 million for community infrastructure improvements, like repairs to Miller Road Bridge and updates to Henry Ford Museum; and
- $57.4 million for increased funding to higher education at University of Michigan-Dearborn and Henry Ford College.
Distracted Driving Legislation Signed in Michigan
Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined state officials and anti-distracted driving leaders to sign three bills aimed at reducing distracted driving and saving lives by ensuring that drivers have their full attention on the road with the use of hands-free technology.
- House Bill 4250 updates Michigan’s distracted driving laws, which currently includes texting and driving, to also include watching or recording videos and engaging in social media, among other usages. The new law would allow drivers to take advantage of new voice-operated or hands-free technology if they need to use cell phone functions. The bill also allows a court to order drivers to complete a basic driver improvement course if they are found responsible for three or more civil infractions within a three-year period and updates fines for infractions.
- House Bill 4251 provides accountability for drivers who put themselves and others in danger by making related changes regarding commercial vehicles, driving record points, and driver improvement courses.
- House Bill 4252 requires the Michigan State Police (MSP) to submit a progress report on the effectiveness of the new law 3.5 years after it takes effect. After introducing a hands-free law in April, Ohio has seen a nine percent drop in distracted driving in just one month, preventing over 500 crashes.
> For more information, click here.
Juneteenth Recognized as State Holiday
This year, the Michigan Legislature officially established Juneteenth as a state holiday. I am proud to have sponsored legislation that demonstrates a true commitment to honoring the history of when slavery was abolished in our country. Now, this bill awaits signature from Governor Gretchen Whitmer in order to be fully enshrined into state law.
Monday, June 19, also known as Juneteenth, marks the day the federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to ensure that all enslaved people were freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, finally ending slavery in all parts of the United States.
Celebrating Juneteenth is a beautiful way to uplift the diversity in our community and help advance our state toward a more equitable, just future.
Proposition 2
In November, Michigan voters passed Proposal 2, which is now part of the state constitution. We are aligning our state laws with the constitution thanks to the passage of Senate Bills 367–374.
These bills would also allow military members deployed overseas to vote in elections with more ease. This package of bills updates our state election law to comply with Proposal 2, including early voting, drop box, precinct size, postage for absentee ballots and other requirements now in our Constitution.
Pharmaceutical Bill Awaits Signature
I am thrilled that both the House and Senate chambers have passed a bill that will expand the working capacity of our brilliant, hardworking pharmacists. The bill, Senate Bill 219, would allow pharmacists to order and administer vaccines and laboratory tests under certain circumstances. Furthermore, this bill would amend the Public Health Code. The bill is on its way to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s desk.
Fireworks Safety Helps Protect People and Landscapes
Independence Day is approaching, and fire danger is still high throughout Michigan. If you choose to use fireworks while celebrating, plan for a fun and safe holiday by following these guidelines.
Do:
- Supervise kids with fireworks and sparklers. Keep fireworks away from your face.
- Use fireworks only on a flat paved or gravel surface. Spray down the area with water before starting and when done.
- Toss used fireworks and sparklers into a bucket of water when finished.
- Keep a water source ready to spray embers from fireworks.
Don’t:
- Try to reignite “dud” fireworks that don’t go off. Wait 15 minutes, then place them in a bucket of water.
- Launch fireworks into forests or fields where dry grass or leaves could ignite.
Free Summer Meals in Your Community
Have hungry kids and teens to feed? It can be a challenge to find healthy meals that fit your budget. That’s why organizations and school districts in your area are working with Meet Up and Eat Up and providing everyone aged 18 and under with delicious, nutritious meals.
All summer, children 18 and under can eat healthy, satisfying meals in their own communities at no cost. No application forms required, no registration needed, and no proof of residency asked for — just show up and enjoy a meal! All meals must be eaten at the site.
Visit the interactive map to find the location nearest you. You can also text “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 304-304 to find free meals in your neighborhood.
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.
The department announced an extension of the deadline to submit documents for those who originally had a June 30 cutoff date. Folks now have until July 30 to submit their documents.
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.
EGLE Air Quality Index
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a color-coded way for residents to see what the levels of some types of air pollution are in their area. The higher the AQI, the worse the air quality is and the more cause for concern. Due to the recent fires in northern Michigan and Canada the past couple weeks, the AQI for particulate matter (PM) is high in many parts of Michigan and the eastern US. EPA’s Smoke and Fire map can be helpful in locating fires near you and seeing how smoke is moving.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has advised:
For current health and safety information, follow social media at:
- For people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teens it is suggested to take the following steps to reduce exposure:
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activities;
- Keep outdoor activities short;
- Consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them.
Air Quality Alerts are issued through the EnviroFlash system, sign up here to receive them. EnviroFlash is a free subscription service.
Fire Danger is High Across Michigan; Practice Fire Safety Outside
The heat, humidity and windy weather have pushed fire danger to high levels across the Lower Peninsula. Below are some tips for keeping fires under control this summer.
Safety tips to keep fires under control:
When you’re working with fire or equipment outdoors, keep in mind that fires can take off very fast and that the remains of a fire smolder for some time. Here are some tips to keep it safe out there:
- Contain your campfire or bonfire in a pit or ring and make sure you put it out thoroughly before leaving for the night. Douse the fire with water, stir the ashes and douse again.
- Never leave any fire — including hot coals — unattended.
- Keep a hose or other water source nearby when burning.
- Prevent sparks. Keep trailer chains from dragging when you’re on the road; don’t park hot equipment on dry grass.
- Never shoot fireworks into the woods, dry grass or shrubs.
- Get more fire safety tips at Michigan.gov/FireManagement.
- It’s illegal to burn plastic, hazardous materials, foam or other household trash. This can release dangerous chemicals into the air.
- You can use a burn barrel with a screen on top to burn paper, leaves and natural materials.
Additional fire tips and information about the DNR’s fire programs here.
MDHHS Virtual Baby Fair
Are you a new or expecting parent? Join us for a free virtual baby fair to learn about resources available to you, important information and ask questions to experts.
- Wednesday, July 12, 2023, from 9 –11 am
- Monday, July 24, 2023, from 9 – 11 am
- Wednesday, July 26, 2022, from 6 – 8 pm
Register at Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Virtual Baby Fair.