May 29, 2021
Friends,
The CDC announced on Tuesday that more than 50% of all American adults are fully vaccinated, having now received one of the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines. As we begin to round the corner in our fight against this pandemic, let’s continue to make safe and smart choices when it comes to the health of those around us.
In this newsletter, I’ve included information about remembering George Floyd and our fight for justice, expanded food assistance benefits, the recent updates to our state’s COVID-19 emergency rules, and special benefits available to current and former military services personnel. I hope you will find it helpful as you settle into this holiday weekend.
I wish you and your family the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful weather this Memorial Day, and always remember to reach out to my office at 517-373-0990, or email me if you have any questions or need assistance.
Be safe and be well,
Sylvia Santana
State Senator
3rd District
REMEMBERING GEORGE FLOYD: CONTINUING THE FIGHT FOR JUSTICE
This week, I gave a speech on the Senate floor to honor the memory of George Floyd on the one-year anniversary of his death by a police officer in Minneapolis, Minn. As I said in my speech: It was welcome news to see his killer convicted of such a heinous crime, but too many Black and Brown families have not had the same outcome and, in fact, their struggle goes largely unnoticed by the greater public.
We must recognize the differences in one another and work to understand the differences that make us great. We need to hold people accountable for their actions and make sure justice is served. We must continue the march toward justice. May George Floyd’s death not be in vain.
Here are my full remarks:
CHANGES TO COVID-19 EMERGENCY RULES, CAPACITY LIMITS
On Monday, May 24, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced updates to the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (MIOSHA) COVID-19 emergency rules, as many employers return to in-person work. The governor also announced an updated Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) COVID-19 Gatherings and Face Masks epidemic order which seeks to eliminate outdoor capacity limits and increase indoor social gatherings to 50% capacity, beginning June 1.
Emergency rules update
Now that the state has reached the 55% vaccination threshold, MIOSHA has removed the requirement that employers must create a “policy prohibiting in-person work for employees to the extent that their work activities can feasibly be completed remotely.” MIOSHA has also updated other aspects of the emergency rules to reflect the recent order from MDHHS and guidance from the CDC. Those changes include:
- Employers may allow fully vaccinated employees to not wear face coverings and social distance, provided they have a policy deemed effective to ensure non-vaccinated individuals continue to follow these requirements.
- Reformed rules on performance and eliminating industry-specific requirements to more clearly reflect changes in close contact and quarantining requirements for fully vaccinated employees.
- Cleaning requirements have been updated to reflect changes in CDC recommendations.
- Employers should continue to have and implement a written COVID-19 preparedness and response plan in accordance with the updated rules.
Visit Michigan.gov/COVIDWorkplaceSafety for additional information.
Capacity limit expansion
MDHHS also updated its COVID-19 Gatherings and Face Masks epidemic order, eliminating outdoor capacity limits and increasing indoor social gatherings, including weddings, conferences and funerals, to 50% capacity.
Under the new order, effective Tuesday, June 1 through Thursday, July 1, masks will continue to be required indoors for individuals who are not yet vaccinated.
MDHHS continues to urge Michiganders to follow CDC guidance, even where not specifically required by an epidemic order, including masking up at schools, on the bus or train, and in congregate settings such as prisons and homeless shelters.
People who are not fully vaccinated are recommended to mask up outdoors in crowded settings like a baseball game or concert. Organizations and businesses have the authority to put into place policies and guidelines that make sense for their operations, and for the safety of their employees and customers.
The latest COVID-19 information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus. To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit Michigan.gov/COVIDvaccine.
REMINDER: MILITARY SERVICE MEMBERS ENTITLED TO RECEIVE SPECIAL BENEFITS
The Michigan Department of Treasury reminds current and former military members of the special benefits they may be entitled to receive, including:
Military Pay Tax Exemption. Military pay is exempt from Michigan tax, including military retirement benefits and exit and separation pay.
Children of Veterans Tuition Grant. This program provides undergraduate tuition assistance to the children of Michigan veterans who were totally and permanently disabled, missing in action or died while serving. Students may receive scholarship assistance for up to four academic years for a total of up to $11,200.
Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption. A property tax exemption for real property used and owned as a homestead as outlined in state law.
Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) for Active-Duty Military Personnel. Property owners can retain a PRE while on active duty if their property is rented or leased.
Property Tax Relief during Active Military Service. Property owned by a serviceperson cannot be sold to pay delinquent property taxes during a tour of active duty.
Summer Property Tax Deferment. A serviceperson, veteran or widow or widower whose income outside of military compensation is no more than $7,500 per year may be eligible for a summer property tax deferment.
Federal Military Spouses Residency Relief Act. The spouse of an individual in the military may not be subject to the state’s taxation if they are a nonresident of the state, the service member is present in the state due to military orders, the spouse is solely in the state to accompany the service member, and the spouse maintains a domicile in another state. This act was amended in December 2018 to alternately allow military spouses to elect the same state of domicile as their service member spouse, even if they are not present in that state.
To learn more about tax relief and other benefits for current and past military members, go to Michigan.gov/Taxes.
FAMILIES TO RECEIVE MORE IN FOOD ASSISTANCE BENEFITS
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has announced that Michigan families eligible for food assistance because of the COVID-19 pandemic will receive an increase in their monthly amount. All households receiving benefits will see at least $95 extra in monthly benefits, including households that already receive the maximum monthly amount or are close to it.
An additional 350,000 families previously not receiving the increase in monthly Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will now receive the increased benefit, bringing the total number of Michigan families helped to more than 700,000. Eligible families do not need to reapply to receive the additional benefits.
More than 1.3 million people currently receive food assistance in the state.
People can check their Bridge Card balance online at Michigan.gov/MIBridgesor call 888-678-8914. The customer service line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Spanish and Arabic services are also available. Those that are deaf, blind, hard of hearing or speech-impaired can call the Michigan Relay Center at 7-1-1.