June 12, 2021
Friends,
I hope this newsletter finds you and your loved ones enjoying the warm summer weather now that it’s arrived. As we continue to take advantage of all our state has to offer, please continue to be aware of the health and safety of those around you, as we continue to prioritize combatting the COVID-19 pandemic.
In this week’s newsletter, you’ll find information on a new task force on juvenile justice reform that was just announced this week; help for Michigan homeowners struggling financially due to COVID-19; Gov. Whitmer’s recent proposal for preschool expansion; and updates made by the Secretary of State’s office to expand customer services.
As always, continue staying healthy and enjoy the wonderful summer weather. Remember to reach out to my office at 517-373-0990, or email me if you have any questions or need assistance.
Sylvia Santana
State Senator
District 3
GOVERNOR ESTABLISHES BIPARTISAN TASK FORCE ON JUVENILE JUSTICE REFORM
On Wednesday, June 9, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, along with Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, announced the formation of a bipartisan Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform, the first of its kind in the State of Michigan, and I was proud to attend and speak on this issue on behalf of residents of the 3rd Senate District.
The task force will focus on analyzing the state’s juvenile justice system, while recommending proven practices and strategies for reform grounded in data, research, and fundamental constitutional principles. A partnership between county and state leaders, as well as other leaders involved in the juvenile justice system, members will compile an analysis of Michigan’s juvenile justice system and recommend changes in state law, policy, and appropriations to improve youth outcomes.
In April 2019, Gov. Whitmer created the bipartisan Michigan Task Force on Jail and Pretrial Incarceration, chaired by Lt. Gov. Gilchrist and Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Bridget McCormack, which reviewed the state’s jail and court data to expand alternatives to jail, safely reduce jail admissions and length of stay, and improve the effectiveness of the front end of Michigan’s justice system. These recommendations inspired criminal justice reform legislation that was signed into law in January 2021.
“While some have never had to experience the stress caused by an early life in the juvenile justice system, far too many Michigan children have been affected by a system that does more to penalize them instead of providing them with the support and rehabilitation they really need,” Sen. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit) said. “It is our responsibility to make improvements to right these wrongs, and so I am proud to support a bipartisan Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform. I look forward to working with my colleagues on building a better system that provides true, lasting justice and opportunity for our youth.”
HELP IS AVAILABLE FOR HOMEOWNERS
June is National Homeownership Month, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS), and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority are reminding Michiganders of support available to homeowners who have been financially impacted by COVID-19.
Launched in 2020, the MIMortgage Relief Partnership is a cooperative agreement between the state of Michigan and more than 230 banks, credit unions, and mortgage servicers to provide mortgage relief to Michigan homeowners experiencing a COVID-19 related financial hardship. The deadline to request assistance from participating lenders has been extended to December 31, 2021. DIFS has also compiled a list of additional assistance programs to help impacted homeowners struggling to make their mortgage payments.
To find a housing counselor near you, visit Michigan.gov/HousingEducationLocator. Consumers who need assistance with insurance or financial services issues can contact DIFS Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 877-999-6442.
PRESCHOOL FUNDING PLAN TO GIVE 22,000 MORE KIDS AND EARLY EDUCATION
On Tuesday, June 8, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced her plan to fund preschool education to ensure that all eligible children in Michigan have access to high-quality, affordable early education opportunities that prepare them for success.
The Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP), the state-funded preschool program for 4-year-old children, has not been able to meet demand. Currently, only 66% of eligible children statewide are served by GSRP or federal Head Start programs. Under the governor’s proposal, funding for GSRP would be increased by an additional $255 million in federal dollars and $150 million in state dollars over the next three years to ensure all eligible 4-year-olds are served.
GSRP is a proven preschool program that provides full- or part-day services to children from families at or below 250% of the poverty line, which is $66,250 for a family of four. In tandem with the Head Start program, GSRP currently provides preschool to 43,100 kids across Michigan. An estimated 65,400 students are eligible for the program. Investments in GSRP provide both immediate and long-term results, such as improved literacy performance by third grade, narrowed achievement gaps between low and high-income students, and improved high school graduation rates.
NEW TOOL TO HELP MICHIGANDERS REPORT WORK SEARCH ACTIVITY
The Unemployment Insurance Agency has reintroduced a call-in schedule to assist all claimants who certify their eligibility for benefits by phone. The call-in schedule, based on the last two digits of an individual’s Social Security Number (SSN), will help ease incoming call flow and prevent extended wait times while reporting work search activity by phone.
Claimants who receive unemployment benefits are required to search for work and report at least one work search activity per week when they certify for benefits. Failure to report a work search activity will result in a loss of benefits for that week.
All claimants who certify by phone will need to call using MARVIN (866-638-3993) according to the schedule. If unable to certify on their scheduled day and time, all claimants may certify on Thursday or Friday of their certification week, regardless of their SSN. Claimants who need to report their work search activity must complete the automated certification questions and remain on the line to connect with an agent to report their work search activity for each week.
MARVIN is available from 8 a.m. through 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, but is no longer available on Saturdays.
As of Monday, June 7, 2021:
For faster processing, UIA recommends that claimants certify and report their work search online using the Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM). MiWAM is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Claimants may sign up for a MiWAM account at Michigan.gov/UIA.
A waiver of the work search requirement may be granted due to certain COVID-19-related reasons. Claimants must apply and be approved for the waiver before they certify for benefits for the biweekly certification period. Claimants will be notified at the time of the request whether a waiver is granted.
For more information on the work search requirement, visit Michigan.gov/UIA.
SECRETARY OF STATE ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO INCREASE SERVICES
On Tuesday, June 8, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced her offices are adding appointments to serve 350,000 more Michiganders, as well as greeters at office doors to assist in scheduling visits and priority service for residents needing a disability placard.
The three changes Benson announced were:
- Appointment timeslots will be increased by 25% between now and the end of the fiscal year. The department released half of the more than 350,000 new appointments Monday, June 7, and the remaining half will be split up and released every weekday at 8 a.m. and noon between now and Sept. 30 as next-day appointments. Appointments can be booked online at Michigan.gov/SOS or, for people with internet limitations, by calling 888-SOS-MICH.
- Residents will now be able to book in-person appointments. When visitors arrive without an appointment, greeters will tell them if any staff are available to serve them or assist them in scheduling a return visit.
- Residents needing disability placards can now be served as soon as possible after arrival at any office. While these residents are still encouraged to schedule their visit, appointments are no longer required to receive a disability placard.
AG NESSEL REMINDS MICHIGANDERS TO RESEARCH HOME IMPROVEMENT OFFERS
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is sharing important reminders as many Michiganders prepare for home improvement projects and the summer months create opportunities for scammers. Her latest Consumer Protection video is the final installment in Nessel’s informative and humorous series focused on educating consumers.
If someone comes to your door to offer repairs or improvements, do your research before committing to anything. Michiganders should especially be on high alert right after a big storm that’s likely to cause damage. Clean-up days are prime for scammers who like to prey on homeowners looking for help with unexpected repairs. Additional tips on building and remodeling can be found in the Department’s Consumer Alert focused on advice for homeowners.
JUNE 5-13 IS GREAT LAKES AND FRESH WATER WEEK
To raise awareness of Michigan’s water resources, Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week — June 5-13 — will celebrate our lakes and rivers around the themes of “Appreciate, Educate and Recreate.”
Throughout Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) will offer Michiganders an opportunity to show their appreciation of our state’s lakes and rivers, highlight programs that educate residents to become lifelong water stewards, and provide information about recreational responsibly on or near lakes and rivers.
Here are ways that you can participate in Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week:
- Post photos on social media of your favorite lake, river or water experience and use the hashtag #MIGreatLakesWeek.
- Try your hand at Great Lakes trivia, posted to the DNR’s MI Nature Facebook page and at EGLE’s Twitter feed.
- Watch and share themed videos throughout the week: Appreciate our water resources, educate residents about stewardship and enjoy recreation responsibly.
- Fish for free June 12-13. On these two days, the DNR will waive the need for a fishing license, as well as off-road vehicle license, trail permit and the Recreation Passport requirement for state parks and boating access sites.
- Take your blanket to the beach and read the 2020 State of the Great Lakes report.
- Check out the Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week webpage at Michigan.gov/GreatLakesWeek, where you’ll find links to local events, education resources, videos, MICorps volunteer sign-up, invasive species identification and how to properly dispose of old medications.
- Open the From Students to Stewards toolkit, which is full of place-based educational resources for teachers that will instill in youth a desire to learn about water resources and how to be protective of lakes and streams.
As you decide how to enjoy the outdoors, follow these tips to be responsible with our water, in the water and while fishing, as well as resources to consult regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.