June 26, 2021
Friends,
I hope this newsletter finds you and your family safe and healthy. I would like to thank all the frontline workers, health care workers, first responders, and everyone who has received one of the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines. Thanks to you, we can begin to return to a new normal.
In this newsletter, you’ll find a compilation of updates from the past two weeks about how Michigan is re-engaging post-pandemic, resources to support you and your family provided by the state and federal government, how to keep your personal information safe during the digital era, and updates on how your government is supporting and protecting Michigan’s youth.
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
Changes to COVID Restrictions as of June 22
On Thursday, June 17, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced that effective June 22, capacity in both indoor and outdoor settings would increase to 100% and the state would no longer require residents to wear a face mask.
Nearly five million Michiganders ages 16 and older have received their first vaccine dose, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. And, according to data from the Michigan Care Improvement Registry, half of Michigan residents have completed their vaccination and more than 60% have gotten their first shots.
Case rates, percent positivity, and hospitalizations have all plummeted over the past several weeks. Currently, Michigan is experiencing 24.3 cases per million and has recorded a 1.9% positivity rate over the last seven days.
Some orders will remain in effect to protect vulnerable populations in corrections, long-term care, and agriculture. Public health measures will continue for reporting requirements and COVID testing to make sure areas where community spread is high are identified, kids are safe in school, and free COVID-19 tests are available. Guidance for keeping children and staff safe in schools will be released soon.
To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine and where to find the nearest vaccination site, visit Michigan.gov/COVIDvaccine and VaccineFinder.org.
AG Nessel Reminds Consumers to Watch Out for Callers Claiming to be from Health Departments
In partnership with the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS), Attorney General Dana Nessel is reissuing a consumer alert, warning Michiganders to beware of health care scammers — this time, claiming to be a representative from the “U.S. Department of Health Insurance Plans for Citizens” offering health insurance plans at a discount.
These types of scams often contact residents through a robocall. If you receive an unsolicited call from someone saying they represent a local, state or federal agency, be skeptical and trust your instincts.
Hang up if they claim to be from a government agency and:
- offer a new medical plan enrollment by asking for your current insurance information,
- make threats (like that your existing coverage will be cancelled) or rush you to decide, or
- attempt to obtain banking information from you.
Consumer complaints can be filed online at the Attorney General’s website, or by calling 877-765-8388.
Cryptocurrency Consumer Alert
On Monday, June 21, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Director Orlene Hawks, and Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director Anita Fox issued a consumer alert to help Michiganders protect themselves when using (or investing in) cryptocurrency instead of currency issued by the U.S. Treasury.
The alert explains basics about digital currency, virtual currency, and cryptocurrency as well as scams that take advantage of people unfamiliar with using digital currencies as a form of payment or investment. According to a recent article from the Wall Street Journal, the value of the total cryptocurrency market is more than $2 trillion, up from $260 billion a year ago.
For anyone interested in investing in cryptocurrency, here are some important tips to keep in mind:
- Research before you invest. Search online using the company name as well as the cryptocurrency name; add “review”, “scam”, or “complaint” to your search.
- Never wire or provide any credit card or bank account information until you check out the investment first.
- Before using a digital payment app, such as Venmo, make sure you understand the terms and conditions of using and transferring different currencies through the app. Some may charge a fee when the user wants to transfer money to their bank.
- Be careful when you see a celebrity endorsement. Scammers will use popular names and faces for curb appeal.
Your connection to consumer protection is just a click or phone call away. Consumer complaints can be filed online at the Attorney General’s website, or by calling 877-765-8388.
Child Tax Credit Payments to Begin July 15
On Monday, June 21, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer urged parents to file a federal income tax return if they haven’t yet done so, or use the Non-filer Sign-up Tool in order to be eligible for federal Child Tax Credit payments.
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 increased the federal Child Tax Credit to $3,600 per year for children under 6 years old and $3,000 per year for children 6–17 years old. The tax credit will be issued as a monthly payment and will not count as additional income that could affect a family’s eligibility for public assistance.
Families meeting the guidelines will receive an Internal Revenue Service-issued check or direct deposit on July 15, August 13, September 15, October 15, November 15, and December 15. The new maximum credit is available to taxpayers with a modified Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of:
- $75,000 or less for singles,
- $112,500 or less for a single parent, also called (head of household),
- $150,000 or less for married couples filing a joint return and qualified widows and widowers.
Low-income families with children are eligible for this crucial tax relief – including those who have not made enough money to be required to file taxes. If a couple makes under $24,800, a head of household makes under $18,650, or a single filer makes under $12,400, and they have not filed their taxes, the Non-filer Sign-up Tool can be used to sign up for the federal Child Tax Credit.
Recent estimates from Columbia University’s Center on Poverty & Social Policy find that this expanded Child Tax Credit will reduce child poverty by 45% overall, including 52% among Black children and 62% among Native American children, effectively eliminating the most extreme forms of child poverty in America.
Find more information at ChildTaxCredit.gov.
Additional Food Assistance Payments in June
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has announced that all Michigan families who are eligible for food assistance benefits will receive an additional payment in June in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately 700,000 Michigan households will benefit under approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service.
All households will receive an increase of at least $95 monthly, even if they are already receiving the maximum payment or are close to that amount. Households that received over $95 to bring them to the maximum payment for their group size will continue to receive that larger amount. Eligible clients should have seen additional food assistance benefits added to their Bridge Card between June 12-22. Additional benefits will be loaded onto Bridge Cards as a separate payment from the assistance that is provided earlier in the month.
Eligible families do not need to re-apply to receive the additional benefits. People who receive food assistance can check their benefits balance on their Michigan Bridge Card by going online to Michigan.gov/MIBridges or calling a consumer service representative toll-free at 888-678-8914. They can ask questions about the additional benefits by calling or emailing their caseworker.
Senate Passes Nearly $4.4B in K-12 School Funding
On Tuesday, June 15, the Michigan Senate passed a $4.38 billion coronavirus relief funding bill for K-12 schools in Michigan.
A substitute version of House Bill 4421, the approved legislation appropriates the entirety of the federal stimulus money provided to Michigan’s School Aid Fund from the American Rescue Plan. Most of the money in the bill — $3.35 billion — is from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief III, with another $840.7 million in funds that have not yet been appropriated, but that are also included for distribution in school districts.
Other important funding priorities include:
- $92 million from Emergency Assistance to Nonpublic Schools funding, and
- $86.8 million from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief funding for nonpublic schools.
Provisions were also made in the legislation that relate to summer school, as well as before- and after-school programs. Michigan students will now be allowed to enroll in summer programs offered in any district, not just their local district. School districts will also be able to use local assessments to make determinations of children with the greatest needs along with benchmark data for summer programming. The bill also removes the requirement that summer programs take place in-person.
Governor Announces Record Investment in Childcare
On Monday, June 14, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced a $1.4 billion investment in federal childcare funding to expand access to high-quality childcare, make it more affordable, and support childcare professionals as part of the administration’s Economic Jumpstart Investment.
Highlights include:
Making childcare more affordable for families.
- Increase income eligibility from 150% of the federal poverty level (FPL), $39,300 annually for a family of four, to 200% or $53,000 annually for a family of four from August 1, 2021 – September 30, 2023, making low or no-cost childcare available to an estimated 150,000 more children. Thereafter, income eligibility permanently increases to 160% FPL, $41,920 annually for a family of four.
- Increase access to the childcare subsidy for student parents enrolled in Michigan Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners for a 12-month period. Individual student parents will leave the program per the exit requirements.
Supporting early childhood educators.
- Offer premium pay for childcare professionals with stipends paid quarterly from July 2021 – September 2022.
- Maintain mental health supports provided by infant and early childhood mental health consultants for children enrolled in childcare.
Stabilizing childcare businesses.
- Raise childcare subsidy rates by 20% for providers to move closer to the market rate for childcare.
- Provide business stimulus grants to all childcare providers to help them remain open and serving Michigan families.
Expanding access to childcare.
- Provide grants to new and expanding sites in communities without adequate childcare.
Executive Directive Prohibits Conversion Therapy on LGBTQ+ Youth
On Monday, June 14, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Directive 2021-3 requiring the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to take actions necessary to prohibit the use of state and federal funds for the harmful practice of conversion therapy on minors.
Conversion therapy, also known as “reparative therapy,” refers to any intervention that attempts to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. It rests on the false premise that an LGBTQ+ individual’s identity is pathological and must be “repaired” or “fixed.” The nation’s leading medical and mental health organizations oppose the practice of conversion therapy on minors. Not only is conversion therapy ineffectual, but it can also lead to significant long-term harm, including anxiety, depression, internalized homophobia, self-blame, and higher risk of suicide. LGBTQ+ youth, who may be unable to refuse or resist conversion therapy sought by their parents or guardians, are particularly vulnerable to these harms.