LANSING, Mich. (Sept. 1, 2021) — Sen. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit) has introduced two bills to help residents continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters that have been hitting Southeast Michigan.
According to a recent study, 87% of working adults said they want the ability to continue working from home in the future. To accommodate this changing desire of working professionals, Senate Bill 621 would allow residents who work from home, or who are self-employed, to claim a tax credit for their broadband service, worth up to 50% of the costs paid during the tax year to maintain broadband service within their principal residence or $1,000, whichever is less.
“With the different landscapes and environments of how working professionals are doing their jobs in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s time for legislators to offer relief for the internet service that is clearly critical to the continuation of their remote work and, more largely, our economy,” Sen. Santana said. “We should continue to make remote work easier and more accessible for residents to improve the work-life balance for all Michiganders.”
Alongside her bill to support residents working from home, Sen. Santana also introduced Senate Bill 620 to increase access to critical aid services for Michigan seniors after a natural disaster.
“The State of Michigan has seen more than its fair share of natural disasters over the last few years, ranging from a polar vortex to a 500-year flood event in Midland, to incredibly destructive rainstorms in Southeast Michigan,” Sen. Santana added. “These events have caused incalculable damage to many, but especially seniors living on a fixed income.”
Earlier this year, when heavy rain resulted in flooding around the Detroit Metro area, many seniors were left with damage to their homes and no way to apply online for aid. SB 620 would help these affected individuals get access to such monetary aid and resources, along with assistance with having their hot water and power restored and cleaning up flooded basements.
“During emergencies, especially widespread disasters, it’s clear that our seniors need help navigating state bureaucracy and accessing available resources, so they can continue living safely in their homes,” Sen. Santana said. “And the legislation I’ve introduced is designed to do just that.”
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