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Friends, I hope this letter reaches you and your families safe and healthy. As the weather continues to warm up and we go out into our community more, please continue to stay conscious of your health and that of others, and as always, be kind. Featured in this newsletter:
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, |
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Sylvia Santana
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE – GUN VIOLENCE This week, I rose at session to speak to a growing issue in our community on gun violence and its increase in more public places, such as the freeways. Hear my thoughts on the issue: |
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AG NESSEL SHARES SCAM WARNING AS AUTO REFUND CHECKS BEGIN TO GO OUT Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is providing important consumer protection reminders as auto insurers, at the directive of the governor, are set to issue $400 per-vehicle refunds to eligible Michigan policyholders (see more below). Particularly, the Attorney General is warning of a possible impersonation scam, where a bad actor may pretend to be with an insurance agency or government agency and contact an unsuspecting consumer under the guise of discussing their refund. Here are ways to avoid falling for fakes. Who is eligible for a refund, and when will I get it? The refunds began to be issued by insurers last week and should be to eligible policyholders no later than May 9, 2022. Eligibility:
Eligible consumers who do not receive their refunds by the May 9 deadline should contact their auto insurer or agent. If consumers have questions or concerns that cannot be resolved directly with their insurer, they should contact the Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) by calling Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 833-ASK-DIFS (833-275-3437) or by emailing autoinsurance@michigan.gov. DIFS has also launched a consumer FAQs page at Michigan.gov/MCCArefund.
SECRETARY BENSON SPEAKS ABOUT ELECTION TRANSPARENCY On Tuesday, March 15, the Michigan Department of State released a video that explains why results of major elections in Michigan often aren’t available right after polls close. It’s the first of a series of videos that transparently explain Michigan election operations to educate voters and counter and preempt election misinformation. The first video explains that Michigan election results in major and close elections will often come many hours, if not days, after polls close because the state Legislature does not allow local election clerks to preprocess absentee ballots before Election Day. Subsequent videos will debunk other misinformation and answer commonly asked questions about Michigan’s elections. They will be released regularly to prepare voters for the 2022 elections. In coordination with community partners, many of the videos will also be released in additional languages and all will eventually be available to view online at Michigan.gov/elections.
2022 FISHING LICENSE SEASON BEGINS APRIL 1; NEW UNDERWATER SPEARFISHING LICENSES AVAILABLE For anglers eager to hit the water, a reminder that Michigan’s new 2022 license season starts Friday, April 1. Licenses for the 2022 season are valid through March 31, 2023, and can be purchased at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses. Anyone buying a fishing license online will have the opportunity to sign up for auto-renewal through the DNR eLicense system. Last month, the DNR announced upcoming regulation changes adopted by the Michigan Natural Resources Commission, including the expansion of underwater spearfishing opportunities that will now include the chance to harvest additional species. Starting April 1, underwater spearfishing for walleye, northern pike and lake trout has been added for Lake Michigan (waters south of the southernmost pier at Grand Haven) and Lake Huron (waters south of the southernmost pier of the Thunder Bay River, extending south to the mouth of the St. Clair River [Fort Gratiot Light]). This opportunity requires a new underwater spearfishing license along with monthly effort and harvest reporting requirements. The underwater spearfishing license is complimentary, unless a DNR Sportcard is needed, and will be available only online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses. See page 16 of the 2022 fishing guide (available on the DNR guides and digests page) for more on this spearfishing opportunity. Everyone planning to fish is encouraged to periodically review the digital version of the fishing guide for regulation updates throughout the 2022 fishing season. For tips on getting started, choosing locations, targeting different species and other “how to” information, visit Michigan.gov/Fishing. Got questions? Contact the DNR Fisheries Division main line at 517-284-5830 and select option 4.
APRIL TOWN HALL ON REDEVELOPMENT OF FORMER AMERICAN MOTOR HQ As plans are getting underway to redevelop the Former American Motor Company (AMC) Headquarters, it is important to continue to stay engaged in ongoing discussions. So, I’m having a town hall on this matter in April, and I hope you join me! |
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WHAT: AMC Redevelopment Town Hall WHEN: Wednesday, April 6, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. WHERE: House of God Church, 12700 Schaefer Hwy., Detroit, MI 48227 |
