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Friends, There’s been a lot of news happening around our state and in Lansing lately. Remember, I work for YOU at the Capitol, and I want you to stay updated on what’s happening, so I hope you enjoy reading some highlights below. 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
#HATEWONTWIN It’s important for the truth to be told. Misinformation and lies will not, and should not, be tolerated because we simply will not let hate win. Accountability is key to upholding the spread of truth in our society. In case you missed it, here’s a video of a speech I gave during Senate session on Tuesday, April 26, when I pointed out that silence is never an appropriate response when hate is right before us. >> Watch my floor speech here: |
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REMINDER TO TEST, GET VACCINATED, BOOSTED AS COVID-19 CASES EXPECTED TO RISE The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is reminding Michiganders to participate in best practices to reduce risks of COVID-19 and prevent spread at spring gatherings including proms, graduations, and other events, and to make sure they are up to date on vaccines. The BA.2 subvariant of Omicron is expected to continue causing a rise in COVID-19 cases in the upcoming weeks; southeast Michigan is already seeing an increase in cases. The increase is expected as the BA.2 subvariant of Omicron has been shown to be more transmissible. Michigan’s residents are encouraged to be aware of the increased transmission as they go about their daily lives and make personal decisions on masking and other strategies to protect themselves from COVID-19. In addition to testing before and after travel, MDHHS encourages residents to test ahead of group celebrations and gatherings, especially when events may include family and friends who have increased vulnerability to COVID-19 infection. Free over-the-counter tests remain available to households through federal, MI Backpack Home Testing, many Michigan libraries and Rockefeller programs. Continued testing supports early identification of cases in Michigan’s communities and helps limit the spread of the virus. If you test positive for COVID-19, isolate immediately, avoid travel and gatherings, and seek medical care if needed. For more information on COVID-19, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.
TREASURY OFFERS HELP TO THOSE WHO MISSED THE TAX FILING DEADLINE Michigan taxpayers who missed the April 18 state individual income tax filing deadline last week have options for filing a late return, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury. If you have an outstanding tax debt or cannot make full payment, options for payment plans are available. The Treasury’s goal is to help taxpayers limit interest charges and late payment penalties. The Treasury recommends past-due tax filers consider:
Taxpayers who receive a final tax bill and are unable to pay the entire amount owed can consider:
The last three options for final tax bills should be filed separately from the state income tax return. Taxpayers with questions about their state income taxes are encouraged to use Treasury eServices. The online platform enables taxpayers to ask state income tax-related questions when convenient and avoids the extended wait times for calls this time of year. To get started with Treasury eServices, go to Michigan.gov/incometax and click on “Access eServices.”
MI HEALTHY CLIMATE PLAN TO CREATE GOOD-PAYING JOBS, PROTECT AIR AND WATER On Thursday, April 21, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) released the MI Healthy Climate Plan, a roadmap for Michigan to achieve economy-wide carbon neutrality by 2050. The MI Healthy Climate Plan proposes climate action that would create tens of thousands of clean energy jobs, spur economic development and innovation, protect clean air and water, and improve public health. It builds off the leadership of tribal communities, cities and towns across Michigan, as well as the private sector, and positions Michigan as a climate action leader with a focus on actions to spur economic development and create good-paying jobs, lower energy and transportation costs for working families and businesses, work towards energy independence, mitigate the worst impacts of climate change, improve public health, and protect natural resources and wildlife. Additionally, the MI Healthy Climate Plan identifies what needs to happen for Michigan to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 with a prioritization on actions from now until 2030. The plan’s recommendations fall around six pillars:
The full plan can be found here.
APRIL IS NATIONAL SAFE DIGGING MONTH
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As sunshine and warmer temperatures tempt Michiganders to begin backyard improvements or even bigger construction projects, the Michigan Public Service Commission and MISS DIG 811, the state’s underground utility locator, are reminding residents to first call 8-1-1 to have buried utilities marked for safety before putting a shovel in the ground. Anyone planning a project that involves digging can call at least three business days in advance to ensure underground utilities aren’t damaged, which can lead to dangerous and potentially deadly consequences, regardless of the size of the excavation project. The call is free, and you will be able to have trained workers from utility companies come out and clearly mark (with spray paint or flags) where buried gas, electric, water and sewer lines, phone, and other underground utilities are located on your property. Instead of calling, you can also visit MISSDIG811.org to fill out a request form online.
TEMPORARY REMOVAL OF BIRD FEEDERS CAN HELP REDUCE SPREAD OF AVIAN INFLUENZA As Michigan continues to respond to detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly referred to as “bird flu,” some residents are asking questions about how best to keep themselves, their poultry flocks, and wild bird populations safe. This is of greater interest now, as many birds make the spring migration back to Michigan and seek out food sources such as backyard bird feeders. With HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) confirmed in wild birds and domestic flocks in several counties throughout Michigan, wildlife, and animal health experts in the state’s departments of Natural Resources and Agriculture and Rural Development have been fielding increased calls about the HPAI virus. One effortless way the public can help reduce the potential spread of HPAI is to remove outdoor bird feeders. Though there is not yet any widespread recommendation from state agencies to do so, temporary removal of these food sources could be helpful, especially for anyone who has highly susceptible species — domestic poultry, raptors, or waterfowl — living nearby. Similarly, removal could be a wise choice for those who observe high-risk species like blue jays, crows, or ravens hanging around backyard bird feeders. This temporary removal of bird feeders and baths may only last for the next couple of months, or until the rate of HPAI spread in wild and domestic birds decreases. If people choose to continue using their bird feeders, please keep this guidance in mind:
Domestic bird owners and caretakers should watch for unusual deaths, a drop in egg production, a significant decrease in water consumption, or an increase in sick birds. If avian influenza is suspected, immediately contact MDARD (Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development) at 800-292-3939 (daytime) or 517-373-0440 (after hours). Follow the status of HPAI in Michigan counties at Michigan.gov/BirdFlu. |
