Legislative Updates
Last month bipartisan legislation to allow local governments to offer subsidies on affordable housing projects passed the Senate. Michigan is not immune from the national housing crisis. These bills will give local governments tools to expand affordable housing in our communities and can position Michigan to be a national leader in addressing affordable housing needs. Our office worked closely with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) to develop the bills.
>>You can read more here.
I proudly sponsored legislation to reinstate the Charitable Tax Credit, which passed the Senate this week. Senate Bills 127 and 128 will allow you to claim credit against your individual income tax for contributions to a community foundation’s endowment fund, homeless shelter, food kitchen and food banks. In 2011 the charitable tax credit was eliminated and as a result, organizations saw a decrease in contributions as the tax credit incentivized individuals to contribute. My hope is that reinstating these tax credits will encourage more philanthropy.
Bills sponsored by my colleagues in the Senate were signed into law last week that ensures that absentee voter ballots from military and overseas voters are counted if received up to six days after an election. Last year, Michiganders turned out in record numbers to approve Ballot Proposal 22-2, which expanded absentee voting for military and overseas voters. Senate Bill 259 brings Michigan Election Law up to date with the Michigan Constitution and helps ensure service members overseas can make their voices heard.
District Updates
We are proud to celebrate the City of Owosso being named “Tree City USA” by the Arbor Day Foundation, honoring the city’s commitment to effective urban forest management.
Residents from Durand joined me for our coffee hour on Monday at the library to discuss legislation our office has been working on, updates on the state budget, and hearing from them about local concerns.
You can join me at my next virtual coffee hour on Monday May 15th from 8 –9 am.
Helping Medicaid members keep their coverageTake action to avoid a gap in coverage
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government declared a Public Health Emergency (PHE), allowing Medicaid members to keep their health care coverage. Per recent federal legislation, eligibility renewals will start again in June. Monthly renewal notifications will be sent by mail beginning in May.
Following these steps will help determine if you still qualify:
- Make sure your contact information is up to date.
- Check mail or text messages for a letter.
- Complete your renewal form (if you get one).
If you’re a Medicaid member, learn more about how these changes may affect your health care coverage at Michigan.gov/2023benefitchanges.
Mental Health Month Resources
May is mental health month, which aims to shine a light on the importance of destigmatizing mental illness and ensuring that everyone has access to resources when they are in need or crisis.
Below are community resources that are available to residents:
- Community Mental Health Authority of Clinton, Eaton and Ingham Counties
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- Adults, parents, and caregivers can call 24-Hour Crisis Helpline at 517-346-8460.
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- The Families Forward Mobile Crisis can be reached at 517-346-8008.
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- Adult Crisis Services can be reached at 517-346-8460.
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- Common Ground: Helps community members in crisis.
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- Call -1-800-231-1127; Or Text “Hello”; to chat with a crisis counselor.
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