Dear Neighbor,
I hope you and your family enjoyed your summer and are now ready to embrace the start of fall. As a new season begins, I wanted to share with you some of the latest updates and community resources — especially for those who may be impacted by the UAW strike.
As always, thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter — I hope to see you all soon.
Sincerely,
Sen. Sam Singh
State Senator
District 28
Featured in this newsletter:
- The Fall Legislative Session Has Begun: Learn More with Eight FAQs
- National Voter Registration Day is Sept. 19: Confirm Your Status
- Resources for Michiganders Potentially Affected by the UAW Strike
- Apply for the MI Future Educator Fellowship
- Free Well Water Testing Available Through EGLE
- In the District
The Fall Legislative Session Has Begun: Learn More with Eight FAQs
Legislators have returned to Lansing, back from a summer filled with in-district events, tours and stakeholder meetings. As we plan on having a robust legislative schedule for the fall, I invite you to learn more about the “what, where and how” of session and how you can participate in the legislative process.
Understanding how to find, track and stay informed about the actions of your legislators is key. Click here to learn more and stay up to date on what’s happening in your Michigan Legislature.
National Voter Registration Day is Sept. 19: Confirm Your Status
Voting is a powerful way Michiganders can preserve and protect our democracy. On September 19, 2023, we recognized National Voter Registration Day to encourage all citizens of voting age to register to vote or update their registration status. Registering or updating your registration status is simple and can be done in less than ten minutes. You can do it online, by mail or in-person at your local clerk’s office or Secretary of State branch.
Michigan Senate Democrats are committed to expanding access to the ballot box and removing barriers that make it harder for Michiganders to cast their vote. Stay informed about the work we’re doing to build a more equitable and accessible electoral process that protects and empowers voters.
Resources for Michiganders Potentially Affected by the UAW Strike
For those who may be potentially impacted by the UAW strike, it is important to be prepared as the negotiations continue.
In light of the recent events, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has offered their assistance to all affected state business owners and workers — including the following resources:
- The Claimant Roadmap
- First-time filer coaching sessions
- UIA Community Connect
- Assistance with resetting account passwords
- Work Share
- Registration and Seeking Work Waiver
- Employer Filed Claims
To connect with your local Michigan Works! service center for career services, call (800) 285-WORKS (9675) or visit Michigan.gov/MichiganWorks.
For additional assistance, workers can schedule appointments at Michigan.gov/UIA or call Customer Service at (866) 500-0017.
Apply for the MI Future Educator Fellowship
The MI Future Educator Fellowship offers $10,000 scholarships to up to 2,500 future educators every year. It is now accepting applications for the 2023-2024 academic year!
To be eligible, the student must fulfill the following requirements:
- Complete the annual MI Future Educator Fellowship application.
- File a current-year Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Be a high school graduate.
- Be admitted into an eligible Educator Preparation Program (EPP) approved by Michigan’s State Board of Education.
- Be working on their initial teacher certification.
- Be enrolled in enough coursework to be considered enrolled full-time during the academic year, or its equivalency for individuals enrolled in an alternative certification program.
- Have reached Junior grade level according to the institution’s definition.
- Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
- Be a Michigan resident since July 1 of the previous calendar year.
- If you are a dependent student, your parent on your FAFSA must also be a Michigan resident since July 1 of the previous calendar year.
- Complete a Commitment to Teach in Michigan Agreement, which requires that the recipient teach in Michigan in a public school or qualifying public preschool program for a specific number of years, depending on the number of years the recipient has received the MI Future Educator Fellowship. This will be issued to applicants when the institution confirms eligibility.
For more information, visit here.
Free Well Water Testing Available Through EGLE
The Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) is excited to announce a special program to provide Michigan residents with free well water testing and help families know the quality of their well water.
Most wells get checked when they are first built; however, EGLE and local health departments know water wells should be checked more frequently, as water quality may change over time. If you have a private well and want to know the quality of your water, here’s what you can do:
- Contact your local health department. They can tell you about the water in your area and recommend any specific tests to perform.
- Visit the EGLE website gov/EGLEPrivateWells. Here, you can add your information to ask for a water test. You will also learn more about how to collect your own water sample to send into the lab.
- Don’t worry if you’re not sure what the results mean. EGLE and local health department officials are available to help you understand the results and will guide you on next steps, if necessary.
In the District
Coffee Hour Reminder
Join me for a virtual coffee hour on Friday, September 22 from 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.! You can register here. These events are a great way to share your questions and ideas with me while also receiving a firsthand update on what my colleagues and I have been working on in the Michigan Legislature.
WHEN: Friday, September 22, 2023, from 8-9 a.m.
WHERE: Virtual, register for the link here