July 2, 2021
Dear Friends,
Earlier this week the Senate passed with bipartisan support the school aid budget. A critical aspect of the bill was to close the funding gap between school districts, so all our children receive the same foundation allowance for each student. School funding has been a challenging issue in Michigan for far too long, and this proposal provides additional support in our classrooms. In addition, I supported an amendment on the Senate floor ensuring additional revenue for Macomb County special education programs.
This funding was made possible by a combination of federal COVID-19 relief funds from Congress and state revenues. On Wednesday, June 30, the House concurred in the changes we made (read more below), and the bill was sent to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for her signature. This allows school districts to better understand the amount of funding they will be able to work with for the upcoming school year.
As Southeast Michigan continues to struggle with flood damage after heavy storms last weekend, I wanted to provide information on state aid available for certain flood-affected residents in this e-newsletter, as well as information on my webpage.
In the meantime, should you need any help with additional resources — flood-related or not — please do not hesitate to contact my office by phone at (517) 373-8360 or by email at SenPWojno@senate.michigan.gov. We are happy to serve you.
Warmest regards,
Paul Wojno
State Senator
9th District
SENATE PASSES HISTORIC SCHOOL FUNDING FOR UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR
On Wednesday, June 30, the Senate passed a K-12 budget containing $17.1 billion — a combination of state and federal funds that will surely help our students and their districts who’ve struggled dearly through the pandemic. The Senate kept a per-pupil minimum foundation allowance of $8,700 passed by the House, bringing all districts to the same basic per pupil foundation grant for the first time in decades.
Our students and teachers have suffered for far too long under an unequitable funding formula. This legislation finally places the much-needed emphasis on funding education the way it always should have been. I look forward to continuing our work to once again make Michigan a top state in the nation for its dedicated dollars toward education.
STATE EMERGENCY RELIEF FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR FLOOD-INDUCED HOME REPAIRS
Low-income residents affected by recent flooding in Michigan may be eligible for emergency relief assistance through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). The State Emergency Relief Program provides immediate help to families and individuals facing conditions of extreme hardship or for emergencies that threaten health and safety. It is available to eligible residents that need help with home repairs necessary to correct unsafe conditions and restore essential services.
To qualify, applicants must be the owner or purchaser of the home and meet other eligibility requirements, including income limits. The lifetime maximum amount of funds available for non-energy related home repairs is $1,500 per household. State Emergency Relief Program assistance is available for repairs not covered by homeowner’s insurance for the basic house structure, hot water heater, septic/waste disposal system, doors/windows, extermination services, electrical, plumbing, roofs, and wells.
To apply for State Emergency Relief, visit Michigan.gov/MIBridges. Anyone who does not have internet access or needs assistance applying can contact their local MDHHS office or call 2-1-1 to be referred to other community resources.
INSURANCE TIPS TO RESIDENTS FOLLOWING SEVERE WEATHER
Following heavy rain, widespread flooding, and tornadoes across the state this past week, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is providing tips to assist residents when working with insurance companies to file claims and repair damages.
Michiganders impacted by flood waters or other storm damage should:
- Contact their insurance company’s claims hotline and/or agent to report the claim. Have the policy number and other relevant information readily available. DIFS has prepared an Insurance Claims Tracking Sheet to make this process easier.
- If there is water damage to a home or other structure, consumers should tell their insurance company that there is water damage, and they are looking to determine what coverage is available. Consumers should not simply state that the damage is due to a flood as there may be additional causes for water damage, such as a sewer backup or failing sump pump, that may be covered under the policy.
- Review insurance policies to understand their coverage. Flood damage is not covered by standard homeowners and renters’ insurance policies. There are certain insurance policies, including federal flood insurance, that homeowners would need to purchase to have coverage for flooding or water and sewer back-up resulting from storms or other natural disasters. It is important to discuss these options with your insurance agent or your insurance company well before flooding or damage occurs. Keep in mind that coverage through the federal flood insurance program typically takes 30 days to go into effect.
- Take steps to protect the property and prevent further loss. Be sure to keep receipts for any purchases of supplies that are needed to protect the property.
- Document the loss. Take pictures or videos of the damaged items and do not get rid of the items until instructed to do so by the insurance company.
- If there is water damage to a vehicle, consumers should contact their auto insurance company. They may have coverage for the damage if they carried comprehensive coverage on their auto policy.
DIFS encourages consumers to first attempt to resolve any claim disputes directly with their insurance company. If a resolution cannot be reached, DIFS will help try to resolve disputes. To learn more and file a complaint, visit Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints. Anyone with questions or concerns about their insurance coverage is asked to call the DIFS toll-free hotline 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 877-999-6442.
AG NESSEL WARNS RESIDENTS ABOUT PRICE-GOUGING, CONTRACTOR SCAMS AND WATER-DAMAGED VEHICLES
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is warning Michigan residents to beware of scam artists and price-gougers who will try to take advantage of desperate home and vehicle owners in the next several days and weeks. Of particular concern are reports of price-gouging by towing companies that have towed cars out of flooded roadways and impounded them — as well as fly-by-night contractors offering to help homeowners clean up after the weekend storms.
Drivers have the right to challenge whether your vehicle was properly towed and the reasonableness of towing and storage fees, but you must do so in a timely manner and in an appropriate district court. The process requires you to file a petition within 20 days from the date on the notice that your vehicle was towed as abandoned in the district court with jurisdiction over the location from which your car was towed. You will be responsible for applicable court filing fees.
The petition and instructions for how to fill it out are included with the mailed notice, or available on the Secretary of State’s webpage (Petition Regarding Impoundment of Motor Vehicle (DC90) form). If you request a hearing, you can also get your vehicle back while you are awaiting the hearing outcome, but you will have to either:
- post a towing and storage bond, (which will include the accrued towing and storage fees) with the court; or
- pay the abandoned vehicle fees and the accrued towing and storage fees to the custodian of your vehicle.
If the court finds the vehicle was improperly towed, you will be reimbursed for the towing and storage fees, and the abandoned vehicle fee will be returned.
Nessel is also reminding people to research contractors if home repairs are needed before paying for a project and alerting drivers to beware of water-damaged vehicles being sold on the used car market.
To file a complaint with the Attorney General, or get additional information, contact:
Consumer Protection Division
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form
TIPS TO STAY HEALTHY AND SAFE DURING FLOOD EVENTS
Following the issue of a state of emergency in Wayne County by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in response to flooding and flood warnings, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is providing guidance to Michiganders on how to stay safe and healthy during flood events.
During floods
- Stay out of flood waters. Flood water moves faster than it appears and can carry debris, which might injure you. Additionally, there is a danger of electrical shock from downed and exposed power lines. Children should never play around high water, storm drains, viaducts, or arroyos.
- Avoid driving in flood water as vehicles can easily be swept away. If you are stranded and surrounded by flood waters, wait for rescue personnel rather than attempting to walk or drive through flood waters.
- Flood water can be dangerous to your health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flood water can contain dangerous bacteria and other pollutants, including raw sewage. Flooding can lead to contaminated ground water, drinking water and carry sewage from sewers or septic systems into yards and basements. If flooding does occur in your area, avoid contact with flooded areas and wash up if contact does occur. Listen to public announcements or contact your local health department to find out if your tap water is safe to use. MDHHS encourages Michiganders who get their drinking water from wells to get their well water tested following a flood event. More information is available in this document or by calling the MDHHS Drinking Water Hotline at 844-934-1315.
After floodwaters recede
- Use caution when reentering a home or building that has been flooded. If you can, return to your home during the day so you do not have to use any lights. Use battery-powered flashlights and lanterns, rather than candles, gas lanterns or torches. Do not turn power on or off or use an electric tool or appliance while standing in water. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, leave the area immediately and notify the gas company or the police or fire departments. Do not return until you are told it is safe to do so.
- If your home has been flooded and has been closed up for several days, CDC cleaning recommendations include washing and sanitizing flooded areas of the home. MDHHS provides tips on how to clean up visible mold.
- Take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones during cleanup after a flood. When preparing to clean up after flood, make sure you have the right safety gear including hard hats, goggles, N95 masks, waterproof and steel toe boots, earplugs if working with noisy equipment, and rubber boots and gloves if sewage contamination is suspected or when using cleaning products such as bleach. While cleaning, work in teams in case you need to move heavy objects, rest as needed, and drink water.
- Never use generators, pressure washers or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside your home, basement, garage, or even outside near an open window, door, or vent. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas from these sources that can cause sudden illness and death.
- If you have any open cuts or sores that were exposed to floodwater, CDC wound care includes washing the wound with soap and water and applying an antibiotic ointment to prevent an infection. Seek immediate medical attention if you become injured or sick.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid electrical lines, debris, insects, and wild or stray animals.
- Throw away food that may have encountered flood or storm water; perishable foods that have not been refrigerated properly due to power outages; and food with an unusual odor, color or texture. Unsafe food can make you sick even if it looks, smells, and tastes normal. When in doubt, throw it out.
- Mosquitoes, which can carry West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne diseases, breed in standing water. Floodwaters can increase the population of mosquitoes and raises the risk for being infected. Regular use of EPA-approved mosquito repellents while outdoors can protect you from mosquitos.
- Take care of your emotional health. During and after a disaster, it is natural to experience different and strong emotions. Coping with these feelings and getting help when you need it will help you, your family, and your community recover from a disaster. Individuals in crisis, including those considering suicide, are urged to contact the Disaster Distress Helpline 24/7 at 800-985-5990 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 at 800-273-8255.
For more information, contact MDHHS at 800-648-6942 or your local health department.
STOP UTILITY FRAUD: DON’T GIVE OUT PERSONAL INFORMATION
The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) is urging Michiganders to be cautious about giving out personal information or information about your utility account after four of the agency’s staff received misleading phone calls on their home or personal phones in recent weeks.
One MPSC staff member received a phone call from a caller claiming to be from the State of Michigan and asked repeatedly for information about her gas bill. Another staff member received a call in which the caller implied he was from Consumers Energy Co. and asked repeatedly for her account information.
Neither the State of Michigan nor energy utilities such as Consumers Energy or DTE Energy Co. make unsolicited phone calls or come to your door asking to see your utility bill or for your utility account number. Utility customers should call the MPSC’s Customer Assistance Division at 1-800-292-9555 if they receive high-pressure calls asking for personal utility account information, which can be used to switch utility service without permission.