District 9 News & Update

Dear Friends,

I hope you are safe and warm as you read this newsletter, and as January continues to bring snowy, winter weather. Please remember to prioritize your personal health by wearing your mask in public places, staying socially distant, and keeping up to date on vaccines so we can continue to keep our families and community safe.

Featured in this newsletter is information about how to order free, at-home rapid COVID-19 test kits, resources for winter weather preparedness, a list of publications that are available to request from my office, as well as my thoughts on Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s State of the State Address on Wednesday evening. I hope you had a chance to watch or perhaps read a recap of her speech afterwards, as I would like to hear your thoughts from you about what she said.

Should you need any help, please do not hesitate to contact my office by phone at (517) 373-8360 or by email at SenPWojno@senate.michigan.gov.

Warmest regards, 

Paul Wojno

State Senator
District 9

ORDER YOUR FREE, AT-HOME, RAPID COVID-19 TESTS

Testing is one of the best tools we have in helping to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Public health experts and the CDC recommend that you take an at-home test if you begin to have symptoms, if it’s been at least five days after being in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, and before you plan on traveling or attending a large gathering.

Thanks to the Biden Administration wanting to ensure that everyone has the tools they need to stay safe during the ongoing pandemic, at-home, rapid COVID-19 tests are now available for free at COVIDTests.gov, with every household eligible for four free tests that will be shipped directly to Michiganders’ homes.

Tests will usually ship within 7-12 days of ordering and arrive in the mail. Here’s what you need to know about your order:

• Limit of one order per residential address
• One order includes 4 individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests
• Orders will ship free starting in late January

The tests can’t withstand temperatures that are too hot or too cold, so removing them from your mailbox within a few hours — no more than 24 hours — is important to eliminate concerns of the tests being inaccurate when used. Tests should sit at room temperature for at least two hours before using in order to get more accurate results.

The Biden Administration and USPS is working to rectify the challenges some residents have seen with ordering tests due to address errors. If someone is experiencing any issues with ordering a test through the USPS portal, you can complete a USPS inquiry detailing the issue, which will get you more help.

If you do not have internet access or a computer to order the four free COVID tests from the federal government, please use these toll-free numbers: 1-800-232-0233 or TTY 1-888-720-7489.

For more information on how the Biden Administration plans to ensure that this program results in fair distribution and its plans for future distributions, read the full briefing here.

2022 STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her annual State of the State address this year virtually on Wednesday evening. The event was broadcast live throughout the state and her speech centered around this year’s theme of “I Believe in Michigan.”

I’m looking forward to working with the governor and my colleagues in the Michigan Legislature, on both sides of the aisle, on the many policy proposals and priorities that she identified as critical for this year’s work. I am interested in hearing what you think about her address and encourage you to email me or call my office with your ideas.

In case you missed it, here’s why I believe in Michigan:

WINTER WEATHER PREPAREDNESS TIPS

Winter weather is here in the Great Lakes States, and the Michigan Public Service Commission provides several helpful services and resources to help Michigan utility customers stay safe and warm.

Supplemental heating sources, generators and other risks:
Space heaters, fireplaces and other supplemental heating sources can bring severe risk to your home, including fires. With fires caused by portable heating sources peaking in January and February, it is important that you stay aware of the risks of operating such machines. Keep your household safe with these MPSC’s guidelines for safe use of supplemental heating.

If your power goes out and you use a generator to supply electricity, do so safely by following the MPSC’s tips on portable generator safety. Additionally, the power outage checklist can prepare you for what to do in the event your electric service goes out.

Heavy snowfall can cover your home’s furnace exhaust, which can lead to carbon monoxide venting into your home. Ensuring that this area stays clear will help protect you and your family.

Utility bill assistance
Households who are struggling to pay energy bills should contact their utility company by calling 211 or visiting www.mi211.org for more information. Resources for emergency bill assistance, affordable payment plans and other forms of aid are available through the MPSC’s consumer tip sheet on applying for utility assistance, a tip sheet on energy assistance and shutoff protection, and the Be Winterwise page.

Energy savings
Help reduce your energy use — and utility bills — with seasonal and year-round tips on energy savings from the U.S. Department of Energy, who publish fall and winter tips and year-round ways to save.

ACCEPTING REQUESTS FOR FREE AND AVAILABLE PUBLICATIONS

Below you will find a free list of publications that are available to request from my office at your leisure. Ranging from activity books for children to information about services available for seniors, these booklets are an easily accessible way to learn more about your community. If you would like to request one or more copies of any of these booklets, please email the office at senpwojno@senate.michigan.gov.

You can also contact the office by calling my toll-free number at (855) 347-8009. Individuals seeking materials should provide their name, physical address, and telephone number in their request.