{"id":6418,"date":"2021-10-29T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-10-29T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/senatedemssandbox.com\/bayer\/2021\/10\/29\/senatedistrict12newsupdates-2\/"},"modified":"2023-01-06T15:37:09","modified_gmt":"2023-01-06T15:37:09","slug":"senatedistrict12newsupdates-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/bayer\/2021\/10\/29\/senatedistrict12newsupdates-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Senate District 12 News & Updates"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Friends,<\/p>\n

It continues to be a busy time in the state legislature, where we are making some gains but also battling against other attacks, especially when it comes to education. I have long been a fierce advocate for our students, teachers and administrators in our public schools. We\u2019ve made some strides in the funding realm, but unfortunately, my Republican colleagues are taking us many steps back when it comes to the health and safety of our students and teachers \u2014 you can read more about this in my legislative update section below.<\/p>\n

But there have also been some gains, both in terms of legislation on behalf of working families, and the safe and effective vaccines hopefully expanding soon to children 5 years old and up.<\/p>\n

As always, if I can be of any assistance to you or your family, please call my office at (517) 373-2417, or email me at SenRBayer@senate.michigan.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Be well,\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

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Rosemary Bayer
<\/b>State Senator
<\/span>12th District<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATES<\/b><\/p>\n

Tampon Tax Repeal<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I am thrilled the Michigan Senate voted this week to stop taxing periods by passing legislation exempting feminine hygiene products from the sales and use tax! These products are essential and medical necessities \u2014 not luxury items, as the law currently treats them \u2014 and therefore should not to be subject to these taxes.<\/p>\n

This has been a bipartisan, bicameral effort that I\u2019m grateful to see, and I was proud to cast an emphatic \u201cYES\u201d vote in support!<\/p>\n

>> Read more about the significance of this legislation<\/a>.

School Safety Matters \u2014 Join Us!<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Threats of violence against our school board members and school employees working under extremely difficult circumstances to protect our children and keep schools open are unacceptable<\/b>.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s why my Senate Democratic colleagues and I have introduced legislation, Senate Bill 689<\/a>, to make it a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to a year, or a fine up to $1,000, or both, for people who assault, batter, wound, or endanger a school employee, school contractor, or member of a school board.<\/p>\n

Enough is enough. We can have disagreements and discussions about various school policies, but as adults and role models for our children, they must remain civil. If you, a relative, or friend have been harassed or threatened while performing your duties as a school official and are willing to share your story to demonstrate the need for this legislation, please visit the Senate Dems website<\/a> to tell us about it.<\/p>\n

We see you. We hear you. We are working to protect you.<\/p>\n

Republican School Voucher Scheme Clears Senate<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

This week, Republicans sought to curry a favor to their wealthy donors by passing legislation that would provide a tax credit to wealthy individuals or corporations who effectively \u201csponsor\u201d a child\u2019s non-public school education. More simply put, these bills are about expanding school vouchers, and they are unconstitutional<\/a>, as they interweave public resources for private purposes.<\/p>\n

Worse, they would take hundreds of millions of public dollars from public schools and gift them to private schools. I have no issues with private schools and those who choose them \u2014 but that is a choice. Our constitution protects public education, and subsequently, our public taxpayer dollars that are intended to be used for them.<\/p>\n

A well-educated population is a must-have for all businesses and communities, but the effort passed by my Republican colleagues this week is merely another DeVos-backed attempt to privatize education. These bills would provide high-quality education for the wealthy while stripping the state of the vital funds needed to provide a high-quality education for ALL of our children. I voted no on this legislation.<\/p>\n

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CELEBRATING ECONOMIC GROWTH, MORE JOBS FOR OUR COMMUNITY<\/b><\/p>\n

I was very excited to join Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently at the ribbon cutting of American Battery Solutions, Inc. expanded Innovation Center! This new lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility in Lake Orion will create dozens and dozens of well-paying, professional jobs right here in our district. This is an industry of the future and I’m proud to have them in our district and state.<\/p>\n

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COVID BOOSTERS & VACCINE INFO <\/b><\/p>\n

It’s time for a COVID booster for many of us. If you are eligible for a booster, you can find one at most local pharmacies. You can also find one through the Oakland County Health Department<\/a>. This week, they have been offering drive-through and walk-in booster clinics around the county. There are a couple more of these events today and tomorrow (information below), and I am hoping they will continue these efforts where there is a demand for them.<\/p>\n

Remember, COVID booster vaccinations are FREE!<\/p>\n

Thursday, October 28
<\/b>Drive-thru clinic from 1 to 4 p.m.
<\/span>Oakland County government campus
<\/span>1200 N. Telegraph Road, Pontiac
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