August 6, 2021
Hello Neighbors,
Due to the rise of COVID-19 cases resulting from the Delta variant, the CDC has updated their COVID-19 guidelines for vaccinated individuals. Individuals who are fully vaccinated should wear a mask indoors if in an area of substantial or high transmission rates to maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent it from spreading to others. Masks should continue to be worn where required by laws, rules, regulations, or local guidance.
If you have not yet been fully vaccinated, click here to locate a vaccine location near you. It is important that we vaccinate to protect ourselves and each other from the COVID-19 virus and Delta variant. You may also call (800) 232-0233 or text your ZIP code to 438829 to find locations. For more information, please visit the CDC website.
Every day, I am grateful and humbled that I get to represent you as your State Senator, and I do my best to ensure that your voice is heard in Lansing. As always, please continue to look out for your friends and neighbors and be patient with one another. For the latest updates, I’d encourage you to follow me on Facebook.
Warm regards,
Winnie Brinks
State Senator
29th District
In This Issue
- Extension of National Eviction Moratorium
- August is National Breastfeeding Month
- New Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment Technology Coming to Medical Mile
- Get Involved with the DNR
- New Grand Rapids Home for Veterans
- Recap: Drinks with Brinks
- Upcoming Coffee Hour
- Contact Us
Extension of the National Eviction Moratorium
This past Saturday, the National Eviction Moratorium expired. However, due to courageous activism, and the unrelenting pressure that was placed on the White House, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced earlier this week they have extended the moratorium through October 3!
The CDC issued a moratorium on evictions for 60 days for U.S. counties with “substantial and high levels of community transmission” of the coronavirus, according to an agency news release. About 90% of the nation will be covered by the ban as the virus’s Delta variant spreads quickly throughout the country.
If you’re having trouble paying or receiving rent, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) has federal funds available to help tenants facing pandemic-related hardships avoid eviction while also ensuring landlords can recoup owed rent through the COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) program. MSHDA administers CERA through its statewide network of local nonprofit agencies. I’d like to encourage everyone who is eligible to apply today and take advantage of a program that can help restore housing stability.
August is National Breastfeeding Month
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared August 2021 as Breastfeeding Awareness Month as part of the state’s commitment to encouraging a strong foundation for life in all infants. Breastfeeding provides countless benefits to the nursing infant, including easy digestion, production of antibodies, and reduced risk of infections and childhood obesity. It also offers faster recovery from birth and reduced risk for postpartum hemorrhage and uterine cancer to the breastfeeding mother.
National Breastfeeding Month is also a time to highlight under-resourced communities where families do not have equal access to support, care, and education. Disparities in breastfeeding rates and other maternal and infant health outcomes are more evident for Black and Indigenous families than other Michigan families. Increased efforts highlighting increased support for breastfeeding are part of Governor Whitmer’s Healthy Moms Healthy Babies initiative.
Proper nutrition for infants is critical for their growth and development, and thus it is important for hospitals, businesses, communities, and coalitions to work together to provide consistent support for breastfeeding mothers in Michigan. Doing so is about the health of our entire community. Ways to support breastfeeding include advocating for paid maternity leave and adequate pumping time while at work and school, and by bolstering Baby Friendly hospitals.
For additional information, visit the Michigan Breastfeeding Network.
New Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment Technology Coming to Medical Mile
Recently, Gov. Whitmer and I toured the future site of BAMF Health, a medical technology company operating in radioactive drugs and therapy used in cancer treatment. By this time next year, they plan to be diagnosing and treating patients from their flagship facility right here in Grand Rapids.
I’m honored to have played a role in bringing this cutting-edge medicine to our community and to all who will benefit from their work. Read more about this exciting approach to patient-centered medicine here.
Get Involved with the DNR
As summer winds down before the school year, there are still lots of ways you and your family can get involved in taking care of Michigan’s natural resources this month, such as:
- Help remove invasive species, restore natural areas at state parks
- Take part in state forest planning process
- Give your opinion on latest state land review recommendations
- Become a volunteer scientist
- Comment on 2022 forest road maps by Aug. 31
- Support waterfowl and wetland conservation
For more opportunities to volunteer, contribute and provide input, visit Michigan.gov/DNRVolunteers.
New Grand Rapids Home for Veterans The new, beautiful, state-of-the-art Grand Rapids Home for Veterans is impressive. The inspired layout will allow our veterans to enjoy the privacy of their rooms, meet up with neighbors in their “neighborhoods,” or join larger groups for worship, dining, or socializing in the spacious community center.
This facility has come a long way. As many know, this has been a work in progress for years, which makes it even more rewarding to see it come to fruition. Thanks to everyone who made it happen!
Click here to read more about the new home and the work that has been done.
Recap: Drinks with Brinks
Thank you to those who came out to talk about the things that matter most to you. This was my first in-person “Drinks with Brinks” since the beginning of the pandemic, and it was wonderful to see everyone. And a big thanks to The Mitten Brewing Co. for hosting it!
This event is a community conversation similar to my morning coffee hours. I make my way around the district throughout the year to talk with constituents who are eager to make their voices heard.
Follow me on Facebook for details on our next community event. Cheers!
Upcoming Coffee Hour
Each month, my team and I hold informal events where you can share your thoughts and concerns about issues affecting our district, and you also can hear about the latest from the Michigan Legislature. We have begun to transition back to in-person events, and I would love to have you join me at my next in-person coffee hour:
Friday, August 27th from 9 to 10 a.m.
Coffee and Conversation with Senator Brinks
East Grand Rapids Community Center
750 Lakeside Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Until then, here are a few other reasons to contact my office:
Comment on Legislation: If you want to express your opinion about legislation or learn more, my office can answer your questions and keep me informed of your comments. Your opinion matters!
If You Need Help: If you have a problem dealing with any department of state government, such as accessing unemployment benefits, my office can help you resolve it. While we usually cannot assist with local or federal issues, we will always do our best to help direct you to the appropriate person.
There’s No “Wrong” Reason: Any comment, question or concern is welcome. If your issue would be more appropriately addressed by a different unit of government, I will help direct you. Remember, I am here to serve YOU and your family.
Contact Us
I have other questions. Are you and your office still available?
To keep you and my staff healthy and safe, we are working remotely until further notice. Please call our office at (517) 373-1801 or send me a0n email at SenWBrinks@senate.michigan.gov, as you normally would, and we will do our best to avoid any interruption of service.
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