Hello Neighbor, This week, I was pleased to support a state budget that keeps its focus on people in need. It has been a challenging year for Michigan residents, and it’s important to me that we, as legislators, do what we can to assist those who are struggling. This was a bipartisan budget agreement, and I hope this spirit continues in the legislature. Michigan’s residents need us to step up for them right now, and the work reflected in this budget is a great example of what we can do when we put people ahead of partisan politics. Michigan is one of the only states to see a growth in consumer spending and our economic recovery ranks in the top 10 in the nation. This unexpectedly fast economic rebound from COVID-19 and the infusion of additional federal funds allowed for:
Difficult decisions still had to be made in this budget, and this will still be a lean year for many programs, but we are in a far better economic position because of our science-based approach to this pandemic. Some of the items I was happy to see included in the final budget are highlighted in this e-newsletter. More on the Fiscal Year 2020-21 budget can be found here. Warmest Regards, |
Winnie Brinks In this Edition: Fiscal Year 2020-21 Budget Highlights Fiscal Year 2020-21 Budget Highlights Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the budget on Wednesday this week. It will be effective on Oct. 1. Below are some of the initiatives I am particularly proud to have advocated for or supported that will be included in the budget: Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies I was happy to see an appropriation for the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies initiative, which includes the cost of expanding pregnancy-related Medicaid from two months to one year. This is a cause I have introduced legislation on, and advocated on behalf of, for some time. You can see more about my efforts in the video below. I am thrilled the governor and the legislature agree new mothers should not have to worry about lapsing insurance coverage while they are still at risk for postpartum complications. |
Investment in Our Schools Our rapid economic recovery allowed for an actual investment in education, including an increase in per pupil funding from last year, funding for school mental health counselors, increased funding for early literacy programs, additional funding for vulnerable remote learning students (including special education), and $1 million to reduce school lunch debt. Also included was funding for the Michigan Reconnect Program that provides a tuition-free pathway to an in-demand industry certificate or associate degree. The United Methodist Community House The United Methodist Community House (UMCH) is a staple of our community that brings together generations of Grand Rapidians and helps foster respect, understanding and cultural awareness. It received a $1 million appropriation. The UMCH has served the Greater Grand Rapids area for more than 100 years. Its appropriation is expected to be used for a public-private partnership for construction of an early childhood education and senior activity center, respectively, that will provide childcare for roughly 240 infants/toddlers and daily activities for more than 500 seniors. I am proud to have fought for, and won, the inclusion of funding for them in the state’s budget so they can continue their mission, and I am eager to see the wonderful initiatives that will grow from it. Extension of Direct Care Worker Pay Increase This budget included a three-month extension on the $2-per-hour increase Gov. Whitmer put in place for Direct Care workers. Even before the pandemic, there was a national shortage of these critically important health care workers, who oftentimes work long hours and put themselves on the frontlines each day when they go to work. They have historically been undercompensated and I’m glad to see an appropriation that begins to recognize their important work. More on the 2020 Budget can be found here. MI Clean Water: A Historic $500 Million Investment On Thursday, Oct. 1., Gov. Whitmer announced a $500 million comprehensive water infrastructure investment in Michigan’s water systems from source to tap via the MI Clean Water plan. The investment is one of the most significant in Michigan’s ailing infrastructure to date. The MI Clean Water investment is a unified approach to cleaner, more affordable water that will provide direct investments for communities; ensure safe, clean water to residents; and, is expected to support more than 7,500 Michigan jobs, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The plan will confront the array of large infrastructure issues that Michigan faces, such as lead-laden water service lines, toxic contamination like Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), undersized sewers, failing septic systems, unaffordable water rates, and constrained local budgets. This historic investment includes a proposal combining federal dollars for lead service line replacement in low-income communities ($102.1 million) with bonding authority for water quality protection ($290 million), one-time General Fund appropriation for drinking water infrastructure and innovation ($105 million), and asset management grants ($2.9 million) to help communities develop, update, and improve their plans for wastewater and stormwater systems. Healthy Michigan Plan Tops 800,000 Enrollees for the First Time On Tuesday, Sept. 29, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the Healthy Michigan Plan is now providing health care coverage to more than 800,000 residents for the first time in its history. In just six months of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of Healthy Michigan Plan beneficiaries jumped from just under 682,000 in late March to 800,794. From the start, Michigan instituted policies to help families access affordable health care. The state was also able to qualify for additional Medicaid funding from the federal government through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Health care is a right and should continue to be treated as such. This pandemic has exasperated that need. Programs like Healthy Michigan help people and their families take proactive steps to get the care they need and, in such an uncertain time, the certainty of having access to affordable health care is critical for keeping our residents healthy. I am proud to continue standing by Healthy Michigan. Healthy Michigan Plan coverage is available to Michiganders ages 19-64 years old who have an income at or below 133% of the federal poverty level — roughly $16,971 annually for a single person — and who meet other eligibility requirements, such as not qualifying for other Medicaid programs. You can apply for the Healthy Michigan Plan at Michigan.gov/MIBridges or by calling the Michigan HealthCare Helpline at 855-789-5610. Visit Michigan.gov/HealthyMiPlan for more information. Gov. Whitmer Reopens Movie Theaters, Strengthens Mask Requirements in Schools On Friday, Sept. 25, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Orders 2020-183, which amends the MI Safe Start order to reopen movie theaters and performance venues, and 2020-185, which requires face coverings for students in grades K-5. Beginning Oct. 9, several previously closed businesses are slated to reopen statewide, including indoor theaters, cinemas, performance venues, arcades, bingo halls, bowling centers, indoor climbing facilities, trampoline parks, and more — subject to certain requirements. As part of the announcement, the governor also changed capacity limits for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Instead of being limited to 10 people, non-residential indoor gatherings and events now must limit attendance to 20 people per 1,000 square feet, or 20% of fixed-seating capacity, with a maximum of 500 people in Michigan’s largest venues. Non-residential indoor venues must require a face covering. Also, instead of being limited to 100 people, non-residential outdoor gatherings and events now must limit attendance to 30 people per 1,000 square feet, or 30% of fixed-seating capacity, with a maximum of 1,000 people. $80 million for Opioids Crisis Response On Monday, Sept. 28, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and the Michigan Opioids Task Force announced $80 million in federal funding to respond to the ongoing opioids crisis. The funds will support prevention, treatment, and harm reduction services, with a focus on evidence-based practices that save lives. The funding includes $36.4 million from the new State Opioid Response II (SOR II) grant and $43.1 million from an extension of the current State Opioid Response I grant. Over the last five years, opioid overdoses have killed 8,000 Michiganders. In 2018, an average of five people died every day from opioid overdoses. And during the COVID-19 pandemic, calls to emergency medical services for opioid overdose were 22% higher from April to July 2020 than during the same period in 2019. A summary of how the new SOR II grant supports the state’s opioids strategic plan is available online, and a summary of projects supported by SOR I funding is available here. Many prevention and treatment programs are implemented by region in Michigan. Organizations interested in participating in these programs — including treatment providers, hospitals, community organizations, law enforcement agencies and others — are encouraged to reach out to regional representatives. Area Agency on Aging of West Michigan Here to Help Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Area Agency on Aging of West Michigan (AAAWM) has worked with their service partners to ensure seniors are receiving all of the necessary services to remain safely in their own homes and communities, and they are committed to continuing this work. In Kent County, “Grab and Go” meals are offered at congregate dining centers. Meals on Wheels West Michigan partnered with Ride Link to assist with delivering meals for those who are unable to get out of their homes. Legal Aide of Western Michigan has continued to provide assistance through their in-house legal hotline, and many support groups have moved to virtual platforms and have been very well-attended. Grandparent support groups have also resumed at the United Methodist Community House, and Kent County Community Action provided culturally sensitive care packages for their Native American clients. Additionally, Healthy Aging classes are also being offered online for anyone interested. If you are looking for information and assistance for yourself or an older adult loved one, please reach out to AAAWM. Currently, their office remains closed to the public; however, their Information and Assistance team continues to answer calls. The number for assistance is (616) 456-5664 or (888) 456-5664. Michigan’s Color Tours Have Begun! Cooler temperatures mean that pumpkins, cozy sweaters, spiced lattes, and brilliant fall colors are just around the corner. Viewing the spectrum of fall colors is a time-honored Michigan tradition, and there is no better place to see this gorgeous color show — just be sure to time it right. The Upper Peninsula kicks off Michigan’s fall color in mid- to late September; the northern Lower Peninsula’s fall hues usually peak in early to mid-October; and southern Michigan’s color can last into late October. Areas near the Great Lakes shores may change a little later due to the special coastal weather patterns. There’s plenty to do in Michigan’s great outdoors. From hiking and biking the more than 13,000 miles of picturesque trails spanning both peninsulas to taking fall color tours or camping adventures at state parks, Michigan is open for fall fun. Visit Michigan.gov/StateForests to find a forest, check out the DNR’s fall color map to help plan your viewing and get ready for a peek at Michigan’s peak colors! Contact Us I have other questions. Are you and your office still available? To keep you and our staff healthy, we are working remotely until further notice. Please call and email our office as you normally would, and we will do our best to avoid interruption of service. You can call (517) 373-1801 or email SenWBrinks@senate.michigan.gov. I am still working diligently, engaging with folks in our community, but all in-person events have been canceled for the time being. You can check my Facebook page and SenatorBrinks.com website for more information on any future events. Helpful Links |
As an elected representative, I believe in being readily available and transparent because my office is your office. |