{"id":5261,"date":"2019-12-19T22:06:58","date_gmt":"2019-12-19T22:06:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/?p=5261"},"modified":"2024-06-13T11:10:45","modified_gmt":"2024-06-13T15:10:45","slug":"senator-brinks-end-of-year-newsletter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/2019\/12\/19\/senator-brinks-end-of-year-newsletter\/","title":{"rendered":"Senator Brinks end of year Newsletter."},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Dear Neighbor,

As the first year representing you in the Michigan Senate comes to a close, it\u2019s a good time to reflect on the progress we\u2019ve made and the opportunities ahead.

This year, I\u2019ve fought to move Michigan in the right direction \u2014 from progress on what could become the nation\u2019s strongest PFAS\u202fstandards to working toward more equity in how we fund K-12 schools.

I\u2019ve worked hard to represent\u202fyou\u202fwith accountability, honesty and integrity\u202fevery day, to be accessible and listen to your priorities in the district as well as at the Capitol.

In all I do, I aim to put the hardworking people of Michigan first in every decision.

If you\u2019d like to be more informed about my work at the Capitol and in-district activities like coffee hours and town halls, consider signing up for my biweekly email updates online and follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

As always, it\u2019s an honor to serve as your senator and a pleasure to hear from you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Senator<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Winnie Brinks
State Senator, District 29<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cleaning Up Our Drinking Water<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Every community should be able to trust that their drinking water is safe. That is why when it comes to PFAS and other contaminants, it\u2019s critical that we clean up and protect our drinking water for future generations.

The first bill I introduced this year would set the strongest standards for PFAS detection in the nation, and I was pleased when the governor echoed the call by ordering the Department of Energy, Great Lakes, and Environment to develop science-based standards by April 2020. I will keep fighting to enact laws that hold polluters accountable and make sure communities already impacted by toxic chemicals like PFAS receive the help they need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Changing Michigan\u2019s
No-Fault Auto Insurance<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On Friday, May 24, the majority in the legislature rushed through a final version of Senate Bill 1 to overhaul Michigan\u2019s no-fault auto insurance system. Less than a week later, the bill was signed into law, making dramatic changes to your coverage as a driver. While having the option to buy less coverage may appear to save families money, it\u2019s not a real rate reduction if costs are shifted to health insurance bills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Simply put, this legislation is not a good deal for our state because of four main issues: <\/strong> <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Coverage: <\/strong>The lifesaving insurance that auto accident victims need may collapse when people leave the unlimited system. People who choose less coverage don\u2019t also get to choose which accidents they get into. Coverage shouldn\u2019t be compromised for those who need it. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Relief:<\/strong> The promised rate reduction is not on your full bill, only the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) line item. In fact, it\u2019s not even specific to your bill, only the state\u2019s average for consumers who are purchasing the same amount of PIP coverage. Depending on the cost of your insurance under the old system, you may experience little or even no rate reduction. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Cost Shifting:<\/strong> While there\u2019s a slim chance your monthly premium may go down a few dollars or cents each year, this new plan is projected to increase taxpayer-funded Medicaid costs by an estimated $72 million over 10 years. Why? Currently, your car insurance provider must pay for all auto accident related medical bills and treatment. Under Senate Bill 1, those who are Medicaid eligible can purchase no-fault coverage for only $50,000. Once that $50,000 cap is exhausted, any remaining expenses will fall upon the health insurance provider. That means increased burdens on Medicaid and private health insurance plans. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Redlining:<\/strong> The legislation outlaws discrimination in pricing based on ZIP codes. However, it will still allow certain territorial zones to exist \u2014 areas which could be drawn even more narrowly to discriminate in pricing. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Senate Bill 1 encourages Michigan drivers to strip themselves of robust medical coverage current plans provide after an auto accident, leaving essential care behind once a victim\u2019s expenses exceed their chosen PIP level of coverage. After speaking with constituents who have personally been affected by catastrophic auto accidents, it was clear to me that I could not leave our most vulnerable residents \u2014 the individuals and families who are struggling to make ends meet \u2014 without the health care coverage they need in the event of a serious accident. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Standing with Women<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    From protecting access to women\u2019s health care to ensuring support for domestic violence survivors, I am proud to stand with women across our state by supporting several bills and legislative packages this year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n