{"id":6050,"date":"2022-09-30T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-09-30T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/senatedemssandbox.com\/brinks\/2022\/09\/30\/senatedistrict29newsupdates-2\/"},"modified":"2023-01-06T16:34:46","modified_gmt":"2023-01-06T16:34:46","slug":"senatedistrict29newsupdates-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/2022\/09\/30\/senatedistrict29newsupdates-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Senate District 29 News &amp; Updates"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;section&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221;][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;row&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Text&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><!-- divi:paragraph --><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%;\" align=\"center\">\n<div style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">\n<table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<div><a id=\"\" name=\"\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.senatedems.com\/brinks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"State Senator Winnie Brinks\" src=\"https:\/\/static21.senatedems.org\/media\/700x0\/600ae639944c3.png\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0;\">\n<table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"line-height: 31px;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><a id=\"1629473412905905\" name=\"1629473412905905\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: left; font-size: 19px; padding-top: 15px; padding-bottom: 15px;\">\n<div>\n<p>Hello Neighbors,\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">We\u2019re right in the middle of an important month for West Michigan \u2013 Hispanic Heritage Month! With a local history that goes back more than 100 years, our Mexican, Puerto Rican, Guatemalan, Cuban, and Dominican communities are strong in the Grand Rapids area, each contributing to the diverse fabric of West Michigan.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0;\">\n<table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<div><a id=\"1657203212655655\" name=\"1657203212655655\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.freep.com\/story\/news\/politics\/2022\/07\/28\/michigan-supreme-court-law-bans-discrimination-sexual-orientation\/10175560002\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Brinks\" src=\"https:\/\/static21.senatedems.org\/media\/700x0\/6336f88f1ed41.png\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0;\">\n<table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"line-height: 31px;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><a id=\"162947573709191\" name=\"162947573709191\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: left; font-size: 19px; padding-top: 15px; padding-bottom: 15px;\">\n<div>\n<p>Whether you were born and raised in West Michigan or consider yourself a newcomer, the variety of cultural traditions we have in our area have helped us build stronger families, neighborhoods, and networks.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">I&#8217;m so proud of the ways Grand Rapids communities respect and celebrate one another in our affinities and our differences. Together, we make our city and the surrounding areas powerful, beautiful, and a whole lot of fun. I hope you\u2019ll take some time this month to appreciate the many contributions that are made by those who have Hispanic heritage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Today and every day, I am proud to serve as your State Senator in Lansing. I thank you for sharing thoughts and concerns with me, and let\u2019s continue to make our community better together.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">For the latest updates, please <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/SenatorBrinks\">follow me on Facebook<\/a><\/span><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">.<\/span><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\">\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\">\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Warm Regards,\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0;\">\n<table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<div><a id=\"162947561009393\" name=\"162947561009393\"><\/a><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"example image 800x100\" src=\"https:\/\/static21.senatedems.org\/media\/700x0\/611fd395d1e01.jpeg\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0;\">\n<table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"line-height: 31px;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><a id=\"1658410069422422\" name=\"1658410069422422\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: left; font-size: 19px; padding-top: 15px; padding-bottom: 15px;\">\n<div>\n<p><b>Winnie Brinks<br \/><\/b><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">State Senator<br \/><\/span><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">29th District<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0;\">\n<table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"line-height: 31px;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><a id=\"1664547067152152\" name=\"1664547067152152\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: left; font-size: 19px; padding-top: 15px; padding-bottom: 15px;\">\n<div>\n<p><b>In This Issue:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><b>LEGISLATIVE UPDATE\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/li>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Surrogacy Bills Introduced\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">\u2018Filter First\u2019 Bills Pass the Senate\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Budget Supplemental\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><b>IN THE DISTRICT\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/li>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Water Town Hall\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Affordable Housing, Placemaking Grants\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Infrastructure Roundtable\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">POW\/MIA Commemoration\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Children\u2019s Museum\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><b>HELPFUL INFORMATION\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/li>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Flu Vaccine\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Income Tax Extension Deadline\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Investing in Childcare Entrepreneurs\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><b>CONTACT US\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>HELPFUL INFORMATION\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><b>LEGISLATIVE UPDATE\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><b><i>Surrogacy Bills Introduced\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">This week, my colleague Senator Curtis Hertel, Jr. and I introduced <a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/news\/2022\/09\/21\/democrats-working-to-update-surrogacy-laws-keep-families-together\/\">Senate Bills 1177-1180<\/a>, which would require Michigan Courts to recognize gestational surrogacy contracts and provide a method for parents\u2019 names to be added to their newborn\u2019s birth certificates.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2021\/01\/31\/us\/michigan-surrogacy-law.html\">One family from our district gained national attention when their twins, born weeks early via a gestational surrogate, were forced to go through the formal adoption process \u2014including home visits, and evaluations \u2014 because of Michigan\u2019s outdated laws surrounding surrogacy<\/a>. Having babies in the NICU is stressful enough! No family should have to go through the adoption process at the same time due to a legal loophole.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">It is well past time that our laws reflect the advances in assisted reproductive technology that allow Michiganders to have the freedom of fulfilling their dreams of becoming parents and raising their families through surrogacy.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">\u2018Filter First\u2019 Bills to Protect Children\u2019s Drinking Water\u00a0<\/span><br \/><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Lead doesn&#8217;t belong in the water our kids drink. That\u2019s why I proudly voted yes on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wnem.com\/2022\/09\/20\/michigan-senate-passes-filter-first-water-safety-legislation\/\">\u2018Filter First\u2019 legislation<\/a>. These bills would require every childcare center and school to have NSF-approved filters for taps and drinking fountains.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">We know that ingesting lead has lifelong consequences for kids. As our schools and pipes age and school water systems lay dormant over the summer, the best way to be certain that the water kids drink during the day is free of toxins and contaminants is filters.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich (D\u2013Flint) along with Senator Curt VanderWall (R\u2013Ludington) reintroduced the legislation in the Senate, and it passed last week and will be moved to the House for their consideration.<\/span><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\">\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><i>Budget Supplemental\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">On Wednesday, Sept. 28, the Michigan House and Senate passed two budget supplemental bills that make key investments in Michigan\u2019s economy and support good-paying jobs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/legislature.mi.gov\/doc.aspx?2022-SB-0844\">Senate Bill 844<\/a> sends nearly $1 billion in funding (from the state\u2019s $7 billion surplus) to the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO). Of that, $846.1 million is being directed into the Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve (SOAR) Fund, including $250 million for site development and $100 million for landfill cleanup.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/legislature.mi.gov\/doc.aspx?2022-SB-0842\">Senate Bill 842<\/a> amends the state School Aid Act and routes $12.2 million of General Fund money into the School Aid Fund, with $12 million targeted to providing literacy tutoring services and enrichment programs, with a pilot program in three geographically diverse districts. It also invests $200,000 into Square One to host robotics programs and competitions for K-12 students, and creates two new scholarship programs:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">$250 million would be invested in the Michigan Achievement Scholarship for Michigan high school graduates whose expected family contribution through FAFSA was $25,000 or less beginning in Fiscal Year 2023, which begins Oct. 1. Providing a minimum of $1,000 per student, the scholarship would be available for five years, with no more than three of those years spent at a community or tribal college, and provide:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Up to $2,750 to community college students;\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Up to $5,500 to public university students; and,\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Up to $4,000 to private university students.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">$10 million of the above $250 million would be set aside for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship Training Program that would make $2,000 grants available for students enrolled in occupational training programs.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">The two new scholarship programs would begin in the 2023-2024 academic year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\">\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\">IN THE DISTRICT\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><i>Water Town Hall\u00a0\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">This week, I hosted a <a href=\"https:\/\/fb.watch\/fQ9q1QMkRw\/\">tele-town hall<\/a> to discuss the critical issues Michigan faces when it comes to protecting our water. I was pleased to welcome Rep. David LaGrand and community advocate, Wesley Watson, from the Michigan League of Conservation Voters.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Over the course of an hour, we covered topics like PFAS \u2014 how responding quickly and decisively to the contamination that was discovered in Kent County has led to Michigan leading the nation in our regulation of harmful PFAS chemicals. We also discussed lead in children\u2019s drinking water, holding polluters accountable for contamination that they cause, and the role of state agencies like Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) in protecting Michigan\u2019s water and residents.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">It\u2019s always good to hear from residents like you \u2014 your priorities and concerns matter greatly, and hearing your stories and perspective about protecting our water helps me continue to do this work well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><b><i>Affordable Housing, Placemaking Grants Awarded in District 29<\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">I can&#8217;t stress enough: we need more affordable housing in our community. That\u2019s why we put $100 million of ARPA funds in the 2022 state budget to address this issue.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">So, let&#8217;s celebrate! <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mlive.com\/news\/grand-rapids\/2022\/09\/grand-rapids-affordable-housing-efforts-get-94m-boost-from-state-grant.html\">$9 million in grants<\/a> were recently awarded by The City of Grand Rapids for local affordable housing. Those projects will happen in Roosevelt Park, Boston Square, Downtown GR, Madison Square, Fulton Heights, Southwest Area, and along Division Avenue. These projects will benefit families, seniors, and people across the income spectrum.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">In addition, we will soon see vacant, underutilized, blighted, and historic structures revitalized in our area, thanks to the investments we prioritized in the 2022 state budget.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">The Right Place is announcing the <a href=\"https:\/\/grbj.com\/news\/economic-development\/the-right-place-garners-3-6m-for-placemaking-projects\">six regional placemaking projects<\/a> that were awarded $3.6 million in grant funds, including the Grand Rapids Public Museum North Lawn Park, Eastown Public Art &amp; Safety Project, and the Heartside Linear Plaza. It&#8217;s my hope that these new, innovative ideas will reactivate spaces that have gone unused, and be investments that pay off for our whole community.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><i>Infrastructure Roundtable\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0;\">\n<table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<div><a id=\"1664547417406406\" name=\"1664547417406406\"><\/a><a href=\"#\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"example image 800x100\" src=\"https:\/\/static21.senatedems.org\/media\/700x0\/6336fa720e4e3.png\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0;\">\n<table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"line-height: 31px;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><a id=\"1664547442655655\" name=\"1664547442655655\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: left; font-size: 19px; padding-top: 15px; padding-bottom: 15px;\">\n<div>\n<p>Infrastructure is the kind of thing you don&#8217;t think about \u2014 until it\u2019s not working! Luckily, there are plenty of local folks who think about it all the time, so you don&#8217;t have to. I was happy to host a group of them this week to introduce them to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/MiInfraOffice\/\">Michigan Infrastructure Office<\/a>, which is coordinating dollars that come from the federal government to help us improve things like broadband, transportation, roads and bridges, and more.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><b><i>Honoring Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0;\">\n<table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<div><a id=\"1664547492246246\" name=\"1664547492246246\"><\/a><a href=\"#\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"example image 800x100\" src=\"https:\/\/static21.senatedems.org\/media\/700x0\/6336fac0a98f3.png\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0;\">\n<table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"line-height: 31px;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><a id=\"1664547522828828\" name=\"1664547522828828\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: left; font-size: 19px; padding-top: 15px; padding-bottom: 15px;\">\n<div>\n<p>On September 16, the Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids hosted a commemoration to honor our nation&#8217;s Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action. The symbolism of this table, with its empty place setting, draws to mind the families who suffer grief and unanswered questions when their loved one does not return home from war. We are grateful today, and every day, for our veterans \u2014 and remember those who are still missing.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>HELPFUL INFORMATION<\/b>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><b><i>MDHHS Urges Michigan Residents to Get Flu Vaccine\u00a0\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p>The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is urging Michiganders to get their flu vaccine as soon as possible to protect themselves and their communities from flu this season.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Getting a flu vaccine is critical because flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will likely be spreading simultaneously. Residents can get their COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as their flu vaccine.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Flu vaccines are available now at local health departments, physician offices and pharmacies around the state. Find a location near you using the Vaccine Finder. Visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/flu\">michigan.gov\/flu<\/a> for more information or visit <a href=\"https:\/\/ivaccinate.org\/\">ivaccinate.org<\/a> to find answers to your vaccine questions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><i>Treasury: Don\u2019t Forget to File Individual Income Tax Returns\u00a0\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Taxpayers who requested an extension to file their individual income tax returns have less than a month to file a complete and accurate return, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Individual income tax returns due under an extension must be received by Treasury on or before Oct. 17, 2022. Returns can be sent through the U.S. Postal Service or e-Filed. For the convenience of taxpayers, the extension deadline is th<br \/>e same as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Taxpayers who have yet to file their individual income tax return should consider:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Filing a return to claim an outstanding refund. Taxpayers risk losing their state income tax refund if they don&#8217;t file a return within four years from the due date of the original return. Visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/taxes\/efile\">Michigan.gov\/MIFastFile<\/a> to learn more about e-filing.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Filing a return to minimize interest and penalties. File returns and pay now to limit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/-\/media\/Project\/Websites\/taxes\/RAB\/2005-3PenaltyProvisions.pdf\">interest charges and late payment penalties<\/a>. An extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay. Penalty and interest on the tax due is applicable from the original due date of the return until payment is received.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Paying as much tax as possible. If taxpayers owe outstanding taxes and can&#8217;t pay in full, they should pay as much as they can when they file their tax returns. Payments can be made using <a href=\"https:\/\/treas-secure.state.mi.us\/PayIncomeTax\/PayIncomeTax.htm\">Michigan&#8217;s e-Payments service<\/a>. When mailing checks, carefully follow tax form instructions. Treasury will work with taxpayers who cannot pay the full amount of tax they owe.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Taxpayers with questions about their state income taxes are encouraged to use <a href=\"https:\/\/etreas.michigan.gov\/iit\/home\">Treasury eServices<\/a>. The online platform enables taxpayers to ask state income tax-related questions when convenient and avoids the extended wait times for calls this time of year. To get started with Treasury eServices, go to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/taxes\/iit\">Michigan.gov\/IncomeTax<\/a> and click on \u201cAccess eServices.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><b><i>Childcare Entrepreneurs Can Now Apply for \u201cOur Strong Start\u201d\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">This week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the new \u201cOur Strong Start\u201d program to make it easier for entrepreneurs to open new childcare programs, get licensed faster, and expand access to high quality, affordable childcare for working families.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Entrepreneurs can connect with Our Strong Start at <a href=\"http:\/\/michigan.gov\/MIchildcare\">Michigan.gov\/MIchildcare<\/a>. If an entrepreneur would like to meet with a navigator, they can complete a simple form and a navigator will connect with them within 48 hours.\u202f\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Families can also visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mde\/Services\/early-learners-and-care\/cdc\">Michigan.gov\/childcare<\/a> to see if they qualify for low-or-no-cost childcare, as well as qualifying income levels for larger families.<\/span><\/div>\n<div><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><b>CONTACT US\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Here are a few reasons to contact my office:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><b>Comment on Legislation:<\/b> 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!\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><b>If You Need Help:<\/b> 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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><b>There\u2019s No \u201cWrong\u201d Reason:<\/b> 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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><b><i>I have other questions. Are you and your office still available?\u00a0<\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">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 an email at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/Whitmer\/Appointments\">SenWBrinks@senate.michigan.gov<\/a>, as you normally would, and we will do our best to avoid any interruption of service.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<div><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<div><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><b>HELPFUL LINKS\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/\">State Senator Winnie Brinks\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/district\/\">29th Senate District Map\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/difs\/consumers\/complaint\">Michigan Senate<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.house.mi.gov\/\">Michigan House of Representatives<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/\">Michigan Legislature\u00a0<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.woodtv.com\/news\/grand-rapids\/whitmer-to-tour-mary-free-bed-tout-state-budget\/\">U.S. Senate\u00a0<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/difs\/news-and-outreach\/press-releases\/2021\/10\/14\/difs-issues-consumer-alert-about-spoofed-phone-number-scam\">U.S. House of Representatives<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.senate.gov\/\">Kent County\u00a0<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><a href=\"mailto:SenWBrinks@senate.michigan.gov\">City of Grand Rapids\u00a0<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0;\">\n<table width=\"100%\" border=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"height: 130px;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" valign=\"middle\">\n<p><a id=\"\" name=\"\"><\/a><\/p>\n<table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<div style=\"width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/SenatorBrinks\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/oi2bk24hhfe.senatedems.org\/icons\/1\/facebook.png\" style=\"padding-right: 10px;\" width=\"87\" height=\"81\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0;\">\n<table width=\"100%\" border=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"height: 25px;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" valign=\"middle\"><a id=\"\" name=\"\"><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0;\">\n<table width=\"100%\" border=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"height: 100px;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" valign=\"middle\">\n<p><a id=\"\" name=\"\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div style=\"font-size: 10px; font-weight: normal; color: #000000;\">\n<p>As an elected representative, I believe in being readily available and transparent because my office is your office.<\/p>\n<p>Reply to this email if you would like to unsubscribe.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- \/divi:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hello Neighbors,\u00a0 We\u2019re right in the middle of an important month for West Michigan \u2013 Hispanic Heritage Month! With a local history that goes back more than 100 years, our [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"<!-- wp:paragraph -->                                                <div><div><div style=\"margin:0;padding:0;width:100%\" align=\"center\"><div style=\"margin: 0px;padding: 0px\"><table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\"><tbody><tr><td><div><a id=\"\" name=\"\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.senatedems.com\/brinks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img alt=\"State Senator Winnie Brinks\" src=\"https:\/\/static21.senatedems.org\/media\/700x0\/600ae639944c3.png\"><\/a><\/div><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><div style=\"margin:0;padding:0\"><table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"line-height: 31px\"><tbody><tr><td style=\", Times, serif\"><a id=\"1629473412905905\" name=\"1629473412905905\"><\/a><div style=\"text-align: left;font-size: 19px;padding-top: 15px;padding-bottom: 15px;, Times, serif\"><div><p>Hello Neighbors,&nbsp;<\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">We\u2019re right in the middle of an important month for West Michigan \u2013 Hispanic Heritage Month! With a local history that goes back more than 100 years, our Mexican, Puerto Rican, Guatemalan, Cuban, and Dominican communities are strong in the Grand Rapids area, each contributing to the diverse fabric of West Michigan.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><div style=\"margin:0;padding:0\"><table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\"><tbody><tr><td><div><a id=\"1657203212655655\" name=\"1657203212655655\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.freep.com\/story\/news\/politics\/2022\/07\/28\/michigan-supreme-court-law-bans-discrimination-sexual-orientation\/10175560002\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img alt=\"Brinks\" src=\"https:\/\/static21.senatedems.org\/media\/700x0\/6336f88f1ed41.png\"><\/a><\/div><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><div style=\"margin:0;padding:0\"><table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"line-height: 31px\"><tbody><tr><td style=\", Times, serif\"><a id=\"162947573709191\" name=\"162947573709191\"><\/a><div style=\"text-align: left;font-size: 19px;padding-top: 15px;padding-bottom: 15px;, Times, serif\"><div><p>Whether you were born and raised in West Michigan or consider yourself a newcomer, the variety of cultural traditions we have in our area have helped us build stronger families, neighborhoods, and networks.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">I'm so proud of the ways Grand Rapids communities respect and celebrate one another in our affinities and our differences. Together, we make our city and the surrounding areas powerful, beautiful, and a whole lot of fun. I hope you\u2019ll take some time this month to appreciate the many contributions that are made by those who have Hispanic heritage.&nbsp;<\/span><br \/><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Today and every day, I am proud to serve as your State Senator in Lansing. I thank you for sharing thoughts and concerns with me, and let\u2019s continue to make our community better together.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><br \/><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">For the latest updates, please <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/SenatorBrinks\">follow me on Facebook<\/a><\/span><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">.<\/span><b style=\"background-color: transparent\">&nbsp;<\/b><br \/><\/p><p><b style=\"background-color: transparent\"><br \/><\/b><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Warm Regards,&nbsp;<\/span><\/p><p><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><\/p><div><p><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><div><b><\/b><\/div><\/div><div><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/div><div><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/div><div><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/div><div><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/div><div><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/div><div><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/div><div><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/div><div><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/div><div><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/div><div><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/div><div><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/div><div><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/div><div><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/div><div><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/div><div><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/div><div><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/div><div><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/div><div><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/div><div><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/div><div><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/div><div><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/div><div><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/div><div><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/div><div><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/div><div><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/div><div><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/div><div><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/div><div><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/div><div><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/div><div><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/div><div><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/div><div><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/div><div><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/div><div><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/div><div><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/div><div><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><div style=\"margin:0;padding:0\"><table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\"><tbody><tr><td><div><a id=\"162947561009393\" name=\"162947561009393\"><\/a><a href=\"\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img alt=\"example image 800x100\" src=\"https:\/\/static21.senatedems.org\/media\/700x0\/611fd395d1e01.jpeg\"><\/a><\/div><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><div style=\"margin:0;padding:0\"><table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"line-height: 31px\"><tbody><tr><td style=\", Times, serif\"><a id=\"1658410069422422\" name=\"1658410069422422\"><\/a><div style=\"text-align: left;font-size: 19px;padding-top: 15px;padding-bottom: 15px;, Times, serif\"><div><p><b>Winnie Brinks<br \/><\/b><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">State Senator<br \/><\/span><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">29th District<\/span><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><div style=\"margin:0;padding:0\"><table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"line-height: 31px\"><tbody><tr><td style=\", Times, serif\"><a id=\"1664547067152152\" name=\"1664547067152152\"><\/a><div style=\"text-align: left;font-size: 19px;padding-top: 15px;padding-bottom: 15px;, Times, serif\"><div><p><b>In This Issue:&nbsp;<\/b><\/p><p><\/p><ul><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><b>LEGISLATIVE UPDATE&nbsp;<\/b><\/span><\/li><ul><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Surrogacy Bills Introduced&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">\u2018Filter First\u2019 Bills Pass the Senate&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Budget Supplemental&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><\/ul><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><b>IN THE DISTRICT&nbsp;<\/b><\/span><\/li><ul><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Water Town Hall&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Affordable Housing, Placemaking Grants&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Infrastructure Roundtable&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">POW\/MIA Commemoration&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Children\u2019s Museum&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><\/ul><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><b>HELPFUL INFORMATION&nbsp;<\/b><\/span><\/li><ul><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Flu Vaccine&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Income Tax Extension Deadline&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Investing in Childcare Entrepreneurs&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><\/ul><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><b>CONTACT US&nbsp;<\/b><\/span><\/li><li><b>HELPFUL INFORMATION&nbsp;<\/b><\/li><\/ul><p><\/p><p><br \/><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><b>LEGISLATIVE UPDATE&nbsp;<\/b><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><b><i>Surrogacy Bills Introduced&nbsp;<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">This week, my colleague Senator Curtis Hertel, Jr. and I introduced <a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/news\/2022\/09\/21\/democrats-working-to-update-surrogacy-laws-keep-families-together\/\">Senate Bills 1177-1180<\/a>, which would require Michigan Courts to recognize gestational surrogacy contracts and provide a method for parents\u2019 names to be added to their newborn\u2019s birth certificates.&nbsp;<\/span><br \/><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2021\/01\/31\/us\/michigan-surrogacy-law.html\">One family from our district gained national attention when their twins, born weeks early via a gestational surrogate, were forced to go through the formal adoption process \u2014including home visits, and evaluations \u2014 because of Michigan\u2019s outdated laws surrounding surrogacy<\/a>. Having babies in the NICU is stressful enough! No family should have to go through the adoption process at the same time due to a legal loophole.&nbsp;<\/span><br \/><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">It is well past time that our laws reflect the advances in assisted reproductive technology that allow Michiganders to have the freedom of fulfilling their dreams of becoming parents and raising their families through surrogacy.&nbsp; &nbsp;<\/span><br \/><\/p><p><b><i><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">\u2018Filter First\u2019 Bills to Protect Children\u2019s Drinking Water&nbsp;<\/span><br \/><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Lead doesn't belong in the water our kids drink. That\u2019s why I proudly voted yes on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wnem.com\/2022\/09\/20\/michigan-senate-passes-filter-first-water-safety-legislation\/\">\u2018Filter First\u2019 legislation<\/a>. These bills would require every childcare center and school to have NSF-approved filters for taps and drinking fountains.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><br \/><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">We know that ingesting lead has lifelong consequences for kids. As our schools and pipes age and school water systems lay dormant over the summer, the best way to be certain that the water kids drink during the day is free of toxins and contaminants is filters.&nbsp;<\/span><br \/><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich (D\u2013Flint) along with Senator Curt VanderWall (R\u2013Ludington) reintroduced the legislation in the Senate, and it passed last week and will be moved to the House for their consideration.<\/span><b style=\"background-color: transparent\">&nbsp;<\/b><\/p><p><b style=\"background-color: transparent\"><i>Budget Supplemental&nbsp;<\/i><\/b><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">On Wednesday, Sept. 28, the Michigan House and Senate passed two budget supplemental bills that make key investments in Michigan\u2019s economy and support good-paying jobs.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><a href=\"http:\/\/legislature.mi.gov\/doc.aspx?2022-SB-0844\">Senate Bill 844<\/a> sends nearly $1 billion in funding (from the state\u2019s $7 billion surplus) to the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO). Of that, $846.1 million is being directed into the Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve (SOAR) Fund, including $250 million for site development and $100 million for landfill cleanup.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><a href=\"http:\/\/legislature.mi.gov\/doc.aspx?2022-SB-0842\">Senate Bill 842<\/a> amends the state School Aid Act and routes $12.2 million of General Fund money into the School Aid Fund, with $12 million targeted to providing literacy tutoring services and enrichment programs, with a pilot program in three geographically diverse districts. It also invests $200,000 into Square One to host robotics programs and competitions for K-12 students, and creates two new scholarship programs:&nbsp;<\/span><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><ul><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">$250 million would be invested in the Michigan Achievement Scholarship for Michigan high school graduates whose expected family contribution through FAFSA was $25,000 or less beginning in Fiscal Year 2023, which begins Oct. 1. Providing a minimum of $1,000 per student, the scholarship would be available for five years, with no more than three of those years spent at a community or tribal college, and provide:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><\/p><ul><ul><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Up to $2,750 to community college students;&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Up to $5,500 to public university students; and,&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><\/p><ul><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Up to $4,000 to private university students.&nbsp; &nbsp;<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><\/p><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">$10 million of the above $250 million would be set aside for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship Training Program that would make $2,000 grants available for students enrolled in occupational training programs.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">The two new scholarship programs would begin in the 2023-2024 academic year.&nbsp;<\/span><br \/><\/p><p><b style=\"background-color: transparent\"><br \/><\/b><\/p><p><b style=\"background-color: transparent\">IN THE DISTRICT&nbsp;<\/b><\/p><p><b style=\"background-color: transparent\"><i>Water Town Hall&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/i><\/b><br \/><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">This week, I hosted a <a href=\"https:\/\/fb.watch\/fQ9q1QMkRw\/\">tele-town hall<\/a> to discuss the critical issues Michigan faces when it comes to protecting our water. I was pleased to welcome Rep. David LaGrand and community advocate, Wesley Watson, from the Michigan League of Conservation Voters.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Over the course of an hour, we covered topics like PFAS \u2014 how responding quickly and decisively to the contamination that was discovered in Kent County has led to Michigan leading the nation in our regulation of harmful PFAS chemicals. We also discussed lead in children\u2019s drinking water, holding polluters accountable for contamination that they cause, and the role of state agencies like Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) in protecting Michigan\u2019s water and residents.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">It\u2019s always good to hear from residents like you \u2014 your priorities and concerns matter greatly, and hearing your stories and perspective about protecting our water helps me continue to do this work well.&nbsp;<\/span><br \/><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><b><i>Affordable Housing, Placemaking Grants Awarded in District 29<\/i><\/b>&nbsp;<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">I can't stress enough: we need more affordable housing in our community. That\u2019s why we put $100 million of ARPA funds in the 2022 state budget to address this issue.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">So, let's celebrate! <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mlive.com\/news\/grand-rapids\/2022\/09\/grand-rapids-affordable-housing-efforts-get-94m-boost-from-state-grant.html\">$9 million in grants<\/a> were recently awarded by The City of Grand Rapids for local affordable housing. Those projects will happen in Roosevelt Park, Boston Square, Downtown GR, Madison Square, Fulton Heights, Southwest Area, and along Division Avenue. These projects will benefit families, seniors, and people across the income spectrum.&nbsp;<\/span><br \/><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">In addition, we will soon see vacant, underutilized, blighted, and historic structures revitalized in our area, thanks to the investments we prioritized in the 2022 state budget.&nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">The Right Place is announcing the <a href=\"https:\/\/grbj.com\/news\/economic-development\/the-right-place-garners-3-6m-for-placemaking-projects\">six regional placemaking projects<\/a> that were awarded $3.6 million in grant funds, including the Grand Rapids Public Museum North Lawn Park, Eastown Public Art &amp; Safety Project, and the Heartside Linear Plaza. It's my hope that these new, innovative ideas will reactivate spaces that have gone unused, and be investments that pay off for our whole community.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p><p><b style=\"background-color: transparent\"><i>Infrastructure Roundtable&nbsp;<\/i><\/b><br \/><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><div style=\"margin:0;padding:0\"><table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\"><tbody><tr><td><div><a id=\"1664547417406406\" name=\"1664547417406406\"><\/a><a href=\"#\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img alt=\"example image 800x100\" src=\"https:\/\/static21.senatedems.org\/media\/700x0\/6336fa720e4e3.png\"><\/a><\/div><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><div style=\"margin:0;padding:0\"><table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"line-height: 31px\"><tbody><tr><td style=\", Times, serif\"><a id=\"1664547442655655\" name=\"1664547442655655\"><\/a><div style=\"text-align: left;font-size: 19px;padding-top: 15px;padding-bottom: 15px;, Times, serif\"><div><p>Infrastructure is the kind of thing you don't think about \u2014 until it\u2019s not working! Luckily, there are plenty of local folks who think about it all the time, so you don't have to. I was happy to host a group of them this week to introduce them to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/MiInfraOffice\/\">Michigan Infrastructure Office<\/a>, which is coordinating dollars that come from the federal government to help us improve things like broadband, transportation, roads and bridges, and more.&nbsp;<\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><b><i>Honoring Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action&nbsp;<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><div style=\"margin:0;padding:0\"><table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\"><tbody><tr><td><div><a id=\"1664547492246246\" name=\"1664547492246246\"><\/a><a href=\"#\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img alt=\"example image 800x100\" src=\"https:\/\/static21.senatedems.org\/media\/700x0\/6336fac0a98f3.png\"><\/a><\/div><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><div style=\"margin:0;padding:0\"><table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"line-height: 31px\"><tbody><tr><td style=\", Times, serif\"><a id=\"1664547522828828\" name=\"1664547522828828\"><\/a><div style=\"text-align: left;font-size: 19px;padding-top: 15px;padding-bottom: 15px;, Times, serif\"><div><p>On September 16, the Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids hosted a commemoration to honor our nation's Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action. The symbolism of this table, with its empty place setting, draws to mind the families who suffer grief and unanswered questions when their loved one does not return home from war. We are grateful today, and every day, for our veterans \u2014 and remember those who are still missing.&nbsp;<\/p><p><br \/><\/p><p><b>HELPFUL INFORMATION<\/b>&nbsp;<\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><b><i>MDHHS Urges Michigan Residents to Get Flu Vaccine&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/i><\/b><\/span><br \/><\/p><p>The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is urging Michiganders to get their flu vaccine as soon as possible to protect themselves and their communities from flu this season.&nbsp;<\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Getting a flu vaccine is critical because flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will likely be spreading simultaneously. Residents can get their COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as their flu vaccine.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><br \/><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Flu vaccines are available now at local health departments, physician offices and pharmacies around the state. Find a location near you using the Vaccine Finder. Visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/flu\">michigan.gov\/flu<\/a> for more information or visit <a href=\"https:\/\/ivaccinate.org\/\">ivaccinate.org<\/a> to find answers to your vaccine questions.&nbsp;<\/span><br \/><\/p><p><b style=\"background-color: transparent\"><i>Treasury: Don\u2019t Forget to File Individual Income Tax Returns&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/i><\/b><br \/><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Taxpayers who requested an extension to file their individual income tax returns have less than a month to file a complete and accurate return, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Individual income tax returns due under an extension must be received by Treasury on or before Oct. 17, 2022. Returns can be sent through the U.S. Postal Service or e-Filed. For the convenience of taxpayers, the extension deadline is th\ne same as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).&nbsp;<\/span><br \/><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Taxpayers who have yet to file their individual income tax return should consider:&nbsp;<\/span><\/p><p><\/p><ul><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Filing a return to claim an outstanding refund. Taxpayers risk losing their state income tax refund if they don't file a return within four years from the due date of the original return. Visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/taxes\/efile\">Michigan.gov\/MIFastFile<\/a> to learn more about e-filing.&nbsp; &nbsp;<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Filing a return to minimize interest and penalties. File returns and pay now to limit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/-\/media\/Project\/Websites\/taxes\/RAB\/2005-3PenaltyProvisions.pdf\">interest charges and late payment penalties<\/a>. An extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay. Penalty and interest on the tax due is applicable from the original due date of the return until payment is received.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Paying as much tax as possible. If taxpayers owe outstanding taxes and can't pay in full, they should pay as much as they can when they file their tax returns. Payments can be made using <a href=\"https:\/\/treas-secure.state.mi.us\/PayIncomeTax\/PayIncomeTax.htm\">Michigan's e-Payments service<\/a>. When mailing checks, carefully follow tax form instructions. Treasury will work with taxpayers who cannot pay the full amount of tax they owe.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p>Taxpayers with questions about their state income taxes are encouraged to use <a href=\"https:\/\/etreas.michigan.gov\/iit\/home\">Treasury eServices<\/a>. The online platform enables taxpayers to ask state income tax-related questions when convenient and avoids the extended wait times for calls this time of year. To get started with Treasury eServices, go to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/taxes\/iit\">Michigan.gov\/IncomeTax<\/a> and click on \u201cAccess eServices.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><b><i>Childcare Entrepreneurs Can Now Apply for \u201cOur Strong Start\u201d&nbsp;<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">This week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the new \u201cOur Strong Start\u201d program to make it easier for entrepreneurs to open new childcare programs, get licensed faster, and expand access to high quality, affordable childcare for working families.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Entrepreneurs can connect with Our Strong Start at <a href=\"http:\/\/michigan.gov\/MIchildcare\">Michigan.gov\/MIchildcare<\/a>. If an entrepreneur would like to meet with a navigator, they can complete a simple form and a navigator will connect with them within 48 hours.\u202f&nbsp;<\/span><\/p><div><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Families can also visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mde\/Services\/early-learners-and-care\/cdc\">Michigan.gov\/childcare<\/a> to see if they qualify for low-or-no-cost childcare, as well as qualifying income levels for larger families.<\/span><\/div><div><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><br \/><\/span><\/div><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><b>CONTACT US&nbsp;<\/b><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Here are a few reasons to contact my office:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><b>Comment on Legislation:<\/b> 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!&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><b>If You Need Help:<\/b> 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><b>There\u2019s No \u201cWrong\u201d Reason:<\/b> 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><b><i>I have other questions. Are you and your office still available?&nbsp;<\/i><\/b>&nbsp;<\/span><\/p><div><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">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 an email at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/Whitmer\/Appointments\">SenWBrinks@senate.michigan.gov<\/a>, as you normally would, and we will do our best to avoid any interruption of service.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><br \/><\/div><div><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><br \/><\/span><\/div><div><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><b>HELPFUL LINKS&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/b><\/span><\/div><div><ul><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/\">State Senator Winnie Brinks&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/a><\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/district\/\">29th Senate District Map&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/a><\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/difs\/consumers\/complaint\">Michigan Senate<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.house.mi.gov\/\">Michigan House of Representatives<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><a href=\"https:\/\/\">Michigan Legislature&nbsp;<\/a>&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.woodtv.com\/news\/grand-rapids\/whitmer-to-tour-mary-free-bed-tout-state-budget\/\">U.S. Senate&nbsp;<\/a>&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/difs\/news-and-outreach\/press-releases\/2021\/10\/14\/difs-issues-consumer-alert-about-spoofed-phone-number-scam\">U.S. House of Representatives<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.senate.gov\/\">Kent County&nbsp;<\/a><\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><a href=\"mailto:SenWBrinks@senate.michigan.gov\">City of Grand Rapids&nbsp;<\/a><\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><p><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><div style=\"margin:0;padding:0\"><table width=\"100%\" border=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"height: 130px\"><tbody><tr><td align=\"center\" valign=\"middle\"><a id=\"\" name=\"\"><\/a><table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\"><tbody><tr><td><div style=\"width: 100%;vertical-align: middle;text-align: center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/SenatorBrinks\/\"><img src=\"https:\/\/oi2bk24hhfe.senatedems.org\/icons\/1\/facebook.png\" style=\"padding-right: 10px\"><\/a><\/div><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><div style=\"margin:0;padding:0\"><table width=\"100%\" border=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"height: 25px\"><tbody><tr><td align=\"center\" valign=\"middle\"><a id=\"\" name=\"\"><\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><div style=\"margin:0;padding:0\"><table width=\"100%\" border=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"height: 100px;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif\"><tbody><tr><td align=\"center\" valign=\"middle\"><a id=\"\" name=\"\"><\/a><div style=\"font-size:10px;font-weight:normal;color:#000000\"><p>As an elected representative, I believe in being readily available and transparent because my office is your office.<br \/><br \/>Reply to this email if you would like to unsubscribe.<\/p><\/div><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6050","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-email"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.4 (Yoast SEO v26.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Senate District 29 News &amp; Updates - Senator Winnie Brinks<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/2022\/09\/30\/senatedistrict29newsupdates-2\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Senate District 29 News &amp; Updates\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Hello Neighbors,\u00a0 We\u2019re right in the middle of an important month for West Michigan \u2013 Hispanic Heritage Month! 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