{"id":6075,"date":"2022-11-21T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-21T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/senatedemssandbox.com\/brinks\/2022\/11\/21\/senatedistrict29update-3\/"},"modified":"2022-12-29T01:47:54","modified_gmt":"2022-12-29T01:47:54","slug":"senatedistrict29update-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/2022\/11\/21\/senatedistrict29update-3\/","title":{"rendered":"Senate District 29 Update"},"content":{"rendered":"<div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%;\" align=\"center\">\n<div style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">\n<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.senatedems.com\/brinks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static21.senatedems.org\/media\/700x0\/600ae639944c3.png\" alt=\"State Senator Winnie Brinks\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">\n<table style=\"line-height: 31px;\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><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,<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">I\u2019m so honored to have been elected to serve District 29 once again as your senator, and on top of that, to have been elected by my peers as the next Senate Majority Leader for the new term. I\u2019m proud that we have made history in this moment: voters have elected the Senate\u2019s first Democratic majority in nearly 40 years, and I am the first female majority leader in Michigan\u2019s history.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">This is a thrilling accomplishment, but it\u2019s an even bigger opportunity for our great state. Earlier this week, I announced my leadership team \u2014 an amazingly talented and diverse group of leaders who bring so much expertise and passion to the table. We are already working hard so we can begin on day one of the new Senate. We are committed to reversing the toxicity that has permeated politics in the last few years, and instead investing in the values, priorities, and changes that Michigan voters elected us to pursue.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Even as I take on this new set of responsibilities, I will remain committed to representing District 29 well \u2014 including my new communities of Kentwood, Wyoming, and Grandville that have become part of our district due to redistricting. Together, with my dedicated staff, we will continue to serve the people&#8217;s needs, connect you with resources, and celebrate our amazing community.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Sincerely,\u00a0\u00a0<\/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 border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<div><a id=\"162947561009393\" name=\"162947561009393\"><\/a><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static21.senatedems.org\/media\/700x0\/611fd395d1e01.jpeg\" alt=\"example image 800x100\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0;\">\n<table style=\"line-height: 31px;\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><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 \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">State Senator<br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">29th District<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><b>In This Issue: <\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>LEGISLATIVE UPDATE\u00a0<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li>Housing Package Passes the House<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\">DISTRICT HAPPENINGS\u00a0<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Veterans Day Parade\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Treetops Wall-Breaking\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">PhRMA Celebrates STEM Greenhouse\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Prism Awards\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>\u00a0<\/b><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\">HELPFUL INFORMATION\u00a0<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Check Auto Insurance Coverage for Vehicle-Deer Collisions\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Michiganders Getting Additional Grocery Assistance in November<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Winter Weather Insurance Tips\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Veterans and Military Families Month\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">New Health Plan Choices During Open Enrollment\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Check Carbon Monoxide Detectors\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">$50 Million in Grants Available for Childcare Facilities\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>\u00a0<\/b><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\">CONTACT US\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>LEGISLATIVE UPDATE\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><i>Housing Package Passes the House\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Our <a href=\"https:\/\/mibiz.com\/sections\/real-estate-development\/state-house-lawmakers-pass-housing-bill-package-backed-by-biz-construction-groups\">bipartisan housing package passed the Michigan House last week<\/a>! It will come back to the Senate for concurrence before being sent to the governor to be signed into law.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">The four bills create more attainable housing across the state, especially for those who are working but whose incomes aren&#8217;t high enough to pay the rent.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">The bill package encourages developers to build more housing that people can afford by:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Expanding Neighborhood Enterprise Zones.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Giving local governments the ability to offer property tax breaks if a developer agrees to rent units to families who have low income and to charge them an affordable rate.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Providing tax benefits for workforce housing in rural areas, giving local governments the authority to offer tax exemptions to developers of housing that will serve local workers whose income is at\/below the median for the area.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">We have seen a lot of investment in Grand Rapids that has created great opportunities for some, but also driven up the price of rent and left a lot of others behind. Peo ple with the fewest resources are bearing the greatest burden when it comes to the housing shortage. It\u2019s my hope this legislation will open more doors for people of every income level to find a stable place to call home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\">DISTRICT HAPPENINGS\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><i>Veterans Day Parade\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 border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<div><a id=\"1657203212655655\" name=\"1657203212655655\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uvckc.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static21.senatedems.org\/media\/700x0\/637b860ec11cf.png\" alt=\"United Veterans Council of Kent County\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0;\">\n<table style=\"line-height: 31px;\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-size: revert; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit;\">The sacrifices of our veterans deserve to be honored, and I\u2019m grateful to the <\/span><a style=\"font-size: revert; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.uvckc.org\/\">United Veterans Council of Kent County<\/a><span style=\"font-size: revert; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit;\"> for their role in helping to plan this year\u2019s parade and memorial ceremony. Glow sticks were placed around the reflecting pool as a visual reminder of the presence of veterans in our community whose service has impacted us all.<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: left; font-size: 19px; padding-top: 15px; padding-bottom: 15px;\">\n<p><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><i><br \/>\nTreetops Wall-Breaking\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0;\">\n<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<div><a id=\"1665775449931931\" name=\"1665775449931931\"><\/a><a href=\"#\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static21.senatedems.org\/media\/700x0\/637b864e904ca.png\" alt=\"example image 800x100\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0;\">\n<table style=\"line-height: 31px;\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<div style=\"text-align: left; font-size: 19px; padding-top: 15px; padding-bottom: 15px;\">\n<div>\n<p>Treetops Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to helping new Americans, is breaking down walls in more ways than one!<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">The organization, located on Division in Grand Rapids, celebrated the beginning of a building renovation to open their space to more members community, especially New Americans. They have done so much to build bridges (not walls!) and connections between different populations in our community. Congrats to their hardworking team on this exciting growth.<br \/>\n<\/span><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><i><br \/>\nPhRMA Celebrates STEM Greenhouse\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 border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<div><a id=\"1664547417406406\" name=\"1664547417406406\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/stemgreenhouse\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static21.senatedems.org\/media\/700x0\/637b867df3e78.png\" alt=\"PhRMA STEM Greenhouse\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0;\">\n<table style=\"line-height: 31px;\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<div style=\"text-align: left; font-size: 19px; padding-top: 15px; padding-bottom: 15px;\">\n<div>\n<p>The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) has awarded <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/stemgreenhouse\/\">STEM Greenhouse<\/a>, a local nonprofit that brings STEM education to students in Grand Rapids Public Schools, a STEM Talent Pipeline grant to continue their innovative work. My staff got to celebrate with Dr. Kelli Christopher and her students as they accepted the grant from PhRMA\u2019s representative.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">There are so many STEM careers that young scholars can pursue, but we need more diverse people pursuing them. Thanks to Dr. Christopher and PhRMA\u2019s generosity, tomorrow\u2019s engineers could be female, physicians could be Latinx, and inventors can be Black \u2014 and they\u2019ll be using the STEM foundation they got at Dickinson Academy in GRPS.<br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><br \/>\n<i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Prism Awards\u00a0<\/i><\/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 border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<div><a id=\"1669039775492492\" name=\"1669039775492492\"><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/grpride.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static21.senatedems.org\/media\/700x0\/637b86bd20273.png\" alt=\"Grand Rapids Pride Center\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0;\">\n<table style=\"line-height: 31px;\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<div style=\"text-align: left; font-size: 19px; padding-top: 15px; padding-bottom: 15px;\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Congrats to the <a href=\"http:\/\/grpride.org\/\">Grand Rapids Pride Center<\/a> on an amazing inaugural PRISM Awards ceremony. So many important efforts were uplifted and celebrated, including awards to local businesses <a href=\"http:\/\/malamiahjuicebar.com\/\">Malamiah Juice Bar<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LotusBrewCo\">Lotus Brew Coffee\/ Dry Bar<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Our city is stronger because of the LGBTQ+ community and their critical contributions. My many thanks go out to the Pride Center for their hard work and the opportunity for our community to celebrate, uplift, and express our gratitude for their commitment to our residents.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><b>HELPFUL INFORMATION\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><b><i>Check Auto Insurance Coverage for Vehicle-Deer Collisions\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is reminding consumers to review their auto insurance coverage to ensure they know what coverage may be available in the event of damage caused by a vehicle-deer collision. Although these types of crashes occur all year round, the fall deer hunting season coupled with shorter daylight periods often increases the number of them, which can cost thousands of dollars to repair.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Here are a few tips on what to do after a deer collision:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Pull off the road, turn on your emergency flashers, and be cautious of other traffic if you exit your vehicle.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Report the crash to the nearest police agency and your insurance company or agent.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Document the incident. If it is safe to do so, take photographs of the roadway, your surroundings, damage to your vehicle, and any injuries you or your passengers sustained. If witnesses stop, take down their account of what occurred, and ask for their contact information.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Do not approach the deer. Wounded animals can be dangerous, and an animal that appears to be dead may only be stunned.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Do not assume your vehicle is safe to drive. Double-check that your car is drivable after colliding with a deer. Look for leaking fluid, loose parts, tire damage, broken lights, a hood that will not latch, and other safety hazards. If your vehicle seems unsafe in any way, call for a tow.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you have questions or concerns with your insurance policy or wish to file a complaint, contact DIFS at 833-ASK-DIFS Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or visit <a href=\"http:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/DIFScomplaints\">Michigan.gov\/DIFScomplaints<\/a>.<br \/>\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><br \/>\n<i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Michiganders Getting Additional Grocery Assistance in November\u00a0\u00a0<\/i><\/span>On Tuesday, Nov. 15, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced all Michigan families who are eligible for food assistance benefits will receive at least an additional $95 monthly payment in November to help lower the cost of groceries ahead of Thanksgiving.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Eligible clients who receive food assistance will receive additional benefits on their Bridge Card between Nov. 12-21. These benefits are loaded onto Bridge Cards as a separate payment from the assistance provided earlier in the month.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Eligible families do not need to re-apply to receive the additional benefits. People who receive food assistance can check their benefits balance on their Michigan Bridge Card by going online to <a href=\"http:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/MIbridges\">Michigan.gov\/MIBridges<\/a> or calling a consumer service representative toll-free at 888-678-8914. They can ask questions about the additional benefits by calling or emailing their caseworker.<br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><br \/>\n<b><i>Winter Weather Insurance Tips\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is reminding Michiganders to review their insurance documents while taking steps to prevent winter-related damage. Winter storms and freezing temperatures can damage your home or vehicle, so it\u2019s important to have insurance coverage that financially protects you if severe winter weather strikes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Homeowners insurance policies usually cover damages resulting from things like burst pipes, ice dams, wind, or a building collapse caused by the weight of ice or snow but will often exclude coverage for damages resulting from power outages unless the outage was caused by a covered peril such as wind, ice, or snow.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Homeowners should review their insurance policy and take the following steps to help prevent winter damage:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Keep your home heated to at least 65 degrees to prevent frozen pipes. If you are away from your home for an extended period, have someone check your home to catch any burst pipes as soon as possible.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Keep gutters clean to prevent ice damming, which occurs when melting ice backs up under roof shingles before freezing again.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Remove trees that have died or are rotting to prevent branches from falling under the weight of snow or ice.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Driving in winter weather can be hazardous even if you are driving carefully. Coverages you may consider purchasing, or confirming you currently have, include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Collision Coverage provides coverage for damage to your vehicle while driving, should your vehicle collide with another vehicle or hit a tree or utility pole from loss of traction due to ice and snow.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Comprehensive Coverage provides coverage when your vehicle has sustained damage that did not result from a collision. Examples include damage from falling tree limbs, hail, or vandalism.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Property Protection provides coverage for damage unintentionally caused to another person&#8217;s property, for example if you slide off the road and damage someone&#8217;s mailbox. This coverage is one of the three mandatory coverages required to drive legally in Michigan.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For more tips on preparing your family for winter, visit the Michigan State Police\u2019s Emergency Management &amp; Homeland Security Division preparedness website at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.Michigan.gov\/MIReady\">Michigan.gov\/MIReady<\/a>. For questions or concerns about your insurance, contact DIFS 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 877-999-6442, or file a complaint by visiting <a href=\"http:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/DIFScomplaints\">Michigan.gov\/DIFScomplaints<\/a>.<br \/>\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><br \/>\n<i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">November Recognized as Veterans and Military Families Month\u00a0<\/i><\/span>Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed November 2022 as Veterans and Military Families Month to honor veterans and military families throughout the state by recognizing their sacrifices and celebrating their successes.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Michigan is committed to making the state the premier choice for military service members, veterans and their families to live, work, serve and play. In support of this effort, the MVAA helps connect veterans with federal, state and local benefits and resources they earned for their service. To learn more about employment, healthcare, education and quality-of-life benefits, veterans can contact the Michigan Veteran Resource Service Center at 1-800MICH-VET or visit <a href=\"http:\/\/www.Michigan.gov\/MVAA\">Michigan.gov\/MVAA<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">For more information on upcoming ceremonies and activities to honor veterans and military families, please visit the MVAA events calendar at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/MVAA\/Events\">Michigan.gov\/MVAA\/Events<\/a>.<br \/>\n<\/span><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><i><br \/>\nNew Health Plan Savings During Open Enrollment\u00a0\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">The annual Health Insurance Marketplace open enrollment period began Nov. 1 and runs through Jan. 15, 2023. With savings still in effect making health insurance more affordable for more Michiganders, new grants for free local help, and more plan options than last year, shopping for health insurance has never been easier.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">While shopping for a health plan during Open Enrollment, Michigan consumers can choose from 233 health plans on the Health Insurance Marketplace, which is available at\u202fHealthCare.gov\u202for by calling 800-318-2596. In total, including off-Marketplace plans available directly from insurers, Michiganders can choose from 308 plans, 52 more options than last year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">For questions about health coverage, visit <a href=\"http:\/\/www.Michigan.gov\/HealthInsurance\">Michigan.gov\/HealthInsurance<\/a>\u202for call DIFS 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 877-999-6442.<br \/>\n<\/span><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><i><br \/>\nCheck Carbon Monoxide Detectors\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">As temperatures get colder and the nights longer, Michigan residents are urged to take action to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by checking to ensure furnaces and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are properly working.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Known as the \u201csilent killer,\u201d CO is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless poisonous gas. Most CO poisonings take place at home and are caused by items that are not properly cared for or vented, such as furnaces, water heaters, generators, gas grills, dryers, lanterns, space heaters, fireplaces, chimneys, and gas stoves.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">To protect yourself and your family from CO, follow these safety tips:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Make sure you have working CO detectors on every level of your home, including the basement.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Change batteries every six months (fall and spring) and replace your detector every five years or according to manufacturer\u2019s instructions.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Use a battery-powered detector where you have fuel-burning devices but no electric outlets.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Have your furnace or wood-burning stove inspected annually.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Generators should be run at a safe distance (at least 20 feet) from the home. Never run a generator in the home, garage, or right next to windows or doors.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Never run a car in an enclosed space.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Never run a gasoline or propane heater or a grill (gas or charcoal) inside your home or in an unventilated garage.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Visit <a href=\"http:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/MiTracking\">Michigan.gov\/MiTracking<\/a> for more information about CO poisoning.<br \/>\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><br \/>\n<i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">$50 Million in Grants Available for Childcare Facilities\u00a0<\/i><\/span><\/span><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Earlier this month, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced that applications for the Caring for MI Future: Child Care Facilities Improvement Fund are now open. Childcare entrepreneurs who are interested in starting or expanding a childcare facility can apply for a grant to reduce the cost of converting space that meets childcare facility guidelines.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">The grants, which range in size from $50,000 for home-based childcare and $150,000 for center-based programs, will help providers to complete minor renovations and improvements to meet licensing and quality standards. Eligible applicants include licensed childcare providers located in the State of Michigan who are newly licensed providers or existing providers expanding their licensed capacity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">For a full breakdown of eligibility requirements and information on the application process visit <a href=\"http:\/\/www.Michigan.gov\/caringformifuture\">Michigan.gov\/caringformifuture<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\">\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\">CONTACT US\u00a0<\/b><\/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<\/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\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><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=\"mailto:SenWBrinks@senate.michigan.gov\">SenWBrinks@senate.michigan.gov<\/a>, as you normally would, and we will do our best to avoid any interruption of service.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Helpful Links<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/\">State Senator Winnie Brinks<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/district\/\">29th Senate District Map<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.senate.michigan.gov\/\">Michigan Senate<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.house.mi.gov\/\">Michigan House of Representatives<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.legislature.mi.gov\/\">Michigan Legislature<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.senate.gov\/\">U.S. Senate<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.house.gov\/\">U.S. House of Representatives<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.accesskent.com\/\">Kent County<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/grcity.us\/\">City of Grand Rapids<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">\n<table style=\"height: 130px;\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" valign=\"middle\">\n<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"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\" class=\"\" style=\"padding-right: 10px;\" src=\"https:\/\/oi2bk24hhfe.senatedems.org\/icons\/1\/facebook.png\" width=\"90\" height=\"84\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">\n<table style=\"height: 25px;\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" valign=\"middle\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">\n<table style=\"height: 100px;\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" valign=\"middle\">\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","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hello Neighbors, I\u2019m so honored to have been elected to serve District 29 once again as your senator, and on top of that, to have been elected by my peers [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":6207,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"<div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%;\" align=\"center\">\n<div style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">\n<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.senatedems.com\/brinks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img src=\"https:\/\/static21.senatedems.org\/media\/700x0\/600ae639944c3.png\" alt=\"State Senator Winnie Brinks\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">\n<table style=\"line-height: 31px;\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><a id=\"1629473412905905\" name=\"1629473412905905\"><\/a>\n<div style=\"text-align: left; font-size: 19px; padding-top: 15px; padding-bottom: 15px;\">\n<div>\n\nHello Neighbors,\n\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">I\u2019m so honored to have been elected to serve District 29 once again as your senator, and on top of that, to have been elected by my peers as the next Senate Majority Leader for the new term. I\u2019m proud that we have made history in this moment: voters have elected the Senate\u2019s first Democratic majority in nearly 40 years, and I am the first female majority leader in Michigan\u2019s history.\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">This is a thrilling accomplishment, but it\u2019s an even bigger opportunity for our great state. Earlier this week, I announced my leadership team \u2014 an amazingly talented and diverse group of leaders who bring so much expertise and passion to the table. We are already working hard so we can begin on day one of the new Senate. We are committed to reversing the toxicity that has permeated politics in the last few years, and instead investing in the values, priorities, and changes that Michigan voters elected us to pursue.\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Even as I take on this new set of responsibilities, I will remain committed to representing District 29 well \u2014 including my new communities of Kentwood, Wyoming, and Grandville that have become part of our district due to redistricting. Together, with my dedicated staff, we will continue to serve the people's needs, connect you with resources, and celebrate our amazing community.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Sincerely,\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0;\">\n<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<div><a id=\"162947561009393\" name=\"162947561009393\"><\/a><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img src=\"https:\/\/static21.senatedems.org\/media\/700x0\/611fd395d1e01.jpeg\" alt=\"example image 800x100\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0;\">\n<table style=\"line-height: 31px;\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><a id=\"1658410069422422\" name=\"1658410069422422\"><\/a>\n<div style=\"text-align: left; font-size: 19px; padding-top: 15px; padding-bottom: 15px;\">\n<div>\n\n<b>Winnie Brinks\n<\/b><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">State Senator\n<\/span><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">29th District<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><b>In This Issue: <\/b><\/span>\n<ul>\n \t<li><b>LEGISLATIVE UPDATE\u00a0<\/b>\n<ul>\n \t<li>Housing Package Passes the House<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n \t<li><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\">DISTRICT HAPPENINGS\u00a0<\/b>\n<ul>\n \t<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Veterans Day Parade\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Treetops Wall-Breaking\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">PhRMA Celebrates STEM Greenhouse\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Prism Awards\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n \t<li><b>\u00a0<\/b><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\">HELPFUL INFORMATION\u00a0<\/b>\n<ul>\n \t<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Check Auto Insurance Coverage for Vehicle-Deer Collisions\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li>Michiganders Getting Additional Grocery Assistance in November<\/li>\n \t<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Winter Weather Insurance Tips\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Veterans and Military Families Month\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">New Health Plan Choices During Open Enrollment\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Check Carbon Monoxide Detectors\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">$50 Million in Grants Available for Childcare Facilities\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n \t<li><b>\u00a0<\/b><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\">CONTACT US\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<b>LEGISLATIVE UPDATE\u00a0<\/b>\n\n<b style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><i>Housing Package Passes the House\u00a0<\/i><\/b>\n\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Our <a href=\"https:\/\/mibiz.com\/sections\/real-estate-development\/state-house-lawmakers-pass-housing-bill-package-backed-by-biz-construction-groups\">bipartisan housing package passed the Michigan House last week<\/a>! It will come back to the Senate for concurrence before being sent to the governor to be signed into law.\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">The four bills create more attainable housing across the state, especially for those who are working but whose incomes aren't high enough to pay the rent.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">The bill package encourages developers to build more housing that people can afford by:\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n \t<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Expanding Neighborhood Enterprise Zones.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Giving local governments the ability to offer property tax breaks if a developer agrees to rent units to families who have low income and to charge them an affordable rate.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Providing tax benefits for workforce housing in rural areas, giving local governments the authority to offer tax exemptions to developers of housing that will serve local workers whose income is at\/below the median for the area.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">We have seen a lot of investment in Grand Rapids that has created great opportunities for some, but also driven up the price of rent and left a lot of others behind. Peo ple with the fewest resources are bearing the greatest burden when it comes to the housing shortage. It\u2019s my hope this legislation will open more doors for people of every income level to find a stable place to call home.\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<b>\u00a0<\/b>\n\n<b style=\"background-color: transparent;\">DISTRICT HAPPENINGS\u00a0<\/b>\n\n<b style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><i>Veterans Day Parade\u00a0<\/i><\/b>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0;\">\n<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<div><a id=\"1657203212655655\" name=\"1657203212655655\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uvckc.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img src=\"https:\/\/static21.senatedems.org\/media\/700x0\/637b860ec11cf.png\" alt=\"United Veterans Council of Kent County\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0;\">\n<table style=\"line-height: 31px;\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><a id=\"162947573709191\" name=\"162947573709191\"><\/a>\n<div style=\"text-align: left; font-size: 19px; padding-top: 15px; padding-bottom: 15px;\">\n<div>\n\nThe sacrifices of our veterans deserve to be honored, and I\u2019m grateful to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uvckc.org\/\">United Veterans Council of Kent County<\/a> for their role in helping to plan this year\u2019s parade and memorial ceremony. Glow sticks were placed around the reflecting pool as a visual reminder of the presence of veterans in our community whose service has impacted us all.\n\n<b style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><i>\nTreetops Wall-Breaking\u00a0<\/i><\/b>\n<div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0;\">\n<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<div><a id=\"1665775449931931\" name=\"1665775449931931\"><\/a><a href=\"#\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img src=\"https:\/\/static21.senatedems.org\/media\/700x0\/637b864e904ca.png\" alt=\"example image 800x100\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0;\">\n<table style=\"line-height: 31px;\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><a id=\"1664547067152152\" name=\"1664547067152152\"><\/a>\n<div style=\"text-align: left; font-size: 19px; padding-top: 15px; padding-bottom: 15px;\">\n<div>\n\nTreetops Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to helping new Americans, is breaking down walls in more ways than one!\n\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">The organization, located on Division in Grand Rapids, celebrated the beginning of a building renovation to open their space to more members community, especially New Americans. They have done so much to build bridges (not walls!) and connections between different populations in our community. Congrats to their hardworking team on this exciting growth.\n<\/span><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><i>\nPhRMA Celebrates STEM Greenhouse\u00a0<\/i><\/b>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0;\">\n<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<div><a id=\"1664547417406406\" name=\"1664547417406406\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/stemgreenhouse\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img src=\"https:\/\/static21.senatedems.org\/media\/700x0\/637b867df3e78.png\" alt=\"PhRMA STEM Greenhouse\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0;\">\n<table style=\"line-height: 31px;\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><a id=\"1664547442655655\" name=\"1664547442655655\"><\/a>\n<div style=\"text-align: left; font-size: 19px; padding-top: 15px; padding-bottom: 15px;\">\n<div>\n\nThe Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) has awarded <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/stemgreenhouse\/\">STEM Greenhouse<\/a>, a local nonprofit that brings STEM education to students in Grand Rapids Public Schools, a STEM Talent Pipeline grant to continue their innovative work. My staff got to celebrate with Dr. Kelli Christopher and her students as they accepted the grant from PhRMA\u2019s representative.\n\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">There are so many STEM careers that young scholars can pursue, but we need more diverse people pursuing them. Thanks to Dr. Christopher and PhRMA\u2019s generosity, tomorrow\u2019s engineers could be female, physicians could be Latinx, and inventors can be Black \u2014 and they\u2019ll be using the STEM foundation they got at Dickinson Academy in GRPS.\n<\/span><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">\n<i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Prism Awards\u00a0<\/i><\/span>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0;\">\n<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<div><a id=\"1669039775492492\" name=\"1669039775492492\"><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/grpride.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img src=\"https:\/\/static21.senatedems.org\/media\/700x0\/637b86bd20273.png\" alt=\"Grand Rapids Pride Center\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0;\">\n<table style=\"line-height: 31px;\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><a id=\"1664547522828828\" name=\"1664547522828828\"><\/a>\n<div style=\"text-align: left; font-size: 19px; padding-top: 15px; padding-bottom: 15px;\">\n<div>\n<div>\n\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Congrats to the <a href=\"http:\/\/grpride.org\/\">Grand Rapids Pride Center<\/a> on an amazing inaugural PRISM Awards ceremony. So many important efforts were uplifted and celebrated, including awards to local businesses <a href=\"http:\/\/malamiahjuicebar.com\/\">Malamiah Juice Bar<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LotusBrewCo\">Lotus Brew Coffee\/ Dry Bar<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Our city is stronger because of the LGBTQ+ community and their critical contributions. My many thanks go out to the Pride Center for their hard work and the opportunity for our community to celebrate, uplift, and express our gratitude for their commitment to our residents.\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><b>HELPFUL INFORMATION\u00a0<\/b><\/span>\n\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><b><i>Check Auto Insurance Coverage for Vehicle-Deer Collisions\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/span>\n\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is reminding consumers to review their auto insurance coverage to ensure they know what coverage may be available in the event of damage caused by a vehicle-deer collision. Although these types of crashes occur all year round, the fall deer hunting season coupled with shorter daylight periods often increases the number of them, which can cost thousands of dollars to repair.\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Here are a few tips on what to do after a deer collision:\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n \t<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Pull off the road, turn on your emergency flashers, and be cautious of other traffic if you exit your vehicle.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Report the crash to the nearest police agency and your insurance company or agent.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Document the incident. If it is safe to do so, take photographs of the roadway, your surroundings, damage to your vehicle, and any injuries you or your passengers sustained. If witnesses stop, take down their account of what occurred, and ask for their contact information.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Do not approach the deer. Wounded animals can be dangerous, and an animal that appears to be dead may only be stunned.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Do not assume your vehicle is safe to drive. Double-check that your car is drivable after colliding with a deer. Look for leaking fluid, loose parts, tire damage, broken lights, a hood that will not latch, and other safety hazards. If your vehicle seems unsafe in any way, call for a tow.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nIf you have questions or concerns with your insurance policy or wish to file a complaint, contact DIFS at 833-ASK-DIFS Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or visit <a href=\"http:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/DIFScomplaints\">Michigan.gov\/DIFScomplaints<\/a>.\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">\n<i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Michiganders Getting Additional Grocery Assistance in November\u00a0\u00a0<\/i><\/span>On Tuesday, Nov. 15, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced all Michigan families who are eligible for food assistance benefits will receive at least an additional $95 monthly payment in November to help lower the cost of groceries ahead of Thanksgiving.\n\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Eligible clients who receive food assistance will receive additional benefits on their Bridge Card between Nov. 12-21. These benefits are loaded onto Bridge Cards as a separate payment from the assistance provided earlier in the month.\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Eligible families do not need to re-apply to receive the additional benefits. People who receive food assistance can check their benefits balance on their Michigan Bridge Card by going online to <a href=\"http:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/MIbridges\">Michigan.gov\/MIBridges<\/a> or calling a consumer service representative toll-free at 888-678-8914. They can ask questions about the additional benefits by calling or emailing their caseworker.\n<\/span><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">\n<b><i>Winter Weather Insurance Tips\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/span>\n\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is reminding Michiganders to review their insurance documents while taking steps to prevent winter-related damage. Winter storms and freezing temperatures can damage your home or vehicle, so it\u2019s important to have insurance coverage that financially protects you if severe winter weather strikes.\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Homeowners insurance policies usually cover damages resulting from things like burst pipes, ice dams, wind, or a building collapse caused by the weight of ice or snow but will often exclude coverage for damages resulting from power outages unless the outage was caused by a covered peril such as wind, ice, or snow.\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Homeowners should review their insurance policy and take the following steps to help prevent winter damage:\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n \t<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Keep your home heated to at least 65 degrees to prevent frozen pipes. If you are away from your home for an extended period, have someone check your home to catch any burst pipes as soon as possible.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Keep gutters clean to prevent ice damming, which occurs when melting ice backs up under roof shingles before freezing again.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Remove trees that have died or are rotting to prevent branches from falling under the weight of snow or ice.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nDriving in winter weather can be hazardous even if you are driving carefully. Coverages you may consider purchasing, or confirming you currently have, include:\n<ul>\n \t<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Collision Coverage provides coverage for damage to your vehicle while driving, should your vehicle collide with another vehicle or hit a tree or utility pole from loss of traction due to ice and snow.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Comprehensive Coverage provides coverage when your vehicle has sustained damage that did not result from a collision. Examples include damage from falling tree limbs, hail, or vandalism.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Property Protection provides coverage for damage unintentionally caused to another person's property, for example if you slide off the road and damage someone's mailbox. This coverage is one of the three mandatory coverages required to drive legally in Michigan.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nFor more tips on preparing your family for winter, visit the Michigan State Police\u2019s Emergency Management &amp; Homeland Security Division preparedness website at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.Michigan.gov\/MIReady\">Michigan.gov\/MIReady<\/a>. For questions or concerns about your insurance, contact DIFS 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 877-999-6442, or file a complaint by visiting <a href=\"http:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/DIFScomplaints\">Michigan.gov\/DIFScomplaints<\/a>.\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">\n<i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">November Recognized as Veterans and Military Families Month\u00a0<\/i><\/span>Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed November 2022 as Veterans and Military Families Month to honor veterans and military families throughout the state by recognizing their sacrifices and celebrating their successes.\n\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Michigan is committed to making the state the premier choice for military service members, veterans and their families to live, work, serve and play. In support of this effort, the MVAA helps connect veterans with federal, state and local benefits and resources they earned for their service. To learn more about employment, healthcare, education and quality-of-life benefits, veterans can contact the Michigan Veteran Resource Service Center at 1-800MICH-VET or visit <a href=\"http:\/\/www.Michigan.gov\/MVAA\">Michigan.gov\/MVAA<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">For more information on upcoming ceremonies and activities to honor veterans and military families, please visit the MVAA events calendar at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/MVAA\/Events\">Michigan.gov\/MVAA\/Events<\/a>.\n<\/span><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><i>\nNew Health Plan Savings During Open Enrollment\u00a0\u00a0<\/i><\/b>\n\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">The annual Health Insurance Marketplace open enrollment period began Nov. 1 and runs through Jan. 15, 2023. With savings still in effect making health insurance more affordable for more Michiganders, new grants for free local help, and more plan options than last year, shopping for health insurance has never been easier.\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">While shopping for a health plan during Open Enrollment, Michigan consumers can choose from 233 health plans on the Health Insurance Marketplace, which is available at\u202fHealthCare.gov\u202for by calling 800-318-2596. In total, including off-Marketplace plans available directly from insurers, Michiganders can choose from 308 plans, 52 more options than last year.\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">For questions about health coverage, visit <a href=\"http:\/\/www.Michigan.gov\/HealthInsurance\">Michigan.gov\/HealthInsurance<\/a>\u202for call DIFS 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 877-999-6442.\n<\/span><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><i>\nCheck Carbon Monoxide Detectors\u00a0<\/i><\/b>\n\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">As temperatures get colder and the nights longer, Michigan residents are urged to take action to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by checking to ensure furnaces and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are properly working.\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Known as the \u201csilent killer,\u201d CO is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless poisonous gas. Most CO poisonings take place at home and are caused by items that are not properly cared for or vented, such as furnaces, water heaters, generators, gas grills, dryers, lanterns, space heaters, fireplaces, chimneys, and gas stoves.\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">To protect yourself and your family from CO, follow these safety tips:\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n \t<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Make sure you have working CO detectors on every level of your home, including the basement.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Change batteries every six months (fall and spring) and replace your detector every five years or according to manufacturer\u2019s instructions.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Use a battery-powered detector where you have fuel-burning devices but no electric outlets.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Have your furnace or wood-burning stove inspected annually.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Generators should be run at a safe distance (at least 20 feet) from the home. Never run a generator in the home, garage, or right next to windows or doors.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Never run a car in an enclosed space.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Never run a gasoline or propane heater or a grill (gas or charcoal) inside your home or in an unventilated garage.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nVisit <a href=\"http:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/MiTracking\">Michigan.gov\/MiTracking<\/a> for more information about CO poisoning.\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">\n<i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">$50 Million in Grants Available for Childcare Facilities\u00a0<\/i><\/span><\/span><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Earlier this month, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced that applications for the Caring for MI Future: Child Care Facilities Improvement Fund are now open. Childcare entrepreneurs who are interested in starting or expanding a childcare facility can apply for a grant to reduce the cost of converting space that meets childcare facility guidelines.\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">The grants, which range in size from $50,000 for home-based childcare and $150,000 for center-based programs, will help providers to complete minor renovations and improvements to meet licensing and quality standards. Eligible applicants include licensed childcare providers located in the State of Michigan who are newly licensed providers or existing providers expanding their licensed capacity.\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">For a full breakdown of eligibility requirements and information on the application process visit <a href=\"http:\/\/www.Michigan.gov\/caringformifuture\">Michigan.gov\/caringformifuture<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<b style=\"background-color: transparent;\">\u00a0<\/b>\n\n<b style=\"background-color: transparent;\">CONTACT US\u00a0<\/b>\n\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Here are a few reasons to contact my office:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<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>\n\n<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<\/span>\n\n<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>\n\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><b><i>I have other questions. Are you and your office still available?\u00a0\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/span>\n\n<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=\"mailto:SenWBrinks@senate.michigan.gov\">SenWBrinks@senate.michigan.gov<\/a>, as you normally would, and we will do our best to avoid any interruption of service.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<b style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Helpful Links<\/b>\n\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/\">State Senator Winnie Brinks<\/a><\/li>\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/district\/\">29th Senate District Map<\/a><\/li>\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.senate.michigan.gov\/\">Michigan Senate<\/a><\/li>\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.house.mi.gov\/\">Michigan House of Representatives<\/a><\/li>\n \t<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.legislature.mi.gov\/\">Michigan Legislature<\/a><\/li>\n \t<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.senate.gov\/\">U.S. Senate<\/a><\/li>\n \t<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.house.gov\/\">U.S. House of Representatives<\/a><\/li>\n \t<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.accesskent.com\/\">Kent County<\/a><\/li>\n \t<li><a href=\"http:\/\/grcity.us\/\">City of Grand Rapids<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">\n<table style=\"height: 130px;\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" valign=\"middle\">\n<table border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"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 style=\"padding-right: 10px;\" src=\"https:\/\/oi2bk24hhfe.senatedems.org\/icons\/1\/facebook.png\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">\n<table style=\"height: 25px;\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" valign=\"middle\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">\n<table style=\"height: 100px;\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" valign=\"middle\">\n<div style=\"font-size: 10px; font-weight: normal; color: #000000;\">\n\nAs an elected representative, I believe in being readily available and transparent because my office is your office.\n\nReply to this email if you would like to unsubscribe.\n\n<\/div><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6075","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-email"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.4 (Yoast SEO v26.9) - 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