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Hello Neighbors,<\/p>\n
I\u2019m proud to announce that this week, the Senate passed a sound state budget full of transformative, innovative, and equitable investments.<\/p>\n
Some highlights of the Senate budget include funding to:<\/p>\n
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This budget is more than a compilation of numbers on a page\u2014it\u2019s a representation of our commitment to addressing the real needs of the people of Michigan. These bills detail smart investments informed by thousands of conversations we\u2019ve had with constituents, small businesses, and community leaders. This budget is historic for all the right reasons, and I\u2019m proud of the work Democrats have done to prioritize those who have long been ignored or left behind.<\/p>\n
The proposed budget bills are now headed to the House for consideration and will continue to be negotiated with the House and governor\u2019s office to reach final funding decisions.<\/p>\n
As always, it\u2019s my honor to work for you, the people of District 29, to deliver honest, diligent representation in Lansing on the issues that matter most.<\/p>\n
Sincerely,<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/12\/Brinks-signature.jpeg” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Brinks-signature” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]
Winnie Brinks \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In This Issue<\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n LEGISLATIVE UPDATES<\/b><\/p>\n Filter First Legislation Passed by Michigan Senate<\/i><\/b> On April 20, 2023, the Michigan Senate voted to pass Senate Bills\u202f88\u202fand\u202f89 (sponsored by Senators Cherry and Santana), also known as the Filter First legislation. The bills will require all Michigan childcare centers and schools to implement a Drinking Water Management Plan, install filtered bottle-filling stations or filtered faucets on outlets designated for drinking water, and test the filtered water to ensure that the filters are installed and operating properly. Training for childcare staff will be provided, and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy will provide guidance to schools and childcare centers. Funding to support this initiative was approved last year.\u202f<\/p>\n According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, low levels of lead in blood can negatively affect children\u2019s intellectual development and academic achievement. As a lawmaker, it is incredibly important to me that the well-being of Michigan youth\u202fis prioritized.<\/p>\n <\/i><\/b><\/p>\n Absentee Voter Ballot Expansion for Military Members Overseas servicemembers can be disenfranchised if their mailed ballots arrive late. In the first law related to implementing Proposal 2 (passed by Michigan voters in November), our servicemembers now have assurance that they can fully participate in our democracy.<\/p>\n Senate Bill 259 was signed by Governor Whitmer into law on May 2, 2023. This legislation will allow for absentee voter ballots from\u202fmilitary members,\u202ftheir\u202fspouses, and\u202fvoting-age\u202fdependents\u202fto still be counted if they are\u202fsigned\u202fand dated\u202fby Election Day and\u202freceived up to six days after the election.<\/p>\n Everyone\u2019s vote matters. I\u2019m glad to see this important change come to fruition.<\/p>\n <\/i><\/b><\/p>\n Sexual Assault Reform Package Passed<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n I am proud of my colleagues in the Senate for passing a bipartisan package of legislation to bolster state laws\u202fregarding\u202fsexual assault and\u202foffer\u202fgreater\u202fsupport\u202ffor\u202fsurvivors.\u202f<\/span> The bills in the package include key policy reforms that have been passed through at least one legislative chamber each term since 2018:<\/p>\n Senate\u202fBill\u202f66<\/a>\u202f(Sen. Stephanie Chang) would require the Department of Education to make materials\u202fregarding\u202fsexual assault and sexual harassment available to school districts and require districts to\u202fprovide\u202fthose materials to students in grades 6-12.\u202f<\/p>\n Senate\u202fBill\u202f67\u202f<\/a>(Sen.\u202fDan\u202fLauwers) would prohibit sexual contact or sexual penetration under the pretext of medical care and create felony penalties for a violation.\u202f\u202f<\/p>\n Senate\u202fBill\u202f68\u202f<\/a>(Sen.\u202fErika\u202fGeiss) would amend the sentencing guidelines to include the new felonies proposed by SB 67.\u202f\u202f<\/p>\n Senate\u202fBill\u202f69\u202f<\/a>(Sen.\u202fLana\u202fTheis)\u202fwould prohibit medical professionals from performing sensitive procedures and examinations on minor patients except under certain circumstances and create a felony penalty for a violation.\u202f\u202f<\/p>\n Senate\u202fBill\u202f70<\/a>\u202f(Sen.\u202fRuth\u202fJohnson)\u202fwould amend the sentencing guidelines to include the felony proposed by SB 69.\u202f<\/p>\n Senate\u202fBill\u202f71<\/a>\u202f(Sen.\u202fRoger\u202fHauck) would require medical professionals to preserve a patient\u2019s records for medical services involving vaginal or anal penetration for at least 15 years and create penalties for a violation.\u202f\u202f<\/p>\n Senate\u202fBill\u202f72\u202f<\/a>(Sen.\u202fMcDonald\u202fRivet)\u202fwould amend the sentencing guidelines to include the felonies proposed by SB 71.<\/p>\n Senate Bill 73<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>(Sen.\u202fSue Shink) would\u202fprovide\u202fa Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) exemption for any information that would reveal the identity of a party who\u202fproceeds\u202fanonymously in a civil action in which that party alleges that they were the victim of sexual misconduct.\u202f<\/p>\n Sexual assault affects so many people within our communities, and I will do my best to continue to advocate for survivors as well as those who love and support them. These legislative efforts are just the first step.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n DISTRICT HAPPENINGS<\/b><\/p>\n Act Now to Safely Store Your Firearm<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n The news of another\u00a0<\/span>gun found in a child’s backpack<\/a>\u00a0in a Grand Rapids school should trouble us all.<\/span> The reality, and ubiquity, of guns in our community places an unfair and heavy burden on our educators. I’m grateful for their swift and decisive action which has kept our kids safe, and I grieve the stress that the danger of guns has placed on them.<\/p>\n We need to be clear: it is the responsibility of adults, not children, to address this danger head-on. As legislators, we have done this by passing safe storage laws, which ensure that every gun owner must keep their weapon out of the hands of children. These laws have not yet gone into effect, but that should not stop every gun owner from taking steps today to safely store their guns. Everytown for Gun Safety has found that nearly half of all parents with a weapon in the home wrongly believe their children don\u2019t know where a gun is stored.<\/p>\n Today is the day to take action to safely store your gun.\u00a0<\/span>Click here<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>to learn how.<\/p>\n <\/i><\/b><\/p>\n \u201cRemember Their Names\u201d Commemoration Event\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/05\/RememberTheirNames_Brinks.png” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”RememberTheirNames_Brinks” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″] A few weekends ago, I had the distinct honor of participating in “Remember Their Names,” a commemoration of the many people who have died in school shootings since Columbine. A list of the names of those who have died was read; with every name read, it became clearer and clearer that our nation has a persistent issue with gun violence.<\/p>\n Thank you to U.S. Representative Hillary Scholten, State Representative Carol Glanville, Former GR Mayor George Heartwell, GRPS Superintendent Leadriane Roby, and all the other leaders in our community who were present on that day. Preventing gun violence is more important than ever for Grand Rapids and all of Michigan, and I\u2019m committed to continuing to work toward legislation that meaningfully addresses this crisis.<\/p>\n <\/i><\/b><\/p>\n I-96 and Bridge Work in Kent County<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n On April 24, 2023, MDOT is starting resurfacing about three miles of\u00a0<\/span>I-96 from Cascade Road to M-11 (28th Street)<\/a>.\u202f\u202fThe project also includes bridge improvements on Burton Street over I-96 and resurfacing the ramps at the I-96\/M-11 interchange. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to support 73 jobs.<\/p>\n Burton Street is scheduled to be closed over I-96 from June through August, with traffic detours<\/p>\n using Patterson Avenue, M-11, and Kraft Avenue. It is estimated that this project will end sometime in November.<\/p>\n During your daily commute, please remember to slow down and be mindful of construction workers and join me in celebrating the continued improvement to the safety and longevity of Michigan\u2019s roads.<\/p>\n <\/i><\/b><\/p>\n Grand Rapids Installs New Fire Chief<\/i><\/b><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/05\/NewFireCheif_GrandRapids_Brinks.png” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”NewFireCheif_GrandRapids_Brinks” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″] Team Brinks had the pleasure of witnessing the swearing-in of the 25th Chief of the Grand Rapids Fire Department, Brad Brown. Chief Brown is a 27-year veteran of the fire service and has served on the GRFD for many years. He was appointed in April after a national search. Brown takes over now-retired Chief John Lehman, who had served as the city’s chief since 2016.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n HELPFUL INFORMATION<\/b><\/p>\n Stroke Awareness Month<\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/05\/StrokeAwarenessMonth.png” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”StrokeAwarenessMonth” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″] So many of us have a loved one who has been impacted by a stroke, including me. Last week the Senate passed a resolution to recognize May as Stroke Awareness Month in Michigan. The resolution was introduced by my colleague, Senator Rosemary Bayer, who was joined by her husband in sharing the story of his ongoing recovery after surviving a massive stroke four years ago.<\/p>\n I’m grateful for organizations who work hard to spread awareness and do impactful research that can improve outcomes. If you don’t know FAST (face, arms, speech, time), watch this video to learn more about what to do when you suspect someone you love is experiencing a stroke.<\/p>\n For more information about strokes, visit\u00a0<\/span>Community Awareness (michigan.gov).<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Gov. Whitmer Proclaims May 8\u201312 as Teacher Appreciation Week<\/b><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/05\/TeacherAppreciationWeek.png” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”TeacherAppreciationWeek” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″] Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed May 8\u201312 as Teacher Appreciation Week.\u202f\u202f\u202f<\/p>\n Governor Whitmer\u2019s fifth budget recommendation continues historic public education investments. Her budget includes the highest per-student investment in Michigan history without raising taxes and free breakfast and lunch to all Michigan public school students, making it easier for kids to learn and educators to teach in classrooms.\u202f\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/b><\/span><\/p>\n Gov. Whitmer Proclaims May as Military Appreciation Month\u202f\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed May as Military Appreciation Month in Michigan, honoring military members and their families throughout the state by recognizing their sacrifices and celebrating their successes.\u202f<\/span><\/p>\n 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 1-800-MICH-VET or visit\u202fwww.michigan.gov\/MVAA<\/a>.\u202f\u202f\u202f\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For more information on upcoming ceremonies and activities to honor veterans and military families, please visit the MVAA events calendar at\u202fwww.michigan.gov\/mvaa\/events<\/a>.\u202f\u202f\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/b><\/span><\/p>\n Summer 2023 Job Market Forecast for Michigan Teens (Ages 16\u201319)\u202f\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n The Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget’s Michigan Center for Data and Analytics released its summer (June\u2013August) teen employment forecast for 2023. For more information, including resources for finding summer employment, click here.\u202f\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/b><\/span><\/p>\n Helping Medicaid members keep their coverage\u202f<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Take action to avoid a gap in coverage\u202f<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government declared a Public Health Emergency (PHE), allowing Medicaid members to keep their health care coverage. Per recent federal legislation, eligibility renewals will start again in June. Monthly renewal notifications will be sent by mail beginning in May.\u202f\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Following these steps will help determine if you still qualify:\u202f\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re a Medicaid member, learn more about how these changes may affect your health care coverage at\u00a0Michigan.gov\/2023benefitchanges.\u202f\u00a0<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n <\/b><\/span><\/p>\n Applications Now Being Accepted for the Fostering Futures Scholarship\u202f\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n Young adults who have experienced foster care on or after their 13th birthday are eligible to apply for a scholarship from the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury.\u202f\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The priority deadline for the\u00a0Fostering Futures Scholarship<\/a>\u00a0application for academic year 2023-24 is August 1, 2023. Eligible students enrolled at a Michigan degree-granting college or university may now apply to receive scholarship funds for tuition, fees, room, board, books and supplies.\u202f\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Fostering Future Scholarship<\/a>\u00a0Applicants with questions should contact the state Treasury Department’s Student Scholarships, Grants and Outreach area at\u00a0mistudentaid@michigan.gov<\/a>\u00a0or call toll-free at 1-888-447-2687.\u202f\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n CONSTITUENT EVENTS<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I\u2019m looking forward to hosting a Drinks with Brinks event in the Grandville\/Wyoming area on Friday, May 19 . This is an opportunity to meet and greet constituents from Senate District 29 and hear what\u2019s on your mind. This event is less formal than my coffee hours; it gives me a chance to have one-on-one conversations instead of a big group format.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n WHEN<\/b>: Friday, May 19, 2023, from 5 \u2013 6 pm\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re interested in attending, sign up\u00a0here<\/a>\u00a0and we will send the event details to you via email.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you can\u2019t make it, stay tuned for future opportunities in this newsletter or at\u00a0facebook.com\/SenatorBrinks<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n CONTACT US<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n The Office of Senate Majority Leader Brinks values input from all Michiganders but prioritizes District 29 constituent concerns. If you have questions or concerns, but are not a resident of District 29, I encourage you to reach out to your local State Senator.\u00a0<\/span>Click here to find who represents you in the Senate.\u202f\u202f<\/a><\/p>\n Comment on Legislation<\/i><\/b>: You can stay updated on legislative advancements through my biweekly e-newsletters or by clicking\u00a0<\/span>here<\/a>. Given the high volume of messages my office receives daily, please note that it may take time for your inquiry to receive a response.<\/p>\n If You Need Help<\/i><\/b>: If you have a problem dealing with any department of state government, such as accessing unemployment benefits, my office is available to help 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 or organization for help.<\/p>\n You may always feel free to call my office at (517) 373-1801 or email me at\u00a0<\/span>SenWBrinks@senate.michigan.gov<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n Hello Neighbors, I\u2019m proud to announce that this week, the Senate passed a sound state budget full of transformative, innovative, and equitable investments. Some highlights of the Senate budget […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":6719,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6718","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-email"],"yoast_head":"\n
<\/b>Senate Majority Leader
<\/span>29th District<\/span><\/p>\n\n
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