[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks celebrates key local budget wins in her district, prioritizes diversity and equity<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n The unique needs of the many diverse communities in West Michigan and ensuring no one gets overlooked: These are top priorities for Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks\u2019 (D-Grand Rapids).<\/span><\/p>\n With a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, Sen. Brinks has been incredibly busy this summer \u2014 spending dedicated time in District 29 to attend community events and engage with constituents.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/08\/WB-Photo-Collage-1.png” title_text=”WB Photo Collage (1)” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” enable_caption_text=”on” image_caption_font=”||on||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n As the Michigan Legislature prepares to return for fall session, she plans to bring constituent concerns back to the Capitol for further discussion and deliberation. Her commitment to uplifting constituents\u2019 voices is already evident through the recent passage of the \u201cMake It In Michigan\u201d budget, which marks the first Democratic Majority-led state budget in 40 years.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span>\u201cThis budget will lead to transformational change for everyone who calls our state home,\u201d said Sen. Brinks. \u201cI am so proud the Majority for the People seized the opportunity to craft and pass one of the most inclusive and equitable state budgets in Michigan\u2019s history.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span>More specifically, t<\/span>he City of Grand Rapids received more than $90 million from the state’s “Make It In Michigan” budget.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/08\/Picture6.png” title_text=”Picture6″ align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” enable_caption_text=”on” image_caption_font=”||on||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The Grand Rapids Fire Station will receive <\/span>$35 million for the Grand Rapids Fire Department\u2019s improvement projects, including building a new fire station in the third ward. The Grand Rapids\u2019 Martin Luther King Park is set to receive $6 million in state funding to go towards a project to<\/span> replace the park\u2019s aging lodge<\/span><\/a> and add better recreational facilities.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span>Additionally, Sen. Brinks attended another roundtable discussion on August 18, held by the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce with Rep. John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming). While there, she intently listened to constituents and stakeholders, namely within the Latinx community, who expressed their need for better language translation tools, mental health resources and educational investments.<\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/span>\u201cRepresentation and diversity very much matter, not just in political affiliation, but in gender, race and ethnicity, age, background and more,\u201d said Sen. Brinks. \u201cWith state government being more reflective of all of Michigan and the variety of people we serve, our policies are more reflective of the concerns of our constituents as well.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]