{"id":6969,"date":"2023-09-28T09:48:52","date_gmt":"2023-09-28T13:48:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/?p=6969"},"modified":"2023-09-28T09:51:56","modified_gmt":"2023-09-28T13:51:56","slug":"expanded-testing-for-lead-exposure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/2023\/09\/28\/expanded-testing-for-lead-exposure\/","title":{"rendered":"Legislative Update, District News, Community Resources and More!"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/02\/BrinksEmailBanner.png” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”BrinksEmailBanner” url=”www.senatedems.com\/brinks\/” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_margin=”-12px|auto||auto||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

Last week, I voted yes on an important piece of legislation that is now on its way to being signed by the Governor. Children exposed to lead face immense challenges, but Senate Bill 31<\/a>and House Bill 4200<\/a> will work to ensure that each child can be connected to the resources that can help \u2014 requiring lead testing for every child at ages one and two, and that those results must be included in the child\u2019s immunization record.<\/p>\n

I have long been a champion for policies that protect Michigan residents, especially children, from exposure to substances that can harm them. We know that lead exposure happens too frequently throughout Michigan, including high exposure levels in southeast Grand Rapids\u2019 49507 zip code. It is my hope that this common-sense tool will help our community meet the needs of exposed children and protect future generations from the harm that lead can cause.<\/p>\n

Establishing the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB)<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_margin=”-9px|auto||auto||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/09\/PDAB_ENEWS-Banner-1.png” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”PDAB_ENEWS-Banner” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_margin=”-9px|auto||auto||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

I often hear from residents of my district about the challenges they face in affording their prescriptions. During the last legislative term, I introduced the Prescription Drug Affordability Board bill that would have established a state commission to help keep the costs of prescriptions low. The bill did not even receive a hearing. I am pleased that the Prescription Drug Affordability Board bill is now being considered in the Senate. I intend to continue advocating for policies that will keep costs low for Michiganders.<\/p>\n

Clean Energy Future Legislation\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_margin=”-16px|auto||auto||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/09\/CEFGraphic-1.png” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”CEFGraphic” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_margin=”-10px|auto||auto||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

I am committed, alongside my colleagues, to creating a more sustainable and affordable future for Michigan. Our transformational Clean Energy Future package is currently being considered by the Senate Energy and Environment Committee.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This legislation would allow Michigan to take bold steps toward a more sustainable future. Not only do these policies take seriously the urgency of responding to climate change, but they will also continue the growth of our state\u2019s clean energy economy, strengthening Michigan\u2019s workforce with more and more clean energy and clean transportation jobs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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District News and Updates\u00a0
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Important Medicaid Event<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_margin=”-19px|auto||auto||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/09\/Medicade-Event-1.jpeg” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Medicade Event” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_margin=”-7px|auto||auto||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

Medicaid and Healthy Michigan Plan beneficiaries must renew their coverage over the next year. Annual renewals were paused for three years during the COVID-19 pandemic, but now states must resume the redetermination of Medicaid eligibility.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Navigating the redetermination process can be overwhelming. This Saturday, September 30th, an event at the Salvation Army Kroc Center will make it easier. Face-to-face assistance from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and others will help you make sure your coverage continues.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This event will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 2500 S. Division Avenue, Grand Rapids, MI 49507. All residents attending should bring a proof of age (birth certificate or driver\u2019s license) and proof of all sources of income. To find out exactly what documents to bring with you and for more information on the renewal process, please visit Michigan.gov\/MIBridges<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Mayor\u2019s 20th River Clean Up<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_margin=”-17px|auto||auto||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/09\/BrinksMayorRiverCleanUp.jpg” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”BrinksMayorRiverCleanUp” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_margin=”-13px|auto||auto||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

Since 2003, the Mayor\u2019s River Clean Up has been an engaging and hope-filled way for our community to show up together and take care of our beautiful, shared natural resource: the Grand River. I was honored to kick off this important event this year, where more than 500 volunteers picked up thousands of pounds of trash.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Thank you so much to West Michigan Environment Action Council for putting on this event, to Grand Rapids\u2019 former mayor George Heartwell for his vision and dedication to this cause and to all our neighbors who helped lend a hand.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Investiture of Dr. Charles Lepper, Grand Rapids Community College President<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_margin=”-18px|auto||auto||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/09\/GRCCEvent.jpg” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”GRCCEvent” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_margin=”-9px|auto||auto||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) is a crucial asset to our community, and my staff was happy to extend my congratulations to Charles W. Lepper during his investiture last week as GRCC\u2019s eleventh President.<\/p>\n

GRCC\u2019s educational and job training creates more opportunities in West Michigan, and President Lepper\u2019s record of accomplishment of inclusive, welcoming leadership is a welcome addition to that mission.<\/p>\n

“Funding a Future for All\u201d Environmental Roundtable<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_margin=”-19px|auto||auto||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/09\/ClimateRoundTable.jpg” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”ClimateRoundTable” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_margin=”-12px|auto||auto||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

It was an honor to be a panelist at the “Funding a Future for All\u201d Climate Roundtable this past Saturday. I spoke alongside U.S. Representative Hillary Scholten about how federal funds can be utilized to tackle climate change, fight environmental injustice and create equity in Grand Rapids. We have an opportunity to be leaders in sustainability, developing new, clean energy technology and protecting our precious natural resources \u2014 and I am enormously proud to live in and represent a community where this is a shared priority.<\/div>\n
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Thank you to the coalition of local environmental advocacy groups, to Plymouth UCC for hosting us and to the grassroots leaders that helped organize this community event!<\/span><\/div>\n
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Helpful Information<\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
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Confirm Your Voter Registration Status
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Voting is a powerful way Michiganders can preserve and protect our democracy. On September 19, 2023, we recognized National Voter Registration Day<\/a> to encourage all citizens of voting age to register to vote or update their registration status. Registering or updating your registration status is simple and can be done in less than ten minutes. You can do it online, by mail or in-person at your local clerk\u2019s office or Secretary of State branch.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Michigan Senate Democrats are committed to expanding access to the ballot box and removing barriers that make it harder for Michiganders to cast their vote. Read more here about the work we\u2019re doing to build a more equitable and accessible electoral process that protects and empowers voters.
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Resources for Michiganders Potentially Affected by the UAW Strike<\/b>
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For those who may be potentially impacted by the UAW strike, it is important to be prepared as the negotiations continue.<\/p>\n

In light of the recent events, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has offered their assistance to all affected state business owners and workers \u2014 including the following resources:<\/span><\/div>\n

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