{"id":7492,"date":"2024-09-04T13:26:11","date_gmt":"2024-09-04T17:26:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/?p=7492"},"modified":"2024-09-04T13:26:13","modified_gmt":"2024-09-04T17:26:13","slug":"september-district-state-updates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/2024\/09\/04\/september-district-state-updates\/","title":{"rendered":"September District & State Updates"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/02\/BrinksEmailBanner.png” title_text=”BrinksEmailBanner” url=”http:\/\/www.senatedems.com\/brinks\/” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||1px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” force_fullwidth=”on” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-14px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

Dear Neighbor,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Marking the unofficial end of summer, Labor Day has now come and gone \u2014 a time to reflect on and uplift all the hardworking individuals who\u2019ve built up our country, and those who continue to build up Michigan every day \u2014 from our educators to our home care workers, our skilled tradespeople to our first responders.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It’s my honor to be a champion of pro-worker policies. The ability to speak up together with one voice for better pay, benefits, and safer workplace conditions is a right that all workers deserve. You can read more about how we are restoring the rights of workers in Michigan <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u202f\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As always, if you or someone you know would like to provide any feedback about what\u2019s happening in Lansing, or needs assistance of any sort, please feel free to reach out to my office. You can contact me by sending an email to <\/span>senwbrinks@senate.michigan.gov<\/span><\/a> or by c<\/span>alling (517) 373-1801.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sincerely,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-16px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/12\/Brinks-signature.jpeg” title_text=”Brinks-signature” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-20px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

Winnie Brinks
<\/b>Senate Majority Leader
<\/span>29th District<\/span><\/p>\n

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District Updates<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Seymour Housing Project Groundbreaking<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-19px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/09\/Seymour.jpg” title_text=”Seymour” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-12px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

Exciting progress for Michigan’s affordable housing! Thanks to changes made to state law last year, ICCF Community Homes\u2019 Seymour project in Alger Heights is transforming a formerly unused property \u2014 once Seymour Christian School \u2014 into 27 affordable housing units. Not only that, but this year\u2019s state budget dedicated $100 million to affordable housing \u2014 building stronger communities, one home at a time!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Sustainable Business Forum<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-20px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/09\/WMSBF.jpg” title_text=”WMSBF” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-15px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

Recently, I joined the West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum for a legislative panel to discuss clean energy business, the circular economy, and other issues impacting Michigan’s business and environmental ecosystem. Thank you to WMSBF, BIG: Blacks in Green, and all the engaged community members for contributing to such a productive conversation!\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Grand Valley Armory<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-18px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/09\/Armory.jpg” title_text=”Armory” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-25px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

State Representative John Fitzgerald and I joined Senator Gary Peters for a stop on his annual motorcycle tour at the Grand Valley Armory in the city of Wyoming! After operating for 60 years now, this facility is finally receiving a much-needed renovation thanks to historic budget investments from the state and federal government!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Currently, 58 women who serve in the National Guard at this armory share one bathroom, and there is no lactation space for breastfeeding parents. This renovation addresses these issues, in addition to shortages in storage, modernizing the facility, and updating electrical HVAC and plumbing. The project \u2014 funded with $5.8 million state dollars and $8.45 million federal dollars \u2014 not only provides our armed forces with the best facilities, but it spurs economic development and good jobs in our communities.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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State Updates<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

Women\u2019s Equality Day<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-17px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/09\/Equality.png” title_text=”Equality” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-15px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

August 26 marked the 104th anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which granted women the right to vote. As the first woman Senate Majority Leader in Michigan history, I celebrated Womens Equality Day by remembering and honoring the trailblazing women \u2014 like Eva McCall Hamilton, my predecessor in representing Grand Rapids in the state senate and the first woman elected to the Michigan Legislature \u2014 who paved the way for the historic level of leadership that women hold in Michigan today.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When young girls grow up seeing themselves reflected in positions of influence, we are laying the groundwork for a future where women in leadership is the norm. Together, we can continue to build a culture where women aren\u2019t only in conversation \u2014 they\u2019re leading it!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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FAFSA\/GRCC<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-19px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/09\/FAFSA.jpg” title_text=”FAFSA” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-14px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

We\u2019re shouting it from the rooftops: FILL OUT YOUR FAFSA! Representative Glanville and I were able to participate in the first-ever ‘Reach for the Pie’ contest \u2014 put on by the Michigan Dept. of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential, Michigan Credit Union League & Affiliates, and Hungry Howie’s Pizza \u2014 to give some lucky college students a year of free pizza AND to encourage all Michigan students to complete their FAFSA. It\u2019s quick and easy, and it is a powerful tool to expand access to higher education. Let’s keep propelling Michigan forward to a future where everybody can access a great education, a great job, and a lot of pizza.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Helpful Information<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Constituent Services on the Road Event<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Do you need help from a state agency? Join Representative Fitzgerald\u2019s team, the office of Governor Whitmer, and my team at a Constituent Services on the Road event in Wyoming.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

WHEN<\/span><\/b>: Monday, September 23; 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.<\/span>\u00a0
<\/span>WHERE<\/span><\/b>: Kent District Library, Wyoming Branch<\/span>\u00a0
<\/span>HOW<\/span><\/b>: Sign up at this <\/span>link<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Extension of Michigan Reconnect<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The deadline for Michigan Reconnect has been extended \u2014 giving prospective and current students ages 21 to 24 more time to benefit from this limited-time opportunity. Michigan Reconnect\u202fis the largest program in state history to allow students to earn a skill certificate or degree tuition-free at their local community college.<\/span> Students now have until Dec. 31, 2024, to apply.\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Michiganders who are 21 to 24 years old and not already participating in Michigan Reconnect\u202fmust complete these steps to take advantage of this limited-time scholarship:\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Apply for the Michigan Reconnect scholarship at\u202f<\/span>Michigan.gov\/Reconnect<\/span><\/a>\u202f<\/span>by Dec. 31, 2024<\/span><\/b>.\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. File a\u202f<\/span>Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)<\/span><\/a>.\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Apply and\u202f<\/span>enroll in a community or tribal college no later than the summer semester 2025.<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Already enrolled students\u202fshould contact their college\u2019s Financial Aid Office for additional information on applying the Reconnect Scholarship to their tuition bill and filing a FAFSA.\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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    Contact Us<\/span><\/b>\u202f<\/span>\u00a0
    <\/span>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, contact your local State Senator<\/span>.\u202f<\/span>    Click here to find who represents you in the Senate<\/span><\/a>.\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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    Comment on Legislation:<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u202fYou can stay updated on legislative advancements through my biweekly e-newsletters or by clicking<\/span>\u202f<\/span>here<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>Given the high volume of messages my office receives daily, please note that it may take time for your inquiry to receive a response.\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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    If You Need Help: <\/span><\/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.\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    You may always feel free to call my office at (517) 373-1801 or email me at<\/span>\u202f\u202f<\/span>SenWBrinks@senate.michigan.gov<\/span><\/a>.\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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    Helpful Links<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u202f<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n