{"id":5777,"date":"2020-07-17T05:13:27","date_gmt":"2020-07-17T05:13:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/chang\/?p=5777"},"modified":"2024-06-18T15:33:35","modified_gmt":"2024-06-18T19:33:35","slug":"state-senator-stephanie-chang-july-2020-newsletter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/chang\/2020\/07\/17\/state-senator-stephanie-chang-july-2020-newsletter\/","title":{"rendered":"STATE SENATOR STEPHANIE CHANG VOTER EDUCATION NEWSLETTER"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Dear Neighbor,

This year, an incredibly important election will take place and I want you to have the information you need to be prepared. We don\u2019t know what the future holds or how this election will look as we continue to navigate our way through challenging times in which the novel coronavirus has changed so much.

Fortunately, having an election is something we can all still count on, and thanks to changes in Michigan\u2019s election law, you can vote from almost anywhere. Now more than ever, we need leadership at all levels of government to help us navigate what\u2019s next and find ways we can all come together for the best interests of our state and nation.

Included in this newsletter are local and state resources on voting, as well as a legislative update on what I\u2019m working on in Lansing.

As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Working for you,
\"\"
Senator Stephanie Chang Minority Floor Leader
Senate District 1
\"\"
Toll-free: (855) 347-8001<\/strong>
Website:<\/strong> SenatorChang.com <\/a>
Email: SenSChang@senate.michigan.gov <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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IMPORTANT <\/strong>CONTACTS\n<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Michigan COVID-19 Hotline<\/strong>
1-888-535-6136 | Michigan.gov\/Coronavirus<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) <\/strong>
1-866-500-0017 | Michigan.gov\/UIA <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pure Michigan Talent Connect<\/strong>
1-888-522-0103 | MITalent.org<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Michigan Works! Association <\/strong>
1-800-285-9675 | MichiganWorks.org<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Michigan COVID-19 Mental Health Hotline<\/strong>
1-888-733-7753 | Michigan.gov\/StayWell<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Michigan Occupational Safety & Health Administration (MIOSHA)<\/strong>
1-800-866-4674 | Michigan.gov\/MIOSHA<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Donation of Surgical Masks\n<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Since the beginning of COVID-19, my office and I have worked with partners to distribute more than 35,000 surgical masks and helped arrange a donation from Taiwan of 100,000 masks for the State of Michigan procurement center. I partnered with the Michigan Chinese American Coalition (MCAC) and Detroit legislators to donate 12,000 surgical masks to community health clinics, nursing homes, senior buildings, police precincts, and more.

Founded in January when the coronavirus outbreak first started, MCAC is a volunteer-based coalition of more than 50 local Chinese American nonprofits with the shared common goal of assisting health care workers in combatting COVID-19.
\"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Real ID: What You Need to Know\n<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, converting your driver\u2019s license or state identification card to a REAL ID \u2014 as was originally set to be enforced by October 2020 \u2014 has been delayed another year.

That means that, beginning October 1, 2021, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver\u2019s license, state-issued enhanced driver\u2019s license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.

The REAL ID Act is a national mandate for all states. It establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver\u2019s licenses and identification cards to better ensure the safety and security of all air travelers after the 9\/11 terrorist attacks. Those without a REAL

ID, enhanced driver\u2019s license, or other acceptable forms of identification will not be permitted to board any flight, international or domestic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>
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DON\u2019T DELAY. <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

REAL ID goes into effect Oct. 1, 2021 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information, visit Michigan.gov\/RealID<\/a><\/strong>. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Legislative Update <\/strong>
MICHIGAN SENATE | DISTRICT 1 <\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Below are some of the bills I have introduced:\n<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Senate Bill 583 \u2014 Asbestos <\/strong>
Requires public contracts for asbestos abatement projects to, under certain circumstances, undergo a background investigation and publicly post certain information, as well as hold public hearings on the contracts. This is part of a bipartisan bill package to improve transparency and accountability in asbestos abatement contracting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Senate Bill 763 \u2014 Renewable energy <\/strong>
Amends the Clean and Renewable Energy and Energy Waste Reduction Act of 2008 to ensure Michigan operates using 100% renewable energy sources by 2050. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Senate Bill 767 \u2014 Corporate tax break transparency <\/strong>
Requires the Michigan Strategic Fund board to post draft contract agreements, as well as any briefing memoranda and term sheets, on its website 10 business days before it can approve a grant, award, tax credit, loan, or other assistance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Senate Bill 797 \u2014 Textbook tax relief <\/strong>
Allows Pell Grant-eligible students pursuing a college degree or career in technical education to receive an income tax credit equal to the amount of taxes they pay on purchased, or rented, textbooks required for class. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Senate Bill 916 \u2014 Tax foreclosure deadline extension <\/strong>
Allows foreclosing governmental units to extend the tax foreclosure deadlines during a state of disaster or emergency. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Senate Bill 929 \u2014 Worker safety <\/strong>
Part of a workers\u2019 rights bill package, this bill increases MIOSHA fines for employers who do not comply with worker health and safety laws and regulations. Other bills in the package presume essential workers who test positive for COVID-19 contracted the virus during employment and are eligible for workers\u2019 compensation benefits, protect employees from adverse action if they report unsafe work conditions or are unable to come into work for a number of reasons related to COVID-19, and require employers to post a list of testing sites for their employees to see. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Senate Bill 948 \u2014 Dock collapse risk assessment <\/strong>
Requires the state to undertake a risk assessment for environmental contamination of any waterfront property that had previously been used for either industrial or commercial purposes, as well as take high-water levels and history of inspections into consideration. Properties would be classified as high, medium, or low risk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Important Election Dates\n<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

As it currently exists, Michigan law states the following as deadlines for this year\u2019s November general election:

October 19 <\/strong>
Last day to register in any manner, other than in-person, with the local clerk for the November general election.

October 20 through 8:00 p.m. November 3 <\/strong>
In-person registration, with proof of residency, at the local clerk\u2019s office.

November 3 <\/strong>
Statewide general election. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who is on the Ballot? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the specific names of individuals \u2014 especially in the state House and local elections \u2014 vary by district, the following offices are up for election in 2020:<\/p>\n\n\n\n