[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/chang\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/03\/Screen-Shot-2023-03-13-at-4.27.39-PM.png” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” alt=”Senator Chang Email Banner” title_text=”Senator Chang Email Banner” url=”www.senatedems.com\/chang\/” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_margin=”-11px|auto||auto||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Dear Neighbor,\u00a0<\/p>\n
I hope this newsletter finds you and your loved ones in good health and high spirits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Remember, the deadline to file state and federal taxes is this Monday, April 15. If you have questions about filing your taxes or want to check your refund status, view account information and more, click here<\/a>. If you are a qualified recipient<\/a> and believe there was an issue with getting your check, the Michigan Tax Help Center<\/a> may be able to provide additional help.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As always, I hope this newsletter informs you of all the exciting things happening in the Legislature and District 3.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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 email us at senschang@senate.michigan.gov<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Working for you,\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_margin=”-19px|auto||auto||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” type=”1_3″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/chang\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/03\/Chang_Stephanie_Signature.png” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” alt=”Chang Stephanie Signature” title_text=”Chang_Stephanie_Signature” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” type=”1_3″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” type=”1_3″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_margin=”-13px|auto||auto||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Stephanie Chang<\/b> \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Upcoming Events<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Coffee and Conversation<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_margin=”-15px|auto||auto||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/chang\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/03\/ChangCoffeeConversation.jpg” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” alt=”Senator Chang Coffee & Conversation graphic” title_text=”ChangCoffee&Conversation” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_margin=”-14px|auto||auto||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n WHEN:<\/b>\u00a0Friday, April 26, from 10:00 \u2013 11:00 a.m.\u00a0 May’s Coffee & Conversations<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n WHEN: <\/b>Monday,\u00a0May 6, from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. WHEN: <\/b>Monday,\u00a0<\/b>May 20, from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. <\/p>\n In Recent News<\/b>\u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n AG Nessel Warns Renters, Homebuyers of Fraudulent Real Estate Ads, Zillow Scams in New Alert\u00a0<\/span> Spurred by recent reports, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has issued a new consumer alert, Real Estate Scams \u2013 How to Avoid Being Taken in by Fake Listings<\/a>, to educate renters and homebuyers on how to avoid property scams. Fraudulent real estate listings often advertise properties that don’t exist, are not for sale or rent, or are not what they appear to be.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Nessel\u2019s alert cites Zillow’s advice<\/a> on the red flags homebuyers should look out for:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The red flags for rental listing scams are similar to those that exist in homebuying fraud schemes. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)<\/a>, using the following strategies can help you avoid being a victim of a rental scam:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you believe you have been the victim of a rental or real estate scam, report it to:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You can also file a complaint with the Department of Attorney General\u2019s Consumer Protection Team:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Consumer Protection Team\u00a0<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Legislative Updates\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Senate Democrats Introduce Momnibus Bills to Commemorate Black Maternal Health Week and Uplift Black Maternal Health in Michigan\u00a0\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_margin=”-18px|auto||auto||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/chang\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/04\/Maternal-Health-Package-2.png” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” alt=”Maternal Health Package” title_text=”Maternal Health Package (2)” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_margin=”-14px|auto||auto||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n This week, the Senate unanimously passed Senate Resolution 107<\/a> to commemorate April 11-17, 2024, as Black Maternal Health Week here in Michigan \u2014 an effort that has been spearheaded by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance since 2018.<\/p>\n Coinciding with this recognition, Senators Geiss, Cavanagh, Santana, Anthony and I introduced the \u201cMomnibus<\/a>\u201d \u2014 a robust legislative package aimed to bolster equity and accountability in maternal healthcare services statewide. With a multi-faceted approach, these bills aim to strengthen community-driven programs, enhance prenatal care and maternal healthcare, and amplify the voices of Black birthing individuals, mothers, women, families, and stakeholders.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It is critical for our state to pass such legislation as we see Black mothers in the United States face disproportionately higher risks during pregnancy and childbirth. According to the Centers for Disease Control, Black women’s mortality rate from pregnancy-related causes is three times higher than that of white women, with structural racism underlying these disparities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Black Maternal Health Week provides us with the opportunity to shed light on these unacceptable inequities within our healthcare system, particularly for Black mothers. This week serves as a catalyst for the legislative changes imperative to address these disparities. I am honored to collaborate with my Senate colleagues on this legislative package, dedicated to uplifting and safeguarding Black mothers’ access to timely healthcare.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n My proposed legislation, Senate Bills 823<\/a> and 826<\/a>, would fortify protections against discrimination for expectant and new mothers. Additionally, by mitigating financial barriers to doula training, we can foster a more equitable maternal healthcare system, empowering more Michiganders to embrace this vital role in the birthing process, irrespective of their economic circumstances.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The \u201cMomnibus\u201d will now advance to the Senate Housing & Human Services Committee for further consideration.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n Senate Democrats Pass the Fertility Health Care Act\u00a0\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n Just weeks after the shocking Alabama court ruling that declared that frozen embryos have equal legal rights as children, jeopardizing fertility treatments such as IVF, Michigan Senate Democrats voted on the final passage of House Bills 5207<\/a>–5215<\/a>, which eliminate barriers to parentage in fertility health care and allows Michiganders more ways to grow their families.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Just weeks after the shocking Alabama court ruling that declared that frozen embryos have equal legal rights as children, jeopardizing fertility treatments such as IVF, Michigan Senate Democrats voted on the final passage of House Bills 5207-5215, which eliminate barriers to parentage in fertility health care and allows Michiganders more ways to grow their families, including through surrogacy or IVF. I was thrilled to join Gov. Whitmer as she signed those bills into law on April 1. It was an honor to chair the committee hearings on this important package of bills.<\/span><\/p>\n Before this legislation, children born in Michigan through assisted reproduction, such as IVF and surrogacy, had no clear legal link to their parents. Additionally, Michigan was the only state that criminalized paid surrogacy which left many children in Michigan born through assisted reproduction or surrogacy without clear legal protection and vulnerable uncertainty regarding their legal status. This legislation addresses these concerns to help keep families together, including same sex couples and those who choose IVF or surrogacy.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n While reproductive rights face threats across the country, Michigan Senate Democrats are committed to dismantling barriers to ensure that those who want to start a family can.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Resources\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n Virtual Resource Fair for Families of Children with Special Health Care Needs\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n The Family Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs, Michigan Family to Family, and Michigan Family Voices are teaming up for a Virtual Resource Fair on May 7, 2024, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Microsoft Teams.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This event is meant to inform individuals with disabilities and their families, caregivers, youth, providers, and community support about the variety of services and resources available in Michigan for children and youth with disabilities and special health care needs, and their families.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Register here.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n New Website Available to Help Track Your Status of Benefits\u00a0 \u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has launched a brand new website MI Bridges to help Michiganders applying for assistance monitor their benefits status. The tool tracks five benefits programs: health care coverage, the food assistance program, cash assistance, child development and care, and state emergency relief.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Applicants can receive assistance through the MI Bridges virtual assistant chat or by calling the MI Bridges help desk at 844-799-9876. Visit newmibridges.michigan.gov for more information.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Property Taxes<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n For anyone who needs assistance with their property taxes, the City of Detroit is hosting a taxpayer resource fair today from 3-6pm at the Roberto Clemente Recreation Center- 2631 Bagley St, Detroit, MI 48216. For more information please click on the link below.<\/span><\/p>\n https:\/\/detroitmi.gov\/news\/citys-taxpayer-resource-fair-help-homeowners-avoid-risk-foreclosure-share-vital-resources<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Housing<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n The City of Detroit\u2019s Housing & Revitalization Department is conducting an accessible housing survey in order to understand and meet the needs of residents with disabilities as well as seniors. To share your input with the department, please fill out one of the following surveys below.<\/span><\/p>\n If you are a Detroiter with a disability or you have trouble getting around your home, please fill out this survey: https:\/\/bit.ly\/43Kxwjk<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n
State Senator
<\/span>District 3\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
WHERE:<\/b>\u00a0Oloman\u2019s Cafe, 10215 Joseph Campau Ave., Hamtramck, MI 48212\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
WHERE:\u00a0<\/b>Neigebaur \u2013 Administration Building 23200 Ryan Road Warren, MI 48091\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
WHERE:<\/b> Hazel Park District Library 123 E 9 Mile Rd.\u00a0<\/span>Hazel Park, MI 48030<\/span><\/p>\n
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<\/span>P.O. Box 30213\u00a0
<\/span>Lansing, MI 48909\u00a0
<\/span>517-335-7599\u00a0
<\/span>Fax: 517-241-3771\u00a0
<\/span>Toll-free: 877-765-8388\u00a0
<\/span>Online complaint form<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n
Gov. Whitmer Signed the Michigan Family Protection Act.<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n