{"id":5685,"date":"2021-02-18T16:39:04","date_gmt":"2021-02-18T16:39:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/irwin\/?p=5685"},"modified":"2021-02-18T16:39:04","modified_gmt":"2021-02-18T16:39:04","slug":"senate-district-18-news-and-events-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/irwin\/2021\/02\/18\/senate-district-18-news-and-events-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Senate District 18 News and Events"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"State<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

February 18, 2021<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

As we move through February, I have been hard at work in our community pressing for a faster vaccine rollout that allows every person who wants a vaccine to get one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, vaccine supplies continue to be extremely limited, whether through the county, Michigan Medicine, or IHA Health. I am in regular contact with these institutions to push for more vaccines for our seniors, teachers, and other essential health care workers who have been unable to get vaccinated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the e-news below, you find updates on some of the bills I\u2019ve introduced since starting the 101st Legislative Session last month, information about where you can receive a vaccine in our community, and an update on my upcoming coffee hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As always, please feel free to reach out to me if my office can assist you in any way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sincerely,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"State<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Jeff Irwin<\/strong>
State Senator
18th District<\/p>\n\n\n\n

EITC EXPANSION<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Helping low-income families pay their bills has always been one of my top priorities in office, especially as we continue to deal with the economic fallout from COVID-19. That\u2019s why I recently introduced Senate Bill 105, which will provide tax relief for people in poverty by reinvigorating Michigan\u2019s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2011, Michigan Republicans increased taxes for low-income workers by reducing the EITC. This increased taxes for the average low-income family by over $400\/year. Now, as COVID-19 continues to hurt working families across Michigan, I\u2019m pushing to expand the EITC to help families in all our communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the last year, we have faced an unprecedented surge in unemployment claims due to COVID-19. My office has been working hard to make sure you\u2019re able to get the unemployment benefits you deserve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you or anyone else you know may be struggling with receiving any benefits owed to you, please contact us using the Unemployment Assistance Form available on my website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

COVID-19 VACCINE INFORMATION<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As vaccine distribution efforts continue around the country, a federal program now allows vaccines to be made available at local Meijer and Rite-Aid stores throughout our community. Rite-Aid\u2019s vaccinations are specifically focused on adults 65 and older and Meijer can administer vaccines to anyone currently eligible under the state\u2019s prioritization guidance. Both have online registration processes for scheduling appointments, and Meijer also offers registration assistance by phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n