{"id":6267,"date":"2022-06-10T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-06-10T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/senatedemssandbox.com\/irwin\/2022\/06\/10\/district18newsupdates\/"},"modified":"2023-01-06T19:53:10","modified_gmt":"2023-01-06T19:53:10","slug":"district18newsupdates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/irwin\/2022\/06\/10\/district18newsupdates\/","title":{"rendered":"District 18 News &amp; Updates"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;5px||0px|||&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px|||&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<!-- divi:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%;\" align=\"center\">\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0;\">\n<table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<div><a id=\"\" name=\"\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/irwin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"State Senator Jeff Irwin\" src=\"https:\/\/static21.senatedems.org\/media\/700x0\/5d279660509eb.jpeg\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0;\">\n<table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"line-height: 31px;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><a id=\"1633701944977977\" name=\"1633701944977977\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: left; font-size: 19px; padding-top: 15px; padding-bottom: 15px;\">\n<div>\n<p>Dear Neighbor,<\/p>\n<p>I want to make sure you\u2019re informed about what has been going on in our state government and update you on what I\u2019ve been working on.<\/p>\n<p>In this e-news, you can find information about:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Legislative Update<\/li>\n<li>Starbucks Employees Vote to Unionize<\/li>\n<li>In-Person Coffee Hour Saturday, June 18<\/li>\n<li>Nightly Road Closures<\/li>\n<li>Mortgage, Rental and Utility Assistance<\/li>\n<li>COVID-19 Resources<\/li>\n<ul>\n<li>Free At-Home COVID Tests<\/li>\n<li>COVID-19 Vaccine Information<\/li>\n<li>COVID-19 Testing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<li>Energy Bill Assistance and Shutoff Protection<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>As always, you can reach my office at (517) 373-2406 or by replying to this email.<\/p>\n<p>Sincerely,\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0;\">\n<table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<div><a id=\"\" name=\"\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/irwin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"State Senator Jeff Irwin\" src=\"https:\/\/static21.senatedems.org\/media\/700x0\/5dcae037830e1.jpeg\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0;\">\n<table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"line-height: 31px;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><a id=\"1633701986158158\" name=\"1633701986158158\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: left; font-size: 19px; padding-top: 15px; padding-bottom: 15px;\">\n<div>\n<p><b>Jeff Irwin<br \/><\/b><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">State Senator<br \/><\/span><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">18th District<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>LEGISLATIVE UPDATE <\/b><\/p>\n<p><b><i>Kids Are Asking for Help \u2014We Must Pass Gun Safety Legislation <\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p>Since the Uvalde school shooting, young people from around Senate District 18 have reached out to me with their frustration, heartbreak, and concerns that our legislature is doing nothing to keep them safe. Two weeks ago, before I was able to share their words with my colleagues, Republicans ended session early to prevent my Democratic colleagues and I from speaking up about gun safety legislation that has been sitting in committees.<\/p>\n<p>This week, I shared two quotes I received from elementary school students on the Senate floor:<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhy are we sitting here arguing about YouTube and games when children like us are being shot and killed?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPeople can do amazing things. They can do horrible things. And they can do nothing. This is what most of our government is doing about the shootings \u2013 nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Our children and students are scared to be in school and want to be able to focus on trivial things \u2014 the small things that kids should be focused on \u2014 not worrying about their safety. They are scared because our government is doing nothing.<\/p>\n<p>We must pass legislation that will equip Michigan with sensible, proactive gun safety measures:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/legislature.mi.gov\/doc.aspx?2021-SB-0454\">Senate Bill 454<\/a> would require a license and background check for gun purchases<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/legislature.mi.gov\/doc.aspx?2021-SB-0550\">Senate Bills 550-553<\/a> would implement safe storage laws and provide a tax credit for people who do the right thing by storing their guns out of reach of children.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/legislature.mi.gov\/doc.aspx?2021-SB-0678\">Senate Bills 678<\/a> and <a href=\"http:\/\/legislature.mi.gov\/doc.aspx?2021-SB-0679\">679<\/a> would keep guns out of the hand of domestic abusers<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/legislature.mi.gov\/doc.aspx?2021-SB-0785\">Senate Bills 785<\/a> and <a href=\"http:\/\/legislature.mi.gov\/doc.aspx?2021-SB-0786\">786<\/a> would prohibit extended magazine capacity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Watch my full speech:\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0;\">\n<table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<div><a id=\"1654796985812812\" name=\"1654796985812812\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/SenatorIrwin\/videos\/729380631812113]\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Irwin Floor Speech\" src=\"https:\/\/static21.senatedems.org\/media\/700x0\/62a23360c5522.png\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0;\">\n<table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"line-height: 31px;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><a id=\"1637096884418418\" name=\"1637096884418418\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: left; font-size: 19px; padding-top: 15px; padding-bottom: 15px;\">\n<div>\n<p><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><i><br \/>Pride Month<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p>Happy Pride Month!<\/p>\n<p>June 1 marked the start of Pride Month. Let&#8217;s work to make our state a more equitable and accepting place for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Expanding Michigan&#8217;s anti-discrimination law to <b>finally <\/b>include LGBTQIA+ people and expanding adoption rights to LGBTQIA+ parents are two of the simplest places to start.<br \/><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><br \/><b><i>Benton Harbor Pipe Replacement<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Fifty percent of Benton Harbor pipes have been replaced. Thanks to Governor Whitmer, the Department of Environment. Great Lakes and Energy, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s urgency, the city is on track to removing all the lead-contaminated pipes.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, the $45 million we appropriated in <a href=\"http:\/\/legislature.mi.gov\/doc.aspx?2021-SB-0565\">Senate Bill 565<\/a> is going directly to these efforts, and other needed infrastructure improvements in the city.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>STARBUCKS EMPLOYEES VOTE TO UNIONIZE <\/b><\/p>\n<p>This week, employees at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mlive.com\/public-interest\/2022\/06\/four-ann-arbor-starbucks-stores-vote-to-unionize.html\">four Starbucks locations in Ann Arbor<\/a> voted to authorize a union.<\/p>\n<p>These Starbucks employees finally have a seat at the table to ensure their concerns and hopes are heard. More and more workers are standing up and the message from these votes is clear: \u2018Workers deserve a fair wage, g<br \/>ood benefits, and decent working conditions, and they will fight to get it.\u2019<\/p>\n<p>Congratulations to the organizers and employees for standing strong throughout this process. Unions built Michigan and the middle class, and these workers are continuing this legacy and fighting for a better future. My hope is that their efforts will inspire and remind Michigan workers that they are stronger together and can make real change in their workplace.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>UPCOMING COFFEE HOUR SATURDAY, JUNE 18 AT 9:30 a.m. <\/b><\/p>\n<p>Please join me at my coffee hour next\u00a0<b>Saturday, June 18th, at Bridge Community Cafe in Ypsilanti from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m<\/b>.\u00a0<b><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b><\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0;\">\n<table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<div><a id=\"1637096856520520\" name=\"1637096856520520\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/events\/3148927182044476\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Virtual Coffee Hour\" src=\"https:\/\/static21.senatedems.org\/media\/700x0\/62a24a59db780.jpeg\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0;\">\n<table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"line-height: 31px;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><a id=\"1653586523625625\" name=\"1653586523625625\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: left; font-size: 19px; padding-top: 15px; padding-bottom: 15px;\">\n<div>\n<p>Don\u2019t forget to click on \u201cGoing\u201d on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/events\/3148927182044476\/\">Facebook event page<\/a> to get a reminder the day before and the day of.<\/p>\n<p><b>Bridge Community Caf\u00e9<\/b> is located at 217 W Michigan Ave. in Ypsilanti 48197<\/p>\n<p>For more information, please respond to this email or call my office at <b>(517)-373-2406<\/b>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>NIGHTLY HURON STREET RAMP CLOSURES AT I-94 Through June 11 <\/b><\/p>\n<p>Both Huron Street ramps to I-94 are closed from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. The Michigan Department of Transportation is resurfacing M-17 between Huron Street and Summit Road. The construction will end June 11.<\/p>\n<p>You can find more info <a href=\"https:\/\/content.govdelivery.com\/accounts\/MIDOT\/bulletins\/31a6d4a?fbclid=IwAR0Wg4aRD2iW0ihqb0xH6gypITHAAemBwycJXLkLAtucZetSs7YQC1YMKJY\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>MORTGAGE, RENTAL AND UTILITY ASSISTANCE <\/b><\/p>\n<p>The Homeowner Assistance Fund was established under the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to prevent homeowner mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosure, loss of utilities or home energy services and displacements of homeowners due to financial hardship from the Coronavirus pandemic.<\/p>\n<p>Homeowners can apply for the Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund Program <a href=\"https:\/\/mihaf.michigan.gov\/p\/home\">here<\/a>. Please make sure you have all the necessary documents and information, which can be found on this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mshda\/-\/media\/Project\/Websites\/mshda\/homeownership\/MI-HAF\/MIHAF-Acceptable-Documentation-List-02092022.pdf?rev=69199a8be0bd45c5b7530d3683752026&amp;hash=368AEE34ED0F8B9348E99A01EB10DD76\">website<\/a>.<br \/><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><br \/><b>Who Is Eligible?<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Homeowners with household incomes less than 150% of Area Median Income (AMI)<\/li>\n<li>Homeowners who own and occupy the property as their primary residence<\/li>\n<li>Homeowners must have and explain a financial hardship directly related to COVID-19 on or after January 21, 2020.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><b>What Does it Cover?<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Eligible households can receive a grant up to $25,000 to help them pay delinquent:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Mortgage\/housing expenses, including property tax and insurance escrow shortages<\/li>\n<li>Land contract payments, mobile home consumer loan payments or mobile home park lot payments<\/li>\n<li>Property taxes<\/li>\n<li>Condominium\/homeowners&#8217; association fees<\/li>\n<li>Homeowner&#8217;s insurance,<\/li>\n<li>Utilities, such as gas, electric, water and sewer, and<\/li>\n<li>Internet broadband services.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><i><b>COVID Emergency Rental Assistance <\/b><\/i><\/p>\n<p>Tenants and landlords can also apply for financial assistance by clicking <a href=\"https:\/\/ceraapp.michigan.gov\/\">here<\/a>. Necessary documents and information to apply can be found <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mshda\/0,4641,7-141-5555-533463--,00.html\">here<\/a>. <b>Applications will close on June 30<\/b>.<br \/><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><br \/><b>Who Is Eligible?<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p>CERA serves renter households that have incomes less than 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) who meet the following conditions:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Individual(s) in the household has qualified for unemployment benefits or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or has experienced other financial hardship due directly or indirectly to the coronavirus outbreak; and<\/li>\n<li>Individual(s) in the household can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability by being past due on rent.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><b>What Does it Cover?<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Utility Assistance<\/b>: Households eligible for CERA can also receive utility assistance for tenant supplied electricity, home heating (any type of fuel), water, sewer and trash (if billed along with another utility).<\/li>\n<li><b>Internet Assistance<\/b>: Through CERA, a flat $300 internet stipend that is available for households that have home internet and include a recent internet bill\/statement in their application. The $300 payment will be made to either the Internet service provider or the tenant.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>COVID-19 RESOURCES<br \/><\/b><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><br \/><i>Free At-Home COVID Tests<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicare.gov\/coverage\/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-diagnostic-tests\">Medicare now covers up to 8 over-the-counter COVID-19<\/a> tests each calendar month, at no cost to you!<\/p>\n<p>At-home COVID tests are covered by private health insurance and health plans. They are required to cover 8 free over-the-counter at-home tests per individual per month. That means that a family of four can have 32 at-home tests covered per month.<\/p>\n<p>Get your free at-home COVID-19 tests here: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.covidtests.gov\/\">https:\/\/www.covidtests.gov\/ <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Also, make sure to only buy FDA approved tests as they&#8217;ve been vetted for accuracy and you won&#8217;t get caught in a scam. You can see the list of approved at-home tests here: <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3qBXCmI\">https:\/\/bit.ly\/3qBXCmI<\/a><br \/><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><br \/><b><i>General Vaccination Info<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p>The Washtenaw County Hea<br \/>lth Department (WCHD) has an ongoing vaccination site located at 555 Towner in Ypsilanti.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Schedule an appointment <a href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/wchdsched\">here<\/a>. If you need help scheduling, call us at 734-544-6700.<\/li>\n<li>Walk-ins without an appointment are accepted during clinic hours: Monday-Friday from 9:00-11:30am and 1:00-3:30pm.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Free, door-to-door, accessible, round-trip transportation to any Covid-19 vaccination site in Washtenaw County is available through the Vaccinate Washtenaw Program.<\/p>\n<p>This program is open to any person of any age in Washtenaw County. Rides are booked through the AARP Ride@50+ Program. Call <b>844-900-4892<\/b>, and use the code &#8220;<b>Vaccinate Washtenaw<\/b>.&#8221; If the call center is busy, you can also call <b>734-773-0907<\/b> to schedule a ride.<\/p>\n<p>Please check the WCHD website for more info about additional doses for immunocompromised people: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.washtenaw.org\/3269\/COVID-19-Vaccination\">www.washtenaw.org\/3269\/COVID-19-Vaccination<\/a><br \/><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><br \/><b><i>Booster Shots<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p>The Washtenaw County Health Department is offering Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson &amp; Johnson booster doses at their clinic at 555 Towner in Ypsilanti. They ask that you please bring your vaccination card and identification, if possible.<br \/><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><br \/><b><i>Covid Testing<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Lynx XD has drive-thru saliva PCR testing sites in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. For both sites pre-registration is required: <a href=\"http:\/\/lynxdx.health\/register\">lynxdx.health\/register<\/a>. Once you pre-register, you will be directed to schedule a time\/date for your test.<\/p>\n<p>For additional testing sites across Washtenaw County, and our state, visit the WCHD\u2019s website here: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washtenaw.org\/3158\/Testing\">https:\/\/www.washtenaw.org\/3158\/Testing <\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>ENERGY BILL ASSISTANCE AND SHUTOFF PROTECTION <\/b><\/p>\n<p>We have numerous utility shutoff protection programs and programs that will help you afford your utility bills during the winter. These programs range from bill payment assistance to assistance winterizing your home. Check out our list of these programs here: <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3HCZLUC\">https:\/\/bit.ly\/3HCZLUC\u00a0<\/a><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0;\">\n<table width=\"100%\" border=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"height: 130px;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" valign=\"middle\">\n<p><a id=\"\" name=\"\"><\/a><\/p>\n<table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<div style=\"width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/SenatorIrwin\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/oi2bk24hhfe.senatedems.org\/icons\/1\/facebook.png\" style=\"padding-right: 10px;\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0;\">\n<table width=\"100%\" border=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"height: 20px;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" valign=\"middle\"><a id=\"\" name=\"\"><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin: 0; padding: 0;\">\n<table width=\"100%\" border=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"height: 100px;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td align=\"center\" valign=\"middle\">\n<p><a id=\"\" name=\"\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div style=\"font-size: 10px; font-weight: normal; color: #000000;\">\n<p>As an elected representative, I believe in being readily available and transparent because my office is your office.<\/p>\n<p>To be removed from list, please respond to email.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/divi:paragraph -->[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp; Dear Neighbor, I want to make sure you\u2019re informed about what has been going on in our state government and update you on what I\u2019ve been working on. In [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><div><div><div style=\"margin:0;padding:0;width:100%\" align=\"center\"><div style=\"margin:0;padding:0\"><table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\"><tbody><tr><td><div><a id=\"\" name=\"\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/irwin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img alt=\"State Senator Jeff Irwin\" src=\"https:\/\/static21.senatedems.org\/media\/700x0\/5d279660509eb.jpeg\"><\/a><\/div><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><div style=\"margin:0;padding:0\"><table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"line-height: 31px\"><tbody><tr><td style=\", Times, serif\"><a id=\"1633701944977977\" name=\"1633701944977977\"><\/a><div style=\"text-align: left;font-size: 19px;padding-top: 15px;padding-bottom: 15px;, Times, serif\"><div><p>Dear Neighbor, <\/p><p>I want to make sure you\u2019re informed about what has been going on in our state government and update you on what I\u2019ve been working on.  <\/p><p>In this e-news, you can find information about: <\/p><p><\/p><ul><li>Legislative Update <\/li><li>Starbucks Employees Vote to Unionize  <\/li><li>In-Person Coffee Hour Saturday, June 18 <\/li><li>Nightly Road Closures <\/li><li>Mortgage, Rental and Utility Assistance <\/li><li>COVID-19 Resources <\/li><ul><li>Free At-Home COVID Tests <\/li><li>COVID-19 Vaccine Information <\/li><li>COVID-19 Testing <\/li><\/ul><li>Energy Bill Assistance and Shutoff Protection <\/li><\/ul><p><\/p><p>As always, you can reach my office at (517) 373-2406 or by replying to this email.   <\/p><p>Sincerely,&nbsp;<\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><div style=\"margin:0;padding:0\"><table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\"><tbody><tr><td><div><a id=\"\" name=\"\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/irwin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img alt=\"State Senator Jeff Irwin\" src=\"https:\/\/static21.senatedems.org\/media\/700x0\/5dcae037830e1.jpeg\"><\/a><\/div><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><div style=\"margin:0;padding:0\"><table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"line-height: 31px\"><tbody><tr><td style=\", Times, serif\"><a id=\"1633701986158158\" name=\"1633701986158158\"><\/a><div style=\"text-align: left;font-size: 19px;padding-top: 15px;padding-bottom: 15px;, Times, serif\"><div><p><b>Jeff Irwin<br><\/b><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">State Senator<br><\/span><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">18th District<\/span><\/p><p><\/p><p><br><\/p><p><b>LEGISLATIVE UPDATE <\/b><\/p><p><b><i>Kids Are Asking for Help \u2014We Must Pass Gun Safety Legislation <\/i><\/b><\/p><p>Since the Uvalde school shooting, young people from around Senate District 18 have reached out to me with their frustration, heartbreak, and concerns that our legislature is doing nothing to keep them safe. Two weeks ago, before I was able to share their words with my colleagues, Republicans ended session early to prevent my Democratic colleagues and I from speaking up about gun safety legislation that has been sitting in committees. <\/p><p>This week, I shared two quotes I received from elementary school students on the Senate floor: <\/p><p>\u201cWhy are we sitting here arguing about YouTube and games when children like us are being shot and killed?\u201d <\/p><p>\u201cPeople can do amazing things. They can do horrible things. And they can do nothing. This is what most of our government is doing about the shootings \u2013 nothing.\u201d <\/p><p>Our children and students are scared to be in school and want to be able to focus on trivial things \u2014 the small things that kids should be focused on \u2014 not worrying about their safety. They are scared because our government is doing nothing. <\/p><p>We must pass legislation that will equip Michigan with sensible, proactive gun safety measures:  <\/p><p><\/p><ul><li><a href=\"http:\/\/legislature.mi.gov\/doc.aspx?2021-SB-0454\">Senate Bill 454<\/a> would require a license and background check for gun purchases <\/li><li><a href=\"http:\/\/legislature.mi.gov\/doc.aspx?2021-SB-0550\">Senate Bills 550-553<\/a> would implement safe storage laws and provide a tax credit for people who do the right thing by storing their guns out of reach of children.  <\/li><li><a href=\"http:\/\/legislature.mi.gov\/doc.aspx?2021-SB-0678\">Senate Bills 678<\/a> and <a href=\"http:\/\/legislature.mi.gov\/doc.aspx?2021-SB-0679\">679<\/a> would keep guns out of the hand of domestic abusers <\/li><li><a href=\"http:\/\/legislature.mi.gov\/doc.aspx?2021-SB-0785\">Senate Bills 785<\/a> and <a href=\"http:\/\/legislature.mi.gov\/doc.aspx?2021-SB-0786\">786<\/a> would prohibit extended magazine capacity <\/li><\/ul><p><\/p><p>Watch my full speech:&nbsp;<\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><p><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><div style=\"margin:0;padding:0\"><table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\"><tbody><tr><td><div><a id=\"1654796985812812\" name=\"1654796985812812\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/SenatorIrwin\/videos\/729380631812113]\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img alt=\"Irwin Floor Speech\" src=\"https:\/\/static21.senatedems.org\/media\/700x0\/62a23360c5522.png\"><\/a><\/div><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><div style=\"margin:0;padding:0\"><table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"line-height: 31px\"><tbody><tr><td style=\", Times, serif\"><a id=\"1637096884418418\" name=\"1637096884418418\"><\/a><div style=\"text-align: left;font-size: 19px;padding-top: 15px;padding-bottom: 15px;, Times, serif\"><div><p><b style=\"background-color: transparent\"><i><br>Pride Month<\/i><\/b><br><\/p><p>Happy Pride Month!  <\/p><p>June 1 marked the start of Pride Month. Let's work to make our state a more equitable and accepting place for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Expanding Michigan's anti-discrimination law to <b>finally <\/b>include LGBTQIA+ people and expanding adoption rights to LGBTQIA+ parents are two of the simplest places to start.<br><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><br><b><i>Benton Harbor Pipe Replacement<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p><p>Fifty percent of Benton Harbor pipes have been replaced. Thanks to Governor Whitmer, the Department of Environment. Great Lakes and Energy, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s urgency, the city is on track to removing all the lead-contaminated pipes.  <\/p><p>Additionally, the $45 million we appropriated in <a href=\"http:\/\/legislature.mi.gov\/doc.aspx?2021-SB-0565\">Senate Bill 565<\/a> is going directly to these efforts, and other needed infrastructure improvements in the city. <\/p><p><br><\/p><p><b>STARBUCKS EMPLOYEES VOTE TO UNIONIZE <\/b><\/p><p>This week, employees at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mlive.com\/public-interest\/2022\/06\/four-ann-arbor-starbucks-stores-vote-to-unionize.html\">four Starbucks locations in Ann Arbor<\/a> voted to authorize a union.  <\/p><p>These Starbucks employees finally have a seat at the table to ensure their concerns and hopes are heard. More and more workers are standing up and the message from these votes is clear: \u2018Workers deserve a fair wage, g\nood benefits, and decent working conditions, and they will fight to get it.\u2019  <\/p><p>Congratulations to the organizers and employees for standing strong throughout this process. Unions built Michigan and the middle class, and these workers are continuing this legacy and fighting for a better future. My hope is that their efforts will inspire and remind Michigan workers that they are stronger together and can make real change in their workplace. <\/p><p><br><\/p><p><b>UPCOMING COFFEE HOUR SATURDAY, JUNE 18 AT 9:30 a.m. <\/b><\/p><p>Please join me at my coffee hour next&nbsp;<b>Saturday, June 18th, at Bridge Community Cafe in Ypsilanti from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m<\/b>.&nbsp;<\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><div style=\"margin:0;padding:0\"><table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\"><tbody><tr><td><div><a id=\"1637096856520520\" name=\"1637096856520520\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/events\/3148927182044476\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img alt=\"Virtual Coffee Hour\" src=\"https:\/\/static21.senatedems.org\/media\/700x0\/62a24a59db780.jpeg\"><\/a><\/div><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><div style=\"margin:0;padding:0\"><table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"line-height: 31px\"><tbody><tr><td style=\", Times, serif\"><a id=\"1653586523625625\" name=\"1653586523625625\"><\/a><div style=\"text-align: left;font-size: 19px;padding-top: 15px;padding-bottom: 15px;, Times, serif\"><div><p>Don\u2019t forget to click on \u201cGoing\u201d on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/events\/3148927182044476\/\">Facebook event page<\/a> to get a reminder the day before and the day of. <\/p><p><b>Bridge Community Caf\u00e9<\/b> is located at 217 W Michigan Ave. in Ypsilanti 48197 <\/p><p>For more information, please respond to this email or call my office at <b>(517)-373-2406<\/b>. <\/p><p><br><\/p><p><b>NIGHTLY HURON STREET RAMP CLOSURES AT I-94 Through June 11 <\/b><\/p><p>Both Huron Street ramps to I-94 are closed from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. The Michigan Department of Transportation is resurfacing M-17 between Huron Street and Summit Road. The construction will end June 11. <\/p><p>You can find more info <a href=\"https:\/\/content.govdelivery.com\/accounts\/MIDOT\/bulletins\/31a6d4a?fbclid=IwAR0Wg4aRD2iW0ihqb0xH6gypITHAAemBwycJXLkLAtucZetSs7YQC1YMKJY\">here<\/a>. <\/p><p><br><\/p><p><b>MORTGAGE, RENTAL AND UTILITY ASSISTANCE <\/b><\/p><p>The Homeowner Assistance Fund was established under the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to prevent homeowner mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosure, loss of utilities or home energy services and displacements of homeowners due to financial hardship from the Coronavirus pandemic.  <\/p><p>Homeowners can apply for the Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund Program <a href=\"https:\/\/mihaf.michigan.gov\/p\/home\">here<\/a>. Please make sure you have all the necessary documents and information, which can be found on this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mshda\/-\/media\/Project\/Websites\/mshda\/homeownership\/MI-HAF\/MIHAF-Acceptable-Documentation-List-02092022.pdf?rev=69199a8be0bd45c5b7530d3683752026&amp;hash=368AEE34ED0F8B9348E99A01EB10DD76\">website<\/a>.<br><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><br><b>Who Is Eligible?<\/b><\/span><\/p><p><\/p><ul><li>Homeowners with household incomes less than 150% of Area Median Income (AMI) <\/li><li>Homeowners who own and occupy the property as their primary residence<\/li><li>Homeowners must have and explain a financial hardship directly related to COVID-19 on or after January 21, 2020.<\/li><\/ul><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><br><b>What Does it Cover?<\/b><\/span><br><p><\/p><p>Eligible households can receive a grant up to $25,000 to help them pay delinquent: <\/p><p><\/p><ul><li>Mortgage\/housing expenses, including property tax and insurance escrow shortages <\/li><li>Land contract payments, mobile home consumer loan payments or mobile home park lot payments <\/li><li>Property taxes <\/li><li>Condominium\/homeowners' association fees <\/li><li>Homeowner's insurance, <\/li><li>Utilities, such as gas, electric, water and sewer, and <\/li><li>Internet broadband services. <\/li><\/ul><p><\/p><p><i><b><br>COVID Emergency Rental Assistance <\/b><\/i><\/p><p>Tenants and landlords can also apply for financial assistance by clicking <a href=\"https:\/\/ceraapp.michigan.gov\/\">here<\/a>. Necessary documents and information to apply can be found <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mshda\/0,4641,7-141-5555-533463--,00.html\">here<\/a>. <b>Applications will close on June 30<\/b>.<br><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><br><b>Who Is Eligible?<\/b><\/span><\/p><p>CERA serves renter households that have incomes less than 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) who meet the following conditions: <\/p><p><\/p><ul><li>Individual(s) in the household has qualified for unemployment benefits or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or has experienced other financial hardship due directly or indirectly to the coronavirus outbreak; and<\/li><li>Individual(s) in the household can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability by being past due on rent.<\/li><\/ul><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><br><b>What Does it Cover?<\/b><\/span><br><p><\/p><p><\/p><ul><li><b>Utility Assistance<\/b>: Households eligible for CERA can also receive utility assistance for tenant supplied electricity, home heating (any type of fuel), water, sewer and trash (if billed along with another utility).  <\/li><li><b>Internet Assistance<\/b>: Through CERA, a flat $300 internet stipend that is available for households that have home internet and include a recent internet bill\/statement in their application. The $300 payment will be made to either the Internet service provider or the tenant. <\/li><\/ul><p><\/p><p><br><\/p><p><b>COVID-19 RESOURCES<br><\/b><b style=\"background-color: transparent\"><br><i>Free At-Home COVID Tests<\/i><\/b><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicare.gov\/coverage\/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-diagnostic-tests\">Medicare now covers up to 8 over-the-counter COVID-19<\/a> tests each calendar month, at no cost to you! <\/p><p>At-home COVID tests are covered by private health insurance and health plans. They are required to cover 8 free over-the-counter at-home tests per individual per month. That means that a family of four can have 32 at-home tests covered per month.  <\/p><p>Get your free at-home COVID-19 tests here: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.covidtests.gov\/\">https:\/\/www.covidtests.gov\/ <\/a><\/p><p>Also, make sure to only buy FDA approved tests as they've been vetted for accuracy and you won't get caught in a scam. You can see the list of approved at-home tests here: <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3qBXCmI\">https:\/\/bit.ly\/3qBXCmI<\/a><br><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><br><b><i>General Vaccination Info<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p><p>The Washtenaw County Hea\nlth Department (WCHD) has an ongoing vaccination site located at 555 Towner in Ypsilanti.  <\/p><p><\/p><ul><li>Schedule an appointment <a href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/wchdsched\">here<\/a>. If you need help scheduling, call us at 734-544-6700.  <\/li><li>Walk-ins without an appointment are accepted during clinic hours: Monday-Friday from 9:00-11:30am and 1:00-3:30pm. <\/li><\/ul><p><\/p><p>Free, door-to-door, accessible, round-trip transportation to any Covid-19 vaccination site in Washtenaw County is available through the Vaccinate Washtenaw Program.  <\/p><p>This program is open to any person of any age in Washtenaw County. Rides are booked through the AARP Ride@50+ Program. Call <b>844-900-4892<\/b>, and use the code \"<b>Vaccinate Washtenaw<\/b>.\" If the call center is busy, you can also call <b>734-773-0907<\/b> to schedule a ride. <\/p><p>Please check the WCHD website for more info about additional doses for immunocompromised people: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.washtenaw.org\/3269\/COVID-19-Vaccination\">www.washtenaw.org\/3269\/COVID-19-Vaccination<\/a><br><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><br><b><i>Booster Shots<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p><p>The Washtenaw County Health Department is offering Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson &amp; Johnson booster doses at their clinic at 555 Towner in Ypsilanti. They ask that you please bring your vaccination card and identification, if possible.<br><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><br><b><i>Covid Testing<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p><p>Lynx XD has drive-thru saliva PCR testing sites in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. For both sites pre-registration is required: <a href=\"http:\/\/lynxdx.health\/register\">lynxdx.health\/register<\/a>. Once you pre-register, you will be directed to schedule a time\/date for your test. <\/p><p>For additional testing sites across Washtenaw County, and our state, visit the WCHD\u2019s website here: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washtenaw.org\/3158\/Testing\">https:\/\/www.washtenaw.org\/3158\/Testing <\/a><\/p><p><br><\/p><p><b>ENERGY BILL ASSISTANCE AND SHUTOFF PROTECTION <\/b><\/p><p>We have numerous utility shutoff protection programs and programs that will help you afford your utility bills during the winter. These programs range from bill payment assistance to assistance winterizing your home. Check out our list of these programs here: <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3HCZLUC\">https:\/\/bit.ly\/3HCZLUC&nbsp;<\/a><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><p><b><i><\/i><\/b><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><div style=\"margin:0;padding:0\"><table width=\"100%\" border=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"height: 130px\"><tbody><tr><td align=\"center\" valign=\"middle\"><a id=\"\" name=\"\"><\/a><table width=\"100%\" cellpadding=\"0\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\"><tbody><tr><td><div style=\"width: 100%;vertical-align: middle;text-align: center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/SenatorIrwin\/\"><img src=\"https:\/\/oi2bk24hhfe.senatedems.org\/icons\/1\/facebook.png\" style=\"padding-right: 10px\"><\/a><\/div><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><div style=\"margin:0;padding:0\"><table width=\"100%\" border=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"height: 20px\"><tbody><tr><td align=\"center\" valign=\"middle\"><a id=\"\" name=\"\"><\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><div style=\"margin:0;padding:0\"><table width=\"100%\" border=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"height: 100px;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif\"><tbody><tr><td align=\"center\" valign=\"middle\"><a id=\"\" name=\"\"><\/a><div style=\"font-size:10px;font-weight:normal;color:#000000\"><p>As an elected representative, I believe in being readily available and transparent because my office is your office.<br><\/p><p>To be removed from list, please respond to email.<\/p><\/div><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6267","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-email"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.4 (Yoast SEO v26.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>District 18 News &amp; 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