{"id":6293,"date":"2022-07-21T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-07-21T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/senatedemssandbox.com\/irwin\/2022\/07\/21\/district18newsupdates-3\/"},"modified":"2023-01-06T19:47:19","modified_gmt":"2023-01-06T19:47:19","slug":"district18newsupdates-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/irwin\/2022\/07\/21\/district18newsupdates-3\/","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;1px||1px|||&#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;4px||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,\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">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.\u202f\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">In this e-news, you can find information about:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Legislative Update\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Upcoming Happy Hour with Jeff\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">August Primary\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Cooling Sites in Washtenaw County\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Mortgage, Rental and Utility Assistance\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">COVID-19 Resources\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">COVID-19 Vaccine Information\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">COVID-19 Testing\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Energy Bill Assistance and Shutoff Protection\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">As always, you can reach my office at (517) 373-2406 or by replying to this email.\u202f\u202f\u00a0<\/span><\/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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>LEGISLATIVE UPDATE\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\">State Budget Has Been Passed!\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Again, we\u2019ve passed a bipartisan budget. Our governor and legislature worked together, and we were able to make major investments in our state and education system. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I\u2019m very proud of the work we did on this budget. Here are some of the highlights:\u00a0<br \/><\/span><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><i><br \/>Student Scholarships\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">I\u2019m incredibly proud that we secured $250 million to establish a new Postsecondary Scholarship Fund. Also, the Michigan Competitive Scholarship will rise from $1,000 to $1,500, and the Michigan Tuition grant will increase from $2,800 to $3,000.\u202f\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">This new scholarship, and the increases to the other programs will ensure young, talented, and hardworking people across Michigan can afford a college education without being saddled with massive debt. Since my time in the House, I\u2019ve been fighting for more need-based financial aid and in this budget, we were able to make it happen.\u00a0<br \/><\/span><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><i><br \/>K-12 Education Funding\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">We\u2019ve again made a huge $610 million increase to the base per-pupil funding! This will raise that funding from $8,700 to $9,150, a 5.2% increase that equates to $450 per student. This is the highest state per-pupil funding in Michigan history.<\/span><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\">\u00a0<br \/><\/b><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><i><br \/>Teacher Recruitment and Retention<\/i>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Two things that contribute to our teacher shortage are: 1) the schooling required to become a teacher is expensive, and 2) student teachers aren\u2019t paid. With this year\u2019s budget, the Governor and Legislature came together to ensure we\u2019re hiring and recruiting the best educators for every classroom. The budget funds $10,000 in tuition for 2,500 future educators every year and offers a $9,600 semester stipend for student teachers.<\/span><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\">\u00a0<br \/><\/b><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><br \/><i>Special Education\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Our state has underfunded special education students for decades. The education budget includes $246 million to increase support for the nearly 50,000 special education students in Michigan. This funding will better position schools to set vulnerable kids up for success.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Our allocations for special education are still short of where they need to be, but this is one area where we continue to make progress on closing this gap.\u202f<br \/><\/span><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><br \/><i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Childcare\u00a0<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">The availability of quality, affordable childcare is essential for families to survive and our economy to thrive. I\u2019m incredibly proud that we\u2019re putting an additional $41.7 million into pre-K education programs: $34 million to open an additional 1,300 full-day slots in the Great Start Readiness Program, which provides free preschool for eligible 4-year-olds, and, $7.1 million for early identification and intervention services for younger children through the Early On Program.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">This increase is in addition to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mdhhs\/assistance-programs\/child-care-assistance\">expanded eligibility for childcare assistance to he<br \/>lp pay for care<\/a> and the additional help for providers and workers in day care centers.\u00a0<br \/><\/span><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><i><br \/>University Funding Increase\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">When we work together great things happen. Our higher education budget includes a 5% increase to operation funding for all public universities and community colleges (and public universities will also receive a minimum of $4,500 in funding for each enrolled student, which helps schools that receive less funding per student). This is the largest increase I\u2019ve seen in a decade in the Legislature, and the largest increase our state has seen in almost 20 years.<\/span><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\">\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">With U of M, EMU and WCC here in Washtenaw County, these increases will not only make college more affordable, but they will also bring more jobs to the county as these great institutions continue to grow.\u00a0<br \/><\/span><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><i><br \/>Supportive Housing\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Michigan is putting $6 million toward a new permanent supportive housing pilot. This will provide people access to living space and access to critical social services that they rely on. When people are stably housed, we see less people in crisis in our emergency rooms, jails, and community mental health services \u2014 reducing the strain on these services. This approach improves lives and saves money in the long run.\u202f\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Supportive housing models are helping people across the county, and this infusion of dollars will help house people in Michigan and provide the wraparound services that keep them stable. Programs across the world are demonstrating the deep connections between health and social determinants of health, and I\u2019m excited about how this new budget line item can help people.\u00a0<br \/><\/span><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><i><br \/>Medically Assisted Treatment\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Medically assisted treatment for opioid and other substance abuse works. Since April, when I offered my amendment to increase our state\u2019s funding for advanced treatment, I have been fighting so that people can get access to these services.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Working with our Governor, and my legislative colleagues, I\u2019m grateful that we were able to increase reimbursement rates for medically assisted substance abuse treatment. The opioid epidemic \u2014 and substance abuse, more broadly \u2014 affects all of us, and expanding this critical treatment will allow more people to get the help they need.\u00a0<br \/><\/span><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><i><br \/>Prison Phone Calls\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">For 12 years, inmates have been isolated, paying outrageous per-minute charges to make and receive phone calls. This year that ends, because we\u2019re putting $14.8 million toward making sure phone services in correctional facilities are affordable. They deserve to be connected to their loved ones and to be able to talk with their families, friends, and groups who provide educational, emotional, and spiritual support. This was one of my priorities for this year\u2019s budget, and I\u2019m very proud to have worked across the aisle to get this funding.\u202f\u00a0<br \/><\/span><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><br \/><i style=\"font-weight: bold;\">EMU MPSERS\u00a0<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Another exciting element of this year&#8217;s budget for universities is that the state is paying off some long-term pension debt. As a result, EMU will save millions of dollars in debt and interest! Our state budget is putting $581 million into the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System to pay more than half of these obligations down.\u202f\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">This means EMU will have more dollars available for tuition assistance and affordability, employee pay, program expansion, and infrastructure investments.\u202f\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">These are just some of the highlights of this year\u2019s budget. You can see more by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/SenatorIrwin\">following my Facebook page<\/a>. Not all of these great investments are covered by the news, so I\u2019m posting highlights every day to my Facebook. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><b style=\"font-size: 19px;\"><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b style=\"font-size: 19px;\">Modernizing Our Armed Services Facilities\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Last October, I toured the Ypsilanti Armory and spoke with Army officials about their need to upgrade and improve the facility. This budget includes $100 million to modernize Michigan\u2019s armories, which will ensure that our female soldiers have equitable bathrooms, locker rooms, and a much-needed lactation room. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><b style=\"font-size: 19px;\"><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b style=\"font-size: 19px;\">Reducing Insulin Prices\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">One of my colleagues and partner in legislation is focused on reducing insulin prices, and I\u2019m eager to work with him on this. His proposal is for the state of Michigan to produce insulin to directly compete with large pharmaceutical companies. Michigan State University has the capability to manufacture insulin, but would need state support in financing the facility, equipment, and paperwork for FDA approval. While our state has surplus funding, the time is right to put this in motion.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Insulin prices are unreasonably high, and this is an idea where I see bipartisan effort toward a meaningful and positive change for residents.\u202f <\/span><\/p>\n<p><b style=\"font-size: 19px;\"><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b style=\"font-size: 19px;\">Restoring the 2018 Minimum Wage, and Paid Sick Leave Initiatives\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">In 2018, the Republican Legislature and Governor Snyder gutted two voter petitions by using a legislative practice called \u201cAdopt and Amend\u201d. \u201cAdopt and Amend\u201d prevents a voter petition (a proposed measure placed on a ballot by voters) from reaching a ballot by adopting the petition into law, then changing it with fewer votes than would be required had the measure been passed by voters directly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">They gutted the minimum wage and paid sick leave petitions this way.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Thankfully, a Court of Claims has ruled that the \u201cAdopt and Amend\u201d practice is unconstitutional, and the two petitions must be restored as they were first adopted by the legislature. If this ruling stands, it means:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Employees will earn one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked, up to a maximum of 72 hours per year.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">The minimum wage will increase to $12 per hour with the tipped minimum wage rising up to $12 per hour by 2024. Both will then increase at the rate of inflation.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">This is a win for all of us, and for democracy. I\u2019m hopeful that if this ruling is appealed, that it will be affirmed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\">UPCOMING HAPPY HOUR WITH JEFF\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Please join me at my happy hour this Monday, July 25th, at 734 Brewing Company at 15 E. Cross Street in Ypsilanti from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. I\u2019m looking forward to seeing you there, and talking about what has been happening in Lansing and our community.<\/span><\/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=\"1656344207606606\" name=\"1656344207606606\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/events\/747220163273292\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Happy Hour with State Senator Jeff Irwin\" src=\"https:\/\/static21.senatedems.org\/media\/700x0\/62d86746444fb.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=\"1658349389906906\" name=\"1658349389906906\"><\/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\/747220163273292\/\">Facebook event page<\/a> to get a reminder the day before and the day of.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">For more information please contact (517) 373-2406 or respond to this email.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><b>AUGUST PRIMARY\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">There are only 12 days left until the August 2nd primary! If you still have your absentee ballot you may want to deliver it to your local clerk&#8217;s ballot drop box. <a href=\"https:\/\/mvic.sos.state.mi.us\/Voter\/Index\/#yourclerk\">You can find your clerk&#8217;s office and drop box here<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/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=\"1656344207606606\" name=\"1656344207606606\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/mvic.sos.state.mi.us\/Voter\/Index\/#yourclerk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Voting Absentee Do's and Don'ts\" src=\"https:\/\/static21.senatedems.org\/media\/700x0\/62d867aa967ae.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=\"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 style=\"background-color: transparent;\">\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\">COOLING SITES IN WASHTENAW COUNTY\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">This summer is supposed to be hot. We\u2019ve already had multiple days where the temperature reached the high 90s. If you need a place to cool off, check out the cooling centers around Washtenaw County: <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3xSDakZ\">https:\/\/bit.ly\/3xSDakZ\u00a0<\/a><\/span><\/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=\"1655312865761761\" name=\"1655312865761761\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3xSDakZ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Cooling Sites, Washtenaw County\" src=\"https:\/\/static21.senatedems.org\/media\/700x0\/62b9cfdf82e14.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>MORTGAGE, RENTAL AND UTILITY ASSISTANCE\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><a href=\"null\"><b>MIHAF Application<\/b><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Homeowners can apply for the MIHAF program <a href=\"https:\/\/mihaf.michigan.gov\/p\/home\">here<\/a>, but before you start please make sure you have all the necessary documents and information. You can find what documents and information you\u2019ll need <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\">here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><b><i>Who Is Eligible?\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Homeowners with household incomes less than 150% of Area Median Income (AMI).\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Homeowners who own and occupy the property as their primary residence.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Homeowners must have and explain a financial hardship directly related to COVID-19 on or after January 21, 2020.\u202f\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><b><i>Up to $25,000 Grant Per Household\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Eligible households can receive a grant worth up to $25,000 to help them pay:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Delinquent mortgage\/housing expenses, including property tax and insurance escrow shortages.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Delinquent land contract payments, mobile home consumer loan payments or mobile home park lot payments.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Delinquent property taxes.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Delinquent condominium\/homeowners\u2019 association fees.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Delinquent homeowner&#8217;s insurance.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Delinquent utilities, gas, electric, water, sewer.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Delinquent internet broadband services.<\/span><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\">\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mshda\/rental\/cera\/covid-emergency-rental-assistance-cera\">CERA Application\u00a0<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Tenants and landlords can apply by clicking <a href=\"https:\/\/ceraapp.michigan.gov\/\">here<\/a>, but before you start please make sure you have all the necessary documents and information. You can find what documents and information you\u2019ll need <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mshda\/0,4641,7-141-5555-533463--,00.html\">here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><i>Who Is Eligible?\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">CERA serves renter households that have incomes less than 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) who meet the following conditions:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">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\u202f\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Individual(s) in the household can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability by being past due on rent.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><i>Utility Assistance\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">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).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b style=\"background-color: transparent;\"><i>Internet Assistance\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>COVID-19 RESOURCES <\/b><\/p>\n<p><b><i>General Vaccination Info <\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p>The Washtenaw County Health Department (WCHD) has an ongoing vaccination site located at 555 Towner in Ypsilanti.\u202f<\/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.\u202f<\/li>\n<li>Walk-ins without an appointment are accepted during clinic hours: Monday-Friday from 9:00-11:30 a.m. and 1:00-3:30 p.m.<\/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.\u202f<\/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\">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 located at 555 Towner in Ypsilanti. They ask that you please bring your vaccination card and identification, if possible.\u202f<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 online at <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\">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. 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<\/a><\/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,\u00a0 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.\u202f\u00a0 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,&nbsp;<\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">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.\u202f&nbsp;<\/span><br><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">In this e-news, you can find information about:&nbsp;<\/span><br><\/p><p><\/p><ul><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Legislative Update&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Upcoming Happy Hour with Jeff&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">August Primary&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Cooling Sites in Washtenaw County&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Mortgage, Rental and Utility Assistance&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">COVID-19 Resources&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><ul><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">COVID-19 Vaccine Information&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">COVID-19 Testing&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><\/ul><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Energy Bill Assistance and Shutoff Protection&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">As always, you can reach my office at (517) 373-2406 or by replying to this email.\u202f\u202f&nbsp;<\/span><br><\/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><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&nbsp;<\/span><\/p><p><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><br><\/span><\/p><p><b>LEGISLATIVE UPDATE&nbsp;<\/b><\/p><p><b style=\"background-color: transparent\">State Budget Has Been Passed!&nbsp;<\/b><br><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Again, we\u2019ve passed a bipartisan budget. Our governor and legislature worked together, and we were able to make major investments in our state and education system. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I\u2019m very proud of the work we did on this budget. Here are some of the highlights:&nbsp;<br><\/span><b style=\"background-color: transparent\"><i><br>Student Scholarships&nbsp;<\/i><\/b><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">I\u2019m incredibly proud that we secured $250 million to establish a new Postsecondary Scholarship Fund. Also, the Michigan Competitive Scholarship will rise from $1,000 to $1,500, and the Michigan Tuition grant will increase from $2,800 to $3,000.\u202f&nbsp;<\/span><br><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">This new scholarship, and the increases to the other programs will ensure young, talented, and hardworking people across Michigan can afford a college education without being saddled with massive debt. Since my time in the House, I\u2019ve been fighting for more need-based financial aid and in this budget, we were able to make it happen.&nbsp;<br><\/span><b style=\"background-color: transparent\"><i><br>K-12 Education Funding&nbsp;<\/i><\/b><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">We\u2019ve again made a huge $610 million increase to the base per-pupil funding! This will raise that funding from $8,700 to $9,150, a 5.2% increase that equates to $450 per student. This is the highest state per-pupil funding in Michigan history.<\/span><b style=\"background-color: transparent\">&nbsp;<br><\/b><b style=\"background-color: transparent\"><i><br>Teacher Recruitment and Retention<\/i>&nbsp;<\/b><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Two things that contribute to our teacher shortage are: 1) the schooling required to become a teacher is expensive, and 2) student teachers aren\u2019t paid. With this year\u2019s budget, the Governor and Legislature came together to ensure we\u2019re hiring and recruiting the best educators for every classroom. The budget funds $10,000 in tuition for 2,500 future educators every year and offers a $9,600 semester stipend for student teachers.<\/span><b style=\"background-color: transparent\">&nbsp;<br><\/b><b style=\"background-color: transparent\"><br><i>Special Education&nbsp;<\/i><\/b><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Our state has underfunded special education students for decades. The education budget includes $246 million to increase support for the nearly 50,000 special education students in Michigan. This funding will better position schools to set vulnerable kids up for success.&nbsp;<\/span><br><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Our allocations for special education are still short of where they need to be, but this is one area where we continue to make progress on closing this gap.\u202f<br><\/span><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><br><i style=\"font-weight: bold\">Childcare&nbsp;<\/i><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">The availability of quality, affordable childcare is essential for families to survive and our economy to thrive. I\u2019m incredibly proud that we\u2019re putting an additional $41.7 million into pre-K education programs: $34 million to open an additional 1,300 full-day slots in the Great Start Readiness Program, which provides free preschool for eligible 4-year-olds, and, $7.1 million for early identification and intervention services for younger children through the Early On Program.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">This increase is in addition to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mdhhs\/assistance-programs\/child-care-assistance\">expanded eligibility for childcare assistance to he\nlp pay for care<\/a> and the additional help for providers and workers in day care centers.&nbsp;<br><\/span><b style=\"background-color: transparent\"><i><br>University Funding Increase&nbsp;<\/i><\/b><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">When we work together great things happen. Our higher education budget includes a 5% increase to operation funding for all public universities and community colleges (and public universities will also receive a minimum of $4,500 in funding for each enrolled student, which helps schools that receive less funding per student). This is the largest increase I\u2019ve seen in a decade in the Legislature, and the largest increase our state has seen in almost 20 years.<\/span><b style=\"background-color: transparent\">&nbsp;<\/b><br><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">With U of M, EMU and WCC here in Washtenaw County, these increases will not only make college more affordable, but they will also bring more jobs to the county as these great institutions continue to grow.&nbsp;<br><\/span><b style=\"background-color: transparent\"><i><br>Supportive Housing&nbsp;<\/i><\/b><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Michigan is putting $6 million toward a new permanent supportive housing pilot. This will provide people access to living space and access to critical social services that they rely on. When people are stably housed, we see less people in crisis in our emergency rooms, jails, and community mental health services \u2014 reducing the strain on these services. This approach improves lives and saves money in the long run.\u202f&nbsp;<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Supportive housing models are helping people across the county, and this infusion of dollars will help house people in Michigan and provide the wraparound services that keep them stable. Programs across the world are demonstrating the deep connections between health and social determinants of health, and I\u2019m excited about how this new budget line item can help people.&nbsp;<br><\/span><b style=\"background-color: transparent\"><i><br>Medically Assisted Treatment&nbsp;<\/i><\/b><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Medically assisted treatment for opioid and other substance abuse works. Since April, when I offered my amendment to increase our state\u2019s funding for advanced treatment, I have been fighting so that people can get access to these services.&nbsp;<\/span><br><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Working with our Governor, and my legislative colleagues, I\u2019m grateful that we were able to increase reimbursement rates for medically assisted substance abuse treatment. The opioid epidemic \u2014 and substance abuse, more broadly \u2014 affects all of us, and expanding this critical treatment will allow more people to get the help they need.&nbsp;<br><\/span><b style=\"background-color: transparent\"><i><br>Prison Phone Calls&nbsp;<\/i><\/b><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">For 12 years, inmates have been isolated, paying outrageous per-minute charges to make and receive phone calls. This year that ends, because we\u2019re putting $14.8 million toward making sure phone services in correctional facilities are affordable. They deserve to be connected to their loved ones and to be able to talk with their families, friends, and groups who provide educational, emotional, and spiritual support. This was one of my priorities for this year\u2019s budget, and I\u2019m very proud to have worked across the aisle to get this funding.\u202f&nbsp;<br><\/span><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><br><i style=\"font-weight: bold\">EMU MPSERS&nbsp;<\/i><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Another exciting element of this year's budget for universities is that the state is paying off some long-term pension debt. As a result, EMU will save millions of dollars in debt and interest! Our state budget is putting $581 million into the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System to pay more than half of these obligations down.\u202f&nbsp;<\/span><br><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">This means EMU will have more dollars available for tuition assistance and affordability, employee pay, program expansion, and infrastructure investments.\u202f&nbsp;<\/span><br><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">These are just some of the highlights of this year\u2019s budget. You can see more by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/SenatorIrwin\">following my Facebook page<\/a>. Not all of these great investments are covered by the news, so I\u2019m posting highlights every day to my Facebook.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><br><\/span><\/p><p><b>Modernizing Our Armed Services Facilities&nbsp;<\/b><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Last October, I toured the Ypsilanti Armory and spoke with Army officials about their need to upgrade and improve the facility. This budget includes $100 million to modernize Michigan\u2019s armories, which will ensure that our female soldiers have equitable bathrooms, locker rooms, and a much-needed lactation room.&nbsp;<\/span><br><\/p><p><b style=\"background-color: transparent\"><br><\/b><\/p><p><b style=\"background-color: transparent\">Reducing Insulin Prices&nbsp;<\/b><br><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">One of my colleagues and partner in legislation is focused on reducing insulin prices, and I\u2019m eager to work with him on this. His proposal is for the state of Michigan to produce insulin to directly compete with large pharmaceutical companies. Michigan State University has the capability to manufacture insulin, but would need state support in financing the facility, equipment, and paperwork for FDA approval. While our state has surplus funding, the time is right to put this in motion.&nbsp;<\/span><br><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Insulin prices are unreasonably high, and this is an idea where I see bipartisan effort toward a meaningful and positive change for residents.\u202f&nbsp;<\/span><br><\/p><p><b style=\"background-color: transparent\"><br><\/b><\/p><p><b style=\"background-color: transparent\">Restoring the 2018 Minimum Wage, and Paid Sick Leave Initiatives&nbsp;<\/b><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">In 2018, the Republican Legislature and Governor Snyder gutted two voter petitions by using a legislative practice called \u201cAdopt and Amend\u201d. \u201cAdopt and Amend\u201d prevents a voter petition (a proposed measure placed on a ballot by voters) from reaching a ballot by adopting the petition into law, then changing it with fewer votes than would be required had the measure been passed by voters directly.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">They gutted the minimum wage and paid sick leave petitions this way.&nbsp;<\/span><br><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Thankfully, a Court of Claims has ruled that the \u201cAdopt and Amend\u201d practice is unconstitutional, and the two petitions must be restored as they were first adopted by the legislature. If this ruling stands, it means:&nbsp;<\/span><\/p><p><\/p><ul><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Employees will earn one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked, up to a maximum of 72 hours per year.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">The minimum wage will increase to $12 per hour with the tipped minimum wage rising up to $12 per hour by 2024. Both will then increase at the rate of inflation.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">This is a win for all of us, and for democracy. I\u2019m hopeful that if this ruling is appealed, that it will be affirmed.&nbsp;<\/span><br><\/p><p><b><br><\/b><\/p><p><b style=\"background-color: transparent\">UPCOMING HAPPY HOUR WITH JEFF&nbsp;<\/b><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Please join me at my happy hour this Monday, July 25th, at 734 Brewing Company at 15 E. Cross Street in Ypsilanti from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. I\u2019m looking forward to seeing you there, and talking about what has been happening in Lansing and our community.<\/span><br>\n<\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/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=\"1656344207606606\" name=\"1656344207606606\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/events\/747220163273292\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img alt=\"Happy Hour with State Senator Jeff Irwin\" src=\"https:\/\/static21.senatedems.org\/media\/700x0\/62d86746444fb.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=\"1658349389906906\" name=\"1658349389906906\"><\/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\/747220163273292\/\">Facebook event page<\/a> to get a reminder the day before and the day of.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">For more information please contact (517) 373-2406 or respond to this email.&nbsp;<\/span><br><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><br><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><b>AUGUST PRIMARY&nbsp;<\/b><\/span><br><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">There are only 12 days left until the August 2nd primary! If you still have your absentee ballot you may want to deliver it to your local clerk's ballot drop box. <a href=\"https:\/\/mvic.sos.state.mi.us\/Voter\/Index\/#yourclerk\">You can find your clerk's office and drop box here<\/a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/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=\"1656344207606606\" name=\"1656344207606606\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/mvic.sos.state.mi.us\/Voter\/Index\/#yourclerk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img alt=\"Voting Absentee Do's and Don'ts\" src=\"https:\/\/static21.senatedems.org\/media\/700x0\/62d867aa967ae.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=\"1633701986158158\" name=\"1633701986158158\"><\/a><div style=\"text-align: left;font-size: 19px;padding-top: 15px;padding-bottom: 15px;, Times, serif\"><div><p><b style=\"background-color: transparent\"><br><\/b><\/p><p><b style=\"background-color: transparent\">COOLING SITES IN WASHTENAW COUNTY&nbsp;<\/b><br><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">This summer is supposed to be hot. We\u2019ve already had multiple days where the temperature reached the high 90s. If you need a place to cool off, check out the cooling centers around Washtenaw County: <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3xSDakZ\">https:\/\/bit.ly\/3xSDakZ&nbsp;<\/a><\/span><br><\/p><p><b><\/b><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><\/span><\/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=\"1655312865761761\" name=\"1655312865761761\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3xSDakZ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img alt=\"Cooling Sites, Washtenaw County\" src=\"https:\/\/static21.senatedems.org\/media\/700x0\/62b9cfdf82e14.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><br><\/p><p><b>MORTGAGE, RENTAL AND UTILITY ASSISTANCE&nbsp;<\/b><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><a href=\"null\"><b>MIHAF Application<\/b><\/a><\/span><br><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Homeowners can apply for the MIHAF program <a href=\"https:\/\/mihaf.michigan.gov\/p\/home\">here<\/a>, but before you start please make sure you have all the necessary documents and information. You can find what documents and information you\u2019ll need <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\">here<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/span><br><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><b><i>Who Is Eligible?&nbsp;<\/i><\/b><\/span><br><\/p><p><\/p><ul><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Homeowners with household incomes less than 150% of Area Median Income (AMI).&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Homeowners who own and occupy the property as their primary residence.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Homeowners must have and explain a financial hardship directly related to COVID-19 on or after January 21, 2020.\u202f&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\"><b><i>Up to $25,000 Grant Per Household&nbsp;<\/i><\/b><\/span><br><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Eligible households can receive a grant worth up to $25,000 to help them pay:&nbsp;<\/span><\/p><p><\/p><ul><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Delinquent mortgage\/housing expenses, including property tax and insurance escrow shortages.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Delinquent land contract payments, mobile home consumer loan payments or mobile home park lot payments.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Delinquent property taxes.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Delinquent condominium\/homeowners\u2019 association fees.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Delinquent homeowner's insurance.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Delinquent utilities, gas, electric, water, sewer.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Delinquent internet broadband services.<\/span><b style=\"background-color: transparent\">&nbsp;<\/b><\/li><\/ul><p><\/p><p><b style=\"background-color: transparent\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mshda\/rental\/cera\/covid-emergency-rental-assistance-cera\">CERA Application&nbsp;<\/a><\/b><br><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Tenants and landlords can apply by clicking <a href=\"https:\/\/ceraapp.michigan.gov\/\">here<\/a>, but before you start please make sure you have all the necessary documents and information. You can find what documents and information you\u2019ll need <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mshda\/0,4641,7-141-5555-533463--,00.html\">here<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/span><br><\/p><p><b style=\"background-color: transparent\"><i>Who Is Eligible?&nbsp;<\/i><\/b><br><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">CERA serves renter households that have incomes less than 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) who meet the following conditions:&nbsp;<\/span><br><\/p><p><\/p><ul><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">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\u202f&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">Individual(s) in the household can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability by being past due on rent.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><\/p><p><b style=\"background-color: transparent\"><i>Utilit\ny Assistance&nbsp;<\/i><\/b><br><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">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).&nbsp;<\/span><br><\/p><p><b style=\"background-color: transparent\"><i>Internet Assistance&nbsp;<\/i><\/b><br><\/p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent\">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.<\/span><\/p><p><br><\/p><p><b>COVID-19 RESOURCES <\/b><\/p><p><b><i>General Vaccination Info <\/i><\/b><\/p><p>The Washtenaw County Health Department (WCHD) has an ongoing vaccination site located at 555 Towner in Ypsilanti.\u202f <\/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.\u202f <\/li><li>Walk-ins without an appointment are accepted during clinic hours: Monday-Friday from 9:00-11:30 a.m. and 1:00-3:30 p.m. <\/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.\u202f <\/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\">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 located at 555 Towner in Ypsilanti. They ask that you please bring your vaccination card and identification, if possible.\u202f<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 online at <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\">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. 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<\/a><\/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><\/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%\" 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-6293","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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