{"id":6130,"date":"2020-12-21T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-12-21T17:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/senatedemssandbox.com\/mccann\/2020\/12\/21\/senatedistrict20newsandyearinreview-2\/"},"modified":"2020-12-21T12:00:00","modified_gmt":"2020-12-21T17:00:00","slug":"senatedistrict20newsandyearinreview-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/mccann\/2020\/12\/21\/senatedistrict20newsandyearinreview-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Senate District 20 News and Year in Review"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

<\/a>\"State<\/a><\/div><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div>
<\/a>

Dear Friend, <\/p>

It is my privilege and honor to represent the people of Kalamazoo County at our State Capitol in Lansing. This past year and the COVID-19 pandemic have served up more than their fair share of challenges for our local community, like so many others around our state. I, and my team, remain committed to helping you throughout this unprecedented time in every possible way, with the hope of relieving some of your burdens and making life just a little bit easier.<\/span><\/p>

We assisted with hundreds of unemployment claims and distributed helpful information to keep you safe and healthy. In addition, I introduced legislation to protect our essential workers and voted for budget bills in support of our teachers, students, environment, and the public\u2019s health, to name just a few examples.<\/p>

Below is a look at some of our work this year.<\/p>


<\/p>

THE YEAR IN NUMBERS<\/b><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div>

<\/a>\"The<\/a><\/div><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div>
<\/a>

CONSTITUENT STORIES<\/b><\/p>

This year, my staff and I had the opportunity to assist 20th district constituents in a variety of ways. Here is just a sampling of some of their stories, with names changed to protect the individuals\u2019 identities:<\/p>

Corrected reported wages to restore unemployment benefits
<\/b><\/i>\u201cKatrina\u201d ran into problems with her unemployment benefits due to incorrectly reported wages. She was having trouble getting this information corrected in the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) system due to the high volume of claims that were processed during the spring and summer months. After persistent inquiries from our office on her behalf, Katrina reported, \u201cBecause of your assistance and efforts, UIA reopened my PUA benefits and made payments on my account. As of right now, I paid the three months\u2019 rent, four months of car insurance payment, and medical bills that I owed.\u201d <\/i><\/span><\/p>

Assisted with submission of unemployment claims
<\/b><\/i>\u201cJoe\u201d works with a local construction trade union. He referred dozens of his team members to our office so that we could assist them with their unemployment claims. He shared with us, \u201cI can’t tell you how much I appreciate your help! It’s been a struggle for people to get things resolved on their own; you guys have been super responsive, and it\u2019s appreciated.\u201d<\/i><\/span><\/p>

Secured licensing approval for stalled business merger
<\/b><\/i>\u201cHoward\u201d reached out for help on June 22 with a business merger that had been stalled during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. He needed help cutting through the red tape to secure licensing approval from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. We went to work and by the very next day, on June 23, Howard received the approval he needed from the state to complete the merger and add 20 local jobs in Kalamazoo. <\/span><\/p>

Helped secure documents for re-entry
<\/b><\/i>\u201cIsmael\u201d was returning to the community after 25 years of incarceration and struggling to retrieve necessary documents and information to get back on his feet. Senate office staff worked with the Secretary of State, Kalamazoo Public Schools\u2019 transcript records department personnel, and Congressman Fred Upton\u2019s office to obtain enough vital records so that he could make an appointment at an SOS branch office. He was able to get a photo ID, which enabled him to access housing, food, banking, and other critical services that he needed. <\/span><\/p>

Please contact me<\/a> if you, or a loved one, needs assistance. We\u2019re happy to help any way we can, from directly resolving the issue to directing you to the appropriate state agency.<\/p>


<\/p>

THE YEAR IN PHOTOS<\/b><\/p>

#MaskUpMichigan at the Capitol.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div>

<\/a>\"MaskUpMichigan<\/a><\/div><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div>
<\/a>


<\/span><\/p>

Touring the Kalamazoo River and viewing sediment damage. <\/span>
<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div>

<\/a>\"Touring<\/a><\/div><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div>
<\/a>


<\/p>

Attending the grand opening of the Southwest Michigan Miracle Field in Schoolcraft, where children with disabilities get to play baseball on a team with their peers.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div>

<\/a>\"Grand<\/a><\/div><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div>
<\/a>


<\/span><\/p>

Hard at work with my Democratic Caucus colleagues in the Michigan Senate chamber.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div>

<\/a>\"Hard<\/a><\/div><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div>
<\/a>

LEGISLATIVE WORK<\/b><\/p>

When you contact me about issues affecting your families or communities, you play a special role in the legislative process. Your concerns and insights helped shape the legislation I introduced, supported, or opposed this year, and I will carry this commitment to responsiveness into my third year serving the residents of Kalamazoo County.<\/p>

Introduced Bills<\/i><\/b><\/p>

This year, I introduced bills to:<\/p>

<\/p>