Dear Neighbor,\u00a0<\/p>\n
I hope this newsletter finds you and your family safe and healthy. It\u2019s been a busy few weeks in the Senate as we worked to finalize our budget recommendations, which include historic investments in education, our economy, and other new programs that will continue to make Michigan a great place to call home.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n
Featured in this newsletter:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you have any questions, want to comment on pending legislation, or resolve any issues in state government, please do not hesitate to contact my office by phone at (517) 373-8360 or by email at SenPWojno@senate.michigan.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n Warmest regards,<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/wojno\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/02\/Wojno_Signature.jpg” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Wojno_Signature” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_margin=”-79px|||||” width=”69%”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″] Paul Wojno \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Comcast RISE\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Comcast RISE is committed to supporting the growth of all small businesses, while advancing the objective of diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as community investment. The program is built to help businesses and their communities thrive with a focus on economic growth. This year, Comcast RISE will award 500 recipients in five cities with a grant package that includes business consultation services, education resources, monetary grants, creative production, media, and technology makeovers.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Comcast RISE is one of several programs that Comcast has overseen as a part of Project UP that are aimed at closing the digital divide and achieving digital equity.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Program Details\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Detroit Launches Downpayment Assistance Program\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Mayor Mike Duggan, City Council members, and the Detroit Housing & Revitalization Department announced a landmark program today that will provide Detroiters who do not currently own a home with up to $25,000 in downpayment assistance to help them realize the American Dream of homeownership.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The program is available to lower-income earners who may be able to afford a monthly mortgage payment but don\u2019t have enough savings for a downpayment. For example, for a single person to qualify, they would have to earn less than $41,000 per year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Easy as 1-2-3<\/i>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n The mayor and councilmembers laid out three steps for Detroiters to follow to take advantage of the program.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n >>Click here for more information<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n May is Mental Health Awareness Month\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) have joined mental health advocates around the nation to recognize May as Mental Health Awareness Month<\/a>. Observed nationally since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month promotes mental health education and support to increase individual well-being and decrease the stigma often associated with seeking help for mental illness.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Over the past two years, MDHHS and its partners have implemented three statewide lines<\/a> to ensure that mental health or substance use help for all Michiganders is just a phone call away: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, Michigan Peer Warmline, and Frontline Strong Together Crisis Line.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Cumulatively, almost 11,000 callers a month have received help from these three lines.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline<\/a>, formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, is a free 24\/7 line that people can use confidentially and anonymously through call, text, or chat at 988lifeline.org. 988 is available to provide support to anyone who may be experiencing emotional distress or struggling with mental health or substance use concerns. It is also a resource for family members or friends who may be concerned about a loved one\u2019s mental health.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The Michigan Peer Warmline, 88-PEER-753 (888-733-7753), is a statewide Warmline for Michiganders living with persistent mental health and\/or substance use conditions. The Warmline connects individuals with certified peer support specialists who have lived experiences of behavioral health issues, trauma or personal crisis, and are trained to support and empower the callers. All calls are anonymous and the Warmline operates seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Frontline Strong Together<\/a>, 833-34-STRONG, is a new service funded through MDHHS that provides 24\/7 support to first responders (police, EMS, fire, dispatch, and corrections) and their families through a crisis line, specialty treatment, and referrals. This service was developed in a partnership between first responder professional unions, Wayne State University, and Michigan Crisis and Access Line staff.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Mental health in the workplace has also taken on new significance in the wake of pandemic work-life challenges. The MDHHS Stay Well program<\/a>recently created a collection of resources to help plan, implement, and sustain wellness programs for employees within organizations, and is working closely with Labor and Economic Opportunity as they expand offerings attending to workplace mental health. Mental Wellness Tools for Organizations<\/a> is available on the Stay Well website.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Summer 2023 Job Market Forecast for Michigan Teens (Ages 16\u201319)\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n The Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget’s Michigan Center for Data and Analytics released its summer (June\u2013August) teen employment forecast for 2023. For more information, including resources for finding summer employment, click here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n End of Federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Brings Changes to Insurance Coverage for Michiganders\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is alerting consumers that there may be changes to their health insurance coverage for COVID-related testing and treatments now that the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) has ended.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Federal law required that many health services related to COVID-19, including testing and vaccinations, had to be covered at no cost for the duration of the PHE. Many Michiganders may now have to pay out-of- pocket for some COVID-related care. For more specific information about different types of medical care that have been affected by the ending of the PHE, see below:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n At-Home and Laboratory COVID Tests:\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n COVID-19 Treatments:\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n COVID-19 Vaccinations:\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n DIFS can help consumers with health insurance questions and complaints. Contact DIFS Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 877-999-6442 or Michigan.gov\/HealthInsurance. For more information about the state\u2019s Medicaid and MIChild programs, visit the MIBridges website.<\/span><\/p>\n At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government declared a Public Health Emergency (PHE), allowing Medicaid members to keep their health care coverage. Per recent federal legislation, eligibility renewals will start again in June. Monthly renewal notifications will be sent by mail beginning in May.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Following these steps will help determine if you still qualify:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re a Medicaid member, learn more about how these changes may affect your health care coverage at Michigan.gov\/2023benefitchanges<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Applications Now Being Accepted for the Fostering Futures Scholarship\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n Young adults who have experienced foster care on or after their 13th birthday are eligible to apply for a scholarship from the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The priority deadline for the Fostering Futures Scholarship<\/a> application for academic year 2023-24 is August 1, 2023. Eligible students enrolled at a Michigan degree-granting college or university may now apply to receive scholarship funds for tuition, fees, room, board, books, and supplies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Fostering Future Scholarship<\/a> Applicants with questions should contact the state Treasury Department’s Student Scholarships, Grants and Outreach area at mistudentaid@michigan.gov<\/a> or call toll-free at 1-888-447-2687.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Imposter Scams Take on New Forms: Missed Jury Duty and Demand for Payment Scams\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warns residents that they may be targeted by scammers claiming to be representing government entities<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The Department has received reports that a missed jury duty scam is currently being perpetrated in Oakland County. In this scam, fraudsters call unsuspecting residents and tell them that they have failed to appear for jury duty in federal court. The caller threatens the person with arrest if they don\u2019t pay a \u201ccash bond,\u201d which has reportedly been as high as $5,000.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n So far, two complaints involving the missed jury duty scam have been reported to the Oakland County Sheriff\u2019s Office. In both cases, the scammer claimed to be an Oakland County Sheriff\u2019s deputy. Though in both instances, cash was demanded to keep the call recipient out of jail, neither person paid. Instead, they turned themselves in only to discover that there were no arrest warrants sworn in either case.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Another imposter scam involves letters mailed to residents that appear to be from a state agency. The letters, which indicate that they are a \u201cfinal demand for payment\u201d related to a tax lien, threaten potential foreclosure unless payment is made.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n One such letter sent to a nursing center in Detroit from the \u201cTax Lien Group Tax Processing Unit\u201d indicated the \u201cState of Michigan may seize [the] property for nonpayment of taxes.\u201d The amount listed on the letter was $27,622, but no tax debt was owed to the State. The letter contained an 800-phone number commonly used to perpetrate similar scams.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The individuals perpetrating these scams may expand the deception to other agencies, such as the FBI, IRS, or some other state or federal government entity. If you are concerned that you are being targeted by a government imposter, you can protect yourself by doing your own internet research. Looking up the phone number for the government agency allows you to call and inquire without relying upon information provided by the scammer.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Residents can also simply do an internet search for the phone number they are being asked to call. This may help determine whether it belongs to a government agency or if it is one being used in scams. AG Nessel wants all Michigan residents to be on the alert so they can avoid being scam victims.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For more information about popular consumer scams<\/a>, or if you believe you\u2019ve been a victim, residents can contact the Consumer Protection Team Monday-Friday at 877-765-8388 or complete our online complaint form<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Dear Neighbor,\u00a0 I hope this newsletter finds you and your family safe and healthy. It\u2019s been a busy few weeks in the Senate as we worked to finalize our budget […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":6175,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6172","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-email"],"yoast_head":"\n\n
<\/b>State Senator
<\/span>District 10<\/span><\/p>\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Helping Medicaid members keep their coverage
<\/b><\/i>Take action to avoid a gap in coverage\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n\n