Hello from Lansing!

Even though the winter has been cold and cloudy, our community’s bright warmth keeps us glowing. As we near Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate the connections that light up our lives, even on the chilliest days. Read more about our work in Lansing to ensure our district remains a thriving place we call home. You can also attend our next coffee hour at the Summit Township Offices on Monday, Feb. 24, at 9 a.m.; details below.

As always, if you or someone you know needs assistance with state departments or would like to provide feedback about what’s happening in Lansing, my team can be reached at CarrieRheingans@house.mi.gov or (517) 373-8835.

In Service,

Carrie Rheingans

State Representative

House District 47

Legislative Updates

Removing Sunset on a Distance-Learning Provision in Higher Ed

Michigan is a member of the Midwest State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (MSARA), which provides a universal framework for post-secondary distance education, oversight, and regulation. Before MSARA, higher education institutions in Michigan had to seek authorization for all distance learning courses on a state-by-state basis. This was both tedious and time-consuming for these institutions as they had to ensure compliance with other states’ rules, regulations, and fees.

On Jan. 29, I introduced House Bill 4036, which would remove the sunset on Michigan’s authorization to participate in MSARA. We are the only state with an end-date, and removing it would allow this bipartisan-supported program to continue indefinitely. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Committee Assignments for the 103rd Legislature

I’m excited to start committee work as a member of the Families and Veterans and Agriculture committees! I enjoyed our work on the Agriculture Committee last term, especially since our community is mostly rural. Michigan’s agricultural sector is one of our top industries and the second most diverse in the nation. 👨‍👨‍👦🍎🫐🌽🥬🥔🐄🦃🥚

Community Happenings and Resources

Tax Filing Season

The official tax filing season for tax year 2024 is upon us, and the Michigan Department of Treasury is now accepting and processing individual income tax returns.

Individuals can file their state individual income tax return online, with a tax professional, or by mailing in paper forms and documentation. All state of Michigan income tax returns and payment of any taxes owed must be received by April 15.

Please visit the Michigan Individual Income Tax webpage to learn more about filing your individual income tax return, the Earned Income Tax Credit , the retirement tax rollback, and more.

Bird Flu Resources

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly called “bird flu,” is a virus that spreads through direct animal-to-animal contact or contaminated surfaces or materials (egg flats, crates, farming materials/equipment, clothing, shoes, or hands). HPAI viruses can infect wild and domestic poultry, which includes chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, ducks, geese, and guinea fowl, and has been documented in many other types of mammals, like cows, ferrets, cats, and pigs.

Bird flu cases continue to occur in wild and domestic animals. For wild animals, the Department of Natural Resources provides current information on confirmed detections HERE. For domestic and backyard animals, the Department of Agriculture and Development (MDARD) has a database that  provides current information on confirmed detections.

MDARD also provides a Biosecurity Checklist and additional biosecurity resources for bird and animal owners. Click HERE for MDARD’s additional resources for bird owners. For tips about preventing the spread of bird flu to other animals, go to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

If you suspect an infection:

  • For domestic animals, call MDARD immediately at (800)292-3939 (day) or (517)373-0440 (after-hours).
  • For wildlife, use the DNR’sEyes in the Field App or call the DNR Wildlife Disease Laboratory at (517) 336-5030.
  • Immediately contact your veterinarian.
  • Avoid contact with sick or dead animals; use protective gear like gloves and masks.
  • Isolate sick birds from the rest of the flock.
  • Watch for any flu-like symptoms in yourself, and seek medical care as needed.

Resources for Aspiring Citizens

Most of us would move heaven and earth to provide for our loved ones, whether we were born here or have made America our home. But MAGA Republicans want to seize even more money and control by turning ICE into a paramilitary force unleashed upon our communities; they spread fear and sow division based on our races, backgrounds, or genders so they can hand billionaires and corporations the wealth our work creates. Americans know it’s love that makes a family, families that make vibrant communities, and communities that make a prosperous nation. That’s why we are joining together to keep our families whole, ensure our communities thrive, and live up to our ideals of liberty and justice for all. To keep our families and communities whole, we have compiled a list of resources that we hope are helpful.

The ACLU Michigan provides videos and other resources like the Know Your Rights One-Pager, which lays out rights — for citizens and those not yet citizens — if stopped by Police, Immigration Agents, or the FBI.

Michigan Immigrant Rights Center provides several helpful and in-depth resources for everyone, regardless of status or citizenship. The “Preparing Your Family Guide” (available in Arabic, Bangla, Dari, English, French, Kinyarwanda, Pashto, and Spanish) walks through how to prepare for an arrest, your rights during and after an arrest, as well as important legal resources and forms.

Other essential resources include ICE’s online detainee locator (a search requires the full name, date of birth, and country of birth OR A# and country of birth) and Vinelink (except for a handful of county correctional facilities, almost all jurisdictions in Michigan can be searched). Vinelink is often updated sooner than ICE’s online detainee locator. MIRC also has documents explaining processes such as Expedited Removal and Parole.

The National Immigrant Law Center provides a guide for employers if immigration comes to their workplace. This Employer Guide gives general information on reasons why ICE may come to the workplace, how employers can prepare for ICE actions, and what employers should do if ICE does arrive.

Lastly, we are working closely with U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell on next steps at the federal level. Please contact her office or our office with any questions or concerns.

Thank You For Attending the January Coffee Hour

Thank you for a robust coffee hour on a brisk Saturday morning at DOZER Coffee! We discussed the end of the 102nd Legislature, the start of the 103rdLegislature, and what we see coming next. I loved how many great questions you all had!

Scroll down for more information about upcoming constituent engagement hours.

Upcoming Events

Constituent Engagement Hours

February’s Coffee Hour

On Monday, Feb. 24, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., I will be hosting a constituent coffee hour at Summit Township Offices (2121 Ferguson Road in Jackson).

If you’d like to learn more about what is happening in the district and Lansing, please mark your interest on my official Facebook event page.

March’s Happy Hour

On Friday, March 14, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., I will be hosting a constituent happy hour at Erratic Ale Co. (2121 Ferguson Road in Jackson). Please register so we come prepared with enough pie charts (or pi charts… it IS Pi Day, after all!) about our state budget for all attendees!

If you’d like to learn more about what is happening in the district and Lansing, please mark your interest on my official Facebook event page. To stay up to date on my actions in the Michigan House of Representatives, please consider following me on my official social media platforms:

Twitter
 Bluesky
 Instagram
 Tik Tok
 Facebook