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Dear Neighbor: Here is some information that I hope you will find helpful, including some updates and news from your state government.
Upcoming Event: Virtual Coffee Hour Please join me for a Facebook Live coffee hour this Monday, June 21, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. You will find the event on my Facebook page at that time. I will give a legislative update and answer any questions you may have. Please email KaraHope@house.mi.gov with any questions or topics you would like covered. I look forward to speaking with you all soon. Eliminating Juvenile Court Fines, Fees Would Promote Justice I introduced a bipartisan package of bills last week that would prohibit juvenile courts in Michigan from charging and collecting fines and fees from young offenders or their families. Fines and fees for youth are inefficient and inconsistently imposed. They worsen poverty for families and disproportionately harm youth and families of color. It’s time for our state to take this crucial step to improve our juvenile justice system. Expanding High-Speed Internet Access, Affordability to Make Michigan More Competitive The need for reliable high-speed internet has never been greater. That’s why my colleagues and I introduced bills that would make high-speed internet more affordable and accessible. Improving our internet infrastructure will create jobs, strengthen our economy and support education. Michigan is currently ranked 19th in the country for broadband access. To remain competitive, our state needs to make this investment. Supporting Survivors at the ‘We Can’t Wait’ Rally My colleagues and I joined survivors of catastrophic car-crash injuries, as well as their families and caregivers, for the “We Can’t Wait” rally last week. We’re demanding quick action on Senate Bill 314 and House Bill 4486 to stop cuts to rehabilitative care that will go into effect on July 1 as part of Michigan’s new no-fault auto insurance. These cuts to long-term care providers, including rehab facilities, will hurt the quality of life for survivors and their families. There is a very real concern that these cuts will be applied to people who made their insurance claims before July 1, 2021. I was proud to co-sponsor HB 4486. The Legislature needs to take up this issue and let survivors continue to receive the care they need.
I am always glad to see constituents. But my constituent David (pictured in the front with the colorful sign) and his mother, who is his caregiver, should not have to come to Lansing to make their case for why David should continue to receive services that their family has relied upon for years. Along with colleagues from both parties and both chambers of the Legislature, I recently asked the Michigan Supreme Court to give priority consideration to Andary, et. al. v. USAA Casualty Insurance Co. This case will determine whether more than 18,000 survivors of catastrophic auto accidents will lose insurance coverage for their injuries, even if their claims were made before July 1. These survivors should continue to receive the benefits specified in their auto insurance policy at the time of their accident. MSU Pavilion Vaccine Clinic Closes, COVID Vaccine Still Widely Available The Ingham County Health Department has closed the MSU Pavilion vaccine clinic and is shifting vaccination efforts to a community-based strategy. Everyone age 12 and older in Michigan is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. In addition to the health department, Sparrow Health Systems, McLaren Greater Lansing, Rite Aid, Meijer and other pharmacies are administering the vaccine.
Please don’t hesitate to contact my office at (517) 373-0587 or by email at karahope@house.mi.gov if we can help.
Sincerely,
Kara Hope State Representative |
