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Dear Neighbors and Friends,
Happy autumn, and a Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! If you did not know, the month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 represents the anniversary of independence for Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Nicaragua. Across the nation, we celebrate this month by remembering the rich history of our Latinx and Hispanic communities and appreciating our vibrant and varied cultures. We also reflect on the impact that Hipanic and Latinx Americans have had on our state, country and the world. Being a Hispanic-Irish American, I was honored to introduce a resolution acknowledging this month in the state of Michigan. You can watch my floor speech addressing the resolution here: https://youtu.be/FjDVoklwkEM.
As your state representative, I am the most effective when acting on your input. I encourage you to reach out to my office with any concerns, questions or comments you may have. Not only can you reach out to my office for help, but if you’d like to highlight a small business, community activist or just an incredible resident of House District 10, I would love to feature them in our e-news, Community Conversation, social media pages and more!
You can contact me at (517) 373-0857, MaryCavanagh@house.mi.gov or by visiting my website.
With gratitude,
Mary Cavanagh State Representative House District 10 (Redford Township and Northwest Detroit)
Upcoming Events Fall into Wellness – Health Fair at O’Hair Park Mark your calendars for Friday, Oct. 29! From 1-6 p.m., Wayne State University’s Mobile Health Unit will be providing a range of health services at O’Hair Park! The team of health care professionals will be offering:
No identification or insurance are required to access any of these services. We’ll be joined by several community partners with everything from job opportunities to delicious treats! There is something for everyone. You don’t want to miss it!
October’s Community Conversation This month, we are moving the Monthly Community Conversation Townhall up a week, it will take place on Monday, Oct. 18, from 6-7 p.m. This is an opportunity for us to chat, for you to ask me questions and for me to share updates from Lansing. This session will be live on Zoom as well as Facebook. Please register here: https://bit.ly/3kVB9y3. I hope to see you there and please share with your friends, family and anyone else who might be interested!
Legislative Update State Budget Passed House and Senate; Signed By Gov. Whitmer I was proud to work with my House colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass a budget that will make transformational investments in Michigan’s future. I am especially proud of the $1.5 million we brought back for the Wayne Metro Community Action Agency Home Repair Program. While knocking doors in House District 10 this summer, I met many constituents who were unable to afford the needed improvements to their homes that ensure their family’s safety and their home’s longevity. For most, loans are not a feasible option, which is why funding this grant program was critical for our neighborhoods.
My House Democratic colleagues and I fought to ensure this budget works for Michigan families across our state, and I am so proud to deliver critical funding for a number of my key priorities:
In the wake of the worst crisis we’ve seen in our lifetime, it’s more important than ever that we invest in our communities and ensure everyone in our state has the support they need to not only recover but thrive. I look forward to continuing negotiations around the remaining federal dollars available to Michigan and bringing even more funding home to our community.
House Passes Bills Concerning Elections Republicans have advanced several bills that address fictitious election security problems despite the proven fact that there was no widespread fraud in our recent elections. Four of these bills made it to the floor on Sept. 30, and I voted NO on all four because of the mistrust they project. These bills were pushed with a false sense of urgency and imply that our elections aren’t free and fair.
Thankfully, Gov. Whitmer vetoed this bills over the weekend:
As the leading democracy in the world, we have a proud history of free and fair elections. Instead of passing bills that are a solution in search of a problem, we should reinforce confidence in our democratic institutions and protect the freedom to vote.
Tax Policy Committee Favorably Votes on Ending Tampon Tax I am proud to share that the Tax Policy Committee has taken the next step towards repealing the Tampon Tax! Earlier this month I delivered a YES vote on House Bills 4270 (Yancey) and 5267 (Posthumus), which exempt menstrual hygiene products from use and sales taxes. After years of advocating for the end of this inequitable taxation, I am pleased that the Legislature finally took the next step to exempt these medically necessary products from sales and use taxes, like most other essential health items. Now that the bill has been reported out favorably from committee, we hope to see the bills brought to the floor soon for a vote.
Unemployment Updates Repayment Requirements Waived The Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) announced in July that anyone who applied in good faith to receive Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) will not have to repay their benefits.
Status Update on Protest Process If you protested a decision made by the UIA about receiving benefits, the agency has estimated that the protest process will take several months. While you await the results of the protest, be sure to assemble as much additional documentation as possible. At this time, protests are being handled in the order they were received and cannot be expedited or flagged.
Customer Service Availability Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) Offices are OPEN to appointments. Each appointment slot is 15 minutes and may be scheduled up to a week in advance. Appointments are available from 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday.
To schedule an in-person appointment, visit Michigan.gov/uia and click on Schedule an Appointment.
Resources Still need a COVID-19 Vaccine? Please find your shot at Michigan.gov/COVIDVaccine.
Resources for Residents Facing Eviction The federal moratorium on evictions has ENDED. There are several resources that can help you wherever you are in the eviction process. You are not alone!
Community Updates Congratulations Eagle Scouts I want to publicly shout out four phenomenal young men who became the newest Eagle Scouts of Troop 401. Darrick Nunnally, Jacob Skowronek, Allan Ngumo and George Ngumo were honored earlier this month at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor. Their dedication to making their community a better place is an inspiration to us all. May you continue to grow, explore, inspire and, most importantly, always finish what you start. I want you all to know that you have a cheerleader and friend here in Lansing. Congratulations!
Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission The Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission is still working on redrawing our state House, state Senate and Congressional district maps. You can offer input on their drafts online or at one of their public comment events, which can be located on their website: /www.michigan.gov/micrc/.
Guardians of HD 10 This summer, we launched the Facebook group for Guardians of HD 10! This is a group for residents, community activists, leaders and business owners of House District 10 who are passionate about improving our community. It’s a place for conversation, brainstorming, collaboration and creativity, where all are welcome to find their voice as we shape our “House District” into a “Home District.” Above all, this group is a commitment among neighbors to be the change we want to see in Northwest Detroit and Redford. Join our private group here: www.facebook.com/groups/1314030308999893.
Farmers Market Only a few more weeks left to take advantage of the Redford Township Farmers Market! Located at 15138 Inkster Road in Redford, they’re open on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring your family out and help support your local community members. The last day that the Farmers Market will be available is Oct. 18. For more information, follow them on Facebook @Redfordmarketatthemarquee. Don’t miss out!
I Want to Hear from You! During this challenging time, it is more important than ever to stay in touch. I want to hear from you! My office is here to assist you or answer any questions you may have.
Please look out for my team and I on the streets! We are going door-to-door for check-ins, resources, and to hear straight from HD10 on priorities and what our community needs. In addition, please don’t hesitate to reach me via email at MaryCavanagh@house.mi.gov.
You can also stay up to date about what’s going on in Lansing and find community events by following me on social media. You can ‘like’ my Facebook page here.
I hope you found this information useful and look out for the next newsletter coming out next month! Again, feel free to contact my office if we can ever be of any assistance. |
