Dear Neighbor,
Welcome to my latest e-newsletter! Included in this edition are some important legislative and COVID-19 updates, along with a few resources I hope will prove helpful. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office by phone at (517) 373-1788 or email at KyraBolden@house.mi.gov for questions about this or any other state-level issue.
In Service,
Kyra Bolden
State Representative, 35th House District
Upcoming Events
Please be on the lookout for my upcoming events. The best way for me to serve you is making sure your voice is heard. You can watch live on Facebook Live and Zoom:
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Please register for the March 15 Coffee Hour here.
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Help us recognize both a front-line worker and local business. Please send your nominations to me here: Suggest a Tribute
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Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/91875990807?pwd=ZGJoR203SzFyRml2MWp4TTZVVEh2Zz09
Meeting ID: 918 7599 0807 Passcode: 767397
Save the Date: Covid-19 Town Hall: “The Vaccine is Approved. What’s next?” with special guests Senator Jeremy Moss, Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence, Lt. Governor Garland Gilchrist, Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter and Dr. Joneigh Dr. Khaldun, Chief Medical Executive and Chief Deputy Director for MI Health and Human Services. Dr. Asha Shajahan, Director of Health Equity and Health Disparities at Beaumont Hospital will also be joining as a special guest. Join us Friday, March 26, 2021, at 5:30 p.m.
Legislative Updates
In February I had two bills referred to the Committee on Judiciary. House Bills 4141 and 4154 seek to decriminalize certain offenses.
HB 4141 would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code (MVC) to make it a civil infraction for not properly registering or making registration available upon the demand of a law enforcement officer (LEO), or not having a registration decal on a moped.
HB 4154 would amend the Code of Criminal Procedure, striking the provision not requiring the court to report the first and second offense of driving on a license that was suspended, revoked, or denied that are misdemeanors under the Michigan Vehicle Code. This exception is no longer needed because they are no longer considered misdemeanors, but rather civil infractions under HB 4153, which this bill is tie-barred to.
COVID-19 Updates
Gov. Whitmer announced that starting March 8, those 50 and older with medical conditions or disabilities and caregiver family members and guardians who care for children with special health care needs can receive the vaccine. Starting March 22, all residents 50 and older will be eligible.
We know that the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine has been slow, but our state is making progress in getting shots in arms. The state’s COVID-19 dashboard shows that 45% of people aged 65-74 have at least one dose, with 49% of those 75 or older having received at least one dose. As it stands, 13% of people 50 to 64 have received at least one dose.
You’ve probably heard the Johnson & Johnson vaccine was recently approved, and just last week, President Biden announced they will have enough vaccines for every American by the end of May. Just a few short weeks ago, this timeline was the end of July. As weekly supplies to our state increase and we vaccinate more Michiganders, eligibility will also expand. Please be patient, it will take time to get these vaccines in arms, but it will be worth our efforts.
Last week, Michigan received approximately 500,000 vaccinations, roughly 410,000 Pfizer and Moderna, and roughly 85,000 Johnson & Johnson. Our state is continuing to make tremendous strides in receiving and administering vaccinations.
Currently, Oakland County has started a “Save Your Spot” sign-up for the vaccine, which allows Oakland County to organize and distribute the vaccine. Follow these steps to reserve your spot.
- Visit the Oakland County Website provided and select “Save Your Spot” Oakland County Vaccine Hub – Information and resources on the COVID-19 Vaccine
- Fill out your information and submit
- You will be notified via text, phone, or email when there are vaccine doses available
For statewide vaccine distribution information, visit the State of Michigan COVID-19 Vaccine website.
Women’s History Month (3/1)
March is Women’s History Month. We celebrate this month each year to highlight the accomplishments and contributions of women throughout history and acknowledge the women making history today. We are proud of the legacy they have created and we are dedicated to becoming history makers of the future.
In honor of Women’s History Month, we recognize the sacrifices women have made to break barriers and shatter the glass ceiling for women today. Women can do and be anything they set their minds to.
Black History Month
Please watch Facing the Rising Sun: Black Leadership in the Michigan Legislature on Facebook, which I was proud to have been featured on along with many of my House colleagues as we shed a new and emotional light on the past, present and future of Black History. With over 200 live viewers, 200 shares and 281 comments, this premiere was an incredible success! Thank you to everyone who joined the live event.
Southfield Public School Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
I had the pleasure of being the Mistress of Ceremony for the Southfield Public School Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Founders Day Virtual Celebration. We honored our local heroes; teachers, parents and support staff have no shortage of spirit, no shortage of imagination and no shortage of commitment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please watch the following video presentation recorded Tuesday, March 2, 2021: Southfield PTA Council 2021 Virtual Founders’ Day Celebration – YouTube.