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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 Districts
Upcoming Events Tax Season Virtual Town Hall
On March 18, from 2-3 p.m., my office will be hosting a Tax Season Virtual Town Hall. You can watch by following this link. Meeting ID: 896 5562 1163 Passcode: 106848
Veterans Listening Tour
On Feb. 28, from 1-2:30 p.m. join me and fellow state representatives of the Michigan House Democrats and Director Zaneta Adams of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency for a statewide veterans listening tour. We want to hear directly from the brave men and women who have served our country about the issues that matter most to them and their families.
To register, please click HERE. Individuals are also encouraged to submit questions in advance when they register.
Financial Literacy Virtual Town Hall Recording
I want to thank everyone who attended our Financial Literacy Virtual Town Hall. We were able to spread the word on best practices for building generational wealth. To view a recording of the town hall, please click here.
Legislative Updates Incentivizing Economic Growth in DDAs
I am very pleased to share that HB 5062 was passed through the Senate unanimously and signed by Gov. Whitmer earlier today! This bill makes some minor changes to the Michigan Liquor Control Code to clarify the definition of “redevelopment” to incentivize economic growth in our downtown development districts.
Film Tax Credit Legislation On Tuesday, Feb. 1, I introduced HB 5724, which would help rebuild Michigan’s economy through the reinstatement of the historically successful film incentive program. This bill is part of a bipartisan package that would elevate Michigan as a leader in film production through a credit on tax liability for only verified, qualified expenditures by the industry. This will create lasting jobs in editorial facilities, stages and prop houses. Additional industries that directly help the production industry will also be impacted, including carpenters, catering, location rentals, hair, makeup, hotels and restaurants, just to name a few.
COVID-19 Updates & Resources MDHHS Updates Mask Guidance as State Enters a Post-Surge Recovery Phase in the COVID-19 Pandemic
As COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to decline in the state, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is updating its mask guidance for public settings, including school settings, to reflect that Michigan is entering a post-surge, recovery phase.
Moving forward, the COVID-19 cycle can be broken down into three key phases:
Currently, decreases in cases and hospitalizations and increased access to vaccines, testing and treatment indicate that Michigan is entering a post-surge, recovery phase of the cycle.
During this phase, MDHHS recommends that all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, continue to practice universal masking in high-risk congregate settings, including long-term care facilities, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, jails and health care facilities. All individuals, regardless of vaccination status, should also wear a mask during isolation and quarantine periods to stop further community spread of COVID-19.
MDHHS continues to recommend the use of layered mitigation strategies for Michiganders:
COVID-19 Vaccine Help If you know someone who doesn’t have access to the internet and they need the vaccine or need help with vaccine translation services, call 2-1-1 and press ‘5’ for free, confidential assistance.
For more information on COVID-19 vaccines specifically in Oakland County, visit the county’s website. The website also has resources for testing and FAQ about COVID-19.
Other News Labor Rally in Downtown Lansing On Feb. 11, members of the Michigan House Democratic Caucus joined a coalition of labor voices in downtown Lansing in support of the United 6 — a group of electricians formerly employed by United Electric Contractors. In a lawsuit filed last month, the group alleges that UEC maintained a retaliatory and hostile work environment where racial slurs and discrimination against Black and brown workers were commonplace. They held the demonstration in front of the Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan’s Lansing office — the trade association affiliated with UEC. In support of the United 6, I’ve issued the following statement:
“Racial discrimination has been an especially cruel part of our nation’s history. While we’ve made tremendous strides in combating racism, the stories the United Six have shared are proof that we still have a long way to go before achieving true equity. I proudly share my support for these men in taking a stand against racism — especially in the workplace.”
Interview with HuffPost I recently conducted an interview with HuffPost on HB 5348, which would allow for paid leave following a miscarriage. You can read the story following this link.
Oakland County Veterans Resource Fair Oakland County is holding a Veterans Resource Fair on Feb. 24, from 9 a.m. to noon at American Legion Post 377, 4819 Mary Sue St., in Clarkston. The Oakland County Veteran Services will be giving out $50 Meijer Food Cards to veterans who are Oakland County residents and have their DD214 with them. Veterans can also receive a free dental consultation with the Gary Burnstein Clinic at the fair. Eligible veterans will then be able to schedule an appointment for no-cost dental services.
Invest in MI Community Survey The federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was signed into law in mid-November. It promises to deliver billions of dollars for Michigan that will help us make large-scale positive investments and create good-paying jobs.
Gov. Whitmer has asked state departments to begin planning on how to spend this money, but the Legislature has a role to play, too. That’s why we want to hear from you! House Democrats know that it’s those we serve, the people living in and working in our communities, who know best what infrastructure needs to be improved.
Now’s your chance to tell us! Please click this link to fill out the survey with as much detail as possible. We’ll collect responses from across the state and partner with state and local officials, along with industry experts, to turn your input into action and rebuild Michigan.
Important Dates Black History Month February is National Black History Month; it is an annual celebration and recognition of African Americans and our role in U.S. history. This is a time to reflect and honor the sacrifices made by many who have fought and continue to fight for equity and equality for the black community.
Oakland County will be holding several events throughout the month. If you’d like to learn more about Black History Month. Feel free to visit this website.
American Heart Month Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Michigan and nationwide. American Heart Month was created to spread awareness and encourage people to focus on their cardiovascular health. The first Friday in February marks National Wear Red Day and raises awareness for women’s cardiovascular health. Heart disease is the number one killer of women and takes more lives each year than all forms of cancer combined, yet too many people are unaware. Cardiovascular disease is 80% preventable with a healthy lifestyle. However, everyone needs to understand their personal risk factors and family history to protect their heart health. |
