Capitol & Community Update

Dear Neighbor,

Welcome to the latest edition of my e-newsletter!

Included in this issue are some important updates, along with a few resources I hope you find helpful. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office by phone at (517) 373-0844 or email at NataliePrice@house.mi.gov for questions about what is included here or any other state-level issue. Feel free to also follow me on Facebook to get regular updates as well.

In Service,

Natalie Price
State Representative
5th House District

In this issue:

Save the Date: Education Town Hall on April 24
Legislative Updates
- Governor Signs Gun Safety Legislation
- House Passes Extreme Risk Protection Legislation
- Resolution to Defend Reproductive Health
State Updates & Resources
- MDHHS Medicaid Redeterminations
- Students, Families Encouraged to Apply for Michigan Achievement Scholarship
- Treasury: Applicants Wanted for Home Heating Credit
Other News
- Attorney General: Beware of Juice Jacking
- Grow Detroit’s Young Talent to Provide Summer Jobs for 8,000 Youth
Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Save the Date: Education Town Hall on April 24

Please mark your calendars for Monday, April 24, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. My office will be hosting a town hall focused on education at Renaissance High School in Detroit. Join us for a conversation with special guests on education policy and feel free to ask questions and bring up any concerns that you may have.

Legislative Updates

Governor Signs Gun Safety Legislation

Last week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation into law that will expand background checks for all firearm purchases, as well as legislation that creates safe gun storage requirements. I was proud to be there to witness that historic moment with students, educators and activists.

House Passes Extreme Risk Protection Legislation

This month, my colleagues and I passed legislation that creates the ability for our courts to issue Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs), otherwise known as “red flag” laws. These laws will help prevent gun violence and save lives by allowing people to take concrete steps to prevent acts of gun violence when they notice that a loved one poses a risk.

Resolution to Defend Reproductive Health

Last week, the House passed a resolution that I introduced that condemns the recent ruling by a Texas federal judge to block FDA approval of mifepristone and to reaffirm our commitment to reproductive freedom. You can find the resolution and my speech on the House floor by clicking the following links:

State Updates & Resources

MDHHS Medicaid Redeterminations

Recent federal changes could affect health care coverage for those on Medicaid.

During the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, many changes were made to the Medicaid program’s eligibility, administration and policies to ease rules for providers and prevent Medicaid beneficiaries from losing health-care coverage. Per recent federal legislation, Michigan will restart Medicaid eligibility renewals in June and amend certain waived policies that were in place during the pandemic.

To find out more information and to check your eligibility, please visit Medicaid Benefit Changes (michigan.gov).

Students, Families Encouraged to Apply for Michigan Achievement Scholarship

State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks is encouraging Michigan students and their families to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), so they have the opportunity for assistance available from the Michigan Achievement Scholarship.

Students who graduate from high school in Michigan with a diploma or certificate of completion or who have achieved a high school equivalency certificate in 2023 or after will be eligible for more financial aid from the state of Michigan:

Up to $2,000 if they attend an eligible training provider in Michigan, per year, up to two years.
Up to $2,750 if they attend a Michigan community college, per year, up to three years.
Up to $4,000 if they attend a Michigan private college or university, per year, up to five years.
Up to $5,500 if they attend a Michigan public university, per year, up to five years.

Completion of the FAFSA is required to be considered for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship. To get started with the FAFSA, go to FAFSA.gov.

Upcoming Webinars

To learn more about the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, high school students and families are encouraged to register for a free informational webinar provided by Michigan Department of Treasury’s MI Student Aid team. The webinar will cover eligibility requirements, award amounts, important action items for students and families, and additional resources and program information. The next upcoming webinar is listed below:

Tuesday, May 2, at 6:30 p.m.

Additional information about the Michigan Achievement Scholarship is available at Michigan.gov/MIStudentAid.

Treasury: Applicants Wanted for Home Heating Credit

Michiganders who need help with their energy bills can now apply for the Home Heating Credit, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury.

Low-income individuals; deaf, disabled or blind persons; disabled veterans; and senior citizens may qualify for the Home Heating Credit. Applicants are not required to file a Michigan individual income tax return to receive the credit.

Individuals can apply for the Home Heating Credit electronically through the e-File system.

Forms and instructional materials are available on the internet at Michigan.gov/IncomeTax or by calling (517) 636-4486. Forms are also available at many libraries, Northern Michigan post offices and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) offices across the state.

All applications for the credit must be received by Sept. 30.

Additional information can be found on the Home Heating Credit website. For more information about resources available for heating assistance, go to Michigan.gov/HeatingAssistance.

Other News

Update from the MI Attorney General: Beware of ‘Juice Jacking’

“Juice jacking” is a type of cyberattack where data is stolen from a smartphone, tablet or other electronic device while being charged at a public charging kiosk. This happens when hackers install malware into the kiosk.

When phones are plugged in to charge, the malware can transfer data to or from the phone. It can lock the phone or steal personal data. It provides access to sensitive information such as passwords and other credentials, credit card and bank account numbers, and even contacts.

Criminals will also intentionally leave charging cables at the kiosk or pass them out as a promotional gift. These cables may also be infected with malware that will download to the device when connected.

For more information, visit Beware of Juice Jacking (michigan.gov).

‘Grow Detroit’s Young Talent’ to Provide Summer Jobs for 8,000 Youth Ages 14-24

Detroit youth interested in a summer job should go to GDYT.org to apply. Registrations will be open until May 31.

After an individual expresses interest in a summer work experience through the Grow Detroit’s Young Talent program, the applicant will be randomly selected through a lottery system. Selected youth must complete all enrollment forms and upload the required documents into the CareerEdge portal. All properly registered GDYT youth will receive a minimum 12 hours of work-readiness pre-training prior to the start of their summer employment.

During May and June, select partners will have the opportunity to interview youth candidates at a GDYT-sponsored career fair for Career Pathways Internships, Industry-Led Training, and Pre-Apprenticeships, or through a virtual Career Fair. Successful GDYT-registered youth will also attend a Youth Orientation, where they will receive additional materials regarding timekeeping, benchmark achievements and the GDYT Handbook.

For more information about the youth applicant process, refer to GDYT’s Roadmap to Success at GDYT.org.

Capitol & Community Update