Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Welcome to my latest e-newsletter! It is and continues to be a privilege to represent Livonia, Redford Township and Detroit, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our community in Lansing. I encourage you to stay up to date on what is going on in Lansing and continue to let me know about the issues that matter to you.
If there is anything I can do to help you and your family, please do not hesitate to call my office at 517-373-1530, or email me at [email protected]. You can also catch me on Facebook.
Legislative Update
Call for the Resignation of MDOC Director Heidi Washington
This week, myself and several of my former and current colleagues in the Michigan Legislature sent a letter to the Director of the Michigan Department of Corrections, Heidi Washington, demanding her immediate resignation due to the deplorable conditions in the facilities under her supervision. You can read that letter here.
For years concerns raised by inmates, their loved ones and legislators alike have gone unaddressed. Inmates have died due to suicide, preventable health conditions and dehydration. In the last month, there have been at least four deaths in MDOC facilities. These individuals are placed in the care of the State, and as state officials, we are all responsible for their health and safety. Repeated attempts by legislators to see that these concerns are addressed by MDOC have been met for years by a pattern of denial, dishonesty, obfuscation and obstruction. This is completely unacceptable, and change will not come without new leadership.
Vote Post
Follow this link to see what we have been voting on. As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office at 517-373-1530.
Constituent Resources
Contractor Fraud Awareness Week
The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is sharing tips to help consumers spot and avoid fraudulent contractor schemes when seeking help for repairs after damaging storms. Following severe weather incidents, fraudsters claiming to be adjusters, contractors and other service providers often call or go door-to-door claiming to offer services, like debris cleanup or home repairs. In these scams, the work may never be completed, may be done using poor-quality materials or workmanship, or victims may be significantly overcharged, costing them thousands of dollars.
Contractors and other service providers should never ask for cash in advance or pressure you to quickly sign a contract for repairs. You should always verify the contractor’s credentials and contact your insurer before hiring anyone.
If you suspect fraud, immediately contact local law enforcement, your insurer, the DIFS Fraud Investigation Unit or the National Insurance Crime Bureau.
Community Update
The Detroit Promise
The Detroit Promise is a tuition-free college scholarship program for eligible Detroit students. It helps cover the cost of tuition and mandatory fees at participating Michigan colleges, universities and technical schools.
The program is designed to give Detroit students a more affordable path to:
- An associate degree
- A bachelor’s degree
- A technical or trade certificate
Detroit Promise is considered a “last-dollar” scholarship, meaning federal and state financial aid — like Pell Grants or TIP grants — are applied first, and Detroit Promise covers eligible remaining tuition costs.
For more information and to apply for the Detroit Promise, click here.
Events
Coffee Hours
I hope you can join me for one of my upcoming coffee hours! I look forward to having an informal conversation with you about the issues families face in our community. I host two coffee hours a month, one in-person and one virtual. The location for in-person coffee hours will rotate throughout the year between Livonia, Redford Township and Detroit.
My June in-person coffee hour will be in Livonia at Biggby Coffee (33443 7 Mile Road, Livonia, MI 48152). You can join the livestream for my virtual coffee hours on my Facebook page.
You can join the livestream for my virtual coffee hours on my Facebook page.
In-Person: Sunday, June 7, from 2-3 p.m.
Virtual: Monday, June 22, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Never hesitate to reach out to me or my staff if you have any questions or concerns!
Sincerely,
State Representative
17th House District