Capitol and Community Update

Dear Friend,

Welcome to my latest e-newsletter! Read on for legislative updates and things to do this month, along with other community information.

Legislative Update

The House and Senate returned Wednesday from the summer in-district work period. Sadly, the Legislature continued what has become a disturbing trend in Michigan; citizens followed the constitutional process to get an issue on the ballot, but the House and Senate rushed in to make sure voters cannot decide what they want.

Two pieces of voter-initiated legislation, one to increase the state’s minimum wage and the other to make sure workers could earn sick leave, were passed Wednesday. While that seems like good news on its face, the not-so-secret truth is that the majority most likely plans to “amend” the legislation after the election. This means the initiatives could be amended and not reflect the original citizen initiative language, and policies supported by more than 400,000 voter signatures may never come to be.

I believe that the collective voice of voters is what should rule in a democracy. I voted “no” Wednesday because I believe Michigan residents should have decided whether to adopt the policies that would have been on the ballot.

Summer Reading Contest

There is less than a week to submit your entry for my Summer Reading Contest. Winners will be announced on Sept. 14 and will receive a bookstore gift card (provided by private funds). For more information, please visit my website or call my office at (517) 373-7557.

Genesee County Recycle Day

The next Recycle Day event will be held Saturday, Sept. 15 from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. at Carman-Ainsworth Middle School and the Flint Water Service Center. Tires and appliances will be accepted. See the flyer for details.

Flint’s Mobile Food Pantry

Flint families may get nutritious food that can limit the effects of lead exposure during mobile food pantry hours set for September at locations throughout Flint.

The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan in Flint and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced the upcoming schedule for mobile food pantry stops to distribute foods rich in calcium, vitamin C and iron. Produce expected to be available to families in September includes squash, cabbage, sweet corn, onions, carrots, green beans, potatoes, bell peppers and eggplant. More than $300 million has been provided to help the residents of Flint, including funding for this initiative. Food distribution sites remain open while supplies last. Upcoming dates are:

Monday, Sept. 10, at 10 a.m. – Bethel United Methodist Church, 1309 Ballenger Highway
Tuesday, Sept. 11, at 10 a.m. – Asbury United Methodist Church, 1653 Davison Road
Thursday, Sept. 13, at 10 a.m. – Greater Holy Temple, 6702 N. Dort Highway
Monday, Sept. 17, at 10 a.m. – Bethel United Methodist Church, 1309 Ballenger Highway
Tuesday, Sept. 18, at 10 a.m. – Asbury United Methodist Church, 1653 Davison Road
Thursday, Sept. 20, at 10 a.m. – Greater Holy Temple, 6702 N. Dort Highway
Monday, Sept. 24, at 10 a.m. – Bethel United Methodist Church, 1309 Ballenger Highway
Tuesday, Sept. 25, at 10 a.m. – Asbury United Methodist Church, 1653 Davison Road
Thursday, Sept. 27, at 10 a.m. – Greater Holy Temple, 6702 N. Dort Highway

Flint residents can also pick up free, nutritious food at three Flint Help Center locations:

Bethel United Methodist Church, 1309 N. Ballenger Highway, open from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Mondays
Asbury United Methodist Church, 1653 Davison Road, open Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Greater Holy Temple, 6702 N. Dort Highway, open Thursdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

This schedule is subject to change, and information about additional food distribution dates will be announced as they are scheduled. For more information or to find out about any changes in the schedule, visit the Food Bank website at www.FBEM.org and find the updated schedule on the Mobile Pantry Distribution page, or call (810) 239-4441.

It's Time for Flu Vaccinations

Michigan residents are being urged by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to get flu vaccines to protect themselves from potentially life-threatening influenza amidst the first confirmed cases in the state.

An annual flu vaccination is the best way to prevent getting the flu and its complications. The flu is a contagious respiratory virus that often causes fever, sore throat, cough, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, headaches and fatigue. People already infected with the flu can spread the virus to others even before they feel sick. Everyone 6 months of age and older should receive a flu vaccine every year. It is especially important that children, adults ages 65 years and older, persons with chronic health conditions, and pregnant women get vaccinated against the flu. Flu vaccination for pregnant women protects both the mother and the unborn child.

For more information about vaccinations in Michigan, visit www.michigan.gov/immunize and www.michigan.gov/flu. To find a vaccine near you, visit http://vaccine.healthmap.org/.

Events, Programs or Services in the 48th House District

Paws to Read

Saturday, Sept. 15 from 11 a.m. until noon Davison Area Library, 203 East 4th St., Davison

Join Miss Katie and her four-legged friends Dasher, Casey and Lily. Practice reading with these furry, certified therapy dogs, or listen to your grown-up or Miss Katie read stories while you pet the doggies. All ages welcome, no registration necessary. For more details, please call (810) 653-2022 or visit the Genesee District Library website.

National Library Card Sign-Up Month at All Branches

September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month. Public libraries are free resources for residents to use at their convenience. Public libraries in the United States play an essential role in providing safe, accessible, and 100 percent free educational resource centers for every member in communities across the country. At a library, it doesn't matter how much money you make, because every resource there is free of charge, including books, internet access, and educational and professional training programs. Individuals and families, no matter their socioeconomic status, can count on their libraries to provide them with the resources they need to succeed and the answers to important questions they can't otherwise find. To find a branch near you, please visit the Genesee District Library website.

Fun fact: Michigan ranks first in state boat registrations.

I hope you found this information useful. Please feel free to contact my office if we can be of any assistance.

Sincerely,

State Representative Pam Faris

48^th House District