| Dear Neighbor:
Here is some information that I hope you will find helpful, including some updates on the state’s efforts to address COVID-19 and its effects on housing, employment, and more.
Join Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum, Lansing City Clerk Chris Swope, Delhi Charter Twp. Clerk Evan Hope, Wheatfield Twp. Clerk Denise Kapp, and me this coming Monday, June 12 at 11 a.m., for an informative discussion on voting in the COVID-19 era.
If you have questions you would like answered during this event, you can post them here. I hope you can join me!
NAACP “We Are Done Dying” Peace March
Thanks to the NAACP Youth & College Division and the NAACP’s Lansing Chapter for organizing a moving, peaceful event on Wednesday at the Capitol. I appreciate that young activists led the event and gave the speeches instead of politicians. It is important to hear the experiences of young people of color. If we (allies, white people, white elected people) don’t truly listen, we won’t learn and do better. And we must do better.
Implicit Bias and De-escalation Police Training Bill Passes Michigan Senate
On June 4, the Michigan Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 945. This bill would add deescalation, implicit bias, and mental health screening training to the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) certification requirements. Some Michigan police departments already require some form of de-escalation, cultural competency, or implicit bias training, but SB 945 would require that every officer receive such training as part of their initial MCOLES training and certification.
I support this bill and other efforts to reduce racism and the use of excessive force in our police departments. I hope I get the chance to vote on this bill in the House of Representatives.
Evictions Temporarily Suspended
Gov. Whitmer signed an executive order yesterday that extends the temporary suspension of evictions through June 30. Under this order, tenants and mobile home owners can remain in their homes, even if they are unable to pay their rent for reasons related to COVID-19.
Protections Extended for Jails, Prisons, and Juvenile Detention Centers
Executive Order 2020-119 will extend the protections for vulnerable populations in jails, prisons, and juvenile detention centers. This order outlines risk reduction protocols that have been adopted and implemented by the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC). It temporarily suspends transfers into and from MDOC facilities until risk reduction protocols are adequately in place, suspends provisions of the Jail Overcrowding Emergency Act to allow local officials more flexibility in releasing vulnerable populations who do not pose a threat to public safety, and makes strong recommendations for juvenile detention centers across the state.
Disaster Relief Child Care Centers Will Continue to Operate Through July 7
Disaster relief child care centers will continue to operate through July 7 under Executive Order 2020-117. With schools closed, these centers provide child care services for healthcare workers, first responders, and other essential workers. Under this order, certain regulatory restrictions are lifted and school districts and hospitals are able to operate these child care centers. You can find more information about disaster relief child care centers here.
Youth Work Permit Application Requirements Suspended Through July 3
Some requirements for minors to obtain work permits have been temporarily lifted. This change was made because school closures have made it more difficult for young workers to obtain necessary records from their schools. Under this executive order, these permits can be mailed, emailed, faxed, or sent online through July 3.
As we all continue to deal with the pandemic’s effects on the health and welfare of our communities, I will continue to provide up-to-date information for you and your family. While legislative offices are closed to the public, my team is still providing responsive service as they work from home. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at (517) 373-0587 or by email at karahope@house.mi.gov if we can help.
Sincerely,
Kara Hope
State Representative
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