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.
Free PPE Available for Health and Human Service Providers
The State of Michigan has allocated $25 million of federal CARES Act funds for the Michigan Personal Protective Equipment Grant Program. This program will assist health and human service providers who have been impacted by COVID-19 by providing grants for up to 90 days of PPE for frontline workers. Find out more information and apply for this program here. Applications are open through September 8.
Gov. Whitmer Extends Protections at Long-Term Care Facilities
Gov. Whitmer signed an executive order that extends visiting restrictions at long-term care facilities through September 30. This includes all healthcare facilities, residential care facilities, congregate care facilities, and juvenile justice facilities. This order also clarifies that “residential care facilities” includes nursing homes, adult foster care facilities, hospice facilities, substance abuse disorder residential facilities, independent living facilities, and assisted living facilities. Under this order, the Department of Health and Human Services is authorized to gradually re-open to visitors when appropriate.
Local Back to School Plans Compiled
The new school year is currently underway or will start soon. Under the “Return to School” Roadmap, in-person learning is allowed in all areas of Michigan with recommendations for protecting public health. School districts have the discretion to return in-person, remotely, or through some combination of the two. You can find more information about reopening plans for school districts in the 67th House District here.
Secretary of State Offering Appointments, Extended Hours for License Renewals
Secretary of State branch offices are now offering special appointments and extended hours for Michigan residents to renew driver’s licenses or state ID cards. To make an appointment, visit Michigan.gov/SOSAppointments, or call 888-SOS-MICH (767-6424). Note that renewal dates for drivers licenses, CDLs, state ID cards, and vehicle registrations have been extended through Sept. 30, 2020. To qualify for the extension, the license or vehicle registration must have been set to expire after March 1, 2020.
Notarization Changes to Continue
Requirements for in-person notarizations will continue to be temporarily suspended. Transactions that require a notary are allowed to instead use two-way, real-time audiovisual technology. Electronic signatures are temporarily allowed in almost all cases. This order takes immediate effect and will continue through September 30.
Protections Enacted for Workers Who Stay At Home
Employers are not allowed to retaliate against workers who stay home because they are attempting to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Executive order 2020-172 prohibits employers from discharging, disciplining, or otherwise retaliating against an employee who is staying home because they have tested positive for COVID-19, are showing symptoms of the virus, or one of their close contacts has tested positive or is showing symptoms.
While legislative offices remain 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