Dear Friend,

I am honored to serve as the representative from the 5th House District. I will continue to be a strong advocate in Lansing for the residents and families of Detroit. Please encourage your friends and families to stay connected and subscribe to this e-newsletter. It will keep you up to date on legislation and policies coming from the Capitol, as well as my community events and district news.

2022 Budget Overview

I was proud to vote yes on the fiscal year 2022 state budget to support local infrastructure, public safety, community health, and parks and recreation projects.

Some of the highlights include:

  • Approximately $2.7 billion in federal supplemental relief funds, including mortgage assistance and home repairs ($121 million), water affordability ($36.2 million), and energy assistance ($238 million).
  • A 5% increase in higher education and community college operations payments.
  • A historic $1.5 billion investment in child care that will decrease costs for working families, expand access and support child care providers.
  • Full funding for Michigan Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners tuition scholarship programs.
  • $15 million for lead removal and home repair grants.

For our district, I secured $250,000 for Bridging Communities and $6.7 million to expand Medicaid coverage to include sickle cell disease. The funding given to expand coverage will ensure those living with sickle cell have access to the lifesaving medications and treatments they need. It will also address health care inequity prominent in Detroit and across the state. We’ve also funded $8 million in new initiatives to reduce health disparities, which we know from our battle with COVID-19, are very much needed.

Finally, I have heard some concerns over boilerplate language that would prohibit local health departments from issuing orders designed to limit the spread of COVID-19. I share those concerns and would not have voted for a budget that does not prioritize the health and safety of our community. These sections of boilerplate are unenforceable, as you cannot create policy in budget boilerplate. The language is unconstitutional. I trust the governor will see it that way as well.

Detroit Eviction Assistance and Prevention Program

The city of Detroit recently announced the launch of the Detroit Eviction Assistance and Prevention Program. The program aims to provide Detroiters who’ve been evicted and suffered financial hardship from the COVID-19 pandemic with legal representation if taken to  court, back rent assistance and immediate job placement services.

To qualify, a single person must make under $44,000, and a family of four must make under $62,000. For more information or to apply, visit detroitevictionhelp.com or call (866) 313-2520.

Thank you for taking the time to read my legislative update. If you are in need of any support or resources or have questions regarding legislation or state government in general, please feel free to reach out to me at my office via email at CynthiaAJohnson@house.mi.gov or by calling (517) 373-0844.