Dear Neighbors and Friends,
HAPPY June Pride Month! I hope everyone is enjoying this month with love and kindness and staying as dry as possible! With the in-district legislative break right around the corner, I wanted to hold off on sending our June HD10 e-news until we were further into budget negotiations and where more resources became available.
Continue reading on for upcoming events, legislative updates and resources, along with other helpful community information.
As your state representative, I am most effective when acting on your input. I encourage you to reach out to my office with any concerns, questions or comments you may have. You can contact me at (517) 373-0857, by email at MaryCavanagh@house.mi.gov or by visiting my website.
With gratitude,
Mary Cavanagh
State Representative
House District 10 (Redford Twp. & NW Detroit)
Upcoming Events
Cavanagh’s Community Conversation
Please join me at my next virtual Community Conversation for an opportunity to hear special guests, resources, legislative updates, upcoming community, and volunteer opportunities and the chance to ask me questions and share how I can best represent you in Lansing.
When: Monday, June 28, from 6-7 p.m.
Where: Zoom and Facebook Live.
How: https://www.facebook.com/events/1538621719819052?ref=newsfeed
You also can register here: https://bit.ly/3qjJHA3
Although we postponed June’s e-news by a week, please mark your calendars, because every third Monday from 6-7 p.m., I host HD10’s Community Conversations, so please save-the-date for the 3rd Monday of the month to check-in with me about what is going on in Lansing.
Please look out for Expungement Fairs, Community Garden Tours, Volunteer Opportunities and Walking Events coming up in the next following months. Like my Facebook page for updates and more!
Legislative Update
STATE OF EMERGENCY: WAYNE COUNTY FLOODING
The Governor has declared a state of emergency in Wayne County, and a critical step in being approved for FEMA disaster relief funds is that each local municipality submit damages assessments to Wayne County as soon as possible. I’m working with Rep. Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck), to accurately document damages to our homes and communities, please fill out this form www.repaiyash.com/flood. Note: this form does not replace any official claim but will be collected and relayed to each respective city and township to assist with data collection for potential relief.
As Detroit and all of southeast Michigan deals with the heavy rains and flooding, please know my office is available for anything you may need: cleanout, qualifying for claims and additional flood resources (drinking water testing, relocation services or insurance) at (517) 373-0857 or MaryCavanagh@house.mi.gov.
For more information about local resources, call 2-1-1.
Detroit Freshmen COVID-19 Package
The Detroit Freshman Fab-5 collaborated together to roll out a package of legislation that will strengthen our response efforts and help small business owners bounce back from 15 months of hardships, give much-needed and well-deserved relief to our frontline workers, and continue to fight for our families who continue to persevere through the challenges of this pandemic.
My bill in the package, HB 4773, would codify the governor’s flexible work share program to help prevent layoffs in times of high unemployment. This ensures that the business can keep their labor force on the job and that employees’ paychecks will be protected so that they can continue to support their families.
House Passes Budget: Key Funding & Historic School Appropriations
Thursday, June 24, after a long night of voting, The House passed a nearly $70 billion budget to fund state government, boost K-12 schools and make Michigan history by closing the funding gap between districts that has persisted for decades by sending them a collective $4.4 billion one-time-only COVID-19 relief funds.
Negotiated with Gov. Whitmer and approved late Thursday night in bipartisan support, the series of current-year and fiscal year 2022 budget bills were sent to the Senate for approval.
Under this plan, every district in Michigan would receive a baseline of $8,700 in funding per student in 2022, up from $8,111 to $8,529 this year, in addition to at least $1,093 going to every student in a one-time pandemic funding from the federal stimulus. For continued equity among districts, more at-risk students will continue to receive additional funding.
Note: The Michigan Constitution does not require lawmakers to balance the state budget until Oct. 1, but doing so by next week, before the in-district break, would provide funding certainty for local governments and schools working to finalize their own budget over the summer.
The $16.7 billion education budget that was approved by the house includes a $421 million increase in classroom funding and $262 million in targeted payments to ensure all districts are equally funded, closing the gap that has existed since Proposal A of 1994. For more information click here.
Governor Whitmer’s plan to Transform Early Childhood Education.
Governor Whitmer has announced a plan to expand the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) to provide every eligible child access to high-quality preschool. All 4-year-olds with family incomes under 250% of the federal poverty level are eligible.
Governor Whitmer will also be focused on ensuring there is an adequate supply of providers and transportation to early education in all areas of the state – and dedicating $50 million.
(The Latest) Cavanagh Introduced Legislation
HB 5040– An appropriation allocating $25 million to help Michigan schools purchase mobile hotspots for their students.
This bill was introduced in a package of House Bills (5032-40) to help bring high-speed internet to more Michigan homes and businesses. Covid-19 has highlighted the importance of fast, reliable internet to ensure Michigan’s workforce and economy remain competitive and students have access to a quality education.
HB 5020– Prohibiting law enforcement officers to use kinetic energy projectile (rubber bullets) or chemical (tear gas) weapons to disperse an assembly of people.
This bill was introduced in a package of 16 House Democratic bills aimed at reforming policing to bring transformational change and increase safety for law accountability and the public. With Tamika Palmer, Breonna Taylor’s mother, in attendance, the package is one of many bill packages in the works.
The In-Case-You-Missed-It TIMELINE
- JUNE: Michigan Legislature formally recognizes Pride Month for the first time in history.
- JUNE: Michigan Legislature formally recognizes June as Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month.
- JUNE: Michigan Legislature formally recognizes June as Immigrant Heritage Month.
- June 8: Myself and several other state reps held a Justice for All Press Conference announcing the sweeping 16-bill package to bring transformational change to policing in Michigan.
- June 15: Democratic Leader Lasinski calls for a bipartisan committee to investigate MI ties to the D.C. insurrection.
- June 19: MI Legislative Video Presentation for Juneteenth, a day celebrated for the end of slavery in our country. May we respect all cultures, appreciation of differences & recognize our shared values make us a stronger nation.
- June 20: Happy Father’s Day to all the Father figures out there!
- June 16: DACA Press Conference held by myself, Chair of the Michigan Latino Caucus, and Vice Chair Rep. Darrin Camilleri calling for federal action to protect the DREAMERS of America.
- June 21: Child Tax Credit Awareness Day where monthly payments will begin July 15th with over 90% of US children eligible. See if you apply at http://childtaxcredit.gov/.
- June 22: Michigan’s remaining COVID-19 state mandates are lifted. Note: private businesses can still have their own restrictions so please review requirements
- June 23: Respecting Educators Press Conference held by Rep. Camilleri, Rep. Morse and Rep. Anthony announcing a bill package to combat teacher shortages in Michigan.
- June 27: PTSD Awareness Month. Please reach out to my office to find any available resources or assistance in your area at MaryCavanagh@house.mi.gov or (517) 373-0857
——————- RESOURCES ——————-
COVID-19 Vaccine? Please find your shot at Michigan.gov/COVIDVaccine.
Project Clean Slate
On April 11, new legislation took effect that more than doubles the number of Detroiters eligible for expungement. Over 7,000 people have registered for the program since Jan. 1, which is more than the previous 3 years combined! Please call (313) 237-3024, email projectcleanslate@detroitmi.gov or visit www.detroitmi.gov/projectcleanslate to register.
A “complete” registration includes: Submission of identification/proof of current Detroit residency (non-expired), no “open” segments on record (ICHAT) and no court costs or restitution owed.
Emergency Broadband Benefits
Eligible Michigander consumers may receive a $50 monthly discount on their broadband bill — $75 a month for eligible consumers living on qualifying tribal lands.
The broadband benefit program also provides for a one-time device discount of up to $100 for a laptop or desktop computer or tablet purchased through an eligible provider.
Please reach out to my office for more information regarding eligibility and how to apply at MaryCavanagh@house.mi.gov or by phone (517) 373-0857 or by visiting this page.
Affordable Housing Search Tool
Mayor Mike Duggan and Google recently announced that Detroit has been selected for Google.org’s Fellowship Program, in which Google employees will spend six months pro bono supporting the city to develop an affordable housing locator search tool.
When it is ready later this year, Detroiters using the portal will be able to:
- Use search filters to help them find the affordable housing options they want.
- Gain an understanding of how affordable housing works & eligibility for different types.
- Learn about the process & requirements for applying/accessing affordable housing.
- Additional functions may include an online application for affordable housing and enrollment in text message updates about new housing opportunities.
UIA: Work Search Waiver
A waiver of the work search requirement may be granted due to certain COVID-19 related reasons. Claimants can apply for a waiver online by logging into their Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM) or by calling the UIA Customer Service line at 866-500-0017. You must apply and be approved for the waiver before you certify for benefits for the bi-weekly certification period. You will be notified at the time of the request whether a waiver of the requirement is granted.
For more information on how to apply, waiver reminders, requirements and eligibility, please contact my office at MaryCavanagh@house.mi.gov or by phone (517) 373-0857.
Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) Offices Open to Appointments Beginning June 30.
Each appointment slot is 15 minutes and may be scheduled up to a week in advance. Appointments are available from 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday
Customers must schedule an appointment online to be seen by a UIA representative. Walk-in appointments will not be accepted. To schedule an in-person appointment, visit Michigan.gov/uia and click on Schedule an Appointment.
Community Update
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I am so happy to have honored yet another Redford Union School District teacher with an award of recognition! With 17 years of service in education, Shyam Thakker knows how to make an impact inside and outside of the classroom. From teaching at the Cyber Education Center to leading Zumba classes to securing basketball donations from the Detroit Pistons for our students, Shyam does it all. You may even recognize him from segments on our local news stations! Shyam’s outgoing, vibrant personality is just one of the many things that makes him a great educator. Keep up the great work and thank you for all the work you do here in Redford!
In addition, it was my pleasure to give tributes to the 20+ retirees of Redford Union School district this month as well!!!
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During their monthly food distribution right outside his Church located at 27171 West Chicago Road in Redford Twp., I was given the opportunity to both meet and honor Pastor Torion Bridge and Commonwealth Church here with a special tribute and help him celebrate his 3rd year anniversary leading Commonwealth Church and giving back to his community. Having gone to school at his church, formerly St. Robert Bellarmine, I was so pleased to see how much work and heart the Pastor put into revitalizing the entire place and making it come alive once again! Thank you so much for your commitment to the community and consistent leadership, Pastor Bridge!
I Want to Hear from You!
During this challenging time, it is more important than ever to stay in touch. I want to hear from you. My office is here to assist you or answer any questions you may have. Please look out for my team and I on the streets in the months of July and August going door-to-door for check-ins, resources, and to hear straight from HD10 on priorities and what our community needs! In addition, please don’t hesitate to reach me via email at MaryCavanagh@house.mi.gov.
You can also stay up-to-date about what’s going on in Lansing and find community events by following me on social media. You can ‘like’ my Facebook page here.
I hope you found this information useful and look out for the next Independence Day Newsletter coming out in July! Again, feel free to contact my office if we can ever be of any assistance.