Dear Neighbor,
Welcome to my latest e-newsletter! Included in this edition are some important legislative and COVID-19 updates, along with a few resources I hope will prove helpful. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office by phone at (517) 373-1788 or email at KyraBolden@house.mi.gov for questions about this or any other state-level issue.
In Service,
Kyra Bolden
State Representative, 35th House District
Upcoming Events
Please be on the lookout for my upcoming events. The best way for me to serve you is making sure your voice is heard. You can watch live on Facebook Live and Zoom:
Help us recognize both a front-line worker and local business. Please send your nominations to me here: Suggest a Tribute.
Coffee Hour
Join special guest state Sen. Jeremy Moss and I for my next virtual Coffee Hour on Monday, May 17 at 5:30 p.m.! To join via Zoom, please visit this link.
Join special guest state Sen. Rosemary Bayer and I for a virtual Coffee Hour on Friday, June 4 at 12 P.M.! To register, please visit this link.
Help us inform our neighbors about community resources and what is happening in Lansing. Every week from May until August we will be knocking on doors to meet the community where they are. All COVID precautions will be followed to protect everyone’s safety including masking up. To sign up to knock or make calls, follow the link.
On behalf of the 35th House District of Michigan, I want to thank you for attending the virtual COVID-19 Town Hall: “The Vaccine is approved. What’s Next?” on March 26, 2021. We were able to spread awareness of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and give further awareness about the 3 vaccine options. To view a recording of the town hall please click here.
Legislative Updates
Legislator Financial Disclosure
Last week, I introduced and testified on HB 4684. The bill seeks to require legislators to file personal financial disclosures annually with both their chamber’s legislative ethics committee and either the Clerk of the House or Secretary of the Senate. This bill is part of the bipartisan ethics package developed between the House, the Senate and Voters Not Politicians.
Decriminalization Bills
On April 22, 2021 I introduced HB 4141 which seeks to make it a civil infraction for not properly registering or making this registration available upon the demand of a law enforcement officer (LEO). Under current law, these violations are a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment up to 90 days and/or a $100 fine.
COVID-19 Updates & Resources
Ascension Michigan Southfield Community Vaccine Clinic
In partnership with the City of Southfield, Ascension has launched a Southfield Community Vaccine Clinic in the Southfield Pavilion located at the Southfield Municipal Campus, 26000 Evergreen Road. To register for a vaccine appointment, visit ascensionhealth.inquicker.com/vaccine. No appointments needed. Individuals who are 16-17 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and will need to select “Pfizer vaccine” when setting up their appointment online.
For all vaccine related questions, contact Ascension Health Connect at (866) 501-DOCS (3627).
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Restaurant Revitalization Fund
As of Monday, May 3, applications opened for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. Go to sba.gov/restaurants for the registration link, an application checklist, an application user guide, FAQs, and more.
If you require additional help, call (844) 279-8898.
COVID-19 Vaccine Help
If you know someone who doesn’t have access to the internet and they’re eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, or maybe they need help with vaccine translation services, call 2-1-1 and press ‘5’ for free, confidential assistance.
Other News
I am proud to announce that Zoup! on Evergreen Road in Southfield was named the Business of the Month and Sonia Sorrenti, a volunteer at Southfield Beaumont, was named the Frontline Worker of the Month! Congratulations to our winners and thank you for all that you have done for our community.
Important Dates
Mother’s Day
Happy belated Mother’s Day and thank you to moms everywhere for all you do!
Ramadan
Eid al-Fitr
I would like to extend my best wishes to all Michiganders and Muslims around the world who celebrated Ramadan this month.
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month
May 1 marked the beginning of National Mental Health Awareness Month. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health of many people. As we continue to persevere, let’s find joy in making our mental health a priority and reducing the stigma around mental health struggles.
Motorcycle and Bicycle Awareness Month
May is Motorcycle and Bicycle Awareness Month. I would like to take a moment to address the ongoing coverage disparity for motorcyclists resulting from the recent auto no-fault reform. When the law took effect in July 2020, motorcyclists, in the event of a collision, would look to the current statutory order of priority to determine whose insurance is responsible to pay their benefits. As a result, coverage could be severely limited for many motorcyclists in Michigan. This is why I introduced HB 4812 in 2019. Unfortunately, the bill was not passed and many motorcyclists still feel left out. Which is why this year I am reintroducing the legislation. All Michiganders deserve to have access to the coverage and support they need after an accident.