Dear Neighbor,
Welcome to the latest edition of my e-newsletter. I am excited to share with you my upcoming virtual coffee hour date, the latest news about legislation I have introduced and an important update on the COVID-19 vaccine.
Remember, our government is most effective when we engage with it. I want to hear what matters most to you, how I can help address your needs and what you want me to fight for at the Capitol. My staff and I are always here to talk about ways we can improve our community. You can reach me at KellyBreen@house.mi.gov or (517) 373-0827.
In service,
Kelly Breen
State Representative, 38th House District
Coffee Hours:
Join me for my next coffee hour from the comfort and safety of your own home on Facebook Live, Friday, April 9, at 4 p.m. You’ll be able to hear the latest updates at the Capitol and have the chance to provide input and ask questions.
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Legislative Update:
I am pleased to share some of the bills I have introduced to help hardworking families in our district and throughout Michigan.
HB 4496 amends the General Property Tax Act to allow owners of commercial real property to enter into a delinquent property tax installment plan when facing foreclosure on the property. We are all aware of how hard the COVID-19 pandemic has hit Michigan businesses; by expanding the current use of county repayment plans to include commercial properties, my bill would help provide Michigan counties with an avenue to collect past-due taxes while preventing business foreclosures at the same time.
UIA Package HB 4509 deletes the burdensome statutory requirements in involuntary leave for medical reason cases by shifting the burden of proof onto the claimant. Current requirements are untenable if they are being used by employers to summarily deny unemployment benefits to someone having any sort of health issue.
Equal Pay Bill package requires the state to include a review of wage differentials in its annual report with the goal of decreasing wage disparity between sexes.
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National Reading Month
March is National Reading Month! Reading helps children develop language, emotional well-being and critical thinking skills, and starts them on the path for success in school. Even reading 15 minutes a day can make a huge difference for kids. No matter the age, reading is essential for education, professional development and character growth. I was so glad to share my favorite stories with nine classrooms from the 38th!
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Vaccines Open to All Adults Over 16 Starting in April
The state recently announced vaccine eligibility will be open to all residents ages 16 and older starting April 5. This is in addition to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recent move to vaccinate Michigan residents ages 50 and older with medical conditions or disabilities, and caregiver family members and guardians who care for children with special health care needs. Also, on March 22, vaccine eligibility expanded to include all residents 50 years old and older and 16 and older with disabilities or medical conditions which put them at high risk of negative outcomes from COVID-19.
Oakland County Vaccine Update
Oakland County residents can still pre-register to get the COVID-19 vaccine at the Oakland County Health Department website, by clicking here. I will continue to work with the Oakland County legislative delegation, the county health department, county commissioners and the governor to ensure our area secures the necessary doses to keep our residents safe and protected. I also encourage you to register with Walgreens, Rite-Aid, Meijer and Walmart, to increase your chances of getting the vaccine. These pharmacies receive vaccines on their own schedule. I will continue to work with these groups until each Oakland County resident who wants a COVID vaccine gets one.
Walgreens: https://www.walgreens.com/topic/promotion/covid-vaccine.jsp
Rite-Aid: https://www.riteaid.com/covid-19
Meijer: https://clinic.meijer.com/
Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/cp/1228302
For more COVID-19 vaccine information, please visit Michigan.gov/COVIDVACCINE.