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 RepKellyBreen.com or (517) 373-0827.

In service,

Kelly Breen

State Representative, 38th House District

Upcoming Events:

Next Coffee Hour-  Friday, May 14 at 4 p.m.

Vacc to Normal

MI ‘Vacc to Normal’ Challenge

Governor Whitmer announced a plan last week to get Michigan back to normal by tying COVID-19 vaccination rates to relaxing public health restrictions. As of May 11, 2021, 55% of Michiganders have been vaccinated. The following four-tier system will be implemented as vaccine numbers increase:

  • Two weeks after 55% of Michiganders (4.4 million residents) are vaccinated: all in person work will be allowed.
  • Two weeks after 60% of Michiganders (4.8 million residents) are vaccinated:
    • Indoor capacity at sports stadiums will increase to 25%;
    • Indoor capacity at conference centers, banquet halls and funeral homes will increase to 25%;
    • Capacity at exercise facilities and gyms will increase to 50%; and
    • The curfew on restaurants and bars will be lifted.
  • Two weeks after 65% of Michiganders (5.2 million residents) are vaccinated:
    • Indoor capacity limits will be lifted; and
    • Limits on residential social gatherings will be relaxed.
  • Two weeks after 70% of Michiganders (5.6 million residents) are vaccinated: the Gatherings and Face Masks Order will be lifted.

Everyone age 16 and older in Michigan is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine

For vaccine options see https://linktr.ee/RepKellyBreen.

State Tax Deadline Moved Back a Month

State of Michigan individual income tax annual returns are now due on May 17, 2021, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury. More information about e-filing is available at michigan.gov/mifastfile.

SOS: Audit Report Shows MI 2020 Elections Conducted Safely, Securely

The results of 250 post-election audits found, again, that there were no discrepancies between what Michigan reported as the results of its 2020 presidential election and what actually occurred.

Three types of audits – precinct procedural audits, absent voter counting board audits and risk limiting audits – have been conducted since November.

FEMA to Help Pay Funeral Costs for COVID-19-related Deaths

FEMA has announced they will cover funeral costs incurred after January 20, 2020, beginning in early April of 2021. Eligibility requirements can be found in this press release and for more information, visit FEMA’s website here.

Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF)

The application portal for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) grant program is now open. Operators are able to register through the Small Business Association (SBA RRF) portal and the applications will remain open until funding runs out.

As a reminder, for the first 21 days that the application is open the SBA will prioritize businesses owned and controlled by women, veterans and socially/economically disadvantaged peoples. However, all applicants should register and apply as soon as the portal opens! The SBA has confirmed that funds will be given out on a first-come, first-serve basis and that likely demand will supersede available funds.

Application Portal: https://bit.ly/3gPpuPB.

MRLA RRF Resources: https://www.mrla.org/rrf.html.

Testimony

Legislative update:

First Hearing

I was truly humbled to present testimony on House Bill 4496 in the House Committee on Local Government. I was honored to be joined and supported with this legislation by Oakland County Treasurer Andy Meisner.

This bipartisan bill allows county treasurers to enter into repayment plans with commercial property owners who are delinquent on their property taxes. This bill follows the current procedures that are in place in the law for residential property owners. As Treasurer Meisner indicated, having this option available to our county treasurers would allow them to more effectively and efficiently help people and businesses that are in financial distress.