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
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COVID Update
Since June 22, capacity in both indoor and outdoor settings has increased to 100% and the state no longer requires residents to wear a face mask.
In addition to the updated gatherings and mask order, additional orders were rescinded as of June 22. These include:
- Mandatory Testing for Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ Juvenile Justice Facility Staff
- Mandatory Testing for Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Hospitals and Centers Staff
- Exceptions to Temporary Restrictions on Entry into Congregate Care and Juvenile Justice Facilities
- Exceptions to Temporary Restrictions on Entry into Certain Facilities
- Safe Housing for Housing Unstable Individuals
We are pleased to announce the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) has approved an incentive to support the following project in our district!
Pace Industries LLC provides die casting, manufacturing and engineering solutions to global customers in the automotive, lighting, appliance and powersport industries. Pace has a current workforce of 360 employees in Detroit and Muskegon. The company has relocated its corporate headquarters from Arkansas to the city of Novi.
The project is expected to initially create more than 60 new jobs in Novi.
The city of Novi is offering to assist the project by providing videography, marketing assistance and recruitment support.
UIA Update
The Unemployment Insurance Agency will be offering in-person unemployment insurance services by appointment only at 12 local unemployment offices beginning June 30.
Starting June 23, Michiganders can go online to start scheduling appointments. 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.
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Legislative Update
Earlier this month, I joined Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the other members of the Governor’s Task Force on Child Care at a press conference to announce the introduction of a bipartisan package of bills to assist Michigan’s current child care facilities and providers while providing assistance for emerging child care providers.
The Governor’s Task Force has proposed a bill package that aims to take on regulatory and organizational issues like:
- Giving providers time to comply with new health and safety rules by allowing a 90-day grace period to implement.
- Helping providers locate where families live and work by giving child care providers a safe path to locate in multi-use buildings.
- Reducing the burden on providers by allowing their health and safety records to be shared with parents online.
- Letting quality and caring providers thrive by cracking down on bad actors who try to game the system and get out of regulations.
- Improving quality and access to quality infant-toddler care and allowing a contract model that covers the cost of care.
- Helping expand and support family child care providers by creating Family Child Care Networks.
- Allowing increased ratios for family and group homes that have a proven record of success.
Budget Update
House Democrats worked with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and across the aisle with House Republicans to deliver a fiscal year 2022 budget which supports working families and provides transformational changes to our K-12 and early education systems.
Highlights of the fiscal year 2022 budget include:
- Raising per-pupil funding to $8,700 and eliminating the gap between the minimum and maximum foundation allowance.
- Over $128 million for small-business support and workforce training programs to continue our economic recovery.
- $105 million for child care programs to ensure working families have access to the quality, affordable child care they need so they can work.
- Raising the Great Start Readiness Program early childhood education funding to $8,700 per student and increasing slots so every eligible child has access to quality preschool.
- Over $250 million to increase mental health services and wraparound services for students, returning counselors, social workers, nurses and psychiatrists to our schools.
- $30 million to fund the MI Reconnect program, which offers two years of free college or career training.
- Increasing revenue sharing to local governments by 2 percent, so our communities can continue important services in our neighborhoods like police and fire protection.
The fiscal year 2022 budget now heads to the Senate for consideration.