Dear Neighbor,

Welcome to the latest edition of my e-newsletter. I am excited to share my upcoming virtual coffee hour dates, updated COVID-19 and unemployment guidance and several resources you might need.

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 Coffee Hours with Rep. Breen

  • Monday, Aug. 27, at 10 a.m. at Pavilion Shore Park
  • Friday, Sept. 24, at 10 a.m. TBD
  • Friday, Oct. 22, at 10 a.m. at McHattie Park Lyon
  • Friday, Nov. 19, 10 a.m. at Novi Coffee
  • Friday, Dec. 17, at 6 p.m. at Witch’s Hat Brewing

 

COVID-19 School Guidance

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recently updated its recommendations for schools to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in classrooms.

Key prevention strategies in schools include:

  • Promoting COVID-19 vaccination for eligible staff and students.
  • Correctly and consistently using well-fitted masks that cover the nose and mouth.
  • Social distancing.
  • COVID-19 screening, testing and contact tracing.
  • Encouraging students and staff to stay home if sick or having COVID-19 symptoms.
  • Maintaining healthy environments.

For more information, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.

 

PUA, PEUC, PUC and MEUC Benefit Extensions End Sept. 4, 2021

Unemployment benefit programs extended as part of the federal American Rescue Plan Act expire on Sept. 4, 2021. After this date, these programs will no longer be available to new Unemployment Insurance (UI) applicants or existing claims:

  • Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) is a temporary federal program that provides up to 79 weeks of unemployment benefits to individuals who are not eligible for regular Unemployment Insurance , such as individuals self-employed; certain independent contractors; individuals with limited recent work history; and other workers not covered by regular UI. The minimum weekly benefit amount is $160 and the maximum weekly benefit amount is $362.
  • Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) provides extended benefits to claimants who have exhausted all rights to regular unemployment. PEUC provides an additional 53 weeks of UI benefits up to Sept. 4, 2021.
  • Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (PUC) provides an additional weekly amount for all claimants with at least $1 of payable UI benefits for the week. Weekly benefit amounts include $600 for weeks of unemployment beginning after April 4, 2020, through weeks ending on or before July 31, 2020, and $300 for weeks of unemployment beginning after Dec. 26, 2020, and ending on or before Sept. 4, 2020.
  • Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) provides for an additional $100 for weeks of unemployment beginning with the week ending Jan. 2, 2021, through Sept. 4, 2021, for individuals who apply with at least $5,000 in self-employment. All claim types except for PUA can apply.

Despite these programs ending, all protests and adjudications that are pending determinations on Sept. 4, 2021, will continue through the process, and benefits will be paid to claimants determined to be eligible.

As always, should you need assistance with your claim, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office. We would be happy to assist you in any way possible.

Storm Resources

This summer, we have endured some heavy storms. Below is a list of hyperlinked resources from the Department of Insurance and Financial Services’ (DIFS) website that you may find helpful when working with insurance companies to file a claim and repair damages. DIFS can help answer questions regarding what an insurer must do and help explain policy language.

Additional information regarding disaster preparedness, as well as how to file a complaint against an insurance company with DIFS, is available on the DIFS website at www.michigan.gov/difs under the “Consumer” link. Resources related to the recent storm can also be found on the DIFS website under “Disaster Preparedness.”

Resources: