Dear Neighbor,

I am honored to serve as state representative for the 29th House District and proud to be a strong advocate in Lansing for the residents and families of our community. Please encourage your friends and family to stay connected and subscribe to this e-newsletter. It will keep you up to date on legislation and policies coming from the Capitol, as well as my coffee hours and other community events I host both virtually and in person.

In Service,

State Rep. Brenda Carter, 29th House District

In this issue:

  • Upcoming Events
  • Vaccine Boosters
  • Prevailing Wage
  • Michigan Shiga Sister State Board
  • MSHDA MOD Program

Upcoming Events

  • Friday, Oct. 29, from 9-10:30 a.m.: Oakland County Poverty and Homelessness Task Force
    • Find out what individuals and community leaders can do to help folks who are facing poverty and homelessness in Oakland County. PLUS find out how to help 220 Afghan refugees that are coming to Southeast Michigan through Samaritas.
    • Registration Link: http://evite.me/NXbbcHDpNT
  • Friday, Oct. 29, from noon-1 p.m.: Virtual Coffee Hour
  • Monday, Nov. 1, from 6-6:45 p.m.: Elizabeth Kelly Candlelight Vigil for Poverty and Homelessness Awareness
    • Join Sen. Rosemary Bayer, City Councilwoman Mary Pietila and me as we remind passersby on Baldwin Avenue that homelessness exists despite the affluence of Oakland County, as well as commemorate those who experienced homelessness but are no longer with us.
    • 249 Baldwin Ave. in Pontiac
  • Monday, Nov. 8, from 8:30-9:30 a.m.: In-person and virtual coffee hour
    • Goldner Walsh Garden and Home, 559 Orchard Lake Road in Pontiac
  • Monday, Nov. 8, from 10-11 a.m.: In-person and virtual coffee hour
    • Haus of Brunch, 3315 Auburn Road in Auburn Hills
  • Friday, Nov. 12, from 9 p.m. – 5 a.m.: Overnight Vigil with Kimber Bishop-Yankee for Poverty and Homelessness Awareness
    • Help us raise awareness of and support for families and individuals facing homelessness. An overnight sleep out.
    • Starr Presbyterian Church, 1717 W 13 Mile Road in Royal Oak.

Vaccine Boosters

The Oakland County Health Division launched its first clinics to administer the booster doses of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines on Tuesday, Oct. 26, in Pontiac and Holly, with more clinics providing the vaccines throughout the week at other locations. Pfizer booster doses will also be available.

Those who are considering getting a booster dose that is a different brand from their primary dose are urged to consult a health care provider ahead of time. Oakland County Health Division will not give individual guidance on the interchangeability of booster doses.

Prevailing Wage

Earlier this month, Gov. Whitmer reinstated prevailing wage requirements on state-funded construction projects.

I am proud to have introduced House Bill 4594 to reinstate prevailing wages to pay workers fairly, lower the cost of repairs for taxpayers and make sure the job is done right the first time. Unfortunately, this bill has been sitting in the House Committee on Workforce, Trades, and Talent since March. It seems Republicans fail to grasp the benefits prevailing wage provides for our working families and Michigan as a whole. I’m calling on the Chair of the Workforce, Trades and Talent Committee to give House Bill 4594 an immediate hearing so we can move toward enshrining prevailing wage in Michigan law once again and ensure working families earn what they’re worth.

Michigan-Shiga Sister State Board

I had the honor of being voted in as the president-elect of the Michigan-Shiga Sister State Board. The Michigan-Shiga sister state relationship is very near and dear to my heart. I am very grateful to become president next year and make the relationship between Michigan and Shiga, Japan, even stronger. I look forward to advocating for safe, clean water not only in our Great Lakes but in Lake Biwa and across the globe.

MSHDA Mod 2022 Submission Window is Open!

Part I Agency Information Due Nov. 19, and Part II Project Summary Due Dec. 15

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority is pleased to announce that the MSHDA Mod 2022 program will be accepting funding submissions from eligible communities to utilize modular or modified technology construction in areas where there is a workforce housing need.  In the 2022 competitive funding round, MSHDA will provide up to $2 million to fund 10 communities to build one home up to $200,000 in residential neighborhoods. The program is intended to be a catalyst to spur additional modular/modified technology construction throughout Michigan.

For program details and to access the MSHDA Mod 2022 submission instructions, go to www.michigan.gov/mshdamod.