Dear Neighbor,

Here is some information that I hope you will find helpful, including some updates and news from your state government.

Trooper Starr Memorial Highway Passes House

Last week, the House of Representatives unanimously passed House Bill 5327, which would designate a portion of U.S. 127 in Ingham County as the Trooper Starr Memorial Highway. Michigan State Police Trooper Caleb Starr tragically died on July 31, 2020, three weeks after his patrol car was struck head-on at high speed by a drunk driver. This stretch of highway runs past Mason, where Trooper Starr grew up and where his parents, widow and daughters continue to reside.

It has been an honor to memorialize Trooper Starr, his service to the people of Michigan and his sacrifice. I hope this dedication will offer some comfort to his friends, family and community as they continue to grieve this immeasurable loss.

State Will Issue $3 Billion in Refunds to Michigan Drivers

Today, the Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) announced that the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association will issue a total of $3 billion in refunds to Michigan drivers. All auto insurance policyholders will receive a refund of $400 per vehicle. Refund checks are expected to be received in the second quarter of 2022.

Child Care Stabilization Grant Application Closes Tomorrow

The window for Child Care Stabilization Grant applications closes tomorrow, Wednesday, Dec. 8. Under this program, child care providers in Michigan can apply for bonuses of up to $1,000 for their staff. Funds will become available on Jan. 10, 2022. Eligible providers include licensed child care centers, licensed family homes and group homes, and tribal-based child care. Head Start and Great Start Readiness Programs that provide tuition-based child care are also eligible. This is not a competitive grant, so all eligible providers should apply. Find more information and apply here.

CDC Recommends All Vaccinated Adults Receive COVID-19 Booster

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently recommended that all vaccinated adults receive a COVID-19 booster shot six months after receiving their second COVID-19 vaccine shot. Everyone ages 5 and older in Michigan is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. In addition to the health department, Sparrow Health Systems, Rite Aid, Walgreens, Meijer, and other pharmacies offer the vaccine and the booster.

Upcoming Virtual Event: MI House Dems Year in Review

Join Michigan House Minority Leader Donna Lasinski on Monday, Dec. 13, at 6:30 p.m. for the Michigan House Democrats’ Virtual Year in Review. Leader Lasinski will go over some of the highlights of the past year and discuss how you can get involved in 2022. A registration link for the Zoom event can be found here.

Sincerely,

Kara Hope

State Representative