Dear Neighbor,

Welcome to my latest e-newsletter! Included in this edition are some important legislative and COVID-19 updates, along with a few helpful resources. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office at (517) 373-1788 or  KyraBolden@house.mi.gov for questions about this or any other state-level issue.

In service,

Kyra Bolden

State Representative, 35th House District

COVID-19 Updates & Resources

Oakland County Health Division Offers New COVID-19 Booster and Flu Shots Throughout the Community

Oakland County Health Division is offering the new COVID-19 bivalent booster vaccine and flu shots for Oakland County residents beginning Sept. 8, 2022. To better help fight the omicron variant of COVID-19, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued an Emergency Use Authorization for bivalent COVID-19 vaccine for booster doses. This was followed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ recommendation for use of the Pfizer bivalent booster vaccine for ages 12 years and older. The Moderna bivalent vaccine for ages 18 years and older is also available for the new booster two months following the completion of their COVID-19 vaccine primary series or booster.

COVID-19 Vaccine Help

If you know someone who doesn’t have access to the internet and they’re eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine or need help with vaccine translation services, call 2-1-1 and press ‘5’ for free, confidential assistance.

For more information on COVID-19 vaccines specifically in Oakland County, visit this website. This website also has resources for testing and frequently asked questions about COVID-19.

Other News

Statewide Housing Partnership Established to Lower Housing Costs for Families, Announces $83.8 Million for Affordable Housing

On Sept. 7, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order establishing the Statewide Housing Partnership within the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA). The partnership will develop a strategy to implement Michigan’s Statewide Housing Plan and ensure that every Michigander has access to affordable housing that meets their needs.

This directive established the Statewide Housing Partnership as an advisory body within MSHDA. The group will include leaders from state, local, and tribal governments, advocates from nonprofit and community organizations, and representatives from the business advocacy world and finance industry.

The partnership’s primary responsibility is to develop a strategy to implement the Michigan Statewide Housing Plan released in 2022 and make recommendations to MSHDA on how best to achieve its goals. The plan presented opportunities for organizations to partner on common objectives, including rehabilitating and stabilizing the housing supply, reducing equity gaps and homelessness and increasing home energy efficiency and weatherization.

The new Statewide Housing Partnership will lead a coordinated, data-driven, outcome-oriented approach to housing, ensuring that all Michiganders have a safe, affordable place to call home.

Monkeypox Virus Resources

On Aug. 4, the Biden-Harris administration declared the ongoing spread of the monkeypox virus in the United States a public health emergency. Due to a growing number of cases in the state of Michigan, we would like every Michigander to stay informed. Please refer to the following for the most up-to-date information:

Important Dates

September 11

This year marks the 21st anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. On this day, we remember the lives of those who we lost and forever keep them and their families in our thoughts. We also honor and thank our first responders for their service and sacrifice for our country.

Labor Day

Monday, Sept. 2, was Labor Day. This is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. I would like to thank the American Labor Movement for its contributions in shaping the rights and benefits we enjoy today. While the work isn’t done, there is still much to be thankful for.