Dear Friends,

Hello, and welcome to my e-newsletter. I would like to take this moment to thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve you in House District 95 and to act as your voice in the Capitol.

As your representative, I am most effective at my job when acting on your input, and I encourage you to reach out to me and my staff with any questions, comments or concerns you may have about issues in the district, or legislation that will impact our state. You can contact me toll-free at (855) 347-8095, by email at vanessaguerra@house.mi.gov or through my website, guerra.housedems.com. I look forward to hearing from you, and thank you for your commitment to the community we both call home.

In this issue, I will provide you with updates on:

Senior Protection Bill Package

  • Auto No-Fault

Last night the Michigan House of Representatives voted on House Bill 5013, which would have made various changes to the state’s auto no-fault insurance system. I could not in good conscience vote in favor of House Bill 5013, as it not only failed to guarantee any real rate relief for drivers throughout the state, but it drastically reduces the level of coverage afforded to Michigan residents. Even children would have been vulnerable under this bill, which would have capped their lifetime benefits without providing them any legal recourse. No one chooses to be in a catastrophic car accident, and as such, they should not be victimized for needing quality coverage as a result. Instead, I support the bipartisan Fair and Affordable No-Fault Reform package, which would provide drivers with the cost reductions they deserve while still maintaining the high-quality coverage they need.

Senior Protection Bill Package<span “>
Recently I was proud to join several of my colleagues in a bipartisan package <span “>to better protect Michigan senior citizens from physical, financial and psychological harm. The package also includes bills to ensure seniors are protected while living in an assisted living facility or nursing home.

The six- bill package offers legislation in four areas: penalties for abusers of elder adults, elderly consent, nursing home training requirements and licensure for assisted living facilities. The crimes outlined in the bills carry either misdemeanor or felony penalties.

The bills would:

  • Prohibit fraudulently obtaining or attempting to obtain an elder adult’s money or property and establishes the definition of “consent.” (House Bill 5032 Green)
  • Adds misdemeanors and felonies proposed by HB 5032. (House Bill 5029 Guerra)
  • Prohibits assaulting an elder adult or vulnerable adult or restraining an elder adult or vulnerable adult by the use of violence, menace, fraud, or deceit. (House Bill 5028 Farrington)
  • Adds misdemeanors and felonies proposed by HB 5028. (House Bill 5027 Kesto)
  • Requires that when nursing home administrators are licensed and relicensed, they are properly trained to be able to identify elder abuse and exploitation and have the resources available to address the issue. (House Bill 5030 Liberati)
  • Requires state licensure for assisted living facilities so that they are subject to oversight and meet state standards. (House Bill 5031 Hammoud)

This legislation provides a real chance for my colleagues and me to make a positive impact on a serious issue facing one of our state’s most vulnerable populations. I’m hopeful my fellow Michiganders and legislators will get involved and support these bills as they move through the legislative process in the coming months.

Safe Sleep Tips for Your Baby

Reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related causes of infant deaths by following the tips:

  • Always place your baby on his or her back to sleep, for naps and at night.
  • Use a firm sleep surface, covered by a fitted sheet.
  • Do not put your baby to sleep on an adult bed, couch, or on a chair alone, with you, or with anyone else.
  • Keep soft objects, toys, and loose bedding out of your baby’s sleep area.
  • Get regular health care and avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, or using non-prescribed drugs during pregnancy.
  • Do not smoke or allow smoking around your baby as much as possible.
  • Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS.
  • Give your baby a dry pacifier that is not attached to a string.
  • Do not let your baby get too hot while sleeping.
  • Follow health care provider guidance on your baby’s vaccines and health checkups.
  • Do not use home heart or breathing monitors, and avoid products that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS.
  • Give your baby plenty of “Tummy Time” when he or she is awake and when someone is watching.

Sincerely,

State Representative Vanessa Guerra
95th House District