LANSING — Rep. Leslie Love (D-Detroit) issued the following statement in response to the introduction of a 10-bill bipartisan package of bills addressing the needs of Michigan seniors residing in nursing homes.
The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated the nation and disproportionately affected people of color, and seniors. Those who live in nursing homes are among the most vulnerable population in the nation in suffering fatalities from this illness.
For 28 weeks, Love has been speaking with patients, health care workers, individuals and groups in the long term care industry, as well as the Department of Health and Human Services and more. The representative has attended many committee hearings in the Michigan House and Senate to understand the science combined with the human need.
As a result of her diligent work, Representative Love, along with her five of her Democratic colleagues, has developed a bi-partisan bill package that addresses many specific concerns, including:
- Placement of seniors with COVID-19.
- Keeping essential workers safe, informed, and increasing their pay.
- Keeping family members and caregivers informed and connected to residents.
- Collecting data and using it to make informed decisions.
- Requiring important reporting contact info.
These bills will support life-saving measures for Michigan’s seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
“This is the singular most important legislation for me right now,” Love said, “it is close to my heart. I believe if we take care of our children and our elders, we thrive as a society.”
Representative Love led the formation of a House Democratic Workgroup among members who had a nursing home hub in their district. As a member of Governor Whitmer’s Michigan Nursing Homes COVID-19 Preparedness Task Force, she was instrumental in important discussions and recommendations. “The guiding principle for both parties was to ensure the safety of the most vulnerable among us.”
About Leslie Love:
State Representative Leslie Love is serving her third term representing the 10th House District, which comprises Redford Charter Township and a portion of northwest Detroit.
She serves on the House Appropriations Committee as well as Appropriations Subcommittees on Health and Human Services and Transportation. Love is also the Democratic vice chair of the Joint Capital Outlay Subcommittee (JCOS).
Love was born and raised in Michigan. She grew up in Detroit, attended Detroit Public Schools and graduated from Cooley High School. She earned a bachelor of arts from Siena Heights University, a master of fine arts from Wayne State University and a master of arts in human resources management from Marygrove College.
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