|
|
Ensuring the integrity of our elections
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Free and fair elections are the foundation of our system of government, and we owe it to every Michigan resident to ensure the integrity of our elections. When concerns about election problems are raised by our constituents, we have a duty to look into them and hear from the public about ways to address those concerns.
Earlier this month, the Senate Oversight Committee, which I serve as chairman, along with my colleagues in the House Oversight Committee, voted to issue subpoenas to the Michigan Bureau of Elections for records regarding the elections process. The committee’s use of its subpoena authority for critical elections materials is meant to ensure we have all the information necessary to provide proper oversight.
Pouring gas on every potential fear and spreading doubt about the integrity of the system is not the answer, nor is ignoring troubling reports and dismissing out of hand anecdotal evidence that problems may exist. So, the purpose of convening the respective committees was not to overturn the results of an election. The committees met instead to review concerns about the integrity of our elections, share information and consider changes in policy, if necessary, to help ensure confidence in our elections process.
I believe everyone should strive for patience and work to see that the truth is revealed, and that is exactly what I intend to do as chair of the Senate Oversight Committee. We will investigate the elections process and seek to determine whether improprieties exist. We must avoid spreading rumors or making pronouncements without having all the facts.
We all can point fingers, but simply tearing down our foundations and eroding public trust is exceptionally dangerous. We can, at the same time, seek reforms while working the system we have to resolve any potential issues. That means remaining calm, fair and open so we can help ensure a secure and transparent elections process, and that is what the committees intend to do.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Upper Peninsula Lawmakers respond to governor’s latest demand to shut down Line 5
|
|
|
|
|
|
Last week Gov. Whitmer ordered the shutdown of Enbridge’s Line 5 pipeline – a decision that will negatively impact the delivery of 65 percent of the propane used for heating homes and businesses of families in the Upper Peninsula.
The administration’s recent actions sadly seem to be politically motivated and the fulfillment of promises made during the campaign. The governor continues to slow-walk the tunnel project while pushing to close the pipeline without a real alternative in place. Now she is trying to reassure us that the tunnel can proceed- for now- but offers no real assurances her administration and the Attorney General, made up of her own hires who oppose to the tunnel and all propane use, will promise to stop fighting its expedited construction.
I will not cave to this political pressure and despite the pushback, I will continue to fight for the continuation of the project, especially because of its importance to the U.P.
You can read the entire statement from all of the U.P. lawmakers on my website at https://www.senatoredmcbroom.com/upper-peninsula-lawmakers-respond-to-governors-latest-demand-to-shut-down-line-5/.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Grants now available for eligible teachers, support staff
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our teachers and support staff have gone above and beyond this year to ensure Michigan students get the education they deserve while we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s why I supported the Teacher and Support Staff COVID-19 grant programs to support our school employees as they continue to navigate teaching during these challenging times.
Under the programs, eligible Michigan teachers who worked additional time and incurred additional costs during the 2019-2020 school year due to the COVID-19 pandemic can receive a grant of up to $500 and staff can receive up to $250.
The Teacher COVID-19 Grant Program recognizes the additional time and additional costs classroom teachers in a school district or nonprofit nonpublic school spent to ensure learning continued when in-person instruction was suspended in the spring.
The Support Staff COVID-19 Grant Program recognizes the additional time eligible K-12 support staff spent outside of normal working hours, hazardous conditions encountered, and additional costs incurred to provide services to students when in-person instruction was suspended in the spring.
Grant funding checks are anticipated to be sent directly from the state Department of Treasury to teachers and support staff in February 2021. For more information about the grant programs, visit www.michigan.gov/TSSC19Grants.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pure Michigan Fall/Winter Travel Guide now online
|
|
|
|
|
|
The 2020 Pure Michigan Fall/Winter Travel Guide highlights stunning sights to see, exciting places to go and fun activities to experience for visitors and residents alike.
The travel guide also contains shopping and culinary destinations and memorable spots for indoor and outdoor family activities. Check the digital magazine at www.michigan.org and start planning your winter getaway.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Below is a list of resources available to you if you need any type of assistance. Additionally, you can contact my office at any time for more information.
|
|
|
|
|
|
• General information, resources, testing locations and more: www.Michigan.gov/coronavirus. • Coronavirus hotline for health-related questions: 1-888-535-6136 daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: 1-800-232-4636 or www.cdc.gov. • Michigan PEER Warmline for mental health support and substance abuse challenges: 1-888-733-7753 every day from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. • National suicide prevention lifeline available 24/7: Call 1-800-273-8255, text TALK to 741741 or visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. • Small business resources: www.Michiganbusiness.org or 1-888-522-0103.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michigan's 38th Senate District
|
The 38th State Senate District includes the counties of Alger, Baraga, Delta, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Marquette, Menominee, Ontonagon, and Schoolcraft in Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thank you for subscribing to my electronic newsletter! I am honored to represent you in the state Senate. As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Please feel free to forward this on to others who may be interested in receiving the 38th District E-news. You may sign up for it also at my website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senator Ed McBroom 7200 Connie B. Binsfeld Office Building P.O. Box 30036 Lansing, MI 48909-7536 |
|
|
|
|
|
|