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Dear Friends,
Hello and welcome to the latest edition of my monthly e-newsletter. As we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic in our state, I am working with my colleagues to find safe ways to get us back to work and back to a sense of normalcy.
This past month, my staff and I have been hard at work serving the constituents of the 31st Senate District. We hear and understand your concerns and frustrations as we navigate these challenging times. Please continue to share your thoughts with me at [email protected] or at 517-373-1777, and I will do all that I can to advocate for you.
We know this virus is aggressive, and we have all taken aggressive actions to combat its spread in our great state. I am proud of how Michiganders have risen to the challenge of social distancing and implementing exceptional sanitation practices like frequently washing their hands and wearing masks in public. I’m also grateful for all those that are working to keep us safe. Thank you to our wonderful nurses, doctors, sanitation workers, truck drivers, grocery store employees, and everyone else that has remained on the front lines of this fight. We must continue to do everything we can to stop the spread and protect our families.
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Kevin Daley
State Senator
31st District
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Moving Michigan forward safely
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COVID-19 will be with us for some time. Michiganders are already adapting but are also looking to their leaders for guidance on how and when to reopen our state.
During session on April 30, Senate Republicans did not vote to extend Gov. Whitmer’s state of emergency declaration. We believe there is still work to be done to protect our communities from this virus, but a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t make sense moving forward.
The Senate approved legislation last week that would continue to provide aid to Michiganders in need during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The measure would have put several COVID-19-related executive orders into law, including those regarding expanded unemployment benefits, distance learning for schools, and liability protections for health care workers treating patients in innovative ways.
Unfortunately, the governor refused to acknowledge the end of her emergency authority and the need to work with the Legislature on future orders. She vetoed this legislation days after going around the Legislature to unlawfully extend the state of emergency. Because of her actions, I voted in support Senate Resolution 114, which authorizes the Senate majority leader to file a lawsuit against the governor.
The people’s representatives should have a seat at the table to ensure all voices are heard and that decisions about reopening our state are backed up by data and science. We all need to be doing our part to limit the spread of this virus, but I believe we can do so while implementing commonsense measures to allow people to get back to their normal routines.
It’s time to trust Michigan residents and find safe ways to reopen our state and our economy.
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The presence of COVID-19 in Michigan has affected many aspects of our lives. In an effort to help those whose jobs have been affected, unemployment benefits have been expanded to cover workers who may not traditionally be eligible, including self-employed, independent contractors, and low-wage workers. To learn more about the Unemployment Insurance Agency's (UIA) services, please visit http://www.michigan.gov/uia.
If you are filing for unemployment benefits, it’s helpful to have the following information on hand: social security number, employment information for the past 18 months, including employer name, address, first/last day worked, gross earnings and your driver’s license or state I.D.
Michigan workers seeking unemployment are being asked to file on specific days designated by their last name. The new schedule was implemented to handle the historic demand for unemployment benefits. Filing online remains the fastest way to apply for unemployment benefits.
I understand this can be a complicated process. It’s important to me that you get clear guidance and answers to your questions. If you need assistance filing for unemployment benefits, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at 517-373-1777 or at [email protected]. My team is here to help. Here is some information you may find helpful based on the questions we’re receiving:
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If you think you are eligible for unemployment under the federal CARES Act and are still being denied — Log in to your MiWAM account and look under “Account Alerts” for a link asking you to file a Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) application. Residents were unable to file for this before April 13. The $600 weekly benefit payments began processing on Monday, April 20. |
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What is the process for uploading documents into the MiWAM system? 1099’s, IDs, etc. – If it is for a PUA application it should be done at the same time of their application or up to 10 days after. There is a link under their alerts to upload more wage information. You should be able to attach the document right to the application. |
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For ID verification, you should attach it to a web notice/web message to the agency through their MiWam account. |
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How do I check the status of my claim? — Log in to your MiWAM account and select your “Claim I.D. Number.” Review the MiWAM Toolkit for more on how to navigate MiWAM. |
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All eligible workers will receive benefits — The UIA assures that every eligible worker in Michigan who applies for unemployment benefits will receive them. The UIA will be accepting claims and benefit applications back-dated to reflect the date on which the claimant was laid-off due to COVID-19, beyond the previously established 28-day period. Federal payments of $600 are only retroactive back to March 28. |
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Daley supports resolutions that encourage getting Michiganders back to work
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I was proud to support Senate Resolution 112, which calls on Gov. Whitmer to adopt the most recent version of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) guidelines and to adopt any future updates to the guidelines. The governor’s refusal to adopt updated versions of the guidelines has created confusion over what work can be considered “essential” during the stay home orders, puts the health and safety of Michiganders at risk, and puts Michigan at an economic disadvantage.
I also voted in support of Senate Resolution 111 urging the governor to revise Executive Order 2020-17 and allow hospitals and health care facilities to resume elective procedures.
Many businesses have begun the transition and are able to start reopening, including gardening centers, nurseries, landscaping operations, real estate, and construction. These are positive first steps, and an indication that your voices are being heard. I am encouraged by this start but know there is still more work to be done.
I will continue to advocate for safe business practices instead of focusing on who is essential versus nonessential.
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There are several ways Michigan residents can come together to help our great state during this challenging time. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services launched a new website, www.michigan.gov/fightcovid19, where residents can find out how they can volunteer in their local communities, give blood, donate medical supplies and more.
In times like this, it’s more important than ever for Michiganders to support one another. I encourage you to visit this site and volunteer or make donations to help the cause if you’re able. We will get through this, together.
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Military Appreciation Month
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May is Military Appreciation Month! This month we show our appreciation for the sacrifices and successes of the brave men and women of our nation’s armed forces.
To those who are serving, or have served in our armed forces, thank you. I appreciate and value all the sacrifices you have made to protect our freedoms.
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Support your community by filling out the 2020 census
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Have you filled out your census form?
An accurate census count is critical as it determines how much funding Michigan communities will receive through 2030 for key services such as public safety, health care, education, roads and infrastructure.
At the end of March, Michigan ranked fifth in the nation with a 40.2% response rate – only 1% away from the number three spot. In Michigan, 42% of the state’s budget relies on federal funding that is distributed based on census data. If you haven’t received a census form in the mail, contact the Census Bureau at (844) 330-2020.
Many programs critical to the health and well-being of Michigan residents rely on a complete and accurate census count. You can fill out the 2020 Census online today at www.2020census.gov or by phone by calling 1-844-330-2020. Phone lines are open every day from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.
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Congratulations, seniors!
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Congratulations to the graduating class of 2020! I know this isn’t how you envisioned the end of your school career, and I am proud of the hard work and dedication you have shown despite these unique circumstances. Best of luck in all your future endeavors!
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Celebrating a special occasion?
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My office is happy to offer legislative tributes in honor of noteworthy events such as retirement, anniversaries of businesses in our community, awards and public recognitions.
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State government resources
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Michigan's 31st Senate District
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The 31th state Senate District includes all of Bay, Lapeer, and Tuscola counties.
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Senator Kevin Daley
5200 Connie B. Binsfeld Office Building
P.O. Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536
Phone: 517-373-1777
FAX: 517-373-5871
E-Mail: [email protected]
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| Visit my website at: SenatorKevinDaley.com |
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Thank you for subscribing to my electronic newsletter! Please feel free to forward this on to others who may be interested in receiving the 31st District E-news. You may sign up for it at my website.
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