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Dear friends,
It is my hope that you and yours are staying safe and healthy during this time.
We are facing very difficult times, and it’s more important than ever that we work together to solve these issues. I am continuing to work with my fellow senators to do all that I can to help make a difference for families and the most vulnerable in our community.
My staff continues to work with the unemployment insurance agency to help individuals get the unemployment benefits they need. Please feel free to call my office at 517-373-1758 or visit my website to submit your information if you would like assistance in this area.
And please feel free to share this email with your friends and neighbors. And if you haven’t subscribed to my email newsletter, please do so by clicking here.
In your service,
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Senator Jim Runestad
Serving the 15th State Senate District
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Death of nursing home patient shows need for elder abuse protections
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The tragic death of a 75-year-old nursing home patient who was severely beaten shows that we need to do more to protect our most vulnerable loved ones in nursing homes. The 20-year-old resident of Westwood Nursing Center who attacked Norman Bledsoe in May was reportedly placed in the home to recover from his COVID-19 infection.
Not only do seniors face the threat of COVID-19-positive patients being put in their nursing homes and exposing them to the virus, but they also continue to face the ever-present possibility of elder abuse. My thoughts and prayers are with Norman’s family during this time. I hope justice will be served. Going forward, we must do much more to protect our loved ones from abuse.
I’ve sponsored legislation, Senate Bill 77, which would give residents and their families the option of installing a camera in their own room if they so choose. Numerous privacy measures are included, and you can read about them here. Currently Senate Bill 77 is awaiting a vote on the Senate floor after passing unanimously out of the Senate Healthy Policy and Human Services Committee.
Sign my petition here to let my fellow legislators know how important it is that we get this passed!
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Runestad votes for plan to solve state’s budget shortfall
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The pandemic and the forced shutdown resulted in a very significant budget shortfall for this year. Thankfully, we have reached a bipartisan solution that continues to invest in our schools and our most vital services.
By using available federal resources, tapping into the rainy day fund, and cutting back on state spending and legislative budgets, the Senate has reached a bipartisan solution that solves the $2.2 billion budget deficit.
My colleagues and I worked across the aisle to reach a budget agreement that continues to invest in our schools, students, and teachers. By working together we can continue to make a difference for our families, our schools, and our most vulnerable.
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Newest member of the Runestad family
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In some personal news, meet the newest member of the Runestad family – my granddaughter Lily Ana!
Lily Ana was born on July 28, and mother and baby are both doing very well.
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Runestad privacy amendment to be on November ballot
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Both the Michigan Senate and House have unanimously approved my resolution that would protect residents against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Senate Joint Resolution G would clearly define in the Michigan Constitution that electronic data and communications are property and are exempt from search and seizure without a warrant. This is an important and historic step toward protecting the privacy rights of Michiganders for generations to come. We now have the opportunity to make Michigan a national leader in personal privacy protection.
Americans shouldn’t be forced to choose between using new technologies and protecting their privacy. It is long past time that our state extends the same basic protections to our electronic data that have existed for our paper data for centuries.
While we can’t predict what technological advances will come next, this amendment guarantees that our personal data is secure from state overreach.
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Meeting with Indian community leaders
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On July 29 I was able to meet with a group of Indian community leaders to hear about the unique issues facing our Oakland County community.
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Thank you to everyone who took the time to show up for one of my outdoor office hours and thank you for following proper social distancing. These are times for me to answer your questions, and hear from you about the issues that matter most. Follow my Facebook page for updates on the next office hours.
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Subscribe to my email newsletter
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If you are not already subscribed, you can sign up to receive my email newsletter here. And please feel free to share this newsletter with your friends, neighbors and anyone else who would like to stay up to date on the COVID-19 response and what is happening with state government.
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The 15th District includes the cities of Northville, Novi, Orchard Lake, South Lyon, Walled Lake and Wixom and the townships of Commerce, Lyon, Milford, Novi, West Bloomfield and White Lake.
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Thank you for taking the time to read this legislative update and please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance on any matter pertaining to state government.
Best Regards,
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Senator Jim Runestad
7500 Connie B. Binsfeld Office Building
P.O. Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536
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