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Dear friends,

I hope and pray that you, your family, your friends and your neighbors are safe and healthy.

Like it has for so many in our communities already, the novel coronavirus recently took the life of a friend well before his time. Those of us who knew Sen. Morris Hood III knew him as a dedicated and passionate fighter for his district. We also knew him as a very kind, thoughtful and personable friend who was quick to share a smile with everyone around him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time.

As the COVID-19 situation changes by the hour, I am continuing to advocate for policies that will help keep our families safe, secure and as strong as possible as we fight this virus.

In addition to the loss of life, the pandemic has caused severe financial strain for too many of us. If you are among the many struggling to collect your unemployment, know that you are not alone. My office has been processing hundreds of cases just like yours, and we are happy to do our part to help. Please feel free to call my office at 517-373-1758, or visit my website to submit your information. Read on below for more details.

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

Unemployment assistance

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Statewide unemployment has surged due to the shutdown, putting incredible strain on the unemployment benefits system. This has caused lengthy delays. But my office is here to help you get the help you need.

We’ve handled more than 500 cases to date, and constituents are typically getting their problems fixed within about two weeks. They are receiving whatever benefits they are due, back to their original filing date. My team is able to cut through the bureaucratic red tape to help families and the most vulnerable get the resources they need.

 

Online submission form for unemployment issues

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You can now visit my website to help get your claims processed more quickly, too! Please visit my website and enter your case information in the Unemployment Assistance online form. You can find this form by clicking here. You can also call my office at 517-373-1758.

If you know someone who has not received their unemployment check and is having trouble getting through, please share this email with them and have them contact my office as soon as possible.

Senior safety tele-town hall

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Thank you to everyone who was able to participate in my tele-town hall focusing on the COVID-19 virus and how to protect seniors and our most vulnerable. I also want to thank Oakland County Chief Medical Officer Dr. Russell Faust, Rep. Kathy Crawford and State Long Term Care Ombudsman Salli Pung for being on the call with us!

 

Bill to ensure business input to disaster response

Last week I introduced a bill to ensure job providers have a seat at the table to help plan for statewide disasters. Senate Bill 896 would enable the business community to provide input into emergency management planning, mitigation and recovery.

The past several weeks have brought not only sorrow for the lives lost to this horrible disease, but fear and uncertainty in response to the devastation to our economy. Facing these types of crises requires a team effort. Including additional expertise will help us navigate these challenges better going forward.

Having the input of supply chain managers, job creators and experts in essential areas of our economy will help us be more prepared in our response to a pandemic. Grocery stores have been open, but the vital supply chain providing them with meats and other foods has been disrupted. Expertise from this part of our economy should be taken into consideration at the forefront of these types of emergencies in the future.

Read more about my bill here.

National Nurses Day

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In May we celebrate National Nurses Day! Nurses, we thank you for your dedication to the community and selfless commitment to public health. Now more than ever we owe you our great thanks for all you do for the betterment of our entire state!

May is Mental Health Month

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With the struggles facing so many families during this pandemic, it’s especially important to prioritize our mental health. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services provides many resources for those looking for local mental health services. If you or a loved one needs support, call the 1-888-733-7753 peer support specialist line from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. seven days a week.

 

Subscribe to my email newsletter

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.

DISTRICT INFORMATION

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,


 
 
Senator Jim Runestad
7500 Connie B. Binsfeld Office Building
P.O. Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536

 
Visit my website at: www.SenatorJimRunestad.com