|
|
Dear Friends,
This year has been unlike any other. Despite the challenges we’ve faced, I am proud of all we have accomplished. I’ve seen countless examples of our communities coming together to support one another.
I would like to thank each and every one of you for the actions you have taken to keep you, your families, and our community safe and healthy this year. Thank you to all of our frontline workers, educators, and small business owners. You have cared for our most vulnerable, found innovative ways to teach from afar, and found creative new ways to serve your customers.
I know this year hasn’t always been easy. I want to remind you that as we continue to navigate the changes COVID-19 has brought, my staff and I are here for you. Please continue to share your thoughts with me at [email protected] or at 517-373-1777.
Sincerely,
|
Kevin Daley State Senator 31st District
|
|
|
|
|
|
In an unprecedented year for our state and nation, Senate Republicans have provided the resources necessary to fight the coronavirus and help Michiganders recover from its effects.
I was proud to work with my colleagues to support those who have supported us throughout this pandemic. Here are some examples of the work we accomplished:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assisted Michiganders dealing with the personal effects of COVID-19:
|
|
|
|
|
|
• Extended unemployment benefits for the thousands who were out of work through no fault of their own; • Passed bipartisan bills to reverse Gov. Whitmer’s tragic policy of exposing nursing homes to the virus; • Ensured coronavirus testing is readily available; • Reduced the cost of child care for families and helped child care facilities remain open; and • Hired more temporary workers to fix Gov. Whitmer’s unemployment system that failed when Michigan families needed it most.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Protected those who protect us during the pandemic:
|
|
|
|
|
|
• Passed a bill to provide front-line medical professionals caring for patients with liability protection; • Provided hazard pay to local public safety officers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty during the crisis; • Increased pay for nursing home and Area Agencies on Aging workers; and • Provided funding to ensure nursing homes, long-term care and other medical facilities have the protective equipment and testing they need.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supported students and schools:
|
|
|
|
|
|
• Allowed each district to consult with their local health department and parents throughout the school year to determine the best and safest form of learning in-person, distance learning or a hybrid of both, instead of a one-size-fits all approach; • Gave districts flexibility on the total number of mandated instructional days and hours, as long as a full year’s worth of instruction is provided; and • Required regular two-way interaction between teachers and students because regardless of how they are participating in school this fall, students need personal attention from their teachers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Helped Michigan businesses, large and small, who were ravaged by the extended shutdown of our economy:
|
|
|
|
|
|
• Encouraged safe workplaces by ensuring liability protection for businesses that follow recommended health and safety guidelines; • Created a grant program to help local businesses stay open and keep Michiganders employed; • Extended the state and local income tax filing and payment deadlines for most individuals and businesses; and • Supported restaurants through the creation of special districts where establishments can stay open with social distancing guidelines.
|
|
|
|
|
|
As an elected official, I have a duty to respond to concerns raised by my constituents. Following the Nov. 3 election, my office has been inundated with calls with concerns related to this election. I admire these efforts, as the integrity of our elections should be a priority for every Michigander.
I want to assure you that Senate Republicans have been looking closely into all allegations of election irregularities as we are made aware. We have taken several actions to further investigate these matters and are continuing to review our election process. We take our role seriously in crafting legislation that holds our elections to the highest standard.
The Senate Oversight Committee has held holding hearings to investigate claims of errors or fraud that may have impacted the election results. One of the committee’s first actions was to subpoena records from the Michigan Secretary of State. I believe it is our duty as legislators to provide a forum to review policies and procedures regarding our elections so we can reveal the truth, dispel myths, and propose changes in the law, where necessary. This year has made it clear we must strengthen our laws, especially in this new era of greatly expanded absentee voting, same-day registration and other changes in voting laws. The committee is continuing to meet to review Michigan’s elections process to provide greater transparency and accountability.
I have also joined lawmakers from both the state Senate and House in requesting Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to conduct a full, independent audit of the 2020 election results. Secretary Benson has publicly stated that she intends to conduct several audits, and I look forward to reviewing the findings of those audits.
Earlier this year, during the peak of the coronavirus threat and subsequent concerns about the 2020 election, I introduced legislation that would have aided in ensuring a fair, secure election. Unfortunately, this measure was vetoed by the governor.
My bill would have made it a felony to knowingly submit another person’s name or personal identity information on a ballot application or attempt to obtain multiple ballots. This would have hindered criminal activity by making people think twice about trying to cheat the system. It is unfortunate that we could have had an additional safety net in place that could have mitigated some of the concerns we’re currently facing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unemployment insurance update
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) has provided guidance to workers and employers who may be affected by the recent COVID-19 orders issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
More information on filing or reopening an unemployment claim, including FAQs, tutorial videos, a one-page document on reopening claims and other resources are available at Michigan.gov/UIA.
UIA is now offering telephone appointments for customers with specific claim issues. By scheduling a phone appointment, customers will be able to get assistance with issues at their convenience.
Claimants should be prepared to verify their identity with their Social Security Number and Driver’s License/State Identification Number.
To schedule an appointment, visit this link.
Customers can schedule an appointment online up to one week in advance for the following issues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
• I filed under the wrong Social Security Number; • My claim is inactive; • I am unable to certify for all weeks needed; • I need to file a claim, but one is already filed in my name; and • I do not have the link in MiWAM to file a claim
|
|
|
|
|
|
At-home learning for kids
|
|
|
|
|
|
Looking for a fun, educational opportunity for your kids over the holiday break? Contact my office for a complimentary set of coloring books. Available are: Getting to Know Michigan, Michigan Recycles, and Child Safety coloring and activity guide.
These educational activity books are full of useful tips, tricks, and trivia!
You can call or email my office to request your copies: 517-373-1777 or [email protected]
Did you know the Michigan State Capitol Tour, Education, and Information Service is offering digital opportunities to visit the Capitol for classrooms and other interested groups? Capitol Educators are offering regular video tours via Facebook Livestream.
To watch these tours, please follow the Michigan State Capitol page at https://www.facebook.com/MIStateCapitol. The video tours are also archived at http://capitol.michigan.gov/Learn.
|
|
|
|
|
|
With the winter heating season in full swing, some households may need help with their heating bills. Energy assistance programs to help prevent shut-offs include:
|
|
|
|
|
|
• Winter protection plans for senior citizens and low-income customers; • State emergency relief; • Medical emergency shut-off protection; and • Shut-off protection for active duty military personnel.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Below is a list of resources available to you if you need any type of assistance as we continue to navigate the presence of this virus in Michigan. 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Celebrating a special occasion?
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
State government resources
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michigan's 31st Senate District
|
|
|
|
|
|
The 31th state Senate District includes all of Bay, Lapeer, and Tuscola counties.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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] |
|
Visit my website at: SenatorKevinDaley.com |
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|