Serving you
Serving the people of the 36th Senate District is important to me, and I encourage you to contact me with any state issues. You may call toll-free at 1-855-347-8036 or email [email protected]. Also, please check out my Facebook page. Let me know if I can assist you in any way or if you have an idea to help move Michigan forward.

COVID-19 updated figures
Michigan today reported 1,012 new confirmed cases of COVID-19. Our state’s total number of positive cases is now at 6,498, with 29 cases in the 36th Senate District. State officials also reported 52 additional deaths, bringing the state total to 184 deaths. There have been over 15,200 specimens tested in Michigan, as of March 28. This information and more is available at www.Michigan.gov/coronavirus.

Supplemental funding for COVID-19 response
The governor today signed my legislation as part of a two-bill supplemental funding package to provide up to $150 million in funding to support efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 and save lives.

Senate Bill 151 contained funding for many worthwhile projects and programs, but in the wake of this unprecedented health crisis, our focus must be on defeating the virus and helping Michigan residents and businesses get back on their feet.

Here is part of a joint statement from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the four legislative caucus leaders on the signing of two supplemental budget bills: “Residents across the great state of Michigan need to know that the Executive and Legislative branches of state government are working together to do whatever is necessary to ensure an effective response to COVID-19.” READ MORE

Unemployment news
Increased unemployment benefits for workers affected by COVID-19
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer today announced new programs for workers affected by COVID-19. The governor, under the federal CARES Act, signed an agreement between Michigan and the U.S. Dept. of Labor to implement Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Compensation programs that grant benefits to workers who do not already qualify for state unemployment benefits. Workers include self-employed, 1099-independent contractors, gig, and low-wage workers who can no longer work because of the pandemic. The agreement also increases weekly benefits for all unemployed workers by $600 a week for up to four months and extends benefit payments from 26 to 39 weeks. READ MORE

New UIA filing schedule
To help Michiganders receive unemployment benefits because of COVID-19, the state Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) has developed a schedule for workers to file for benefits based on the first letter of their last name. The new schedule started on Sunday and will help alleviate bottlenecks in both the online system – www.Michigan.gov/UIA – and over the phone at 1-866-500-0017.

People whose last name starts with the letters A-L are asked to file claims online on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays or call between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. Those with a last name beginning with M-Z are asked to file claims online on Sundays, Tuesdays or Thursdays or call on Tuesdays or Thursdays. For anyone who could not file during their allotted window, Saturdays will be available for online filers and Fridays will be available for callers. READ MORE

Major concerns with May election executive order
Gov. Whitmer on Friday issued Executive Order 2020-27 to allow the secretary of state to mail absentee ballot applications to all registered voters for the May 5 election instead of moving the May election. I have significant concerns with it. To protect the public and the integrity of our elections, the governor and the secretary of state should be taking actions to move the May elections to August.

I am deeply concerned that the secretary of state is wasting taxpayer resources on mailing everyone an absentee ballot application, when Michigan’s residents can already make this request and consolidating the elections in August is a more efficient and safer option.

As we face uncertain times during this public health emergency and substantial economic challenge, we need to make sure we’re focused first on using our limited taxpayer dollars on protecting the health and safety of the Michigan people.

COVID-19 news
Below are releases from the governor about requesting a major disaster declaration from President Trump and an executive order easing certain prescription restrictions during this crisis.

LANSING, Mich. – President Trump has approved Governor Whitmer’s request for a Major Disaster declaration in Michigan. The declaration means that Michigan is now eligible for participation in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) programming to provide relief for Michiganders impacted by the COVID-19 virus and measures to slow the spread of the virus. While Michigan made a broad request for aid in every Individual Assistance and Public Assistance program from the Individual Assistance category, funding was approved for the Crisis Counseling Program and funding for Emergency Protective Measures from the Public Assistance Category was also approved.

“This is a good start, and it will help us protect Michiganders and slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Whitmer. “I’m hopeful that the president will review my request for individual assistance programs that would provide meals to families who need them and rental assistance and temporary housing for families. I look forward to the federal government’s continued partnership as we work to fight this virus.” READ MORE

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer on March 27 signed Executive Order 2020-26, which pushes all April 2020 state and city income tax filing deadlines in Michigan to July 2020, as a part of continued efforts to help Michiganders during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effective immediately, state of Michigan and city of Detroit income tax returns and payments due on April 15 are now due before midnight on July 15. Other state of Michigan cities with income taxes due on April 15 will now be due on July 15, while cities with income taxes due on April 30 will now be due on July 31. READ MORE

Want to help fight COVID-19?
If you are able, you can donate your time, expertise or critical items to help fight coronavirus in Michigan. Click here find out how.