Dear Neighbor,
In this newsletter, you can find updates on recent committee hearings; information about our efforts to lower prescription drug prices and protect seniors from abuse and financial exploitation; and details for upcoming events.
I appreciate your feedback, so please feel free to reach out. You can contact me by sending an email to SenVKlinefelt@senate.michigan.gov or calling 517-373-7670.
Sincerely,
Veronica Klinefelt
State Senator
District 11
Displaced Federal Workers Speak to Reckless DOGE Firings & Impact on Michigan
From disrupting care for veterans to interfering with the monitoring of severe weather on our Great Lakes, the effects of recent non-discriminant federal workforce terminations carried out by the Dept. of Government Efficiency (DOGE) demand attention, as highlighted by testifiers in last week’s Senate Labor Committee hearing.
Andrew, a Marine who works at a VA hospital in Ann Arbor, spoke to the impact these cuts would have on the quality of care veterans would receive from their VA hospital. Nicole, a former employee of the U.S. Dept. of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), highlighted NOAA’s vital role in protecting public health and safety in the Great Lakes region and discussed how the haphazard downsizing of her agency would interrupt life-saving weather predictions and notifications among other vital work. And, as someone whose role was instrumental in identifying fraud and misuse of government funding within the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Leslie emphasized how the chaotic firings carried out by DOGE were anything but fiscally responsible and effective at serving Michiganders.
Federal workers are public servants tasked with ensuring that the critical programs of our federal government operate efficiently and effectively, safeguarding the wellbeing of the people and places we call home. Like Andrew, Nicole, and Leslie, they ensure our neighbors are housed, our water ways are clean, and veterans receive the health care they need. While our nation’s top officials shamelessly mischaracterize their work as “wasteful” to justify tax cuts for corporations and the wealthiest Americans, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I are committed to highlighting these stories and addressing the impacts of these actions on workers, families, and communities across the state. To watch the hearing and listen to the full testimonies of the residents who shared, click here.
If you or someone you know is a federal worker who has been impacted by these terminations, be sure to take a look at these helpful resources from the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
Michigan Senate Advances Bills to Lower Prescription Drug Costs for Michiganders
While the pharmaceutical industry raked in over $29 billion in net profits during a recent three-month period, nearly a third of Michigan residents stopped taking their prescriptions because of cost and 60% of older adults reported concerns over not being able to afford their essential medications. This is unacceptable.
To ensure all Michiganders, no matter their age, income, or background, have access to affordable, life-saving medication, my colleagues and I passed legislation this week to establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board in Michigan (PDAB) — an independent body designed to lower prescription drug costs and hold Big Pharma accountable. Comprised of experts in health care, economics, and supply chain management, the PDAB would be able to analyze and recommend ways to lower drug costs in Michigan. The PDAB could also set upper payment limits — maximum amounts that can be charged for prescription drugs — on prescription drugs sold in the state.
This legislative package, Senate Bills 3–5, now heads to the House for consideration. Learn more here.
Michigan Senate Passes Legislation to Protect Seniors and Vulnerable Adults
Elderly individuals and vulnerable adults are at high risk of being subject to abuse and exploitation at the hands of family members, friends, or other close associates. According to the Michigan Dept. of Attorney General, more than 73,000 older adults in the state are victims of these crimes which can lead to serious physical and psychological effects such as depression, increased hospitalization, and premature death.
This is why, with the help of my colleagues, I introduced a package of bills to protect older and vulnerable Michiganders from these threats. Last week, the Senate passed this package, Senate Bills 111–114, which would increase protections by:
- Creating an elder and vulnerable adult personal protection order (PPO).
- Increasing the amount of time prosecutors have to recover property in embezzlement cases where criminals have taken advantage of vulnerable adults.
- Protecting vulnerable adults even after death, treating those offenses the same as if the exploitation had occurred during the victim’s lifetime.
- Taking an all-in approach to preventing, intervening, investigating, and prosecuting abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of older and vulnerable adults by bringing together local teams of experts.
This legislation now heads to the Michigan House for their consideration — read more about it here.
Celebrating the Opening of the Clinton Township Inclusive Playground
Community Conversation
WHEN: Friday, April 25, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: Fraser VFW Post 6691, 17075 Anita Ave., Fraser, MI 48026
Federal Actions Town Hall with Attorney General Dana Nessel
WHEN: Monday, May 19, from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Roseville – location details will be sent via email 24 hours prior. RSVP here.
Michigan’s Expanded Unemployment Benefits Now in Effect
Unemployment benefits have long been a critical lifeline for Michigan workers — helping them put food on the table, pay their rent, and afford other essential items in times of difficulty. Unfortunately, our state’s unemployment system too often prevented people from accessing those benefits at the time they need it most. That’s why my colleagues and I worked to improve Michigan’s unemployment system to remove barriers that claimants have commonly experienced, boost the maximum number of weeks workers could receive benefits, and increase the maximum dollar amount of weekly benefits.
I’m excited to share that earlier this month, many of these improvements took effect. To learn more about this new law, click here. And if you or a loved one are currently needing to apply for unemployment benefits while in search of a new job, please click here to find a six-step guide to applying for and understanding benefits.
Michigan Vietnam Veteran Recognition Certificate
The Michigan Vietnam Veteran Recognition Certificate is a prestigious honor acknowledging the bravery and sacrifices of our Vietnam veterans. If you or someone you know fits the criteria below, you may be eligible for this special recognition:
- Citizenship: You must be a citizen of Michigan or have been one while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States — this includes the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard, as well as the Michigan National Guard and reserve components.
- Honorable Service: To qualify, you must have received an honorable discharge or been released under honorable circumstances.
- Service Period: Your service must have occurred during the Vietnam War era, from February 28, 1961, to May 7, 1975.
In addition to this recognition, there is an opportunity for a special designation specifically for veterans who were exposed to dioxin or phenoxy herbicides during their service.
To submit for consideration, complete the Michigan Vietnam Veteran Recognition Certificate Form.
If you have questions about filling out your application or questions regarding the Vietnam Veteran Recognition Certificate, please contact 1-800-MICH-VET or email MVAAResourceCenter@michigan.gov.