Lansing’s Year Ends with Several Bills Signed and Several Bills Vetoed

‘Tis the season for end of the year bill signing and vetoing in Lansing. Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed and vetoed a flurry of bills as 2020 wound down.

The signed bills address a variety of issues. Senate bills 1090 and 1092 adjust the expectations of incarcerated parents regarding child support when the parent has no ability to pay. Several other bills were signed pertaining to veterans’ facilities, one-year tax adjustments in response to the pandemic, as well as bills related to public interests in bridges, tasting rooms, social service complaint notifications, and others.

Several bills were vetoed as well. Those covered a variety of topics, including the use of Executive Powers. A bill sponsored by Senator Dan Lauwers, a St. Clair County Republican, pertaining to defining “authority” in the Small Wireless Communications Act was vetoed. Several bills related to the pandemic were also vetoed, including a bill that would create the Pandemic Health Care Immunity Act, which would provide immunity from liability for health care facilities for any injury, including death, sustained by an individual in relation to the provision of COVID-19-related services. 

A link to more information, including the veto letters, can be found at WGRT.com.

https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/0,9309,7-387-90499_90640-548570–,00.html

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

More Money to Go to Small Businesses, Entertainment Venues, Unemployment

There is good news for small businesses and the unemployed as they are being targeted in new programs to grant relief in the midst of prolonged closures and dwindling profits. A bipartisan bill was signed into law on Tuesday that provides additional assistance to those who have been hit hardest by the forced shutdowns.

The allocation will give grants to small businesses, live music and entertainment venues, and unemployed workers. Businesses such as restaurants could get up to $20,000.

Scott Hammontree, President of the Michigan Independent Venue and Promoter Association, praised the bill, thanking the Governor for support and affirming that keeping patrons safe is their number one priority. 

Unemployment benefits have been temporarily extended from 20 to 26 weeks through March 2021. Governor Whitmer expressed frustration with the legislature, saying, “I urge the legislature to take further action to make this permanent. 40 states, including all of our neighbors, automatically provide at least 26 weeks of unemployment relief. Michiganders deserve better than a short-term extension that expires in March. It’s time to work together on a bipartisan, long-term solution for working families.”  

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Soccer Sheds Damaged in East China Township

East China, MI — The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department is looking for information about vandalism to property in East China Township.

According to a statement from the Sheriff’s Department, the vandalism took place at the East China soccer fields on Recor Road. The damage is believed to have occurred overnight on December 26th or early on December 27th. Two AYSO Region 673 storage sheds were significantly damaged.

AYSO Region 673 is a volunteer-run organization that facilitates the soccer program in St. Clair, Marysville, Marine City, and Algonac. The sheds had been repaired by volunteers this past fall and contain items that are used to run the youth soccer programs.

Deputies were called to the scene on December 27th and noticed that locks had been pried off the sheds and the contents were ransacked. It is unknown if any theft occurred.

Any tips about the property damage should be reported to Deputy Jacob Garza at the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office at (810) 985-8115. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Water Shutoffs Stopped with New Law

The Water Shutoff Restoration Act was signed into law this month. The bill promotes access to clean water and works to stop water shutoffs that can prevent regular handwashing, which is thought to slow the spread of COVID-19.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Stephanie Chang of Detroit, prevents water shutoffs due to unpaid water bills and mandates that water service be turned back on where it may have been previously shut off.

Chang said, “During this pandemic, access to clean water is more important than ever to ensure that Michiganders in big cities, suburban towns, and small villages across our state can have water to drink and wash their hands. So many Michigan families are struggling, and with COVID-19 still raging, we need to ensure that we are protecting Michigan families’ health and economic security.”

The legislature and Governor Gretchen Whitmer garnered praise for signing the bills. Chang thanked those who pushed for change for more than a decade. 

Monica Lewis Patrick, President & CEO of We the People of Detroit, said, “The passage of Bill 241 is moving us in the right direction. However, we must also recognize that water affordability issues will not go away with the pandemic; thus, we must all do more.” Permanent water protections are being advocated by Patrick.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Restaurant Meal Program to Help State’s Most Vulnerable

It’s hard to make dinner when you don’t have a kitchen. Certain Michigan residents can now get a hot meal from a restaurant using state assistance.

The program is called the Restaurant Meal Program and is intended to help with food insecurity in the most vulnerable populations. Older adults over 60, people with a disability who receive Social Security Income, and people experiencing homelessness are eligible for the program.

Restaurants can enroll in the program at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website. Once restaurants enroll, a list of participating restaurants will be available and eligible beneficiaries can start using the service.

Statewide, 180,000 seniors, 134,000 residents with disabilities and 1,200 residents experiencing homelessness will be able to use their Bridge Cards at participating restaurants. 

In addition to the Restaurant Meal Program, MDHHS provides meals outside of traditional grocery store shopping with programs like Meals on Wheels and meals at treatment centers, shelters, and group dining facilities.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Parents Reminded to Educate Kids About Online Predators

A recent case involving high school students in Michigan being extorted by online predators has prompted a warning to parents and students.

The Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators (MASA) is working with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office to bring attention to the illegal activity that has been dubbed “sextortion”. Criminals are manipulating teenagers into providing explicit photos and then threatening them with sharing the photos if they don’t send money through Western Union or PayPal.

Dr. Tina Kerr, Executive Director of MASA warned, “In addition to remote learning, students are spending even more time online these days for fun, which makes this recent rise in sextortion cases especially concerning. We’re hearing from district leaders across the state about it happening to students they know and we want to do everything we can to help combat it. “

MASA suggests increased parental monitoring, strict privacy controls, and making children aware of what to do if they are contacted by someone suspicious. Authorities should be contacted immediately. 

A full list of tips and an informational video can be found at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RucT_KORVE

https://www.michigan.gov/ok2say/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland