Michigan Legislative News

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Michigan Legislative News

Nina Homel, WARSP Program chair asked me to share the information shown below that was provided by Yousef Rabhi, Michigan 53rd House Representative. Even though, his message is directed toward those who he represents, he includes some good information for others regarding Michigan’s recently pasted Proposals 1, 2, and 3, along with information on open enrollment for health care marketplace and available heating assistance.

Carol Ladley, WARSP V.P. and On-Line Facilitator

Dear Neighbor,

I am honored to write to you as your representative in Lansing. I will continue to represent you in the coming legislative term — the 100th Michigan Legislature — and I will strive to live up to the trust the voters of Ann Arbor have placed in me. I am also proud to announce that my Democratic colleagues have chosen me for the position of House Democratic Floor Leader for this upcoming session. I am excited for the opportunity to have a larger role in guiding the House towards better legislative outcomes.

I expect the remainder of this legislative session to be lively, touching on many issues that affect the daily lives of Michiganders. Having your input on those issues helps me represent you better, so I hope you will contact me about the issues that are important to you. You can get in touch with me by phone at (517) 373-2577, by email at youse...@house.mi.gov, or on my website, rabhi.housedems.com. Additionally, I will send these e-newsletters monthly to update you on legislation and community news. If you would like to unsubscribe, please email me at youse...@house.mi.gov.

I look forward to working together to move Michigan forward.

Sincerely, Yousef Rabhi

Community Discussions: Yousef and YOU

I look forward to the chance to meet many of you in person and discuss your priorities for our state. To that end, I hold open forums in Ann Arbor on a regular basis. My next constituent events will be:

•Date: Saturday, Nov. 17 — PLEASE NOTE THIS IS NOT THE 4TH SATURDAY

Time: 10 a.m.

Location: RoosRoast 1155 Rosewood St., Ann Arbor

•Date: Monday, Dec. 10

Time: 6 p.m.

Location: 618 Church St., Ann Arbor

•Date: Saturday, Dec. 22

Time: 10 a.m.

Location: RoosRoast 1155 Rosewood St., Ann Arbor

Voters Approve Changes to Marijuana Laws, Redistricting Procedures, and Voter Rights

Last week, Michigan voters approved all three statewide proposals on the ballot. Proposal 1, which passed with 56 percent of the vote, legalizes the use and sale of marijuana by adults 21 and older. Individuals will be able to carry 2.5 ounces in public and keep up to 10 ounces and 12 plants at home. However, smoking marijuana in public will remain illegal, as will driving under the influence. In addition, marijuana remains illegal under federal law, and employers in Michigan will still be able to discipline employees for violating workplace drug use policies. The new law takes effect in December, but it will take about two years to set up the rules for legal sales of non-medical marijuana in communities that choose to allow marijuana businesses.

Proposal 2 passed with 61 percent support.It sets up an independent redistricting commission to draw electoral district lines. I believe this commission process will be a fairer way to ensure that our democracy is truly representative in Michigan. Currently, district lines are drawn by the ruling party in the Legislature. The redistricting commission will consist of four Democrats, four Republicans, and five citizens who affiliate with neither party. Politicians, legislative staffers, and lobbyists will not be able to serve on the commission. Applications to serve on the commission will be available starting in January 2020. The districts will be drawn based on the 2020 Census and will go into effect in 2022.

Proposal 3 amends the Michigan Constitution to put in place a number of measures improving access to voting, and will also mandate vote count audits to ensure public confidence in election results. The proposal passed with 67 percent support. Among other things, it will eliminate voter registration deadlines, automatically register voters, allow absentee voting for any reason, and restore the option to vote a straight party ticket.

Open Enrollment for Health Care Marketplace and Healthy Michigan

Enrollment for health plans on the federal Health Insurance Marketplace is open through Dec. 15. If you do not have coverage through an employer, Medicare, or Medicaid, you can purchase coverage on the Marketplace. Depending on your household size and income, you may qualify for a substantial premium subsidy. If you do not enroll during open enrollment, you will not be able to get coverage until 2020 unless you have a qualifying event such as the loss of other coverage or birth of a child.

If your income is at or below 138 percent of the federal poverty level ($16,753 for a single person), you are likely eligible for coverage through Healthy Michigan (Medicaid expansion). You can find more information on the Marketplace and Healthy Michigan from the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services here: https://www.michigan.gov/difs/0,5269,7-303-12902_35510-310214--,00.html.

Heating Assistance Available

As cold weather sets in, heating bills can strain budgets. If you or someone you know are struggling to pay for heat, the Michigan Agency for Energy has a website (https://www.michigan.gov/mpsc/0,4639,7-159-16368-481609--,00.html) with information about low-cost ways to save energy as well as energy assistance programs.

These programs include:

· Home Heating Credit

· Winter Protection Plans for senior citizens and low-income customers

· State Emergency Relief funds

· Medical emergency shut-off protection

· Shut-off protection for active duty military personnel or their spouse

· Grants from the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)

· Information on agencies that provide MEAP assistance by calling 2-1-1

· Weatherization Assistance Program