2024 Congressional Art Competition

2024 Congressional Art Competition

by | Feb 22, 2024 | Regional News

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Calling all artists: now is the time to get your entries ready for the 2024 Congressional High School Art Competition!

Each spring, Congresswoman Slotkin is proud to sponsor this high school arts competition along with her colleagues in the House of Representatives. The Congressional Art Competition is an opportunity to recognize, celebrate, and encourage artistic talent in the nation, as well as in our district.

The competition is open to all high school students who either reside or attend school in Michigan’s 7th District. 

The first-place winner will have their artwork hung in the U.S. Capitol for one year, and will be invited to attend a ceremony with other winners from around the country in Washington, D.C. over the summer. The second-place winner will have their art hung in Congresswoman Slotkin’s Washington D.C. office for one year, and the third-place winner will have their art hung in Congresswoman Slotkin’s Lansing office.

Image2023 Art Competition winner Emma Li of Okemos High School visits Washington to see her painting hanging in the U.S. Capitol with Rep. Slotkin. 

A reception will also be held in late spring in Lansing to announce the winner and display and celebrate all of the art submissions.

Submissions must adhere to the following rules: 

  • Artwork must be two-dimensional and no larger than 26 inches by 26 inches by 4 inches, and must not weigh more than 15 pounds
  • Art pieces should NOT be framed for judging
  • All submissions must be original in concept, design, and execution, and may not violate U.S. copyright laws

Artwork can be: 

  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Drawing
  • Mixed Media
  • Other (ie. Computer-generated art, collages, etc.)

Artwork will be collected from participating schools and homeschool families in early April by our office staff.
All students will need to fill out a release form and attach it to the back of the artwork, which can be downloaded here. Work entered must be in the original medium (that is, not a scanned reproduction of a painting or drawing).

You can take a look at the full rules and checklist for the 2024 competition by clicking here.

Please send all your questions to Maria Moore in our office at [email protected].

We can’t wait to see what students create this year!

– Office of Rep. Elissa Slotkin
Bills to Cut Red Tape & Lower Costs for Families 

Bills to Cut Red Tape & Lower Costs for Families 

by | Feb 21, 2024 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 21, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Bills to Cut Red Tape & Lower Costs for Families

 

LANSING, Mich.— Today, Governor Whitmer signed unanimous, bipartisan legislation that cuts red tape and lowers costs for families that are transferring assets, like a vehicle or watercraft, when a family member has passed. The new law will ensure values of the title transfers are aligned with the cost of living so that families are not left on the hook for additional costs.

 

“We shouldn’t be placing additional burdens on Michiganders when they lose a loved one. These bills make the transfer vehicle or watercraft that you own to your own family members much simpler, and lower your loved ones’ costs,” said Governor Whitmer. “With these unanimously passed, bipartisan bills, we are raising the maximum value of such a transfer to better reflect the current cost of living. Let’s keep working together to lower costs for Michiganders with commonsense changes to save them time and money.”

 

Under current law, Michiganders need to go through probate court if a vehicle or watercraft that exceeds current thresholds is transferred to a new family member from a deceased relative. With the cost of goods rising, this added an additional burden for families dealing with the loss of a loved one. The new law will reduce that cost for families who inherit assets by better aligning the threshold level with current values of assets.

 

House Bill 4416, sponsored by Rep. Graham Filler, amends the Estates and Protected Individuals Code to update certain asset threshold amounts, creates “standby guardians”, and inserts safeguards to help protect against inappropriate gifts.

 

House Bill 4417, also sponsored by Rep. Graham Filler, modifies the maximum value of a transfer of ownership of a vehicle to the surviving spouse or heir after the owner’s death, adjusting for the present cost of living.

 

“These bills will modernize Michigan’s probate code, while making our probate laws fairer and easier to understand,” says state Representative Graham Filler (R-Duplain Township). “I am proud to work on bipartisan legislation that improves the lives of Michiganders.”

 

House Bill 4418, sponsored by Rep. Kelly Breen, amends the value of money, securities, and insurance transfers allowed to minors.

 

House Bill 4419, also sponsored by Rep. Kelly Breen, increases the maximum value for the issuance of a certificate of title for the transfer of a watercraft from a deceased owner’s interest, adjusting for the present cost of living.

 

“Grieving the loss of a loved one is hard enough without having to endure litigation over inherited property. That’s what these bills will help avoid,” said state Representative Kelly Breen (D-Novi), chair of the House Judiciary Committee. “I’m proud of the bipartisan work we’ve done to help Michigan families avoid Probate Court and make a difficult time just a little easier.”

 

The governor also signed House Bills 4325 and 4845.

 

House Bill 4325, sponsored by Rep. Helena Scott, increases fines and penalties for large amounts of illegal littering.

 

“The signage of the illegal dumping bill by Governor Whitmer is a major victory in creating a better environment for all Michiganders,” said state Representative Helena Scott (D-Detroit). “Polluters will not be able to abandon land and buildings, creating blight, without consequence. The increased fines and penalties send a clear message: We’re putting the health and safety of our ecosystem and the people of Michigan first. If you pollute, it will cost you.”

 

House Bill 4845, sponsored by Rep. Willaim Bruck, designates a portion of M-125 in Monroe County, as the “Captain Joseph M. Liedel Memorial Highway”.

 

“For 28 years CPT Joe Liedel selfishly served not only his community, but also the victims of the attack on New York City, in September 2001,” said state Representative William Bruck (R-Erie). “He loved what he did and I’m certain if he could come back from the grave would do it all over again, and he would not want to be honored. However, for the sake of his family and our communities, it is fitting he be forever honored for his enduring legacy of service.”

 
Voters cast ballots on Day One of early voting

Voters cast ballots on Day One of early voting

by | Feb 20, 2024 | Regional News

Secretary Benson banner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 18, 2024

Contact: Cheri Hardmon

(517) 643-7236

 

Secretary Benson and more than 6,500 other Michigan voters cast their ballot on Day One of early voting

In-person early voting sites open through Feb. 25 for Presidential Primary

DETROIT, Mich. – Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, along with more than 6,500 voters across the state, cast a ballot in the Presidential Primary on the first day of in-person early voting.

 

“I was proud to cast my vote yesterday along with over 6,500 voters statewide who chose to participate in Michigan’s first day of early voting,” Secretary Benson said. “All across the state, thousands of clerks and election workers ensured the historic day was a success. I am grateful to all of them for their hard work and dedication to ensuring every voice is heard and every vote is counted in every election.”

 

According to poll book totals, 6,587 voters cast their ballots yesterday at early voting sites around the state. Early voting will be available for a total of nine consecutive days through Sunday, Feb. 25. Secretary Benson voted at the Northwest Activities Center in Detroit and spoke with City of Detroit Clerk Janice Winfrey, election workers, and voters at the site.

 

This is the first time in Michigan’s history voters have had the option to cast a ballot in person at an early voting site in a statewide election. At least nine days of in-person early voting for statewide and federal elections is now a constitutional requirement following the 2022 passage of Proposal 2. Michigan is the 22nd state to implement in-person, polling-place style early voting.

 

To learn more about early voting, including locations and hours of early voting sites, visit Michigan.gov/EarlyVoting.

 

Voters can check their registration, track their absentee ballot, and learn more about voting in the Feb. 27 Presidential Primary at Michigan.gov/Vote.

 

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Secretary Benson "I Voted! Did You?" sticker Detroit
Secretary Benson voted at the Northwest Activities Center early voting site in Detroit on the first day of in-person early voting for the Presidential Primary.

 

Secretary Benson voting in Detroit  

An election worker at Detroit’s Northwest Activities Center early voting site greets Secretary Benson as she prepares to cast her ballot.

 

Secretary Benson and a group at Detroit early voting site 

Secretary Benson and a community group at the Northwest Activities Center early voting site.
Funding to Provide Life-changing Career Pathways

Funding to Provide Life-changing Career Pathways

by | Feb 15, 2024 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 14, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Announces Funding to Provide Life-changing Career Pathways Through Registered Apprenticeships

Organizations will assist English language learners and individuals without a high school diploma or equivalency

 

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) awarded more than $1 million in competitive grants to organizations that will provide underrepresented individuals with access to life-changing career pathways through Registered Apprenticeships.

 

The Michigan Statewide Targeted Apprenticeship Inclusion and Readiness System (MiSTAIRS) provided the funding with the goal of significantly expanding Registered Apprenticeship opportunities for English language learners and individuals without a high school diploma or its equivalency.

 

“By increasing access to education and training opportunities that lead to high-skill, high-wage careers, the Michigan Statewide Targeted Apprenticeship Inclusion & Readiness System supports my vision to improve the quality of life of all Michiganders,” said Governor Whitmer. “The recipients of these grants will grow Registered Apprenticeship through the lens of equity and inclusion, reflecting our commitment to ensuring everyone has an opportunity to ‘make it’ in Michigan.”

 

MiSTAIRS leverages ongoing efforts in the Michigan Adult Education system, providing underrepresented populations with access to a life-changing career pathway by ensuring readiness for enrollment and completion in a Registered Apprenticeship Program. In 2022, more than 30,000 learners enrolled in an adult education program in Michigan.

 

“The Michigan Statewide Targeted Apprenticeship Inclusion and Readiness System is a transformative initiative that provides an onramp to career opportunities for Michiganders who are frequently left behind,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “MiSTAIRS helps us close equity gaps and remove barriers to employment by providing opportunities for adult learners to gain workforce skills and earn an industry-recognized credential while completing their high school diploma or equivalency.”

 

The following organizations have been awarded competitive grants to significantly expand Registered Apprenticeship Program opportunities to 200 Michigan English language learners and individuals without a high school diploma or its recognized equivalency.

 

Grantee

Geographical Area

Total Award

Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren

Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and Van Buren Counties

$400,000

Southwest Economic Solutions

 

City of Detroit

 

$300,000

Mott Community College

Genesee, Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, Shiawassee and Tuscola Counties

$300,000

Iosco Regional Educational Service Agency Adult Education

Arenac, Clare, Gladwin, Iosco, Ogemaw and Roscommon Counties

$120,400

TOTAL

 

$1,120,400

 

“As one of the State Senators representing the City of Detroit, I am thrilled for my community with the announcement of the $300,000 award for Southwest Economic Solutions in Senate District 1,” said state Senator Erika Geiss (D-Taylor). “The goals of MiSTAIRS align with my values of promoting equity and justice and removing barriers for marginalized communities. I look forward to the positive impacts this grant will have on our community.”

 

“I extend my gratitude to Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) for their invaluable support in granting Mott Community College $300,000 to enhance Registered Apprenticeship opportunities,” said state Senator John Cherry (D-Flint). “This investment will create equal pathways to success for everyone, boosting economic mobility and equity in our community. I’m proud that my colleagues and I prioritized this funding, making it possible for us to make a real difference in people’s lives.”

 

“I am thrilled to hear that Mott Community College is receiving this sizable grant — this means the college can grow and improve more apprenticeship programs for Flint community members, including English language learners and folks who don’t have a high school diploma,” said state Rep. Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint). “These kinds of programs help open the doors of opportunity for individuals who often have doors shut on them. Funding equity-minded apprenticeship programs illustrates that in Michigan, marginalized and underrepresented residents will not get left behind. All Michiganders deserve a real chance to flourish.”

 

“As the grandson of a UAW member and the son of a union carpenter — neither of whom had college degrees — I know first-hand the transformative power that an apprenticeship has,” said state Rep. Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph), who represents portions of Allegan, Berrien and Van Buren counties. “Learning a profitable trade while attaining a diploma or GED will put more people in line for jobs with family-sustaining wages and liveable benefits.”

 

“This grant award will help find people who would otherwise fall through the cracks and set them up for a lifetime of success,” said state Rep. Tyrone Carter (D-Detroit). “I’m proud of the work this administration is doing to help folks who need just a hand up to get themselves on the path to self-sustainability.”

 

“We are making sure we have systems in place to support those least often included in the benefits from Registered Apprenticeship, including women, people of color and individuals with disabilities,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, Director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training. “These grant recipients will expand existing and develop new programs, and better prepare job seekers through Registered Apprenticeship programs.”

 

Registered Apprenticeships are an industry-driven, high-quality training model employers use to develop and prepare Michigan’s future workforce. Apprentices gain paid work experience, related classroom instruction and a national industry-recognized credential upon program completion.

 

Boosting awareness and use of Registered Apprenticeships supports LEO’s efforts to educate Michiganders and grow the middle class by removing barriers to employment. It also closes equity gaps, expanding the talent pool and matching employers with qualified employees to grow and sustain a vibrant economy.

 

More information about LEO’s efforts to expand the use of Registered Apprenticeships are available at Michigan.gov/Apprenticeship.
2024 Congressional Art Competition

Federal assistance after last summer’s storms

by | Feb 14, 2024 | Regional News

 

Hi there,

You may have seen U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra was in our district last week discussing important prescription drug provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act. Before that press conference, though, we had a few meetings I want to tell you about.

I invited Secretary Becerra to our 7th Congressional District because of your calls, emails and letters surrounding high prescription prices, drug shortages and maternal health disparities. It’s important for federal officials to see firsthand the issues that affect Michiganders in their daily lives.

First, we met with local hospital leaders, so Secretary Becerra could hear directly from them about the issues they’re facing.  Our first priority was the ongoing shortage of lifesaving cancer drugs that has forced our hospitals in Michigan to ration care. This crisis has shown once again that maintaining a sufficient supply of pharmaceuticals is critical for not just patients, but for our national security.  This issue of supply-chains for critical items has become a bit of an obsession of mine since shortages upended our economy during the pandemic.  It’s why I co-founded the bipartisan Domestic Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Caucus and have introduced legislation, like the Ensuring Access to Lifesaving Drugs Act, to keep vital medicines on pharmacy shelves.

In our second meeting with Secretary Becerra, we met with advocates and talked about the issue of black maternal health.  Today, Black & Native American women are three to four times more likely to die from complications surrounding pregnancy & childbirth than white women. Our meeting allowed Secretary Becerra to learn about the systemic & financial challenges faced by those who’ve been in the trenches on this issue. Thank you to the doctors, midwives, doulas, & public health & nonprofit leaders who provided ways to address this issue at the federal level.

Finally, we held a press conference on the Inflation Reduction Act.  This bill sends a really clear signal to the rest of the prescription drug world that the day where you can just charge whatever you want — where there’s no transparency on the price of medication — is an era that’s coming to an end.

I am thankful to all those who helped us have a productive day discussing federal solutions that would help Michiganders.

Rep. Slotkin

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Dear Constituent,

As you may have heard, President Biden recently approved Michigan’s request for a disaster declaration following the storms that rolled through our state last year from August 24-26.

As a result, if you live in or own a business in one of the affected communities and you sustained damage from the tornadoes, severe storms, and flooding, you can now apply for disaster assistance funds from FEMA or low-interest loans from the Small Business Administration. Below are details on how to make those requests.

The affected counties in the 7th District are Eaton, Ingham, Livingston, and Oakland. And if you have family or friends in Wayne, Ionia, Kent, Macomb, or Monroe counties who were affected by those storms, this information applies to them as well.

To start the application process, you can either log on to FEMA’s website, download the FEMA app, or call the FEMA Helpline at (800) 621-3362.

You will need to have the following information ready:

  • A current phone number where you can be contacted.
  • Your address at the time of the disaster and your current address.
  • Your Social Security Number.
  • A general list of damage and losses.
  • Banking information if you choose direct deposit for any federal relief money you receive.
  • Your insurance policy number (if you have one) or your agent and/or the company name.

Even if you’ve already made repairs to your property, you should still apply – just be prepared to show repair receipts, photos and any other disaster-related documentation. FEMA will soon have recovery teams on the ground in affected neighborhoods, and they’ll also be setting up centers to provide in-person help. You can stay on top of that effort HERE.

Business owners and non-profits who suffered damages may be eligible for low-interest disaster loans from the Small Business Association. Under the terms, organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

You can find out more about applying by visiting the SBA website, by calling the Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955, or by emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. For in-person assistance, the SBA has set up a Business Recovery Center at the Ellis Library Center at 3700 S. Custer Road in Monroe, MI.

As we work to recover from last summer’s storms, these federal resources will help ensure that we rebuild stronger and we hope you can take advantage of them.

– Office of Rep. Elissa Slotkin

 
Working Families Tax Credit Checks Being Mailed This Week

Working Families Tax Credit Checks Being Mailed This Week

by | Feb 12, 2024 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 12, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer: Working Families Tax Credit Checks Being Mailed This Week

 An average $550 will be mailed to 700,000 Michigan households, with these larger refunds continuing in the years ahead

 

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that eligible Michigan families will begin receiving Working Families Tax Credit supplemental checks this week as a part of $1 billion in tax cuts. The checks will put an average of $550 into Michiganders’ pockets in more than 700,000 Michigan households.

 

“Last year, the majority in the Michigan Legislature and I quintupled the Working Families Tax Credit, which will put hundreds more dollars back in the pockets of 700,000 working families,” said Governor Whitmer. “These checks that are starting to be mailed out this week will lift tens of thousands of people out of working poverty and directly benefit half the children in Michigan by helping their moms and dads pay the bills, put food on the table, and buy school supplies. We got your back in Michigan as you work hard and support your family. Together, let’s build a brighter future and a stronger economy.”

 

Michigan’s Working Families Tax Credit is based on the federal Earned Income Tax Credit.

 

To qualify, individuals must meet certain requirements and file a federal income tax return, even if no tax is owed or there is no requirement to file a return. If a federal credit is granted, the state of Michigan will provide an additional 30% credit when the taxpayer files their state income tax return.

 

For the 2022 tax year, eligible taxpayers were provided a 6% Michigan Working Families Tax Credit when they filed their state individual income tax returns. A state law that becomes effective February 13 means those taxpayers will receive a supplemental check for the remaining 24% portion of their 2022 tax year Working Families Tax Credit.

 

On Tuesday, February 13, the Michigan Department of Treasury will begin issuing these checks to eligible taxpayers through the U.S. Postal Service. The checks will be sent over a 5-to-6-week period.

 

The supplemental checks will be issued to the most recent address on file with Treasury. Treasury routinely updates taxpayer address records based on current tax filings.

 

The Michigan Working Families Tax Credit for the 2023 tax year will be applied at the full 30% rate when taxpayers file their state tax returns this tax season.

 

“Michigan’s Working Families Tax Credit at the 30% rate applies to the 2022 tax year and beyond,” said State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks. “I encourage those who are eligible for this tax credit to explore filing electronically or connecting with a reputable tax preparer when filing a return this year. Thousands of dollars could be left on the table if these credits are not claimed.”

 

Free Tax Help

 

Individuals with low income, disabilities or who are 60 years of age or older may qualify for free tax preparation help from IRS-certified volunteers. For information about free tax help, go to irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep or dial 2-1-1.

 

Additional free tax help can be found at www.michiganfreetaxhelp.org.