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100 DAYS INTO THE 102ND LEGISLATURE

Last week marked 100 days into the historically Dem-led legislature and here’s some big things that they have accomplished so far that NASW-Michigan has been supportive of:

GUN SAFETY LEGISLATION SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR

Last week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law bills to expand background checks for firearm purchases and hold gun owners legally responsible for safely storing their firearms when not in use. 

While this is a big win, we look forward to working with the legislature and Governor Whitmer to push extreme risk protection order (ERPO) bills across the finish line and to continue to create safer communities by adequately funding community violence prevention programs and addressing the root cause of gun violence.

Read more about the state of gun safety laws in Michigan here.

DRIVE SAFE LEGISLATION AIMS TO SUPPORT DIGNITY AND RESPECT

Democratic lawmakers are looking to take up legislation that would allow all Michigan residents to obtain state identifications or driver’s licenses regardless of their immigration status.

The legislation, titled the Drive SAFE (Safety, Access, Freedom, and the Economy ) was announced in a press conference last Wednesday by House Majority Floor Leader Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck). Aiyash said the legislation will allow Michigan’s communities to be safer and ensure that all Michigan residents are able to drive safely without fear of deportation.

Since 2008, undocumented immigrants have not been able to obtain driver's license or state identification, when then-Attorney General Mike Cox made a legally-binding ruling that only permanent residents could do so. The decision by Cox, and the subsequent legislation, still left undocumented immigrants, without a way to obtain a license or state identification.

“The ability to provide identification and a valid driver’s license enables job seekers to find steady employment regardless of their access to public transit, thus making them more attractive and reliable employees,” Aiyash said in a press release . “Michigan’s immigrants play a large and necessary role in the agricultural, auto, and manufacturing industries.”

Nineteen other states and Washington D.C. have passed similar laws and Sen. Erika Geiss, D-Taylor, introduced the Senate version of the bill.

https://www.votervoice.net/NASWMI/Campaigns/104077/Respond

FREE WATER FILTRATION FOR SCHOOLS & CHILD CARE CENTERS

For the past four years, a bill package has been working through Lansing to offer free water filters for every school and child care center in the state. The bills got as far as even getting the needed funding included in last year’s budget, but it never got a full vote to approve.

So in the new legislative session, the bill’s original sponsor Rep. Curt VanderWall of Ludington, is pushing it again with the hopes it will be fast tracked and done by the end of the year. Funding allocations are already in this year's budget, so movement on these bills will probably be quick.

Testimony on the bills is expected to be held next week and NASW-Michigan will be putting in support tickets for the package.

Read more about HB 4340-4342 here.

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the community gathered Tuesday morning in front of the capitol to spread awareness at the 15th annual Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Day Rally. NASW-Michigan Board President, Fatima Salamon, gave a speech as well. 

It was an event filled with personal stories and positive outlooks. The theme was “Building Together: Prevention in Partnership.”

Read more about the rally here.

NASW-MICHIGAN ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Register for our Annual Conference here!