Month: December 2020

This column originally appeared in Michigan Advance on January 1, 2021 Although we all are probably sick of Zoom, it’s worth noting how virtual platforms have made “getting together” over the course of a pandemic as easy as clicking a link. Of course, it is still difficult and strange to not be able to see […]

This column appeared in The Alpena News on December 23, 2020. On Monday, the Michigan Legislature wrapped up the 2019-20 session by delivering some major gifts to Michigan residents in the Alpena area and around the state. That included the bipartisan passage of $465 million in supplemental budget funding to provide immediate help to Michigan […]

By Melissa Rizer, Community Engagement Intern As a young adult looking at the world today, it is difficult to feel optimistic about the future. With the introduction of COVID-19 bringing racial disparities and other social and political issues into focus, I have found myself wondering: where do we go from here? My first step toward […]

This year has been hard. We’ve canceled vacations, visits, and holidays with family. We’ve opted for virtual visits with grandparents and other loved ones. We’ve rearranged rooms to set up in-home work and educational spaces. Birthday parties are by Zoom. For the first time, we are planning a holiday at home rather than traveling to […]

Comprehensive school-based sex education provides vital lessons for young people about their health and safety. It allows young people an inclusive, informative, and supportive space to learn how to communicate boundaries, establish and maintain positive relationships, and protect their health. When instruction begins early and goes beyond anatomy and development to also teach skills that […]

For Immediate ReleaseDec. 21, 2020 Contact: Alex Rossmanarossman@mlpp.org 517-775-9053 Bill funds six-week unemployment extension, child care funding for school-aged children, vaccine operations, and grants and increased pay for various workers and businesses  LANSING—The Michigan League for Public Policy issued the following statement on the Michigan House’s passage this morning of Senate Bill 748 to pass […]

This column originally appeared in Michigan Advance on Dec. 16, 2020 We have known since the coronavirus pandemic hit Michigan that it was going to hit families with children particularly hard, especially families who were already struggling before the health crisis hit. But thanks to a new report released by the Annie E. Casey Foundation […]

For Immediate ReleaseDec. 18, 2020 Contact:Alex Rossmanarossman@mlpp.org 517-775-9053 Bill funds six-week unemployment extension, child care funding for school-aged children, vaccine operations, and grants and increased pay for various workers and businesses LANSING—The Michigan League for Public Policy issued the following statement on the Michigan Senate’s passage tonight of Senate Bill 748 to pass $465 million […]

For Immediate Release Dec. 17, 2020 Contact: Alex Rossmanarossman@mlpp.org 517-775-9053 House joins together to keep residents’ water flowing during COVID-19 pandemic Bipartisan, nearly unanimous passage of Senate Bill 241 will establish a moratorium on water shutoffs during the health crisis LANSING—The Michigan League for Public Policy issued the following statement on the Michigan House’s passage […]

For Immediate ReleaseDec. 17, 2020 Contact:Alex Rossmanarossman@mlpp.org 517-775-9053 Senate Bill 1006 will benefit justice-involved residents, especially people of color and individuals with disabilities LANSING—The Michigan House continued the Legislature’s commitment to smart criminal justice reform today with the passage of Senate Bill 1006 by a vote of 92-15. This legislation, sponsored by Senator Jim Ananich, will permanently […]