United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Happy Monday! Here's a recap of the activity in the state House and Senate last week that relates to Education, Income, and Basic Needs.

As always, please note that inclusion on this list does not indicate UWSEM support for a bill or issue.

Education

• On March 9, the MI House Committee on Education conducted a hearing of HB 4306, which would require school districts to contract out certain non-instructional services. Another hearing is scheduled for March 23 at 9AM.
  
• Also on that day, the MI House Education Committee met jointly with other committees and received a presentation by Michelle Rhee, former Chancellor of the Washington, D.C. Public Schools and founder of the advocacy group Students First. Check out the committee page for minutes and testimony for both of these hearings.
  

Income

• MI House: HB 4417 introduced. This bill would eliminate the sunset on the mortgage modification negotiation program. Link
  
• MI House: HB 4432 introduced. Would require notice to local unit of government prior to a mortgage foreclosure. Link
  

Basic Needs

• The MI House Committee on Families, Children, and Seniors held a hearing on HB 4409 and HB 4410 last week. These bills would modify the Family Independence Program by limiting opportunities for households to continue collecting benefits after the standard 48-month lifetime limit. You can view the meeting minutes and testimony on the committee page.
  
• The MI Senate Committee on Families, Seniors, and Human Services held a hearing on SB 109, which would prohibit the use of EBT cards to withdraw cash at ATMs located in casinos. The Committee recommended the bill for passage in the Senate.

Do you think the state legislature is on the right track for Southeastern Michigan? Let me know in the comments!