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On January 6th there was abhorrent violence that occurred at our nation’s Capital. It was a sad day for America, and I am heartbroken to have seen the appalling actions of some of the people of our country. We are a nation of laws and those laws must be followed.
I absolutely condemn the violence and those that were rioting. People have a right to peacefully protest and I will always work to protect that inherent American right, but acts of violence and storming public buildings only damage the very fabric of who we are as a nation.
The disgraceful actions are a travesty. They were unpatriotic and destructive to our overall system of government. Anyone who destroyed property or committed acts of violence should be arrested and charged to the fullest extent possible.
It is time for all of us to respect each other and come together as a community here in Lenawee County. As Americans, we must find a way to restore civility for the sake of our children and our entire nation.
 Last month the legislature passed funding to help Michigan distribute COVID-19 vaccine and boost testing while helping those whose livelihoods have been disrupted by the virus and economic shutdowns.
Kahle helped lead efforts as the House approved a $465 million overall plan that also temporarily extends unemployment benefits while supporting the restaurant industry, small businesses and the families who depend on them.
“There are brighter days ahead for Lenawee County and Michigan – and this measure will help us get there,” said Kahle, of Adrian. “A vaccine is here, and this funding will help distribute it more quickly and effectively. In the meantime, I continue to fight for the families and small businesses who through no fault of their own have had their livelihoods disrupted by the virus and the governor’s shutdown orders. People are hurting. They’re fighting for their way of life. This financial relief will help until normalcy is restored.”
Highlights of the measure include:
Unemployment benefits and additional help. The measure includes $220 million to temporarily extend unemployment benefits for those who have been forced out of work by the governor’s most recent shutdown orders. Benefits are extended by six weeks through March, meaning laid-off workers are temporarily eligible for up to 26 weeks of benefits. Employers are held harmless for the change. A related measure also helps those who leave their jobs because of domestic violence by ensuring they will have access to unemployment benefits. In addition, $45 million would be set aside for an employee assistance fund providing grants of up to $1,650 to replace lost wages for those employed by a business impacted by the current orders.
Restaurant and small business relief. The measure adds to grant programs for small businesses whose operations have been shut down or restricted by the governor’s latest orders. Kahle said the small business survival program – supported by $55 million in this measure alone -- could provide a lifeline for many job providers and families on the brink of economic collapse.
Vaccine distribution and support for health care workers. The measure includes more than $50 million to support vaccine distribution efforts, and $22.5 million to boost virus testing efforts – with a special focus on nursing homes. Another $42 million will support temporary staffing needs and wage increases for direct care workers who are the front lines of the COVID-19 fight.
This measure builds on the Legislature’s commitment to fight COVID-19 and its repercussions – which includes approving more than $3 billion earlier this year from state budgets, plus allocation of federal unemployment funding to surpass $6 billion overall.
“This has been a year of unfathomable sacrifice and suffering – but we will get through it by working together and supporting each other,” Kahle said.
Unfortunately, the governor vetoed $220 million from the bill that was designed to pay for temporarily extended unemployment benefits. This means that those who file for unemployment starting in January would only be eligible for up to 20 weeks of benefits – not the 26 weeks that have been available for most of the pandemic.
Rep. Kahle has said that she will work with the governor to make sure people get the help they need when they are forced out of work through no fault of their own.
 This year marks the centennial of the Michigan department of natural resources. To celebrate, the DNR is challenging Michiganders to 100 different activities involving Michigan’s cultural and natural resources. There is something to try in every season, including winter, so now is a great time to accept the challenge and get started. There are activities to explore and enjoy for all skills, abilities and interest. Click here for a list of DNR centennial-inspired activities and join the celebration today.
 State Representative Bronna Kahle was sworn in for her third and final term representing the citizens of the 57th House District by House Clerk Gary Randall. The 101st Michigan Legislature today began session following the swearing in ceremony.
“I am thankful for the opportunity to serve and work hard for the people of Lenawee County and value the trust they have placed in me,” Kahle said. “The coronavirus pandemic has been tough for everyone and I look forward to tackling the issues Michigan will face over the next two years, as we seek to recover and rebuild our way of life. Times are tough, but brighter days are ahead, especially when we are working together.”
Rep. Kahle serves the people of the 57th district which includes Adrian, Hudson, Morenci and Tecumseh as well as the townships of Adrian, Blissfield, Clinton, Deerfield, Dover, Fairfield, Franklin, Hudson, Macon, Madison, Medina, Ogden, Palmyra, Raisin, Ridgeway, Riga, Rollin, Rome, Seneca, Tecumseh and Woodstock.
To contact Rep. Kahle’s office with concerns, questions or ideas, residents may contact her office at (517) 373-1706 or BronnaKahle@house.mi.gov.
 Rep. Bronna Kahle finished her second term in the state House with another perfect voting record, taking part in all 1,027 votes during the 2019-2020 session. In total, Rep. Kahle has cast her vote on all 2,581 recorded roll-call votes between January 2017 and December 2020.
“It is an honor to work hard for the people of Lenawee County. I take my responsibility to be a voice for us in Lansing very seriously,” Rep. Kahle said. “It’s part of the job to show up each day and cast every vote with the best interests of our communities, neighbors and families in mind.”
Rep. Kahle is currently serving her third term in the state House, representing residents of the 57th District in Lenawee County.
 MDHHS is following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for prioritization of distribution and administration of COVID-19 vaccines. CDC recommendations are based on input from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the federal advisory committee made up of medical and public health experts who develop recommendations on the use of vaccines in the United States.
The first vaccines distributed in Michigan are going to health care providers who can administer the initial doses to the top priority groups, including local hospitals and health departments.
Distribution to the general public will be in two phases. Phase 1 includes workers in essential and critical industries, like manufacturing, government facilities, information technology, utilities and public health officers, non-hospital health lab or mortuary services, K-12 schools and childcare staff, and those working in homeless shelters, jails, prisons and juvenile detention facilities. Also included in this phase will be people at high risk for severe COVID-19 illness due to underlying medical conditions and seniors age 65 or older.
The Lenawee County Health Department (LCHD) has provided a limited amount of COVID-19 vaccine to medical first responders, healthcare personnel and support staff in healthcare settings identified in Phase 1A of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Vaccination Prioritization Guidance
According to the Lenawee County Health Department, they "will continue to administer vaccine to those in Phase 1A to assure we are protecting our healthcare system. As more vaccine becomes available, the Lenawee County Health Department will begin vaccinating those 65 years of age and older, as well as some frontline workers including police officers, first responders, frontline state and federal workers, jail and prison staff, preK-12 teachers and childcare providers." Eligible individuals should not go to any of the clinics without an appointment.
When vaccine appointments become available, the health department will send out scheduling links to those individuals who registered and are in the priority groups they are vaccinating. They also maintain a list of individuals who have called their office who do not have access to the internet and also do not have anyone who can assist them with online registration. When appointments are available, they will call these individuals and schedule an appointment by phone.
Phase 2 will be a mass vaccination of all other adults over the age of 18, except those who are pregnant, as the vaccine’s effects on their health are not yet certain. The MDHHS plans to roll out the second phase by the end of this coming spring.
More information regarding the COVID vaccine can be found at the Lenawee County Health Department website at https://www.lenawee.mi.us/983/COVID-19---Vaccine.
 Thank you to the dedicated and hard-working men and women in blue! Our police officers put their lives on the line ever day to keep us safe. We are grateful.
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