Michigan Democrats are ending their final days in control of the state government bogged down with disunity and inaction.

Democratic House Speaker Joe Tate of Detroit presided over an empty House chamber before adjourning Wednesday.

The aftermath and frustration from the recent storms affecting most of Detroit are still being felt by many, especially in District 7.

LANSING, Mich. – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has prioritized frontline health care workers and those 65 years of age and older to receive the COVID-19 vaccine first. Gretchen Whitmer’s added use of social vulnerability as part of her vaccine distribution calculations has led to concerns about fairness among some -- especially among lawmakers, since thousands of Michiganders struggling to schedule vaccination appointments are calling legislators daily. But state Sen. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit) says it is a life and death issue, and social vulnerability is included in the eligibility criteria for a good reason. “Blacks are 1.9 times more likely to die, Hispanic Americans are 2.3 times more likely to die and Native Americans are 2.4 times more likely to die,” Santana said on the Senate Floor Thursday. Duggan also sparred with Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel over vaccine dose distribution.

Gretchen Whitmer signed a 20-bill bi-partisan package Monday, easing penalties such as traffic offenses, and cutting down jail time and parole for some people, including children. READ: Whitmer signs bills to shift away from jail time for traffic offensesSantana sponsored three of the bills, which got Michigan’s laws more in line with the federal statutes. I was one of those waiver youth at one point, so I understand why this legislation is important,” Santana said. Among the measures were 20 based on the recommendations of the Michigan Joint Task Force on Jail and Pretrial Incarceration formed in 2019. Law enforcement also will be allowed to use discretion to issue a citation and release a suspect from custody for most misdemeanors.

LANSING, Mich. – Legislation that allows for alternatives to jail and aims to limit recidivism in Michigan were among the dozens of new laws Gov. Among the measures were 20 based on the recommendations of the Michigan Joint Task Force on Jail and Pretrial Incarceration formed in 2019. The task force heard testimony from hundreds of people and reviewed 10 years of statewide arrest and court data after the state’s incarcerated population nearly tripled over four decades. “Despite the challenges 2020 presented, I am proud of the incredible work we have done as a state to reform our criminal justice system,” said Whitmer. “After establishing the bipartisan Michigan Joint Task Force on Jail and Pretrial Incarceration we were able to make real and meaningful change that will impact the lives of thousands of Michiganders.

One bill focuses on keeping those with minor violations, such as failure to appear in court, out of jail by eliminating mandatory minimum sentencing in certain cases. The repercussions for failing to appear are a heavy burden for many, said Sen. Sylvia Santana, who sponsored the legislation. The Legislature has heard for two years from jail officials and others involved in criminal justice about inefficiencies and shortcomings. The legislation would require a court to promptly notify the state health department when a juvenile is taken into custody for violating certain court orders. Courts would be required to hold a hearing to determine whether a juvenile violated a court order and where to place the juvenile.