Dear Neighbor,
With the start of Black History month and legislative session in full swing, I wanted to provide some pertinent updates from the state Capitol. It has been busy in Lansing, and I’m excited about all the great work my colleagues and I have done so far for the people of Michigan, and most importantly, the residents of District 21.
Featured in this newsletter:
- Legislative Updates
- Recent Community Activity
- Upcoming Events
My team and I are always working hard for our community. If you, or someone you know, wants to provide any feedback about what’s happening in Lansing or needs assistance of any sort, please feel free to reach out to us at any time. You can email us at SenSAnthony@senate.michigan.gov or call (517) 373-6960.
In Service,
Sarah Anthony
State Senator
District 21
LEGISLATIVE UDPATES
As your state senator, I will never lose sight of what residents in our community expect and deserve. It is long overdue for the Michigan Legislature to come up with solutions to help ease the most pressing problems residents are facing. With the new democratic majority in the House and Senate, my colleagues and I are ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work.
Supplemental Appropriations
On January 31st, Gov. Whitmer signed Senate Bill 7 into law. Now known as Public Act 1, this was my first bill introduced in the new term, which provides strategic investments for families, communities, and businesses across the state.
Some of the funding highlights that stand to benefit every community in Michigan include:
- $150 million to reduce the housing cost burden of residents and preserve existing affordable housing.
- $75 million to help small businesses hurt by the pandemic, with at least 20 percent of awards granted to minority-owned businesses.
- $25 million to support occupations vital to the state’s economic recovery, assist people in obtaining industry credentials and support registered apprenticeship program expansion efforts statewide with emphasis on underrepresented populations.
- $25 million to create the Water Shutoff Prevention Fund.
- $15 million to remove barriers to employment for at-risk individuals, including transportation, childcare, clothing needs and tools of the trade.
Mental Health Legislation
In early January, I proudly introduced three bills to help address the ongoing mental health crisis. While our state has made strides in increasing awareness and reducing the mental health stigma, there is much more work to be done.
The bills include:
- Senate Bill 27, which would require insurance companies to provide equitable coverage for behavioral health and substance abuse treatment.
- Senate Bill 28, which would define and prohibit improper usage of chemical restraint.
- Senate Bill 29, which would allow public school students to take excused mental health days without a medical note.
FY 23-24 Budget
On February 8th, Gov. Whitmer presented the executive budget recommendation in front of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. With a total of $79 billion, this recommendation includes the Fiscal Year 23-24 budget and a series of Fiscal Year 22-23 supplementals that utilize a mix of state and federal funding. The governor’s proposal makes key investments to support our students and teachers, to protect public health and safety, to bolster our workforce, and to benefit local communities.
Highlights include:
- $614 million increase in per pupil funding, for a $458 per pupil increase (5%), to guarantee at least $9,608 per student. Also includes 5% increases for categories such as at-risk students, special education students and English language learners.
- $300 million toward mental health services and $318 million for school safety over two years.
- $280 million for water infrastructure projects, including service line replacements, water treatment facility upgrades and stormwater management systems.
- $200 million for regional empowerment grants, with additional $100 million for downtown development grants.
- $160 million to provide for universal school breakfast and lunch.
- $150 million for insulin affordability and manufacturing attraction.
- $140 million to temporarily expand Michigan Reconnect from age 25 to age 21.
As the Senate Appropriations Chair, I look forward to working with Gov. Whitmer and my colleagues in the legislature to deliver an effective, balanced budget to make our state a great place to live, work, and thrive for the foreseeable future.
RECENT COMMUNITY UPDATES
February marks the beginning of Black History month, a time where we honor the history of the Black community and reflect on Black history-makers.
I spoke on the Senate floor to celebrate our past and encourage people to look out for the Black history around us that is being made every day. You can find a recording of my speech here.
On January 31, I joined the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus (MLBC) in condemning the senseless killing of Tyre Nichols by Memphis police officers. The MLBC committed to reintroducing legislation to address police brutality in our state, and we will move with urgency to push reforms that work to end such extreme violence.
UPCOMING EVENTS
My office will be holding our first Coffee Hours in Ingham and Eaton counties this month. These events are a great way for you to share any thoughts and concerns, and for me to provide you with an update on what’s happening in the Capitol, all while having some great coffee at a local business!
Coffee Hour with Councilman Joe Chin and Sen. Anthony
WHEN: Monday, February 27, 2023 at from 9 – 10 am
WHERE: Fay’s Evelyn Bay Coffee, 134 S Cochran Ave, Charlotte, MI 48813
Coffee Hour with Ingham County Commissioner Karla Ruest and Sen. Anthony
WHEN: Monday, February 27, 2023 from 11 – 12 pm
WHERE: Bestseller’s Books and Coffee, 360 S Jefferson St, Mason, MI 48854
We recommend that you RSVP before attending the coffee hour so we can anticipate capacity and how much coffee and treats to order! You can RSVP here.