Dear Friend,
The weather is getting warmer, bringing about seasonal change as well as many legislative wins! Currently, we’re in an exciting moment with our budget process, continuing the transformative investments of the previous year and taking an innovative approach to addressing the needs of all Michiganders. Highlights of our “Building Up Michigan” budget proposal include record school funding, increased access to community college for students, significant funding for local communities and efforts to lower costs for state residents. As we work to deliver a final budget by the end of June, I encourage you to learn more about the process and the investments we’re looking to make to support communities across Michigan — read more here.
As summer gets closer, I am looking forward to continuing to visit businesses, events, and residents throughout Mid-Michigan. Take a look at some of the amazing people my team and I met throughout May and keep an eye out for upcoming updates and community events. Make sure to check down below about how my team can bring state government to you at our upcoming Constituent Services on the Road’ Resource Fair!
As always, if you or someone you know wants to provide feedback about what’s happening in the Capitol or need assistance, please feel free to reach out to my team 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
Included in This Newsletter
- Emily’s List
- Small Business Month
- Exciting Plans for June
- Updates from the State
- Legislative Updates
- Resources
Emily’s List
I am beyond thrilled and honored to share that I WON the EMILY’s List Gabrielle Giffords Rising Star Award! This incredible recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in our mission to drive positive change in Michigan.
Going to Washington D.C. for this event was an unforgettable experience. Representing Michigan on such a prestigious platform was both humbling and exhilarating. It was a unique opportunity to showcase the critical progress we are making to invest in our communities, support working families, and protect bodily autonomy once and for all.
Being surrounded by inspiring leaders and changemakers was truly motivating. It reinforced my belief in the power of collective effort and the importance of our ongoing work. The conversations and connections made during this event will undoubtedly fuel our efforts as we continue to push for meaningful progress.
Small Business Month
Celebrating Small Business Month also took me to some fantastic locations within my district last month. I had the most incredible time at Sweet Encounter Bakery & Cafe, where this Black woman-owned business offers delicious gluten free pastries that add a special flavor to our community downtown at Middle Village Micro Market. I also had the pleasure of visiting Hastay’s Greenhouse and Flower Shop, family owned and operated in Eaton Rapids since 1955! From the moment you step in, you are greeted with the most beautiful array of flowers and plants, each one more vibrant than the last.
Local businesses enrich our lives and strengthen our community. Cheers to the entrepreneurs making our city brighter and sweeter, one plant and pastry at a time! Thank you to the wonderful folks at Hastay’s and Nikki at Sweet Encounter for the magic you bring to our communities! Let’s continue to support and celebrate our local businesses!
Exciting Plans for June
BBC World Questions – Michigan
I am thrilled to announce that I will be serving as a panelist at the BBC World Questions debate next week. It’s an incredible honor to host this event right here in Lansing! I will be joined by my colleague and friend, State Senator John Damoose, SEIU Michigan Executive Director Jenn Root, and Kaitlyn Buss from the Detroit News.
There’s still time to register to be part of the live studio audience on Tuesday, June 4 at 6 p.m. Click here for free tickets: https://www.bbc.co.uk/showsa…/shows/world-questions-4jun24
Join Team Anthony at a ‘Constituent Services on the Road’ Resource Fair
My team, alongside other talented and knowledgeable state employees, will be at the Charlotte Community Library on Monday, June 10, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for a Constituent Service on the Road Event.
This event allows us to bring state government to you and assist you with any issues you might be experiencing with our state agencies.
517 Juneteenth Weekend – Black History. Black Future Seminar
Don’t miss the annual “Black History. Black Future.” seminar as we kick off the 517 Juneteenth Weekend with a transformative journey towards empowerment. With the theme of “Empowering Black Wellness,” this seminar will explore the 8 Dimensions of Wellness — financial, occupational, social, emotional, spiritual, mental, physical, and environmental.
This event will share enlightening discussions that will provide valuable resources and foster personal growth and community resilience. Join us for open dialogue and shared experiences that promote holistic wellness within the Black community by RSVPing at this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/902445257057?aff=oddtdtcreator
Updates from the State
$20 Million Available for Michigan’s First-Ever Environmental Justice Impact Grants
Last year, my Democratic colleagues and I secured funding for a $20 million Environmental Justice Impact Grant program launched by EGLE’s Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate. This program will serve as a vital resource to help reduce environmental health burdens in Michigan’s environmental justice communities.
Applications are now open for place-based, equity-focused projects.
Eligible projects include:
- Improving local public health.
- Monitoring pollution.
- Removing blight.
- Cleaning up contamination.
- Enhancing indoor air quality in schools and childcare facilities.
Federally recognized tribes, community-based nonprofits, local governments, schools, and childcare centers can apply for up to $500,000. The deadline for applications is July 15, 2024, with funds awarded by early September 2024.
Legislative Updates
Attention Michigan Divine Nine Members!
Last week, I was proud to join Divine Nine members and fellow colleagues for the Divine Nine Advocacy Day hosted by the NAACP here at the Capitol.
The Divine Nine, representing Black fraternities and sororities from historically Black colleges and universities, was created to support and empower the voices of Black students on college campuses. Members joined forces with the NAACP to push for more representation in government in light of the first Democratic trifecta in the legislature for nearly 40 years!
I’ve partnered with Michigan Secretary of State, Jocelyn Benson, to re-open the application for all D9 organizations and their members to receive a special organization license plate.
What’s the first step? Fill out this form with your name and organization to sign-on: https://forms.office.com/g/0de39iui2m
Share this information widely and tag a Michigan member you know who might be interested!
Expanding Access to Mental Health Care
Throughout our state, communities are grappling with the issue of having too little access to mental health support — a crisis particularly affecting young Michiganders and our veterans. That’s why Senate Democrats took action and made critical investments in the 2024 State Budget to address this gap in coverage and ensure all Michigan residents who need assistance can access it. A few highlights of the investments we have made thus far in mental health care include:
- $280 million for certified community behavioral health clinics to expand access to care.
- $328 million in the education budget to address the mental health and safety concerns of students and teachers.
- $1.2 million for suicide prevention programs to help military veterans and their families.
As I continue to work with my colleagues on the budget for 2025, I remain committed to ensuring every person in our state can access essential services and programs to improve their mental health and overall well-being. Together, we can break down barriers to care and create a healthier, more resilient Michigan.
Michiganders’ mental health is no less important than their physical health — no one should go without the care they need because they can’t afford it. That’s why this bipartisan legislation requiring comprehensive insurance coverage for mental health and substance use disorder services is so vital.
I am grateful for my legislative colleagues on both sides of the aisle and Governor Whitmer for coming together to recognize the importance of mental health care coverage and delivering results for the people of our state.
Resources
Septic Replacement Loan Program
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has partnered with Michigan Saves, the nation’s first nonprofit green bank, to launch the Septic Replacement Loan Program (SRLP). This program — made possible through the $35 million we allocated to EGLE’s Onsite Wastewater Management Unit — provides low-interest financing options for loans up to $50,000 to Michigan homeowners needing to replace failing or near-failing septic systems.
The SRLP offers two tiers of financing: income-based loans (Tier One) up to $30,000 per project and market-based loans (Tier Two) up to $50,000 per project. Rates, terms, and loan amounts will vary.
To be eligible for the program, septic systems must be permitted by the local health department according to EGLE’s minimum standards and installed by a Michigan Saves authorized contractor.
For more information about the SRLP, to find a Michigan Saves authorized contractor, and to begin the financing process for septic system replacement, please visit MichiganSaves.org/Septic/.
Essential Resources for Mental Health Awareness Month
Even though Mental Health Awareness Month has come to an end, every day is an opportunity to remind ourselves to care for our mental and emotional health. With one in five Americans and nearly 1.5 million Michiganders experiencing mental health issues each year, it is important to make sure you have the resources you need. If you find yourself emotionally struggling or experiencing a mental health crisis, please be sure to utilize the following resources and remember — you matter!
Crisis Lines
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988 is a 24/7 toll-free nationwide hotline that provides confidential and compassionate care for anyone struggling with behavioral health issues, emotional distress or substance use crisis. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit their Lifeline Chat to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
- Veterans Crisis Line: The Veterans Crisis line provides veterans and their family members with 24/7, confidential support. To connect, call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 or text 838-255. You do not have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to call.
- Trevor Lifeline: The Trevor Project has trained counselors who understand the challenges young people in the LGBTQ community face and are available for support 24/7. Call 1-866-488-7386, text 678-678, or click here to speak with a crisis counselor.
Locating Treatment Services
- Michigan 211: If you need assistance locating long-term mental health resources, talking through a problem, or exploring mental health treatment options, call 211 or visit mi211.org to speak with a live person who can help. All conversations are confidential, can be made anonymously, and are available in 180 languages upon request.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Visit FindTreatment.gov, a confidential and anonymous resource, to locate treatment facilities for mental and substance use disorders near you.
- Michigan Community Mental Health Services Programs: CMHSPs provide a comprehensive range of services and supports to children, adolescents and adults with mental illnesses, developmental disabilities and substance use disorders in all 83 Michigan counties. Find your local program here.
A Win for Mental Health Services
Last week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed bipartisan legislation that I sponsored (Senate Bill 27), that requires insurers to cover treatments for mental health and substance use disorder at the same level as physical health services. This new law aims to close existing loopholes, ensuring that Michigan residents have necessary access to the treatments they need.
Guidance on Creating Tick-Safe Zones Around Residential Properties
The Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) is advising Michigan residents of the dangers of ticks and providing tips for preventing encounters. As warmer weather approaches, so does the increased risk of tick encounters, posing potential health threats to people and pets enjoying outdoor activities.
There are more than 20 known tick species in Michigan. Most often, they survive by feeding on wildlife. Several species of ticks are known to bite people and pets; and the insects may harbor dangerous bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Not all ticks carry diseases, but tick-related diseases (including Lyme disease) do occur in Michigan and can be serious or fatal if not properly diagnosed and treated.
Here are some simple techniques to help reduce tick populations around your home:
- Clear tall grasses and brush around homes and at the edge of lawns.
- Place a 3-foot-wide barrier of wood chips or gravel between lawns, wooded areas, patios, and play equipment. This will restrict tick migration into recreational areas.
- Maintain short grass in lawns and keep leaves raked.
- Stack wood neatly in a dry area to discourage rodents that ticks feed on.
- Keep playground equipment, decks, and patios away from yard edges and trees. If possible, place these items in a sunny location.
If you do choose to use pesticides, follow these safety tips:
- Always follow label directions and wear the personal protective equipment specified on the label.
- Store pesticides in their original containers with proper labels.
- Keep pesticides locked up and out of the reach of children and pets.
- Use the amount specified on the label. Using additional product will not be more effective and may harm you, your pets, and/or the environment.
- Wash clothes that have been in contact with pesticides separately.
- Wash hands with soap and water after using a pesticide, including insect repellents.
- Use the Environmental Protection Agency’s search tool to find a repellent product that is right for you.
If you are interested in hiring a pesticide applicator to manage pests for you, choose a firm licensed by MDARD. Licensed firms meet the necessary education and experience requirements and employ pesticide applicators who have passed MDARD’s proficiency examinations. Their training and experience will help prevent accidental pesticide misuse that could harm people, pets, livestock, and the environment.
For additional information about ticks, including how to identify and remove a tick, visit the MDHHS website. Learn more about pesticide safety at Michigan.gov/MDARD.
Help Prevent the Spread of Invasive Plant Pests This Spring
It’s finally spring in Michigan and that means Michiganders are thinking about what they want to plant in their garden this year. As gardening season gets underway, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is asking people to learn about the risks posed by invasive plant pests, diseases, and harmful weeds and what you can do to help prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species.
The Eaton Conversation District has brought attention to an invasive species of flowers, spreading throughout the mid-Michigan’s area. Here is a link to an article highlighting its discovery.
If you are interested in ways you can help limit the spread of invasive species:
- Learn to spot invasive pests posing a threat to agriculture and the environment in your area. Report signs of invasive plant pests and diseases at Michigan.gov/Invasives.
- Purchase heat-treated firewood or buy wood where you burn it to avoid unintentionally spreading species that hide in untreated firewood.
- When traveling, be aware of pests residing in your destination to avoid returning with them in tow. For international travel, declare food, plants and other agricultural items to U.S. Customs and Border Protection to ensure these items are pest-free.
You can also check out MDARD’s Buggin’ Out video series for information about invasive species, beneficial insects, pest management and more.