Dear Neighbor,
I hope this e-newsletter finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy. For those of you who have family or friends studying or working at Michigan State University, I extend my deepest condolences. For many of you, the secure feeling of being at home on your college campus has been broken, and that is unacceptable. The time for change has long passed, and I will continue to fight every day for legislation that will work to prevent tragedies like this from happening again.
I look forward to continuing to share updates on what my colleagues and I are working on in Lansing, as well as other community resources and news in this e-newsletter. If you have any other questions or comments you’d like to share with my team, feel free to call (517) 373-2417 or email SenRBayer@senate.michigan.gov. We are here to assist you!
Sincerely,
Rosemary Bayer
State Senator
District 13
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
Lowering MI Costs
Lowering costs and returning money into Michigander’s pockets are top priorities for my colleagues and me. The Lowering MI Costs Plan helps residents now by delivering the largest tax cut in decades and providing real relief to all. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this done — Michiganders deserve it!
Gov. Whitmer’s FY 23/24 Budget Recommendations
On Wednesday, February 8, Gov. Whitmer introduced her executive budget proposal to lower costs, grow our economy, and build a brighter future for Michiganders. The budget proposal includes investments to put money back in people’s pockets, help students thrive in school, put more people on paths to higher education and good-paying jobs, improve public health, keep our communities safe, and rebuild our infrastructure—all without raising taxes by a dime.
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.
Elliott Larson Civil Rights Act
Sen. Moss introduced Senate Bill 4, which would amend the Elliott-Larsen Civil Right Act to include sexual orientation and gender identity or expression as categories that are protected from discrimination. Our state of is home to over 373,000 LGBTQ+ people who deserve the same protection and freedom from discrimination that any other Michigan resident can count on. This week, the bill passed out of the Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety Committee, the first time in 40 years a bill to include LGBTQ protections has passed out of a state legislative committee.
I look forward to supporting the passage of this bill when it comes to a vote on the Senate floor.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Coffee and Conversation with Sen. Bayer
Please join me this Friday for a Coffee and Conversation hour. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to hear about what issues are most important to you so that I can be sure I am working on legislation that matters to our district. I hope to see you there!
WHEN: Friday, February 17, 2023, from 11 am – 12 pm
WHERE: Novi Public Library, 45255 W 10 Mile Rd, Novi, MI 48375
For more information, visit my Facebook page.
LEGISLATING DATA PRIVACY PODCAST SERIES
If you are interested in data privacy legislation, I’d suggest taking a moment to listen to the following podcast interview. In it, I discuss the work I have done to update the Michigan Personal Data Privacy Act, which was first introduced in 2022.
AG NESSEL: PHISHING SCAM NOTICE
Attorney General Dana Nessel and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services are reminding Michigan consumers to be aware of phishing text messages that claim their EBT benefit cards are locked. The message includes a phone number to call for help. Responding to these messages may allow scammers to access to the card’s funds.
EBT cards provide government food assistance, known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or food stamps. This scam is serious as those who receive benefits rely on these funds to feed their families.
If you are a SNAP recipient and receive a text message that your EBT card is locked, this is a scam. Do not respond.
- Don’t share your EBT PIN with anyone outside your household.
- Check your EBT account regularly for unauthorized charges.
- Change your PIN number occasionally or if you suspect it was compromised.
- Don’t click on links in unsolicited text messages
- Don’t respond to suspicious or spam text messages
Visit Michigan Attorney General Government Imposter Scams alert to learn more.
MICHIGAN ACHIEVEMENT SCHOLARSHIP
The Michigan Achievement Scholarship application has opened for all high school seniors! This scholarship provides:
- Up to $2,750 if you attend a community college, per year
- Up to $5,500 if you attend a public university, per year
- Up to $4,000 if you attend a private college or university, per year
There is no deadline for this scholarship. Students have 15 months from either their high school graduation or high school equivalency completion to enter college and use the funds they are awarded.
High school seniors can get started by following these steps:
- File your FAFSA
- Create a MiSSG Student Portal account three to five business days after filing your FAFSA