Dear Neighbors,
I hope this newsletter reaches you and your family safe and healthy. The past weeks of poor air quality due to the forest fires in northern Michigan and Canada have been concerning, which is why I’ve included resources below to help you monitor air quality in our area and stay safe while burning campfires outside this summer.
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
Celebrating Juneteenth in Michigan
On Monday, June 19, we celebrated Juneteenth, the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to ensure that all enslaved people were freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation and marks the day slavery was ended in all parts of the United States.
I was able to be a part of the 5th Annual Farmington area Juneteenth Celebration. I was thrilled to witness the success of the event, and I was very happy to see more people, companies and organizations taking the time to learn, understand, and appreciate the fullness of our history. I was fortunate enough to run into Rep. Elissa Slotkin, Representative Jason Hoskins, and Senator Mary Cavanagh at the event.
This year, the Michigan Senate passed legislation to officially establish Juneteenth as a state holiday, demonstrating a commitment to the ongoing effort to racial justice and equity and honoring the true history of when slavery was truly abolished in our country.
With the celebration of Juneteenth comes a stark reminder that there is much more work to be done to ensure everyone in Michigan and the United States have equal rights and equitable opportunities.
EGLE Air Quality Index
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a color-coded way for residents to see what the levels of some types of air pollution are in their area. The higher the AQI, the worse the air quality is and the more cause for concern. Due to the recent fires in northern Michigan and Canada the past couple weeks, the AQI for particulate matter (PM) is high in many parts of Michigan and the eastern US. EPA’s Smoke and Fire map can be helpful in locating fires near you and seeing how smoke is moving.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has advised:
- For current health and safety information, follow social media at:
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services | Facebook
- Michigan HHS Dept (@MichiganHHS) / Twitter
- For people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teens it is suggested to take the following steps to reduce exposure:
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activities;
- Keep outdoor activities short;
- Consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them.
- For everyone else:
- Choose less strenuous activities (like walking instead of running) so you don’t breathe as hard;
- Shorten the amount of time you are active outdoors;
- Be active outdoors when air quality is better.
Air Quality Alerts are issued through the EnviroFlash system, sign up here to receive them. EnviroFlash is a free subscription service.
Fire Danger is High across Michigan; Practice Fire Safety Outside
The heat, humidity and windy weather have pushed fire danger to high levels across the Lower Peninsula. Below are some tips for keeping fires under control this summer.
Safety tips to keep fires under control:
When you’re working with fire or equipment outdoors, keep in mind that fires can take off very fast and that the remains of a fire smolder for some time. Here are some tips to keep it safe out there:
- Contain your campfire or bonfire in a pit or ring and make sure you put it out thoroughly before leaving for the night. Douse the fire with water, stir the ashes and douse again.
- Never leave any fire — including hot coals — unattended.
- Keep a hose or other water source nearby when burning.
- Prevent sparks. Keep trailer chains from dragging when you’re on the road; don’t park hot equipment on dry grass.
- Never shoot fireworks into the woods, dry grass or shrubs.
- Get more fire safety tips at Michigan.gov/FireManagement.
- It’s illegal to burn plastic, hazardous materials, foam or other household trash. This can release dangerous chemicals into the air.
- You can use a burn barrel with a screen on top to burn paper, leaves and natural materials.
Additional fire tips and information about the DNR’s fire programs here.
District Updates
Supporting Workers at The Orchards – Redford
I joined workers at the The Orchards – Redford in Wayne County in support of their efforts to obtain contracts and higher wages. I was joined by Senator Mary Cavanagh, Redford Township Supervisor Pat McRae, and Redford Township Treasurer Lily Cavanagh. We must ensure that our healthcare and nursing home workers obtain fair wages and working conditions in order to recruit and retain staff, therefore providing residents and patients with the best healthcare outcomes and standards of living possible.