Legislative Update, Upcoming Event and Community Resources

Dear Neighbor,

I hope you are enjoying the last weeks of summer before the crisp, cool autumn air approaches. One of my favorite highlights of the summer has been having the opportunity to spend time engaging with community members across District 13.

As we near the end of the season, I wanted to take a moment to share some updates and community resources that you might find useful.

Featured in this newsletter:

• Legislative Update
• Upcoming Event
• Protecting Michigan’s Water During National Water Quality Month
• August is National Immunization Awareness Month
• Michigan Ranks High in Auto Manufacturing, EV Investments
• Share Your Thoughts! Seeking Public Input on Agricultural Practices, Metallic Mineral Leases and Prescription Drugs
• Be Aware of Fraudulent Door-to-Door Solicitors

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! 

Rosemary Bayer
State Senator
District 13

Legislative Update

Internet Privacy Workgroup Meets

This month, I hosted a workgroup meeting with dozens of stakeholders to further discuss my legislation that would protect your online privacy. The work never stops in Lansing as we prepare for the Michigan Senate to reconvene this September!

Upcoming Event

Senator Bayer’s August Community Conversation 

Join me TONIGHT at the Walled Lake City Council Chambers for my August Community Conversation.

WHEN: Thursday, August 24, from 7:00-8:00 p.m.
WHERE: Walled Lake City Council Chambers – 1499 E West Maple Rd, Walled Lake, MI 48390

Protecting Michigan’s Water During National Water Quality Month

As Michiganders, our abundance of fresh water is a vital part of our identity. We’re known across the country and world as the Great Lakes State — the source of 20% of Earth’s total fresh water.

During National Water Quality Month, Michigan Senate Democrats reaffirm their commitment to protecting the state’s lakes, rivers and waterways. Only eight months into the 2022-2026 term, the Senate Majority for the People is wasting no time and taking action to ensure residents have access to clean drinking water, invest in water infrastructure, combat rising rates of pollution and more.

Read more about the work Michigan Senate Democrats are doing to strengthen environmental protections, so future generations of Michiganders can enjoy our state’s Great Lakes and unique natural resources for years to come.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month
With summer in full swing and flu season just around the corner, we recognize National Immunization Awareness Month to highlight the importance of routine vaccination for Michiganders of all ages. Vaccines are the best way for you to protect yourself from preventable diseases and avoid spreading those diseases to others in your community.

In the recently passed state budget for Fiscal Year 2024, the Michigan Legislature — after 30 years of inadequate funding — reinvested in local health departments to ensure they had the resources necessary to provide residents with essential health services such as immunizations. Every Michigander committed to protecting the health of themsevles, their family and community can recieve free or low-cost vaccinations at their local health department.

> To locate a health department nearest you and get up to date on your vaccines, click here.

> Learn more about the vaccines you and your family members may need to stay healthy, visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website here.

Michigan Ranks High in Auto Manufacturing, EV Investments
A new report in Business Facilities Magazine ranks Michigan as a top state for automotive industry and electric vehicle investments, holding its number one spot from 2022. Additionally, this ranking follows multiple reports showing Michigan as a leader in business, clean energy, battery investments and high-tech mobility development.

The new Senate Democratic Majority — along with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer — has been pushing to grow Michigan’s electric vehicle economy with investments in our state’s budget and the establishment of the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification and the EV Jobs Academy and MI EV Scholars Program.

Only one year out from the bipartisan CHIPS and Science ACT, there have been many opportunities for Michigan to win investments to support the growth of domestic semiconductor technology as well as better-paying, high-quality jobs for Michiganders.

Share Your Thoughts! Seeking Public Input on Agricultural Practices, Metallic Mineral Leases and Prescription Drugs
As always, government works best when the people who are being represented weigh in. There are several opportunities for this as various departments and commissions undertake planning projects. Among them:

• The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is holding its annual review period for the 2024 Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices. A virtual public meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m. on August 25, 2023; those unable to attend can email MDARD-RTF@michigan.gov. Read more here.

• The DNR Minerals Management Section will hold a virtual informational public meeting regarding a metallic mineral lease application from Talon Michigan LLC (of Minnesota) on October 11, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. EST. The meeting will allow for questions from the public. Questions may be submitted at DNRLeaseManagement@michigan.gov. For more information, click here.

• MDHHS will host a public meeting on Monday, Oct. 3, regarding the list of prescription drugs covered under Michigan’s Medicaid health plans (known as the Medicaid Health Plan Common Formulary). The purpose of the meeting is to provide an annual forum for the public, stakeholders and interested parties to comment on the prescription list. RSVP to krepsd@michigan.gov no later than Thursday, Sept. 29 to attend and request special accommodations to join the meeting, if needed. Those unable to attend can submit questions or comments to MDHHSCommonFormulary@michigan.gov. Read more here.

Be Aware of Fraudulent Door-to-Door Solicitors
During the summer months, more sales representatives are knocking on doors to gain business. Michigan residents are advised to be wary, and especially aware of scammers claiming to be home or business security sales representatives. Many will ask residents to sign up for a new service and then use their personal information.