Dear Neighbor,
Whether you’re busy preparing for another school year or basking in the joys of Labor Day weekend, I hope you took a moment to appreciate the hard work and dedication of the workers who make our state flourish. Labor Day not only marks the end of summer, but also serves as a special occasion to honor the contributions that shape our state’s success.
From resources to events, there’s been plenty happening in our community. I wanted to take a moment to connect with you and provide updates on the latest happenings.
I invite you to explore the rest of this newsletter and learn about what’s been going on at home in District 13 and across the state.
Featured in this newsletter:
- Upcoming Event
- Community Updates
- Community Resources
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
Upcoming Event
Save the Date: District 13 Senior Summit!
Mark your calendars! On September 29 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Novi Civic Center, Senator Bayer and other speakers will discuss and distribute resources regarding several important issues facing senior citizens, including financial empowerment, scams and security, housing and foreclosure prevention, and many others. You can find the event flyer here — please feel free to distribute it and check out our Facebook event page.
Community Updates
Senate Priorities Reflected in Aug. 30 “What’s Next” Address
During her Aug. 30 address, Gov. Whitmer highlighted key legislative priorities for the fall session including public safety, healthcare, the climate and more. Michigan Senate Democrats are eager to come together and pass legislation that addresses the diverse needs of Michigan residents.
“Our Majority for the People has already made enormous strides, and we are excited to keep that same energy and focus heading into the fall,” said Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks. “We are looking forward to another productive, people-focused legislative season fueled by the support of folks across the state.”
Read more about “What’s Next” from the Michigan Senate here.
September is National Recovery Month
National Recovery Month (Recovery Month), celebrated throughout September, is a time to honor the resilience and strength of individuals who have embarked on the journey of recovery from addiction or mental health challenges. It is a month dedicated to raising awareness, reducing stigma and promoting understanding of the recovery process.
Since 1989, Recovery Month has served as a reminder that recovery is possible and a reality for many across the state and nation. It encourages communities to unite, support one another and celebrate the transformative power of recovery.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) sees Recovery Month as an opportunity to inspire hope and reinforce the message that recovery is a lifelong journey worth pursuing. Through education, advocacy and events, SAMHSA works to raise public awareness regarding mental health and addiction recovery.
Throughout September, SAMHSA is hosting several events to commemorate National Recovery Month. A list of events, times, locations and registration information can be found here.
SAMHSA also offers additional resources, including:
- National Recovery Month Tool Kit
- Ways to find support
- Resources to find treatment
- Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Women’s Equality Day
For more information about Women’s Equality Day and its historical significance, click here.
Community Resources
Mini-Grants Available to Address PFAS Testing Efforts
The Great Lakes PFAS Action Network is providing mini grants to impacted communities to directly fuel local, grassroots efforts to organize and test for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), as well as promote educational information about the pollutant.
Organizations, community groups and individuals are eligible to apply for the mini-grants program. Project proposals should fit under one or more of the three funding areas: PFAS Education and Awareness Raising, PFAS Research and Testing, or Community Organizing. Applications will be accepted through September 12.
For more information, click here. To access the grant application, click here.
Severe Weather Resources
To report downed power lines:
🔌 Consumers Energy: Call 1-888-535-9003
To report flooding or flood damage, visit Michigan.gov/difs/consumers/disaster-prep/flood.
For additional safety tips, visit Michigan.gov/miready.
UIA Offers New Coaching Sessions for First-Time Filers
Workers in Michigan applying for jobless benefits now can receive online guidance from trained instructors at the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA). These coaching sessions can be accessed through the UIA website. It’s important to note that participating in an orientation session is not mandatory to qualify for benefits.
- Sessions are available on specific days and times:
- 9-11 a.m. Tuesdays
- 3-5 p.m. Wednesdays
- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays
- 1-3 p.m. Fridays
- After signing up, users will receive an email with a link to use during their selected session.
- Reminder emails will be sent one day and one hour before the session begins.
- These sessions are not for individuals with current claims.
- Those with current claims can seek assistance through other channels:
- Call UIA’s Customer Service line at 1-866-500-0017
- Visit Michigan.gov/UIA to schedule an in-person, phone or virtual appointment
- Use the website’s Ask Ava chat feature for answers to questions
Safety Precautions During Yellowjacket and Hornet Peak Seasons
As we transition into the late summer and early fall, it’s important to be aware that August and September mark the peak seasons for yellowjackets and hornets. These stinging insects become more active during this time, making it crucial to take necessary precautions to ensure your safety.
Here are some tips to keep you and your family safe:
- Locate the nest and treat it with a registered insecticide.
- Check your property for potential harborage points, like open spots in the ground, hollow tree stumps or openings between the walls.
- Cover eating containers as much as possible, especially when eating outdoors.
- Be sure to add natural wasp-repellent plants like eucalyptus, spearmint or thyme around your surrounding property.
- Contact pest control for removal service and related information:
- To contact the State of Michigan’s Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division (PPPMD), call 1-800-292-3939.
- To utilize free yellow jacket and hornet removal, contact mihornetremoval.com. They are willing to travel 40 miles from Perry, Michigan or further based on order status. In the event they cannot make it to your area, they will be able to provide solid referrals to other free removal services.
By staying informed and implementing effective measures, we can minimize the risk of encountering these pests and enjoy the remaining warm days of the season with peace of mind.
As Michiganders prepare for fall semester, tuition bills are piling up and student loans are looming. That is why Michigan Department of Treasury’s MI Student Aid Team is asking students and their families to be alert and informed when considering student loans. To make the best decision regarding student loans, the MI Student Aid Team recommends to:
- Complete the FAFSA to maximize financial aid options
- Understand that loans must be repaid with interest
- Compare interest rates and repayment terms before accepting a loan
- Only accept the amount needed and follow instructions to adjust loan amounts
- Beware of loan scams and protect personal banking information
- Visit the school’s financial aid office regularly to stay informed
- Create a studentaid.gov account to manage federal student loans and explore repayment options