Dear Neighbor,
There has been a lot happening in Lansing to better serve you as several important pieces of legislation took effect last week — including new gun violence prevention laws, tax relief for Michigan families and seniors, expansion of civil rights to LGBTQ+ residents, support for Michigan workers, reproductive health protections and clean energy legislation. In addition to these laws taking effect, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently presented her executive budget. Michigan Senate Democrats are looking forward to working with Gov. Whitmer to develop another state budget that continues to invest in our state’s most precious resource — our people.
Additionally, we are still celebrating Black History Month throughout February all while commemorating the accomplishments of African Americans as well as their pivotal contributions to the history of the United States. There are plenty of amazing ways to celebrate Black History Month in Michigan.
As always, I hope this newsletter informs you of all the exciting things happening in the Legislature and District 13.
Sincerely,
Rosemary Bayer
State Senator
District 13
In The District
In this week’s eNews update, I want to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to all who joined us at our recent events across the district. From town halls in Northville and West Bloomfield to a crucial presentation on elder scams with the Attorney General Nessel at Fox Run Senior Living Community in Novi, seeing community members was amazing. Check out the photos below from these memorable gatherings, and may we continue to work together to make a positive impact!
In Recent News
Honoring Those Impacted by the MSU Tragedy
Last week marked the one-year anniversary of the tragic shooting incident on Michigan State University’s campus, which occurred on February 13, 2023.
On February 13, 2024, Michigan Senate Democrats joined together to honor the lives lost and forever impacted — whether by attending the MSU candlelight vigil ceremony on campus or placing green memorial luminaries on their Senate desks, in the windows of their Capitol office or at their homes.
Two days later, Michigan Senate Democrats supported students at the Capitol who rallied for commonsense gun safety legislation a year ago during a sit-down demonstration. What an honor it was to witness their resilience and unity. This simple yet powerful gesture served as a reminder of our shared humanity, and we stand united in our resolve to rebuke acts of violence and terror within our communities.
EGLE Announces MI Recycling Grant Applications to Help Michigan Communities
As of February 12, 2024, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Recycling Unit is offering grants enabled by the Renew Michigan Fund for recycling infrastructure projects. The grant period is set to end on May 17, 2024.
The following types of entities are eligible to apply:
- Nonprofit organizations;
- Tribal governments;
- School districts, universities/colleges;
- Local health departments;
- Regional planning agencies;
- Cities, villages, townships, charter townships, counties;
- Municipal solid waste authorities; and
- Resource recovery authorities.
Michigan Senate Democrats prioritize supporting equitable, inclusive climate change priorities and greenhouse gas emissions reduction. In fiscal year 2024, EGLE will provide matching grants to increase access to recycling services and grow the statewide recycling rate.
Michigan’s Presidential Primary Scheduled for February 27
After voters overwhelmingly supported Proposal 2 in 2022, Senate Democrats took action to codify the proposal into law — increasing access to cast a ballot and implementing safeguards to ensure Michigan elections remain fair, safe and secure. As a result, Michiganders will be able to more easily participate in the electoral process.
With Michigan’s Presidential Primary on February 27 fast approaching, here are a few key dates to be aware of:
- From February 17 to February 25, Michiganders looking to skip the long lines on Election Day can cast their ballot early. Find your nearest early vote location here.
- Through February 26 at 4:00 p.m., voters can obtain an absentee ballot at their local clerk’s office. The Secretary of State recommends hand-delivering an absentee ballot to your clerk’s office or a drop box if it is within 14 days of an election. Click here to find a drop box location near you.
- Through February 27 at 8:00 p.m., voters can register to vote in-person at their local clerk’s office. Verify your voter registration status and find your clerk’s office here.
- From 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on February 27, voters can cast their ballot at their assigned polling location. Make sure to bring a photo identification card to the polls if you have one. Find your polling location here.
Legislation Ensuring Michigan’s Clean Energy Future Took Effect February 13
These laws mark significant and historic progress toward a sustainable future for Michigan and lay a solid foundation for continued work to improve Michigan’s energy industry, while protecting our air, land and water. Read more here.
Legislation Ensuring Access to Reproductive Healthcare Goes into Effect
Nearly 2.5 million Michigan voters showed overwhelming support for Proposal 3 in November 2022 after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. In November 2023, we took another bold step forward to ensure Michigan laws reflect Michigan values when Gov. Whitmer signed the Reproductive Health Act (RHA) into law. Now, we’ve taken another step forward as the RHA went into full effect last week.
This legislation was crafted with constituents and advocates in mind — taking into account their diverse lived experiences and perspectives.
New Gun Violence Prevention Laws to Protect Families Took Effect February 13
To help protect Michigan families — particularly children — from the tragedies of gun violence and unintentional firearms injuries, a law requiring secure storage of firearms took effect on Tuesday, February 13.
Under Public Act 17 of 2023, firearms must be locked and unloaded when unattended, particularly if minors are likely to be present. Failure to comply, as outlined in Public Act 16 of 2023, results in penalties, including misdemeanors and felonies, if minors gain access to improperly stored firearms.
These measures aim to address alarming statistics from the Centers for Disease Control, revealing that many unintentional firearm injuries among minors occur due to unlocked and loaded firearms, often stored in accessible areas like nightstands. Additionally, firearms are involved in over half of Michigan’s suicide deaths.
To ensure federally licensed firearms dealers communicate the new requirements to their customers, the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is working with the state Attorney General’s Office to provide dealers with safety information on the use and storage of firearms, requirements and penalties of the new laws and lethal means counseling literature.
To help defray the cost of purchasing firearm safety devices, additional legislation made these devices exempt from sales and use taxes through December 24, 2024. Free gun safety kits can also be obtained through Project ChildSafe law enforcement partners across the state. MDHHS is also working with the Michigan State Police to make gun locks available; additional details of this partnership will be announced soon.
Find more information on the new gun safety laws here.