Dear Neighbor,
I hope this newsletter finds you and your loved ones in good health and high spirits as we kick off the month of April. I also hope you had a wonderful spring break with your family, creating lasting memories and enjoying some well-deserved relaxation.
As we transition into the warmer months, I encourage you to take advantage of the longer days and pleasant weather by spending time outdoors, whether it’s exploring our beautiful state parks, going for a hike, or simply sitting in your backyard. Nature has a way of rejuvenating our spirits and bringing us closer together, so let’s make the most of this spring season.
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
Featured in This Newsletter
- In the District
- Resources
- Legislative Updates
In the District
Novi Coffee Hour
Thank you to everyone who made it out to our most recent coffee hour in Novi. It was great to see so many familiar and new faces and talk about the issues that matter most to you!
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Resources Free Gun Locks Now Available at MDHHS Offices Gun violence is the leading cause of death for Michigan children and teens, and in recent years, unintentional shootings by children have been rising. To promote responsible gun ownership and help keep families safe from the devastating effects of gun violence, my colleagues and I took bold action last year to deliver a slate of gun violence prevention legislation that Michigan residents have waited years for. Among the legislation passed, Public Act 17 of 2023 requires firearms to be locked and unloaded when unattended, particularly if minors are likely to be present. Failure to comply results in penalties, including misdemeanors and felonies, if minors gain access to improperly stored firearms. To help minimize the cost of purchasing firearm safety devices, the Michigan State Police (MSP) and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) are partnering together to offer free gun locks to the public at MDHHS county offices and some local health departments. To request a free gun lock while supplies last, you can visit your local MDHHS office or check with your local health department, some of which will have gun locks available. Free firearm safety devices can also be obtained through Project ChildSafe police partners across the state. These cable-style gun locks are made possible due to funding secured in the 2024 State Police Budget passed by the Legislature last year. For more information, click here.
Tips to Help You Safely Navigate Road Construction With the warmer weather finally here, that means our unofficial state flower — the beloved traffic cone — will be popping up across Michigan. Between state, county and local projects, there will be several work zones throughout our community this year. During this time, make sure to remain alert and practice caution to keep yourself and road workers free from harm. To help keep the roads as safe as possible, make sure to practice these driving tips:
Get Ready for Fishing Season! With spring upon us in the Great Lakes State, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding anglers to purchase a new license for the 2024 fishing season. The new fishing license and regulation season kicked off on Monday, April 1. The new 2024 fishing licenses will be valid through March 31, 2025. Licenses can be purchased at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or on the Michigan DNR Hunt Fishapp, which you can download on your smartphone. Here’s a rundown of key dates to remember this fishing season:
For additional information about 2024 fishing license, contact DNR eLicense at MDNR-E-License@Michigan.gov or call 517-284-6057. The DNR is also providing helpful tips for Michigan anglers to help combat the spread of invasive species.
Legislative Updates
Senate Democrats Introduce Momnibus Bills to Uplift Black Maternal Health in Michigan |
Senate Democrats have introduced the “Momnibus” — a robust legislative package (Senate Bills 818–827) aimed to bolster equity and accountability in maternal healthcare services statewide. With a multi-faceted approach, these bills aim to strengthen community-driven programs, enhance prenatal care and maternal healthcare, and amplify the voices of Black birthing individuals, mothers, women, families, and stakeholders.
It is critical for our state to pass such legislation as we see Black mothers in the United States face disproportionately higher risks during pregnancy and childbirth. According to the Centers for Disease Control, Black women’s mortality rate from pregnancy-related causes is three times higher than that of white women, with structural racism underlying these disparities.
Black women face unfair healthcare challenges compared to white women, leading to higher risks and even life-threatening complications. As mortality rates climb and reproductive freedoms come under fire, it’s crucial to back local initiatives that enhance prenatal and maternal care, support breastfeeding and nutrition and safeguard abortion access.
The “Momnibus” will now advance to the Senate Housing & Human Services Committee for further consideration.