Dear Neighbor,
This week marks the end of July and the beginning of August, so it’s time to get outdoors and enjoy the last few weeks of summer before the back-to-school season is in full swing!
Last week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer put her stamp of approval on the Fiscal Year 2025 state budget, delivering historic investments to build up Michigan’s schools, families, workers, businesses, and so much more. Read on to learn more about the budget, along with updates about our progress in Lansing and District 13.
If you or someone you know would like to provide any feedback about what’s happening in Lansing, or needs assistance of any sort, please feel free to reach out to my office. You can contact me by sending an email toSenRBayer@senate.michigan.gov or calling (517) 373-2417.
Sincerely,
Rosemary Bayer
State Senator
District 13
In Recent News
New Renewables Ready Communities Program Set to Launch
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently announced the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded the State of Michigan $129.1 million from the Biden-Harris administration’s Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy like wind, solar, and storage. The investment will help Michigan meet its 60% renewable energy and 100% clean energy standards set under the recently enacted clean energy laws. Getting this done will create good-paying jobs, drive down energy costs, and protect the state’s air, land, and water.
This funding will allow the state to launch Renewables Ready Communities (RRC). Administered by the Michigan Dept. of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), the program will incentivize the permitting of renewable energy projects through local processes. The RRC Program will help overcome barriers to siting renewable energy and help the state reach its goal of 60% renewable energy by 2030. Deploying renewable energy at scale is critical to meeting the state’s climate and energy goals, and siting is arguably the most important barrier we face to build more solar, wind, and so much more across Michigan.
Interested communities and stakeholders can reach out to EGLE-OCE@Michigan.gov for more information. Check out EGLE’s website to learn more about the ongoing Renewables Ready Communities Award pilot.
Celebrating Michigan’s Many, Many Lakes During National Lakes Appreciation Month!
Here in Michigan, we take pride in being known as the Great Lakes State. Our five Great Lakes are the source of 20% of Earth’s total fresh water. In addition to these, Michigan is also home to more than 11,000 inland lakes (You can find one near you using this interactive map).
Our lakes and various waterways are integral to the health of our families and our economy. The Great Lakes system is invaluable as the source of drinking water for more than 40 million people in the U.S. and Canada, and the Great Lakes shipping industry generates more than $36 billion in economic activity and supports more than 664,000 jobs. Our lakes also provide families with unmatched recreational opportunities.
Since taking office, my colleagues and I have:
- Secured over $105 million in the 2025 State Budget for statewide water infrastructure projects, building on the progress made in the previous year’s budget. Funding will go towards replacing lead service lines, rebuilding sewers and more.
- Championed the historic Clean Energy Future package which sets clean energy standards, promotes energy efficiency, and creates the Office of Community and Worker Economic Transition.
- Passed legislation to require environmental protection and cleanup standards to ensure bad actors pay to clean up their pollution, rather than having taxpayers foot the bill.
- Repealed a harmful law that restricted Michigan officials from implementing environmental and public health safeguards beyond federal standards, empowering Michigan to protect its natural resources and environment more effectively.
During National Lakes Appreciation Month, Michigan Senate Democrats remain committed to building on this work and advancing legislation to strengthen environmental protections, so future generations of Michiganders can enjoy our state’s lakes for years to come.
Legislative Updates
Signed into Law: State Budget Dedicated to Building Up Michigan
Last year marked a significant milestone for Michigan Democrats as we capitalized on their first trifecta in 40 years to spearhead a transformative budget — directing vital resources into historically neglected sectors like infrastructure, education, and local communities.
Last week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer officially signed the Fiscal Year 2025 state budget into law, building on last year’s transformative budget by continuing to invest in children and families, students and workers, public safety, community development, and more.
This Democratic majority views the state budget as both a values statement and a financial plan. Our cornerstones for the 2025 budget — transformational, innovative, equitable, and intentional — reflect the priorities established last year.
Read more here.
39 Bipartisan Bills Signed into Law
Just last week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer approved 39 bills, delivering on a diverse range of bipartisan priorities. Here are a few notable bills sponsored by members of our Senate Democratic majority that were recently signed into state law:
- Senate Bill 175 (Sen. Sylvia Santana) to improve consumer protections by ensuring fairness and compliance in property tax assessments.
- Senate Bill 328 (Sen. Kevin Hertel) to improve public safety by updating standards for smoke alarms.
- Senate Bill 350 (Sen. Rosemary Bayer) to expand the Michigan Promise Zone Authority Act to provide more financial assistance for student educational needs in underserved communities.
- Senate Bill 398 (Sen. Sean McCann) to equip state agencies with the tools needed to enforce environmental regulations and promptly respond to emergencies.
- Senate Bill 482 (Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet) to reduce waste, save time, and lower costs by modernizing Michigan’s requirements for the disposal of medical sharps containers.
- Senate Bill 571 (Sen. John Cherry) to require prevailing wage on certain renewable energy construction state projects, supporting Michigan workers and bolstering our economy.
- Senate Bill 599 (Sen. Erika Geiss) to allow eligible incarcerated parolees with a terminal illness to be released to an approved placement instead of a medical facility, allowing the Department of Corrections to focus its resources where they are most needed.