Dear Neighbor,
From the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community in the northern part of the state to the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians in the south, Michigan’s 12 federally recognized tribes are vast and diverse, enriching our communities in invaluable ways. This November, I hope you’ll join me in honoring the histories, cultures, and contributions of tribal communities here in our state and across the nation in recognition of Native American Heritage Month.
With this week’s holiday, please note that my offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 28 and Friday, Nov. 29. I hope you and yours have a Happy Thanksgiving full of gratitude, good food, and loved ones by your side. And, go Lions!
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 to SenRBayer@senate.michigan.gov or calling (517) 373-2417.
Sincerely,
Rosemary Bayer
State Senator
District 13
- Legislation I’m sponsoring to improve Michigan’s stormwater infrastructure and support survivors of human trafficking are advancing in the state Legislature.
- Last month, I went to the grand opening of a new business in Commerce Township: Mila’s Meat Market, where the generous owner, Martino Seman, treated us to a delicious open-faced kafta sandwich — yum! I’m so grateful for our passionate business owners in District 13 — please show them your support this holiday season!
- Firearm deer hunting season is officially underway! Click here to find helpful resources and learn how Senate Democrats have been working to protect Michigan’s hunting traditions and our great outdoors that makes it all possible.
Improving Michigan’s Stormwater Infrastructure
Stormwater runoff is a public safety and health issue, posing a threat to Michigan’s people, property, and waterways. As climate change continues to usher in increasingly heavier rainstorms and damaging floods across our state, it’s critical that we strengthen Michigan’s aging stormwater infrastructure, which has been given a “D” by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
That’s why I’m proud to sponsor Senate Bill 660, legislation that would provide clear guidelines and structure to give municipalities the option to create, fund, and manage their stormwater using a fee-based stormwater management utility — a cost which would also be optional to the property owners if choosing to manage the stormwater themselves.
By solving our state’s most pressing water infrastructure challenges at the community level, we can better ensure Michigan’s people and environment are better protected to withstand the storms ahead. This bill is now up for consideration on the Senate floor.
Combatting Human Trafficking in Michigan & Protecting Survivors
Michigan is the fifth worst state in the nation for human trafficking, a startling and unsettling reality that has waged significant harm against innocent people in this modern-day form of slavery. To tackle this issue and enhance the rights of human trafficking survivors, I have sponsored Senate Bills 515–517 alongside Sens. Sue Shink and Stephanie Chang. Currently in the House for consideration, this legislation would protect trafficking survivors by allowing statements given outside of court — also known as hearsay — admissible in some cases, allowing them to not have to appear in court and see their perpetrator face-to-face to participate in a trial. These bills not only support survivors — they will also enable law enforcement authorities to better prosecute this crime and bring more abusers to justice.
Click here to watch testimony I recently shared in a House committee, and here for the powerful testimonies provided by Investigator Brian Martin and Cindy Brown, Head of the Trafficking Unit, both from the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office.
Recognizing World Kindness Week
Earlier this month, I had the honor of sponsoring a Senate Resolution to recognize Nov. 9-16 as World Kindness Week. Since its first observation in 1998, World Kindness Week has encouraged people to be kind to themselves, others, and the world. Kindness fosters connection and understanding among individuals and groups of people, promoting peace in our local and global communities and positively impacting our health and well-being in innumerable ways. While World Kindness Week is technically over, it’s never too late to be kind to yourself and to others around you, whether that’s holding a door open for someone or volunteering at a local community group.
Last month, I went to the grand opening of a new business in Commerce Township: Mila’s Meat Market! The restaurant smelled so good, and the generous owner, Martino Seman, treated us to a delicious open–faced kafta sandwich — yum!!! His brother also has a business in District 13, Munro Collision, right down the road from our house! As we prepare for the holidays, remember to support our small businesses — we are fortunate to have so many passionate owners in Senate District 13!
Honoring Michigan’s Native American Communities
November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor and celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Native American communities here in Michigan and across the country. As home to 12 federally recognized tribes that operate on sovereign land, Michigan’s Indigenous communities are vast and diverse.
From raising awareness about the history of Indian boarding schools in our state to protecting tribal fishing areas, Senate Democrats have been working hard to tackle issues important to our state’s Native American communities.
Earlier this year, legislation to ensure that Michigan’s Foster Care Review Boards works effectively with tribal governments to serve Native American children was signed into law by Gov. Whitmer. Sponsored by Sen. Jeff Irwin, Michigan’s only Native American State Senator, Senate Bill 498 takes a critical step towards repairing the harm done to tribal communities by the child welfare system and will keep children better connected to their communities and cultures.
And, just last month, the Senate Appropriations Commitee favorably passed House Bill 5600 on to the Senate floor, legislation that would establish the Office of Tribal Legislative Liaison to strengthen partnerships and communication between Michigan’s tribal communities and the state legislature.
Whether by cracking open a new book by a local Native American author or making plans to visit any of the four must-see Native American cultural sites in our state, I hope you’ll join me in honoring and uplifting Michigan’s resilient Indigenous communities who’ve been here for millennia and are here to stay.
Firearm Deer Hunting is Underway!
The opening day of Michigan’s 2024 firearm deer hunting season began on Friday, Nov. 15. Whether you have a first-time hunter in the household or are a seasoned sportsman yourself, I wish you a safe and successful firearm season. The Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources has compiled numerous resources you may find helpful in the days and weeks ahead — find licenses, regulations, maps, and more here.
Recognizing the significance and tradition of hunting here in Michigan, my colleagues and I have been working to reduce red tape for hunters and restore our game species, while also protecting Michigan’s many outdoor spaces, which offer ample opportunities for residents to explore, unwind, and enjoy nature. Click here to learn more about these efforts as well as other work that has been underway to protect this much-cherished sport and ensure our great outdoors are protected for years to come.
If you’re planning on taking part in this tradition this year, good luck and remember to stay safe!
Tips to Stay Safe on the Roads this Winter
Michiganders know all too well — wintertime driving in this state is no joke. To encourage safe-driving habits while traveling on Michigan roadways during the winter months, the Michigan State Police’s Office of Highway and Safety Planning (OHSP) reminds motorists to keep these safety tips in mind:
- Drive slow on ice and snow. It can take up to ten times longer to stop your vehicle on snowy and/or icy roads. Slow down and allow more room between your vehicle and the one ahead of you.
- Be prepared by taking time to winterize your vehicle and stock it with emergency supplies. Refer to this packet for a complete list of supplies to keep in your vehicle.
- During the winter months, check your tire pressure weekly. Additionally, examine the tread on your tires for wear when you check tire pressure, when rotating your tires, and before you take long trips. Use the penny test to check your tread.
- A new Michigan law (led by my colleague Sen. Sam Singh) requires drivers following a snowplow to stay at least 200 feet away from snowplows. It also states that motorists cannot stop within 20 feet of a snowplow at an intersection.
- Know how to handle winter-driving emergencies should you find yourself stopped or stalled on the road. Stay with your vehicle and call 911 or a roadside service like AAA. Make yourself visible to other motorists by turning on your hazard lights.
Visit the OHSP’s Winter-Driving web page for more safety tips and information.