Dear Neighbor,
Michigan’s infamous winter weather is here! As temperatures drop, I hope you are staying safe and warm. Be sure to take extra care when going outside or traveling in these conditions: bundle up, watch out for ice, and pay attention to the changing weather. If you, a loved one, or a neighbor need a place to escape the frigid temperatures, there are several warming centers located throughout our community. Find a list here.
Below, you’ll find updates on how my colleagues and I hit the ground running during the first weeks of Michigan’s 103rd Legislature. I’m excited about the what the new year holds and remain committed to serving our community by working on the issues that matter most to you.
As always, please feel free to reach out to share your thoughts or seek assistance with any challenges you may be facing with state departments. 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
- As we began Michigan’s 103rd Legislature earlier this month, my colleagues and I wasted no time in introducing legislation to increase government transparency and improve access to affordable health care.
- Join me for my upcoming Coffee and Conversation Event at the West Bloomfield Public Library’s Meeting Room on Feb. 21, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.!
- With sub-zero temperatures and dangerous wind chills in the forecast in the coming weeks, make sure you take proper safety precautions such as limiting your time outdoors, checking on others, and preparing for travel emergencies.
Honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. Through Action
As your State Senator, I have been fighting to make Michigan a state where you and your loved ones can thrive, no matter the color of your skin, who you love, or the amount of money in your wallet. As elected officials, our actions — both the policies we put in place and budget decisions we make — should underscore the very fact that we all deserve to be treated with dignity.
This week, we remember and pay respect to Martin Luther King, Jr. whose courage, tenacity and leadership forged a more inclusive and just future for our nation. His efforts, along with the tireless work and sacrifice of many other social justice trailblazers, helped lay a progressive foundation that we continue to build on today.
From banning race-based hair discrimination and expanding historic protections for our LGBTQ+ community to passing legislation combating hate crimes and permanently establishing Michigan’s Black Leadership Advisory Council, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I have focused on continuing Dr. King’s work here in our state. This year, we remain committed to championing legislation and investments to uplift Michiganders across the state, especially for communities who have been historically marginalized and underrepresented.
Michigan’s 103rd Legislature Kicks Off with Focus on Accountability and Affordability
As we began Michigan’s 103rd Legislature earlier this month, my colleagues and I wasted no time in introducing legislation to address the issues important to you. These bills would increase government transparency and improve access to affordable health care.
- Senate Bills 1 and 2 would expand the state’s Freedom of Information Act to include the Michigan Legislature and governor. Similar legislation passed by the Senate in the 102nd Legislature garnered widespread and bipartisan support.
- Senate Bills 3-5 aim to establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board in Michigan — an independent body designed to lower prescription drug costs and hold Big Pharma accountable. These bills build on Michigan Senate Democrats’ efforts during the 102nd Legislature to lower costs for working families here in Michigan.
Throughout this legislative term, Senate Democrats are committed to building on previous successes and delivering real, lasting benefits for families across the state.
Grand Opening at Walled Lake Western
I had a great economic planning and development meeting last week with Northville City Mayor Brian Turnbull and Wendy Longpre, Director of Strategic Planning and Special Projects. We held our meeting at the Exchange restaurant in downtown Northville — a wonderful atmosphere for a productive meeting!
Coffee and Conversation with Sen. Bayer
WHEN: Friday, Feb. 21 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
WHERE: West Bloomfield Public Library’s Meeting Room, 4600 Walnut Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Twp., MI 48323
To stay up to date on our events, please check out our website or Facebook Page!
Cold Weather Safety Tips
With sub-zero temperatures, dangerous wind chills, and ice in the forecast this week, the Michigan State Police is urging residents and visitors to take the below precautions to stay safe.
- Limit time outdoors. If you must go outside, wear several layers of warm clothing and watch for signs of frostbite or hypothermia.
- Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Use generators and grills only outdoors and away from windows. Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home.
- Avoid overexertion. Shoveling snow can put extra strain on your heart, so take it easy and avoid sudden bursts of activity.
- Check on others. Older adults, young children, and pets are especially vulnerable to extreme cold and should be checked on regularly. Keep pets indoors.
- Prepare for travel emergencies. If you must drive, ensure your gas tank is full and your vehicle is stocked with an emergency kit, including warm clothing, blankets, gloves, hats, and a phone charger.
To find warming centers across Michigan, please visit this website.
Play It Nice and Safe Around Ice This Winter
With cold temperatures becoming more consistent throughout the state, more people are enjoying ice fishing, skating, hockey, and other outdoor activities. The Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources urges everyone to have fun but always use caution when venturing onto or near ice.
Ice is often unstable around river mouths and near lake and river currents. Reservoirs with changing water levels also require great caution. Frozen bodies of water should be checked very carefully before braving the ice. While there is no perfectly reliable method to determine if ice is safe, you can use a spud, needle bar or auger to test the thickness and quality of ice.
Additional ice safety tips include:
- If there’s ice on the lake but water around the shoreline, use extra caution.
- If you are visiting a new area, ask locals at bait shops, restaurants, or stores about ice conditions, but always check conditions for yourself before going onto the ice.
- If you’re walking on the ice, wear a pair of ice cleats to help with traction.
- Wear bright colors to increase your visibility. White clothing and gear are difficult to see.
- Use the buddy system and tell someone who is staying on shore where you will be and when you plan to return.
- If you’re operating a snowmobile or off-road vehicle, ride in a staggered line. This makes it easier to maneuver in case a rider ahead of you breaks through the ice.
For more information, visit Michigan.gov/IceSafety. For snowmobile safety tips, go to Michigan.gov/RideRight.
Save the Date! 2025 State of the State Address
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will be delivering the 2025 State of the State Address on the evening of Wednesday, Feb. 26. In the speech, the governor will address members of the Legislature as well as Michiganders across the state as she lays out plans for the year ahead to create good-paying jobs, fix our roads, invest in our students, and more.
You can watch the address on your local TV channel, online here, on Facebook, and YouTube.