Dear Neighbor,
Happy Fourth of July, SD 13! I’m very excited to get out and celebrate America’s 250 Birthday with you today. Maybe I’ll see you around town as we partake in parades, fireworks, and cookouts!
Summer is now officially underway. This week and the coming weeks are also bringing extreme temperatures and severe weather. Be sure to take care of yourself, your loved ones, and your community during this heatwave and holiday weekend.
As always, if you need assistance of any sort, or have any questions or concerns you’d like to share, please feel free to reach out to my office. You can reach me and my team by emailing SenRBayer@senate.michigan.gov or calling (517) 373-2417.
Sincerely,
Rosemary Bayer
State Senator
District 13
- Michiganders have expressed rightful concerns about the impact of data centers in their communities. That’s why I’ve introduced legislation to hold these large-scale projects accountable and ensure Michigan consumers, workers, and cherished natural resources are projected. Learn more below.
- I’m taking part in the Fourth of July parades happening in downtown Plymouth and Northville today, at 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. respectively, and I hope to see you there!
- Be prepared for the heatwave and upcoming holiday weekend by exploring some important safety tips and reminders below.
Holding Data Centers Accountable
Sen. Bayer and her Senate Dem colleagues at a press conference on their legislation to shield Michigan residents and communities from large-scale data center projects
As the growing data center industry sparks concerns for consumers, environmentalists, and communities across the state, I’ve spearheaded legislation with several of my Senate Democratic colleagues to ensure the sustainable development of these facilities and protect Michigan ratepayers, workers, and natural resources.
Discussed at a press conference earlier this month, my bill, specifically, sets daily limits on the amount of water that can be used by these projects. By putting regulations and restrictions in place on consumptive use of water, we are incentivizing companies to be better environmental stewards and protecting our most life critical resource.
Beyond the impact on the environment, Michiganders are also rightfully worried about how these large-scale projects will affect the cost and reliability of their electricity and water service. That’s why this legislation also ensures residential and business customers will not foot the bill for any construction or maintenance costs, will not see rate increases, and will receive priority during electricity or water outages or reductions.
This bill package also:
- Creates labor protections for data center development, such as ensuring a union wage is paid, and a labor or collective bargaining agreement is made for the construction and operation of the facility. (Senate Bill 1048)
- Prohibits public employees and public officers from entering into non-disclosure agreements with data centers under certain conditions. (Senate Bill 1049)
- Ensures transparency regarding the total energy expenditures and water usage of data centers. (Senate Bill 762)
Find more information about the legislation here, which awaits consideration in the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment. And, to sign on in support of this bill package, you can become a citizen co-sponsor here.
👑 Celebrating National CROWN Day
Millions of Black Americans have faced race-based hair discrimination in school or the workplace — leading to restricted economic mobility, educational disruptions, and heightened psychological stress. That’s why Senate Democrats passed the CROWN Act in 2023, expanding equity and opportunity by protecting Michiganders from discrimination based on hair texture or protective hairstyles.
While Michigan’s CROWN Act was signed into law three years ago, the fight to end hair discrimination continues at the national level. National CROWN Day is annually observed on July 3, calling for collective action to finally put an end to race-based hair discrimination nationwide. To find ways to get involved, click here.
Combatting Big Businesses, Creating A Michigan You Can Afford
Whether it be at the gas pump, grocery store, doctor’s office, or the monthly bills on our kitchen tables, we are all feeling the financial strain of careless decisions in Washington, D.C. That’s why Senate Democrats launched our A Michigan You Can Afford agenda, which works to provide Michigan residents real relief amid the record-high cost of living and protect you against predatory business tactics looking to profit at your expense. Most recently, my colleagues and I have taken steps to:
- Eliminate out-of-pocket costs for three of the state’s most high-volume, life-saving medical necessities, including Insulin, Epinephrine, and Inhalers. (Introduced)
- Create a state-based health care exchange, which would lower premiums and give Michiganders more options and more control over their health insurance. (Passed out of the Senate)
- Crack down on greedy price gouging practices to keep housing, essential goods, and energy affordable during an issued state of emergency. (Passed out of the Senate)
As we advance this legislative agenda through the Senate, I want to hear from you. Help shape this package by sharing your experience in the survey below, so we can work together to deliver a solution that works for you, your family, your community, and our state.
TODAY: Join Me for July Fourth Celebrations in Plymouth and Northville
I’m looking forward to celebrating our nation’s 250th anniversary today throughout the district. I’ll be joining in on the parades happening in downtown Plymouth starting at 9:00 a.m. and in downtown Northville beginning at 10:00 a.m. If you see me, come say hi! I’m wishing you and your loved ones a happy, safe Independence Day.
Coffee Hour at the Chaldean Community Foundation in West Bloomfield
I had a terrific coffee hour at the Chaldean Community Foundation last month. We had interesting conversations regarding ongoing budget negotiations, protecting voting rights in the upcoming election, and the growing data center industry. Thank you to all attendees for bringing thoughtful insights!
Plymouth Pride
I had a blast at Plymouth Pride a few weeks ago! There were so many vendors, fun food options, and people celebrating community and inclusivity! As always, it was great to see many of my friends, colleagues, and some constituents I recognized from past events. Thank you for organizing such a great event, Plymouth Old Village Association!
West Bloomfield Trail Ride
John and I love all of the parks and recreation opportunities available around us. Here we are at the West Bloomfield Trail, which passes through so much of our 13th Senate District — West Bloomfield, Orchard Lake, Keego Harbor, and Sylvan Lake!
4th of July Firework Safety Tips 🎆
This Independence Day marks America’s 250th anniversary — and celebrations across the country are expected to be bigger than ever, with the highest projected consumer spending on fireworks in history. Keep you and your loved ones safe this holiday weekend by exploring these firework safety tips:
Do:
- Follow all local ordinances and safety instructions.
- Supervise kids with sparklers closely. Keep fireworks away from children and away from your face.
- Use fireworks only on a flat paved or gravel surface. Spray down the area with water before starting and when done.
- Toss used fireworks and sparklers into a bucket of water when finished.
- Keep a water source ready to spray embers from fireworks.
Don’t:
- Try to reignite “dud” fireworks that don’t go off. Wait 15 minutes, then place them in a bucket of water.
- Launch fireworks into forests or fields where dry grass or leaves could ignite.
Read through AAA’s insurance advice before using fireworks here and find additional fireworks safety tips here.
Staying Safe from Heat-Related Illness
This week, temperatures are expected to hit record highs with heat index values forecasted to reach triple digits. When it’s very hot and humid, there’s an increased risk of heat-related illness, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can worsen and cause heat stroke or even death.
To stay healthy during this heat wave, please keep these important safety tips in mind:
- Drink more fluids and avoid liquids with large amounts of sugar or alcohol.
- Limit outdoor activities to when it’s coolest in the morning and evening.
- Spend time indoors with air conditioning.
- Check to make sure your air conditioner filters are clean, and the unit is working properly.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- Wear sunscreen, as sunburn affects the body’s ability to cool down.
- Check on your neighbors and relatives.
- Never leave children or pets unattended in cars, even with the windows cracked.
- Find a cooling center in your area here.
Protecting Your Voice and Your Vote
My Senate Democratic colleagues and I have worked hard to make casting your ballot as easy and accessible as possible — and our state leaders and law enforcement are determined to do their part to protect you at the ballot box. Ahead of the upcoming primary election on August 4, 2026, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has issued legal guidance to law enforcement agencies statewide, briefing them on our latest election laws and how to keep you safe from intimidation or threats at the polls. Read Attorney General Nessel’s recommendations in full here.
Michigan voters are also encouraged to stay informed about their voting rights and responsibilities by reviewing key election and polling place provisions. To review or update your voter information, such as your registration or designated polling place, visit the Michigan Voter Information Center.
Below are some upcoming election dates to keep in mind:
August Primary Election
Last day to register to vote by mail or online* – Monday, July 20
Primary election early voting begins – Saturday, July 25
Optional early voting period up to – Sunday, August 2
Primary Election Day – Tuesday, August 4
* You can still register to vote in person up to and including on Election Day with your local clerk.