Hello Neighbor,
I hope that you and your family are doing well and had a great time celebrating Valentine’s Day with your loved ones. My office and I have been staying busy serving the 17 communities across District 4, and I’m excited to share updates on what we’re working on in both Lansing and in Downriver and Western Wayne.
As always, my office is always available to answer your questions and provide any assistance that you may need. Please do not hesitate to contact us or call my office at 517-373-7918 if you are in need of help.
In Solidarity,
Darrin Camilleri
State Senator
District 4
Featured in This Newsletter
- Legislative Updates
- Community Updates
- Community Events
Legislative Updates
Last week, Governor Whitmer unveiled her executive budget recommendations for the 2024-25 Fiscal Year. As the chair of the Senate PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee, I’ve been having conversations dating back to last year about how we can take the transformational education budget that we passed in 2023 and continue to provide historic investments to our schools. Additionally, I look forward to working together with Governor Whitmer and my colleagues in the House and Senate to continue bringing targeted investments to our Downriver and Western Wayne communities.
Community Updates
I was alerted by local officials as well as EGLE late last week about a corrosive liquid that was found at the former McLouth Steel site in Riverview. In the days that followed, I’ve been working with local environmental advocacy groups, Rep. Churches and other local leaders on a coordinated response that includes a call for stronger Polluter Pay laws here in Michigan. For too long, our Downriver and Western Wayne communities have paid an unfair price due to unregulated industry and lack of corporate accountability. It’s crucial that we use this opportunity to pass strong legislation that prevents these incidents from occurring, and I will be continuing these conversations in the legislature to take action and hold polluters accountable.
I was very pleased to award two incredibly deserving teachers with our Teacher of the Month award since our last E-Newsletter. Ms. Amy Morse of Taft-Galloway Elementary and Mr. Patrick Gwardinski of Riverview High School were our January and February Teachers of the Month, and I enjoyed stopping by to present this award and let them know that we are very appreciative of all the hard work they put into making their classrooms such great learning environments. As a reminder, you can nominate a great teacher from your community at this form here.
Last week, I enjoyed stopping by the annual Conference of Western Wayne and Downriver Community Conference Mixer to speak with our local leaders, as well as our federal and county officials. It’s been a pleasure collaborating with my local mayors, supervisors and other local leaders since we took office last year, and I look forward to continuing our work through 2024.
Community Events
I want to thank everyone who joined us at our Wayne Coffee Hour on February 5th and also at our Prescription Drug Affordability Town Hall this past Monday. It was great to be in the community and engage in important conversations with my neighbors about issues that affect all of us.
Join us to discuss Clean Energy legislation we passed late last year as well as other initiatives that our state needs to be taking in order to put us on track for increased renewable energy. This event will feature climate leaders from across our region, and it will be a great opportunity to learn about the steps we’re taking to fight climate change.
Clean Energy Town Hall
WHEN: February 26, 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Bacon Memorial Library, 45 Vinewood, Wyandotte, MI 48192
Lastly, I want to share two opportunities to receive in-person assistance from my staff if you have any questions or need any help navigating our state departments. These events will be in Van Buren Township and Southgatem, and my staff will be available to help with any issues you may be having with unemployment, MDHHS benefits or any other issue you may be experiencing.
Pop-Up Constituent Service
WHEN: February 16, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
WHERE: Van Buren Senior Center, 13770 Haggerty Rd, Van Buren Township, MI 48111
WHAT: Pop-Up Constituent Service
WHEN: February 26, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
WHERE: Fresh Bean Coffee Co, 18855 Eureka Rd, Southgate, MI 48195
If there is an event in your community that you would like for myself or my team to attend, I encourage you to share it with our office. We’re always looking to congratulate the opening of new businesses and celebrate our amazing neighbors across Downriver and Western Wayne.
I thank you for taking the time to stay engaged with our office. If you have any questions or comments on legislation, community issues, or any matter that is important to you please feel free to reach out to my office here.