Hello neighbor,
I hope you and your family are having a wonderful spring and enjoying all the activities Downriver and western Wayne County have to offer. After a two-week legislative break, my team and I are back to work in Lansing, and I’m excited to share some updates on what we’re doing to help move our communities forward.
As always, my office is 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
I was proud to present and pass our Pre-K-12 School Budget recommendation during last week’s Senate subcommittee meeting, where I outlined some of the next steps that I feel we need to be taking to invest in our educators and students across Michigan. The recommendation now goes to the full Senate Committee on Appropriations for consideration.
Some highlights in our proposal include:
- A 3.1% increase in per pupil foundation allowance, which would bring funding to a historic $9,910 per student.
- More than $122 million in additional funding for our at-risk students, ensuring the students who need the most help get more support.
- Doubling the funding for English Language Learners across our state.
- $75 million to continue our revolutionary student-loan stipend program for teachers.
- Expanding GSRP eligibility so that any family of four making $120,000 per year or less would be able to receive no-cost preschool for 4-year-old students.
We have much more work in front of us as we finalize these proposals and negotiate with Governor Whitmer and our colleagues in the House of Representatives, but I’m incredibly thrilled to continue delivering historic investments for our students, teachers, and schools. I look forward to sharing more updates as we work to reach a final education budget over the next few months.
Community Updates
Last Monday, I was thrilled to be joined by Senators Moss, Chang, Geiss, and Secretary of State Benson for a Michigan Voting Rights Act Town Hall. We had great conversations with community leaders and pro-democracy activists about the importance of passing the Michigan Voting Rights Act.
I’m a proud sponsor of this legislation that would protect our elections and ensure every registered Michigan voter is able to make their voice heard. I’m excited to continue our work to enshrine these rights in state law and get this bill package across the finish line. I encourage you to stay updated as we move forward in the legislative process.
Community Events
I’m excited to share my team is hosting a “Pop-Up Constituent Service” event on Monday, April 29, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Gloria Jean Cafe & Bakery in Belleville. This is a great opportunity for you to meet my office and receive any assistance you may need navigating our state departments. We hope to see you there!
Additionally, I’ll be in Riverview for a “Coffee and Conversation” event on Monday, May 13, from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Riverview Public Library. This is another great opportunity to engage in a conversation about community priorities and what you would like to see from your state government. We look forward to seeing you there!
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.