Hello Neighbor,
It’s been an eventful November with the election of our new president and the selection of legislative leaders at both the state and federal levels. I want to thank everyone who exercised their right to vote. Whether you voted early, absentee, or in person, on Election Day, you played your part in our democracy and helped us set a new state record for ballots cast during a general election.
As temperatures continue to drop and winter approaches, I hope you and your loved ones are staying safe and warm. Now is an excellent time to winterize your home and vehicle, and to prepare an emergency plan for extreme cold and other winter weather events.
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
- Senate Democrats advance legislation to protect Michigan workers and build a healthier future for residents.
- Nov. 11 was Veterans Day, a day to honor the dedication and sacrifice of those who have served in our armed forces. Thank you to all those who served and their families for your service and sacrifice. Learn more about our work to support Michigan veterans here.
Protecting Michigan Workers of All Ages
- Improving Michigan’s Unemployment System: Unemployment benefits have long been a critical lifeline for Michigan workers — helping them put food on the table, pay their rent, and afford other essential items in times of difficulty. This week, the Senate Labor Committee voted to advance a package of bills that would make updates to Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA), improving system processes for unemployed workers in the state. As Majority Vice Chair of the Labor Committee, I’m proud to have cast my vote in favor of these important reforms, which now move to the Senate floor for further consideration.
- Bolstering Child Labor Laws: As the sponsor of Senate Bill 965, I’m pleased to share my colleagues and I passed Senate Bills 963–965 last week, which would increase penalties and fines for businesses found employing minors illegally or subjecting them to unsafe working conditions. These now head over to the Michigan House for their consideration.
- Strengthening Retirement Benefits for Officers: The Michigan Senate recently passed Senate Bills 165–167, sponsored by Sens. John Cherry, Kristen McDonald Rivet, and Sue Shink. This legislation would allow new corrections, conservation, and other certain state officers to become members of the Michigan State Police hybrid retirement system and would allow current officers to elect to move retirement systems. These bills now advance to the House for consideration.
Building a Healthier Michigan
- Improving Breast Cancer Detection Standards: Too many families in Michigan and across the country know the pain of losing a loved one to breast cancer — whether it’s a mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, or friend. Recognizing the immense benefits of early detection, Sen. Sarah Anthony introduced Senate Bill 1042 to improve the quality of information and the way in which it is provided to women following their mammograms. Senate Bill 1042, which was voted favorably out of the Senate Committee on Health Policy, will now head to the Senate floor for a vote by the full chamber.
- Preventing Youth Tobacco Use: The Senate Committee on Regulatory Affairs recently advanced legislation that would require tobacco retailers to be licensed and repeal the penalties against minors for tobacco use, purchase, or possession — which have shown to be ineffective. Vaping and other tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable death in Michigan and across the country, and my colleagues and I are dedicated to protecting Michigan’s youth from its serious health risks.
Continuing to Invest in our District 4 Communities
I was proud to present both our Wyandotte elected officials and the wonderful people at the Downriver Community Conference with checks signifying the appropriations we were able to secure in this year’s budget. Representative Churches and I fought for these grants because we know just how critical this funding is. This money will go directly to the renovation of the Wyandotte Center for the Arts, much needed lead line replacement, and for the DCC to expand its mutual aid program across Downriver.
I look forward to continuing to advocate for our communities and secure these important investments as we look towards next year’s budget process.
I was thrilled to present Wyandotte City Council with two big budget wins tonight — $2 million for the Downriver Council for the Arts building renovations and $4.7 million for lead line replacement!
I was proud to present the Downriver Community Conference with a check for $6.5 million toward their new building and consolidated dispatch program.
Celebrating Educators Across Downriver and Western Wayne
Last month, I stopped by Bobcean Elementary in Flat Rock and presented the much-deserving Mrs. Baker with our Teacher of the Month award. Mrs. Baker, a first-grade teacher, was recognized by her colleagues and the parents of her students for her dedication to creating a great learning environment for her students. Join me in thanking Mrs. Baker for her hard work and congratulating her on being recognized as our Teacher of the Month!
Do you have a teacher that you would like to nominate? Please fill out this form.
Congrats to our October Teacher of the Month, Mrs. Baker at Flat Rock Bobcean Elementary School!
Deer Hunting Begins Nov. 15
The opening day of Michigan’s 2024 firearm deer hunting season is Friday, Nov. 15. The Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources has created a page to help hunters have a successful season — 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.
If you’re planning on taking part in this tradition this year, good luck and remember to stay safe!
Winter Hazards Awareness Week
As winter approaches, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared Nov. 3-9 as Winter Hazards Awareness Week, urging Michiganders to prioritize emergency preparedness.
The Michigan State Police recommend weatherproofing homes, insulating pipes, cleaning gutters to prevent ice dams, and ensuring heating systems are safe. Install battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors and create an emergency kit with essentials like food, water, and blankets. Drivers should winterize vehicles and carry emergency supplies, including a flashlight, jumper cables, and extra warm clothing. For more tips, visit Michigan.gov/miready.
Honoring Our Veterans on Nov. 11, Veterans Day
Every year on November 11, Americans come together to express profound gratitude for those who honored our country through the highest form of service. From soldiers and sailors to pilots, Coast Guard members, and Marines, these are individuals who sacrifice their safety from here in our backyards to some of the most dangerous corners of the earth to defend the ideals of freedom and democracy.
While we can never serve these patriots in the same way they have served us, we all have an obligation to support and honor them. Understanding this, my colleagues and I have worked to pass legislation and secure investments in the Michigan Legislature to uplift veterans. Some of this work includes:
- Passing legislation to lower costs for families of disabled veterans by eliminating red tape and ensuring spouses can maintain property tax exemptions.
- Establishing a special registration plate for women veterans in the state of Michigan, helping to raise recognition of their contributions to our nation.
- Securing funds for suicide prevention programs that help veterans and their families address the trauma related to military service.
On Veterans Day and beyond, I remain committed to providing our service members, veterans, and their families with meaningful recognition and essential support. To learn more about the Senate’s efforts to support Michigan veterans, click here. To learn more about the various resources available to veterans, click here.