Hello Neighbor,
I hope that you and your family are doing well, especially as we transition into fall. This is one of my favorite times of the year, and I encourage you to check out all of the great cider mills, hayrides and other fall activities that Downriver and Western Wayne have to offer.
Before we share some updates from Lansing and around the district, I want you to know that my office is always available — to answer your questions, listen to your comments and concerns and help you navigate our various state departments. Please do not hesitate to contact us or call my office at 517-373-7918 if you need any assistance.
In Solidarity,
Darrin Camilleri
State Senator
District 4
Featured in this newsletter:
- Community Updates
- Legislative Updates
- Upcoming Events
Community Updates
As we approached the expiration of the UAW contract with Stellantis, Ford and General Motors, conversations with leaders at both the local and national levels prepared us for the possibility of a strike against all three automakers unless they agreed to a fair contract that guarantees better pay, benefits and work/life balance.
As the deadline passed without an agreement and a Stand Up Strike has started, I have been and will continue to stand with my union brothers and sisters at the Ford Assembly Plant in Wayne — the only plant in Michigan that is currently striking — as they fight for the pay, benefits and working conditions they need and deserve.
It has been amazing to see such widespread solidarity and sacrifice as workers fight to earn wages that reflect the billions in profits that the Big Three have been taking in amid a global pandemic and more. Until an agreement is reached that puts our workers first, my team and I will continue to back those on the front lines 100%.
Legislative Updates
As we return to Lansing, we have wasted no time picking up where we left off at the beginning of the summer.
Last week, I introduced legislation alongside my colleagues to establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board here in Michigan. Since I first was elected in 2016, I’ve been fighting to lower the cost of prescription drugs and ensure that no Michigander has to choose between life-saving medication and groceries, rent or other bills.
Essentially, a PDAB helps bring prescription drug costs down with an independent board of experts that researches and reviews drug prices and other relevant factors. If they determine that a price is too high or has increased too quickly without a reason, they can establish what’s called an upper payment limit, or UPL, on the most expensive prescription drugs.
We held a press conference and hearing on this legislation this week, where we heard many stories that demonstrates the board’s potential to provide significant assistance. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this legislation across the finish line and bring relief to the countless Michiganders struggling amid rising prescription drug prices.
Upcoming Events
Finally, I want to remind you of some in-district events occurring during this last stretch of September:
Coffee and Conversation
I will be hosting a coffee hour in Belleville at Crafted Beanery. I’m excited to hear from my neighbors in Western Wayne, and we hope to see you there!
WHEN: Monday, September 25, 2023, from 10-11 a.m.
WHERE: Crafted Beanery, 381 Main St, Belleville, MI 48111
Trenton Town Hall
Later that evening, I’ll be heading back over to Downriver to join Congresswoman Dingell and Rep. Churches for a Trenton Town Hall at the Westfield Center. This will be a great chance to hear what our legislative priorities are for the fall — at both the state and federal levels.
WHEN: Monday, September 25, 2023, from 6-7 p.m.
WHERE: Westfield Center, 2700 Westfield Rd, Trenton, MI 48183
Constituent Service Pop-Up
Lastly, my team will be available to help you at our Constituent Service Pop-Up at the Flat Rock Biggby. This is a great opportunity to have a face-to-face conversation with my team and receive assistance with any issue that you may be facing.
WHEN: Friday, September 29, 2023, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
WHERE: 26614 Telegraph Rd, Flat Rock, MI 48134
I look forward to sharing our October calendar in the next edition of our eNewsletter. I hope that this information was both helpful and insightful as we work to move our state forward. Again, if you have any questions, comments or concerns please do not hesitate to contact my office here or give us a call at 517-373-7918.