Dear Neighbor,
Spring offers a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with friends and family. Whether it’s a walk in the park, going fishing, a hike through the trails, or a barbecue in your backyard, I hope you are taking time to enjoy the spring weather and make the most of the season.
As always, if you would like to provide any feedback about what’s happening in Lansing or need assistance of any sort, please feel free to reach out to my office. You can email us at senmcavanagh@senate.michigan.gov or call 517-373-7748.
In service,
Mary Cavanagh
State Senator
District 6
Upcoming Events
Coffee and Conversation
Please join me for my upcoming Coffee and Conversation on Friday, May 17at the Redford Community Center.
WHEN: Friday, May 17, 2024, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Redford Community Center, 12121 Hemingway St., Redford Charter Twp., MI 48239
I hope to see you there!
Legislative Updates
Working to Deliver a Fiscally Responsible State Budget
Last year marked a significant milestone for Michigan Democrats as we capitalized on their first trifecta in 40 years to spearhead a transformative budget — directing vital resources into historically neglected sectors like infrastructure, education, and local communities. This comprehensive budget, encompassing various offices, departments, initiatives, projects and programs, follows an annual funding cycle, necessitating the State Legislature to craft a new budget each year.
Crafting this state budget is a collaborative effort involving negotiations between both legislative chambers and the governor, resulting in a new state budget being signed into law each year to distribute funding to residents, schools, communities, businesses, local governments and more.
Currently, we’re in the thick of our annual budget process with subcommittees reporting out proposals for the full Appropriations Committee’s consideration. I’m proud to Chair the subcommittees overseeing the budgets for the Department of Insurance and Financial Services, the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. As we work to deliver a budget this summer, I encourage you to learn more about the process and the investments we’re looking to make to support communities across Michigan — read more here.
Senate Democrats Introduce Momnibus Bills to Uplift Black Maternal Health in Michigan
Senate Democrats have introduced the “Momnibus,” a robust legislative package (Senate Bills 818–827) aimed to bolster equity and accountability in maternal healthcare services statewide. With a multi-faceted approach, these bills aim to strengthen community-driven programs, enhance prenatal care and maternal healthcare, and amplify the voices of Black and Brown birthing individuals, mothers, women, families, and stakeholders.
Within this package, I’m proud to have sponsored Senate Bill 820, which would require hospitals to expand and disclose their patient protections for birthing patients, and Senate Bill 821, allowing the state to collect insurance information related to perinatal care medical malpractice.
It is critical for our state to pass such legislation as we see Black and Brown mothers across the country face disproportionately higher health risks during pregnancy and childbirth. According to the Centers for Disease Control, Black women’s mortality rate from pregnancy-related causes is three times higher than that of white women, with structural racism underlying these disparities.
Black women face inequitable healthcare challenges compared to white women, leading to higher risks and even life-threatening complications. As mortality rates climb and reproductive freedoms come under fire, it’s crucial to back local initiatives that enhance prenatal and maternal care, support breastfeeding and nutrition, and safeguard abortion access.
The “Momnibus” will now advance to the Senate Housing & Human Services Committee for further consideration.
District Updates
We participated in numerous community events in April, including attending the 40th Annual Police and Fire Awards in Redford; attending the State of Birth Justice in Detroit; volunteering with different groups to go and clean up our communities; providing legislative updates at community clubs and neighborhood organizations, and more!
I was happy to host the Lieutenant Governor and several of our community leaders for an informal roundtable to discuss community projects and issues. I am so thankful for Pages Bookshop for allowing us to use their space for this incredible event.
I was excited to work alongside Pro Tem President Councilman Tate to host an in-district Coffee and Conversation where we each gave updates on the happenings in Detroit. I was overjoyed to see such a turnout for the event and appreciate working with Councilman Tate to make this event possible.
Other Important Updates
Free Gun Locks Now Available at MDHHS Offices
Gun violence is the leading cause of death for Michigan children and teens, and in recent years, unintentional shootings by children have been rising. To promote responsible gun ownership and help keep families safe from the devastating effects of gun violence, my colleagues and I took bold action last year to deliver a slate of gun violence prevention legislation that Michigan residents have waited years for.
Among the legislation passed, Public Act 17 of 2023 requires firearms to be locked and unloaded when unattended, particularly if minors are likely to be present. Failure to comply results in penalties, including misdemeanors and felonies, if minors gain access to improperly stored firearms.
To help minimize the cost of purchasing firearm safety devices, the Michigan State Police (MSP) and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) are partnering together to offer free gun locks to the public at MDHHS county offices and some local health departments.
To request a free gun lock while supplies last, you can visit your localMDHHS office or check with your local health department, some of which will have gun locks available. Free firearm safety devices can also be obtained through Project ChildSafe police partners across the state. These cable-style gun locks are made possible due to funding secured in the 2024 State Police Budget passed by the Legislature last year.
For more information, click here.
Financial Literacy Month
Talking about all things money related can be nothing short of stressful, but with the right tools in your toolbox, it doesn’t have to be. And with the Senate passing my Senate Resolution 102 recognizing April as Financial Literacy Month, there is no better time to share some important tips on things you can do to start building a brighter financial future.
One piece of advice emphasized by the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is just how important it is for Michiganders to establish a relationship with a financial institution. By having an account with a bank or credit union, you can save money by avoiding fees related to check cashing, money orders and more. Thanks to the Michigan Open Account Coalition formed in 2022, low- or no-cost accounts — with no surprise fees — are available at participating banks and credit unions.
Attorney General Dana Nessel also offers up some additional financial education best practices this month by re-issuing her Overdraft Fee Rulesalert. This is a great resource to help consumers become more informed on your bank’s overdraft policy, potentially avoiding the accumulation of large fees in your accounts without understanding how they get there.
Tips to Help You Safely Navigate Road Construction
With the warmer weather finally here, that means our unofficial state flower — the beloved traffic cone — will be popping up across Michigan. Between state, county and local projects, there will be many work zones throughout our community through the fall. During this time, make sure to remain alert and practice caution to keep yourself and road workers free from harm. To help keep the roads as safe as possible, make sure to practice these driving tips:
- Plan ahead: Expect delays, plan for them, and leave early to reach your destination on time. When you can, avoid work zones altogether by using alternate routes.
- Obey road crews and signs: When approaching a work zone, watch for cones, barrels, signs, large vehicles, or workers in bright-colored vests to warn you and direct you where to go.
- Slow down: Look for signs indicating the speed limit through the work zone. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you and follow the posted speed limit.
- Move over: Most state move-over laws apply when passing work crews and official vehicles parked on the shoulder with flashing warning lights.
- Avoid distractions: Keep your eyes on the road and off your phone at all times.
- Watch for sudden stoppages: Don’t make sudden lane changes in front of trucks that are trying to slow down.