Dear Neighbor,
With the cool autumn air arriving, I wanted to provide an update on what our team has been working on to deliver results for District 6 residents. From protecting reproductive rights and access to contraceptives to championing voting rights for Michiganders across race and place, I’ve been focused on tackling the issues that matter most to our community.
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.
Sincerely,
Mary Cavanagh
State Senator
District 6
Featured in This Newsletter
- Upcoming Events
- Legislative Updates
- District Updates
- Additional News and Resources
Upcoming Events
Livonia Youth Programs – Stories, Snacks, and Crafts
Celebrate fall harvest favorites with Livonia Parks and Recreation for an afternoon of fun reading stories, making a few crafts, and ending with a delicious snack! Livonia Public Schools have the day off from school. Advance registration is required, and children must be accompanied by an adult. ($10 residents, $12 non-residents)
WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 10, from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: Greenmead Historical Park – Alexander Blue House (20501 Newburgh Rd, Livonia)
Northwest Detroit Farmers Market
WHEN: Every Thursday from June 6 – October 10, 2024, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: 18445 Scarsdale Detroit, MI 48223 (North Rosedale Park Community House)
Rosedale Fun Litter Pickup Club
Join the fun! The Rosedale Fun Litter Pickup Club is dedicated to beautifying our neighborhood through once-monthly litter pickups (on second Saturdays), fun, and fellowship. All are welcome! For more information, email funlitterpickupclub@gmail.com or call/text Mary Madigan at 313-980-8850.
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: Rosa Coffee Shop, 19180 Grand River Ave., Detroit, MI 48223
Legislative Updates
Advancing the Freedom to Plan on World Contraception Day
For over six decades, contraception has been an integral component of women’s healthcare, giving them the power to plan their own course in life by allowing them to determine whether to have children and the number and spacing of their children.
On World Contraception Day, September 26, the Senate Health Policy Committee heard testimony on the Freedom to Plan package, comprised of my bill, Senate Bill 973, as well as Senate Bills 974, 987, 988, and 1006, which seeks to expand Michiganders’ access to contraception.
The first half of the package, introduced by myself and Sen. Jeff Irwin, would break down financial barriers to over-the-counter oral hormonal contraceptives and emergency contraceptives. Additionally, legislation introduced by Sen. Mallory McMorrow would ensure more inclusive access to immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraception.
These bills build on a series of actions taken by the Democratic-led Michigan Legislature, including repealing the state’s 1931 abortion ban and our Reproductive Health Act and Family Protection Act, to ensure Michiganders — not politicians — possess the power to determine if and when they would like to begin a family.
Michigan Senate Democrats Pass Budget Supplemental and Other Legislation to Bring More Dollars Back to Classrooms and Teachers
Since assuming the majority, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I have remained committed to strengthening Michigan’s public education system. While our new 2025 state budget included a one-time decrease in the rates school districts pay into the Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement System (MPSERS), we recently took action to make that change permanent by passing Senate Bill 911. This redirects over $600 million from MPSERS — which is currently funded at 140% — back to our schools every year, which is equivalent to about a $400 per student increase statewide.
This legislation also eliminates the 3% payroll deduction that some employees contribute toward their retiree health care costs, putting more money back into the pockets of more than 100,000 hardworking educators and support staff. This bill has been returned to the House of Representatives for their consideration before it heads to the governor’s desk for her signature.
Similarly, the Legislature passed a school budget supplemental bill last week, investing millions of extra state dollars into school safety and mental health supports. This gives school districts the flexibility to determine where those funds are needed most — whether it be more school resource officers, counselors, therapists, or infrastructure upgrades. We’re proud to have put even more funding toward one of the most important causes we can: the safety and well-being of Michigan students.
Senate Democrats Pass Michigan Voting Rights Act to Bolster Election Protections
On National Voter Registration Day, my colleagues and I passed legislation to establish the Michigan Voting Rights Act (MVRA). Building on the progress of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, the MVRA would set additional protections at the state level, shielding voters from attacks on exercising their right to vote that have been witnessed in this state and across the country.
Outlined in the legislation are protections for Michiganders across race and place, including those with limited-English proficiency and voters with disabilities.
Learn more here.
District Updates
We participated in numerous community events in September, including multiple check presentations to Danika Community Development Inc., Developing KIDS, and Starfish Family Services. These groups are so important to our community, and we were very proud to highlight the funding we were able to secure in the state budget to support their work. We also provided legislative updates at community clubs, neighborhood organizations, and more!
Budget Check Presentation to Danika Community Development Inc.
Danika Community Development Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating underserved District 6 residents about financial literacy. I was excited to celebrate the funding that I advocated for in this year’s budget and help them continue empowering our community!
Budget Check Presentation to Developing KIDS
Developing KIDS is an amazing nonprofit organization that supports the youth, families, and workforce of District 6. Their expansive new facility is currently under construction, and I am so proud of the funding my colleagues and I were able to secure to support their mission.
Budget Check Presentation to Starfish Family Services
Starfish Family Services is a nonprofit human services agency that works to bolster the education, healthcare, and economic opportunity of disadvantaged citizens. It was wonderful to celebrate the funding secured in the 2025 state budget to support Starfish’s new childcare center in the Brightmoor neighborhood!
Additional News and Resources
Michigan Achievement Scholarship Unlocks Opportunity in Higher Education for Michiganders
Colleges and universities play a vital role in shaping the future of our state. Recognizing this, Senate Democrats have expanded the Michigan Achievement Scholarship (MAS) program to create the “Community College Guarantee.” The scholarship is available to most graduating high school seniors and incoming college freshmen this year.
Under the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, students can receive:
- Up to $2,750 annually if they enroll in a Michigan community college, for up to three years.
- Up to $4,000 annually if they enroll in a Michigan private college or university, for up to five years.
- Up to $5,500 annually if they enroll in a Michigan public university or a baccalaureate degree program at a Michigan community college, for up to five years.
If you’re interested in learning more about how you or your student can take advantage of the scholarship, the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) is hosting a series of informational webinars. Participants will be able to gather the following information:
- Information about the NEW Community College Guarantee
- Michigan Achievement Scholarship eligibility requirements
- Michigan Achievement Scholarship award amounts
- Important action items for students and families
- Additional resources and program information
You can find a date that works with your schedule and register here.
Make Sure Your Voter Registration is Up to Date
Voting is a powerful way that Michiganders can preserve and protect our democracy. On September 17, 2024, we recognized National Voter Registration Day to encourage all citizens of voting age to register to vote or update their registration status. Registering or updating your registration status is simple and can be done in less than ten minutes. You can do it online, by mail or in-person at your local clerk’s office or Secretary of State branch.
Michigan Senate Democrats are committed to expanding access to the ballot box and removing barriers that make it harder for Michiganders to cast their vote. Read more here about the work we’re doing to build a more equitable and accessible electoral process that protects and empowers voters.
National Suicide Prevention Month
Suicide is a critical public health concern, claiming the lives of nearly 50,000 Americans in 2022. The devastation of suicide is far-reaching, impacting innumerable families and communities across our state and beyond.
But suicide can be prevented — and September, National Suicide Prevention Month, is an opportune time to spread awareness and resources to connect members of our communities with the help they need. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please utilize available resources:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for 24-hour, toll-free, confidential support. Learn more here.
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press “1” to speak with a qualified responder, or text 838255. Available to veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their loved ones. Learn more here.
- Local Resources: Find a suicide prevention coalition, support group, or crisis line near you by scrolling down this page and finding a listing in your county.
Learn more about how Michigan Senate Democrats are shining a light on suicide prevention and connect with more resources here.
Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month
During Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the rich culture and histories of Latino Americans across the United States and here in Michigan. The month-long observance commemorates the independence days of Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Mexico, Chile, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala.
In Michigan’s history, fewer than 20 Hispanic individuals have been elected to serve in the state legislature, including myself and Sens. Darrin Camilleri and Erika Geiss. Our backgrounds and lived experiences make our caucus and our state stronger. Learn more about us and Hispanic Heritage Month here.