Dear Neighbor,
Michigan’s infamous winter weather is here! As temperatures drop, I hope you are staying safe and warm. Be sure to take extra care when going outside or traveling in these conditions: bundle up, watch out for ice, and pay attention to the changing weather. If you, a loved one, or a neighbor need a place to escape the frigid temperatures, there are several warming centers located throughout our community. Find a list here.
Below, you’ll find updates on how my colleagues and I hit the ground running during the first weeks of Michigan’s 103rd Legislature. I’m excited about the what the new year holds and remain committed to serving our community by working on the issues that matter most to you.
As always, please feel free to reach out to my office if I may ever be of assistance to you. You can email us at senmcavanagh@senate.michigan.gov or by calling 517-373-7748.
In service,
Mary Cavanagh
State Senator
District 6
Livonia All Stars Fourth Annual Charity Hockey Game
Second Ebenezer Church College and Trade Fair Weekend
Black History Month: A Conversation with Detroit Historian Jamon Jordan
Rosedale Fun Litter Pick-Up 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, February 8, from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: Rosa Coffee Shop, 19180 Grand River Ave., Detroit, MI 48223
Honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Through Action
As your State Senator, I have been fighting to make Michigan a state where you and your loved ones can thrive, no matter the color of your skin, who you love, or the amount of money in your wallet. As elected officials, our actions — both the policies we put in place and budget decisions we make — should underscore the very fact that we all deserve to be treated with dignity.
We remember and pay respect to Martin Luther King, Jr. whose courage, tenacity and leadership forged a more inclusive and just future for our nation. His efforts, along with the tireless work and sacrifice of many other social justice trailblazers, helped lay a progressive foundation that we continue to build on today.
From banning race-based hair discrimination and expanding historic protections for our LGBTQ+ community to passing legislation combating hate crimes and permanently establishing Michigan’s Black Leadership Advisory Council, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I have been laser-focused on continuing Dr. King’s work here in our state. This year, we remain committed to championing legislation and investments to uplift Michiganders across the state, especially for communities who have been historically marginalized and underrepresented.
Michigan’s 103rd Legislature Kicks Off with Focus on Accountability and Affordability
On the first day of Michigan’s 103rd Legislature, my colleagues and I wasted no time in introducing legislation to address the issues important to you. These bills would increase government transparency, improve access to affordable health care, and support working families.
- Senate Bills 1 and 2 would expand the state’s Freedom of Information Act to include the Michigan Legislature and governor. Similar legislation passed by the Senate in the 102nd Legislature garnered widespread and bipartisan support.
- Senate Bills 3-5 aim to establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board in Michigan — an independent body designed to lower prescription drug costs and hold Big Pharma accountable. These bills build on Michigan Senate Democrats’ efforts during the 102nd Legislature to lower costs and grow opportunities for working families here in Michigan.
- Senate Bills 6-8 and 15 focus on strengthening protections for Michigan workers. These bills would raise the state’s minimum wage, protect service workers’ tips, require employers to offer paid sick leave, and crack down on illegal wage theft.
Throughout this legislative term, Senate Democrats are committed to building on previous successes and delivering real, lasting benefits for families across the state.
We participated in numerous community events in January, including a Kroger Food Drive with Redford Interfaith Reliefs and Gleaners, a College Expo event with the Grandmont-Rosedale Development Corporation, and several community events honoring Martin Luther King Jr. We also provided legislative updates at community clubs, neighborhood organizations, and more! January’s events were reminders of how caring, active, and engaged the residents of District 6 truly are.
Kroger Food Drive
Our district team helped Gleaners and the Redford Interfaith Relief during their Kroger Food Drive where we collected food donations for District 6 residents! It was amazing to be a part of such a good cause that will help our community members who need it most.
Grandmont-Rosedale Development Corporation’s College and Career Fair
Team Cavanagh was proud to be a participant during the Grandmont-Rosedale Development Corporation’s college and career fair! We provided resources on navigating financial aid, such as how to apply and where to start, as well as tools for searching for the right college. Our young students are the future, so it was wonderful to participate in a community event that supported them!
MLK Day Celebrations
Senator Cavanagh and our district team attended multiple community service and memorial events for the late Martin Luther King Jr. on his birthday. These events and the community leaders who spoke at them were deeply moving and highlighted the continuing importance of the fight for civil rights, community service, and the power of the people! I was proud to be a part of these events, and I thank all of those that invited me to be there.
Wayne County Warming & Cooling Centers | Homeland Security & Emergency Management
MDHHS Substance Use Disorder Provider Map
The Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently launched a new substance use disorder (SUD) mapping tool to identify licensed SUD treatment and recovery locations through a geographic search. Additional information can be found via this press release, and attached you will find a graphic and flyer which can be shared with community partners.
Here is the link to the map: Michigan.gov/opioids/find-help/misud-locator.
Michigan Achievement Scholarship Unlocks Opportunities 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 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 Dept. of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential 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.
Redford Lead Service Lines Information and Resources
