Dear Neighbor,
Summer is officially upon us this week, bringing high temperatures to kick off the season. Stay cool, stay hydrated and, as always, stay safe.
Also this week: Juneteenth, a day commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, in its first year as an official state holiday. While our country has certainly made significant progress in its pursuit of social justice and freedom for all, there is more work to be done so that all Michiganders — regardless of what they look like, who they love, how they pray, or what zip code they call home — can thrive.
To that end, my Senate colleagues and I remain committed to building up Michigan in one of the most impactful ways we can: by soon passing a bold state budget that prioritizes the very people and communities we live, work, and grow in. Stay tuned as we continue to work with the House on the Fiscal Year 2025 state budget before sending it to the governor to sign.
As always, if you or someone you know would like to provide any feedback about what’s happening in Lansing, or needs assistance of any sort, please feel free to reach out to my office. You can email us at senschang@senate.michigan.gov.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Chang
State Senator
District 3
Community Updates and Resources
Stay Safe During Forecasted Heat Wave
With the projected high temperatures and humidity projected this week, Gov. Whitmer and several state departments have provided guidance for how you can stay safe.
When it is very hot, there is an increased risk of heat-related illness including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If not treated, heat exhaustion can worsen and cause heat stroke or death.
Humidity can make temperatures feel even hotter. High temperatures plus high humidity are more dangerous because these conditions make it harder for the body to sweat and cool itself down. In addition to the daily temperature, residents should pay attention to the daily heat index, which gives a more accurate picture of how hot it feels outside.
To stay healthy when it is hot, residents are encouraged to:
- Drink more fluids and avoid liquids with large amounts of sugar or alcohol.
- Limit outdoor activities to when it is coolest in the morning and evening.
- Spend time indoors in air conditioning.
- Check to make sure your air conditioner filters are clean and the unit is working properly.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing.
- Wear sunscreen, as sunburn affects a body’s ability to cool down.
- Check on neighbors and relatives to determine if they need assistance.
- Never leave children or pets unattended in cars, even with the windows cracked.
Cooling Centers in the City of Detroit
- Adams Butzel Complex, 10500 Lyndon (M-F, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; closed Saturdays)
- Butzel Family Center, 7737 Kercheval Avenue (M-F, 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.)
- Clemente Recreation Center, 2631 Bagley (M-F, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
- Farwell Recreation Center, 2711 E. Outer Dr. (M-F, 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; closed Saturdays)
- Lasky Recreation Center, 13200 Fenelon (M-F, 12:00 – 8:00 p.m.; closed Saturdays)
- Northwest Activities Center, 18100 Meyers (M-F, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
- Patton Recreation Center, 2301 Woodmere (M-F, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; closed Saturdays)
- Kemeny Recreation Center, 2260 S. Fort (M-F, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; closed Saturdays)
- Crowell Recreation Center, 16630 Lahser (M-F, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; closed Saturdays)
- Heilmann Recreation Center, 19601 Crusade (M-F, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; closed Saturdays)
Detroit Public Library Branches are also open during normal business hours. For more information please visit detroitpubliclibrary.org/locations.
MDOT I-375 Meeting
MDOT’s next I-375 Reconnecting Communities Project Public Meeting will take place on Tuesday, June 25 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Eastern, 3434 Russell St., Detroit, MI 48207. Join MDOT to hear updates, review design changes and share your opinions. More information can be found at the link here.
EGLE Opens Public Comment Period
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy is holding a public comment period regarding the FCA US LLC proposed Permit to Install from June 12 until July 23, 2024, with a public hearing on July 17. Please consider submitting a public comment if you have concerns or thoughts to share at this link. The company is requesting to modify their current Permit to Install 14-19A for the existing automotive assembly plant by adding requirements for the continued operation of a second regenerative thermal oxidizer (RTO2) and increasing particulate matter emission limits.
On July 17, EGLE will hold an informational session and public hearing, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The hearing will begin immediately following the informational session. You can attend in person at Detroit Southeastern High School, 3030 Fairview Street, Detroit, MI or join online via this link. Call in to listen only: 636-651-3142 and use conference code 374288.
Recent News
Creating a Welcoming, Inclusive State for All During Pride Month
Michigan Senate Democrats are committed to cultivating true inclusion and belonging in Michigan — not only during the month of June, but every day year-round. Since taking office, our Majority for the People has worked to expand the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA), reaffirming and expanding legal protections for the LGBTQ+ community. This effort has been 50 years in the making and will protect our LGBTQ+ family, friends, coworkers and neighbors against discrimination in employment, public accommodations and public services. It also will provide protection in educational facilities, housing and real estate.
In addition to passing a resolution recognizing June as Pride Month, the Michigan Senate has passed bills — including Senate Bills 348 and 349 — to ban the harmful practice of conversion therapy by mental health professionals seeking to change the gender identity or sexual orientation of minors.
These legislative efforts are a big step forward for Michigan, but certainly not the last. Our caucus remains committed to putting forth legislation that will further advance our shared mission of equity and inclusion. Learn more about the history of the LGBTQ+ community in Michigan and how protections we have put in place at the Capitol have lent Michigan to being ranked one of the most welcoming states for the LGBTQ+ community in the U.S.
Legislative Updates
Legislation Introduced to Enhance Protections for Vulnerable Adults
Elderly individuals and vulnerable adults are at high risk of being subject to abuse and exploitation at the hands of family members, friends, or other close associates. To keep Michiganders safe from harm, Sens. Veronica Klinefelt (D-Eastpointe), Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), and Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) introduced Senate Bills 922–925 last week to better protect those who are unable to protect themselves because of advanced age or a mental or physical impairment. This comprehensive legislative package would enhance protections for vulnerable adults by strengthening penalties for abuse and financial exploitation offenses and developing programs to bolster prevention efforts.
This package has been referred to the committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety.