Dear Neighbor,
And just like that — Labor Day is upon us, marking the unofficial end of summer. Whether you’re planning to grill-out, get a last swim in, or just enjoy some quality time with friends and family, I hope you’ll join me in immense gratitude for the many hardworking individuals who build up Michigan every day, believing in the promise of its future.
If you or someone you know would like to provide feedback about what’s happening in Lansing or needs assistance, feel free to contact my office. You can contact me by sending an email to SenEGeiss@senate.michigan.gov or calling 517-373-7800.
Sincerely,
Erika Geiss
State Senator
District 1
In This Edition:
In Recent News
- Families are Encouraged to Enroll 4-Year-Olds Now in Pre-K
- Gov. Whitmer Announces Call for Applications for Pitch MI, a Statewide Startup Pitch Competition
- Reflecting on Women’s Equality Day
- Dept. of Energy Awards $18 Million to Michigan to Help Small Suppliers Modernize Their Manufacturing Capabilities
Legislative Updates
- Keeping our Workers Front and Center this Labor Day and Always
Resources
- Shining a Light on Substance Use Disorder & Remembering Those Lost
- Safe Driving Tips as New School Year Set to Begin
Community Update
- Wayne County Household Hazardous Waste Collection
- River Rouge Concrete Channel Community Meeting
- Core City Downzoning Hearing
In Recent News
Families are Encouraged to Enroll 4-Year-Olds Now in Pre-K
It’s not too late for families to enroll their 4-year-olds in free, high-quality pre-K through their local school district. The recent historic investment in Pre-K for All included in the state’s new budget will allow nearly 59,000 four-year-olds across the state to access free pre-K. As of August 15, enrollment has expanded to all families regardless of income level, while continuing to prioritize families who need it most.
Under the FY 2025 budget, free pre-K enrollment was open to families up to 400% of the federal poverty limit, or about $120,000 for a family of 4. As of August 15, school districts and other pre-K providers may open up enrollment to all families, depending on availability.
Families still have time to enroll children who will be 4 years old by Dec. 1 in pre-K this fall! Availability varies by location, with priority given to those who need it most. Visit MiPreKforAll.org to find programs near you.
Gov. Whitmer Announces Call for Applications for PitchMI, a Statewide Startup Pitch Competition
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently announced that applications are officially open for PitchMI, a statewide Shark Tank-style pitch competition. Michigan’s Growth Office will invest $100,000 in one innovative solution that transforms the way Michiganders get from point A to point B safely, affordably and efficiently. PitchMI is a commitment by the state to spur entrepreneurial problem solving, connect innovators with capital and create a ripple effect to accelerate more innovation.
The PitchMI competition is scheduled to take place Thursday, October 24 at 2:30 p.m. during the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification’s inaugural MI Future Mobility Conference at Newlab in Detroit. Applicants for PitchMI must be available to participate in-person. PitchMI is open to pre-seed, seed, Series A, and Series B companies with 51% of their employees residing in the State of Michigan. Solutions should be demonstration ready with working prototypes.
PitchMI drives momentum behind the Growing Michigan Together Council’s strategy to position Michigan as the innovation hub of the Midwest and the go-to state for scaling businesses across America. Michigan is home to the highest number of engineers is the U.S. and is a top state for patents. Identifying and addressing gaps in the innovation ecosystem will help retain and attract talent, scale companies and create high-paying jobs per the Council’s report.
The deadline to apply for PitchMI is Monday, September 16 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
For more information and to apply, visit: growingmichigan.org/opportunities.
Reflecting on Women’s Equality Day
Happy Women’s Equality Day! Celebrated on August 26 every year, Women’s Equality Day commemorates the adoption of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. It’s an opportunity to honor the courageous women and supporters who fought and sacrificed to secure for themselves — and for the millions of women to come after — the right to vote.
Now more than ever, we must recommit to protecting voting rights and accessibility for all Americans. For this reason, I am proud of the work my fellow Senate Democrats and I have been able to accomplish, with the help of voters, to protect voting accessibility in Michigan, such as passing and enacting Proposal 2 of 2022.
Women’s Equality Day is also a great time to shine a light on the representation of women in the political arena, something which Michigan has made significant progress in over the years thanks to several trailblazing women leading the way.
While progress has certainly been made in advancing women’s rights, there is much work left ahead. From the workplace to accessing health care and education, women — especially women of color — continue to face discrimination and harassment on a regular basis. This is unacceptable. Women’s rights are human rights. I hope you’ll join me and my Senate colleagues in the forward fight to advance gender equity in the state of Michigan.
Got five minutes? Head on over to Instagram or Facebook to check out our new timeline uplifting key moments in the fight for women’s rights.
Dept. of Energy Awards $18 Million to Michigan to Help Small Suppliers Modernize Their Manufacturing Capabilities
Two weeks ago, Gov. Whitmer announced that Michigan will receive $18 million from the Dept. of Energy (DOE) to help small- and medium-sized automotive companies modernize their capabilities to manufacture electric vehicles.
Michigan’s funding accounts for more than one-third of the $50 million grant program, which was created in direct response to a proposal submitted by the Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) last year recommending DOE create a program for small suppliers and medium-sized auto suppliers. This investment allows Michigan to develop a domestic and diversified EV supply chain, retain high-quality, good-paying jobs, meet the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan and support the Biden-Harris administration’s goal of having 50% of all new vehicle sales be electric by 2030.
According to the Center for Automotive Research, Michigan is home to over 1,000 independent automotive suppliers, and 140 of these suppliers and over 45,000 of their workers may need to retool their facilities and convert from making ICE vehicles or components to EVs. The $18 million in funding will further position Michigan as a leader in clean energy jobs and manufacturing and ensure the state remains a leader in the automotive industry.
The DOE, along with the U.S. Dept. of Labor, has also designated Michigan as an EV Workforce Hub in partnership with LEO to ensure Michigan workers have equitable access to high-quality training, education and services that provide a path to a good career without leaving their community.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, coupled with Gov. Whitmer’s historic clean energy legislation, have created an unprecedented opportunity for Michigan to advance a clean energy future. This funding, in tandem with bipartisan economic development tools, is growing the middle class, creating good-paying, in-demand manufacturing jobs, bringing supply chains home, and lowering energy costs for families.
Legislative Updates
Keeping our Workers Front and Center this Labor Day and Always
This Labor Day, I hope you’ll join me in reflecting on the hardworking individuals who build up Michigan every day, from our educators to our homecare workers, our skilled tradespeople to our first responders.
Last year, the Senate Democratic Majority passed powerful legislation to strengthen and protect workers’ rights, repealing the state’s harmful anti-union law, reinstating prevailing wages and more. And so far, this year, we have continued that progress.
In the 2025 state budget passed last month, $2.5 million was approved for the creation of the Community and Worker Economic Transition Office. Established by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, this office will develop proactive strategies that help companies and Michiganders take full advantage of the high-tech, high-paying jobs coming to the state in the auto and energy sectors.
The new state budget also included $52 million in continued support for Michigan Reconnect scholarships, enabling workers to go back to school to pursue a degree or a skilled trade certification.
Building on last year’s momentum, several other bills to uplift our workers are making their way through the legislature. Some of those include:
- The MIOSHA maximum penalties package, Senate Bills 829–830, will enhance workplace safety by bringing Michigan’s maximum penalties for MIOSHA violations up to par with federal levels. This package has been passed by the Senate and awaits further consideration in the House.
- A new set of bills to strengthen Michigan’s child labor laws was introduced this summer. Senate Bills 963–965 would increase penalties and fines for businesses found employing minors illegally or subjecting them to unsafe working conditions; transfer the authority to issue work permits for minors from the Michigan Department of Education to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO); and establish a new Youth Employment Standards Act registration system under LEO for the employment of minors.
- Senate Bills 790–791 would restore the right of 35,000 independent provider home care workers to have the choice to form a union, create access to training for caregivers, and more. This package passed the Senate this past June and awaits further consideration in the House.
- Prevailing wage protections have been extended to essential wind and solar projects statewide through Senate Bill 571. Officially signed into law last month, this legislation ensures fair compensation and safeguards the skills and safety of our workforce.
Resources
Shining a Light on Substance Use Disorder & Remembering Those Lost
This Saturday, August 31, is Overdose Awareness Day here in Michigan and globally. It’s an opportunity to raise awareness about the risks of overdose, honor the individuals whose lives have been lost, and acknowledge the grief felt by families, friends, and the community.
Substance use disorder (SUD) has wrought devastating effects on individuals and families across Michigan. In 2023, 2,820 individuals died from a drug overdose in Michigan and, of those deaths, 74.3% were opioid involved.
The Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) encourages the public to end the stigma surrounding substance use disorder, acknowledging that isolation, discrimination and prejudice are obstacles to social inclusion and can prevent people who are struggling with SUD from seeking help and maintaining sobriety.
MDHHS shares that you can contribute to reducing stigma and promoting social inclusion by:
- Treating people affected by substance use disorder with respect.
- Learning about the science of mental health conditions.
- Correcting others who have misconceptions about substance use disorders and mental illnesses.
- Supporting resources for people affected by mental illnesses.
- Share End the Stigma campaign materials.
Learn more about their End the Stigma campaign on their website, such as suggested language to rework the narrative on this subject, how to talk to a loved one with a SUD, and more.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) National Hotline
If you or someone you know needs help with opioid use disorder, call the SAMSHA National Hotline, a 24-hour, 365-day-a-year, treatment referral hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
To find more information and resources regarding substance use disorder, including additional ways to find help for yourself or a loved one, click here.
Safe Driving Tips as New School Year Set to Begin
Soon, we’ll be sharing the road with school buses again. Here are some quick tips to remember when you see a school bus stopping for students to board.
Remember, yellow lights on school buses activate when the bus is preparing to stop. Red lights and the long stop arm are activated when the bus is completely stopped and accepting or discharging passengers.
Here’s a reminder on what to do when a school bus stops on different road types.
- Two-lane roadway
- When a school bus stops for passengers, all traffic from both directions must stop.
- Multi-lane roadway with a center turning lane
- When a school bus stops for passengers, all traffic from both directions must stop.
- Four-lane roadway without a median separation
- When a school bus stops for passengers, all traffic from both directions must stop.
- Divided highway of four lanes or more with a median separation
- When a school bus stops for passengers, only traffic following the bus must stop
Community Update
Wayne County Household Hazardous Waste Collection
This Saturday, August 31, from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., there is a Household Hazardous Waste Collection for Wayne County residents. Take advantage of this opportunity to dispose of things that don’t belong in your household garbage can! Please see the flyer above for acceptable items.
River Rouge Concrete Channel Community Meeting
Plans are in action for an ecosystem restoration along the Rouge River concrete channel that runs through Dearborn, Allen Park, and Melvindale.
The first public meeting is one week away! This is a great opportunity to learn more about the transformational design plans. The community meeting is scheduled for September 4, 2024, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Dearborn Baptist Church located at 16350 Rotunda Dr., in Dearborn.
For more information visit the Rouge River Concrete Channel (allianceofrougecommunities.com) website.
Core City Downzoning Hearing
On Thursday, September 5th, at 10:25 a.m., the Detroit City Council will hear Core City’s proposal to downzone all the M-4 intensive industrial-zoned lots to SD2 residential and commercial lots. This is the final step in ensuring that no industrial development proposals can enter Core City, poison the community, and jeopardize everything we’ve built together.
RSVP for the Thursday, September 5th, at 10:25 a.m. Downzoning Hearing here: https://actionnetwork.org/events/rsvp-downzoning-hearing
ALL DETROITERS ARE WELCOME TO JOIN AND GIVE TESTIMONY!
You can attend in-person or virtually:
- In the Committee of the Whole Room on the 13th floor of Coleman Young Building.
- Zoom link: https://detroitmi.gov/Online-CC-Meeting.To attend by phone only, call: +1 929 436 2866. Use meeting ID: 858 4690 3626.
- Email corecityfightsback@gmail.com if you have any questions, have accessibility needs, or need a ride to the Coleman Young Building.