Dear Neighbor,
It’s been an eventful week with the election of our new president and the selection of legislative leaders at both the state and federal levels. I want to thank everyone who exercised their right to vote. Whether you voted early, absentee, or in person on Election Day, you played your part in our democracy.
As temperatures continue to drop and winter approaches, I hope you and your loved ones are staying safe and warm. Now is an excellent time to winterize your home and vehicle, and to prepare an emergency plan for extreme cold and other winter weather events.
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
- Senate Democrats advance legislation to strengthen retirement benefits for officers and improve breast cancer detection standards in Michigan; youth tobacco prevention legislation receives committee hearing.
- Nov. 11 is Veterans Day, a day to honor the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of those who have served in our armed forces. Thank you to all those who served and their families for your service and sacrifice.
In This Edition:
Legislative Updates
- Senate Advances Legislation to Strengthen Retirement Benefits for Officers and Improve Breast Cancer Detection Standards in Michigan; Youth Tobacco Prevention Legislation Receives Committee Hearing
- 2025 State Budget Funds New Reproductive Health, Family Planning Program
Community Connections
- Lincoln Park Historical Society and Museum
Helpful News and Resources
- Winter Hazards Awareness Week
- Honoring Our Veterans on Nov. 11, Veterans Day
Senate Advances Legislation to Strengthen Retirement Benefits for Officers and Improve Breast Cancer Detection Standards in Michigan; Youth Tobacco Prevention Legislation Receives Committee Hearing
- Strengthen Retirement Benefits for Officers. The Michigan Senate recently passed Senate Bills 165–167, sponsored by Sens. John Cherry, Kristen McDonald Rivet, and Sue Shink. This legislation would allow new corrections, conservation, and other state officers to become members of the Michigan State Police hybrid retirement system and would allow current officers to elect to move retirement systems. This legislation now advances to the House for consideration.
- Improving Breast Cancer Detection Standards. Too many families in Michigan and across the country know the pain of losing a loved one to breast cancer — whether it’s a mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, or friend. Recognizing the immense benefits of early detection, Sen. Sarah Anthony introduced Senate Bill 1042 to improve the quality of information and the way in which it is provided to women following their mammograms. Senate Bill 1042, which was voted favorably out of the Senate Committee on Health Policy, will now head to the Senate floor for a vote by the full chamber.
- Preventing Youth Tobacco Use. The Senate Committee on Regulatory Affairs heard testimony on legislation that would require tobacco retailers to be licensed and repeal the penalties against minors for tobacco use, purchase, or possession — which have shown to be ineffective. Vaping and other tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable death in Michigan and across the country, and Senate Democrats are dedicated to protecting Michigan’s youth from its serious health risks.
2025 State Budget Funds New Reproductive Health, Family Planning Program
In June, Senate Democrats passed the bipartisan 2025 state budget, securing a $5.6 million investment to expand access to contraceptives and family planning services for Michiganders. Thanks to this allocation, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services are launching Take Control of Your Birth Control, a new program to ensure Michigan families have access to free contraception and family planning resources beginning in November.
Community partners and federally qualified health centers will distribute emergency contraceptives, condoms, and over-the-counter oral contraceptives to the general public for free, as long as supplies last. Soon, you’ll be able to visit michigan.gov/takecontrol to locate participating organizations near you and learn more about these essential resources.
Lincoln Park Historical Society and Museum
The Lincoln Park Historical Society and Museum released their quarterly newsletter for November, December, and January, which is filled with news and details on upcoming events and programs, including details on their upcoming POW/MIA “Missing Man Table” and Veterans Day bell-ringing Ceremony!
Click here to view the complete newsletter.
Winter Hazards Awareness Week
As winter approaches, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared Nov. 3-9 as Winter Hazards Awareness Week, urging Michiganders to prioritize emergency preparedness.
The Michigan State Police recommend weatherproofing homes, insulating pipes, cleaning gutters to prevent ice dams, and ensuring heating systems are safe. Install battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors and create an emergency kit with essentials like nonperishable food, water, flashlights, portable chargers, and blankets. Drivers should winterize vehicles and carry emergency supplies, including a flashlight (or headlamp to keep your hands free), jumper cables, flares, hand/body warmers, and extra warm clothing. For more tips, visit Michigan.gov/miready.
Honoring Our Veterans on Nov. 11, Veterans Day
Throughout history, veterans have made tremendous contributions to our country and state. Our Democratic Majority worked to pass legislation and secure investments for the veteran community, honoring their contributions and sacrifices.
Michigan Senate Democrats passed Senate Bill 788 to create a special registration plate for women veterans, honoring their service and sacrifices to Michigan and the nation. Building on this support, Michigan Democrats also passed House Bill 5127, now signed into law by Gov. Whitmer, which expands eligibility for the Disabled Veteran registration plate to partially disabled veterans. The Democratic Majority also passed Senate Bills 176, 330, and 364 to help surviving loved ones of disabled veterans better access property tax exemptions.
Senate Democrats used the Fiscal Year 2025 budget to create more opportunities for veterans and secured $2.5 million for grants to address veteran homelessness. In the FY 2024 budget, Michigan Democrats made long-needed investments in the veteran community, including $1.2 million for suicide prevention programs to aid veterans and their families.
Michigan Democrats are committed to providing our service members, veterans, and their families with meaningful recognition and essential support.
For additional resources, click here.