Dear Neighbor,
I hope you are staying safe and warm in this cold Michigan weather. Be sure to take extra care when going outside or traveling in these conditions. Bundle up and stay warm, watch out for ice, and pay attention to the changing weather.
Below, you’ll find updates on how my colleagues and I hit the ground running during the first week of Michigan’s 103rd Legislature. The road ahead will be challenging, but I remain committed to serving our community by working on the issues that matter most to you.
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
- On the first day of Michigan’s 103rd Legislature, my colleagues and I wasted no time introducing legislation to increase government transparency, improve access to affordable health care, and support working families.
- EGLE is hosting a virtual public hearing on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. on the Wayne County sulfur dioxide redesignation. If you are unable to attend the hearing, public comments are being accepted now through Jan. 28.
- With cold weather here to stay, more people are enjoying ice fishing, skating, hockey, and other outdoor activities. Remember to have fun but always use caution when venturing onto or near ice.
In This Edition:
Legislative Updates
- Michigan’s 103rd Legislature Kicks Off with Focus on Accountability and Affordability
- Combating Human Trafficking in Michigan
Community Connections
- EGLE Public Comment Period on Wayne County Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) Redesignation
Upcoming Events
- Virtual Public Hearing on Wayne County SO2 Redesignation
Helpful News and Resources
- Detroit Lions Logo Drawing Contest
- AG Nessel Warns Lions Fans of Potential Ticket Scams
- Play it Nice and Safe Around Ice this Winter
- Warming Centers in SD-1
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 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 1-2 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 6-7 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.
Combating Human Trafficking in Michigan
Last week, Senate Democrats recognized National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, an opportunity to spread awareness about human trafficking and educate the public on prevention efforts. Over 27.6 million people globally are estimated to be subjected to this form of modern-day slavery, undermining international law and public safety across the world.
Senate Democrats championed Senate Bills 515–517 to protect trafficking survivors in Michigan by allowing statements given outside of court to be admissible as evidence, allowing them to not have to appear in court and see their perpetrator face-to-face to participate in a trial. This legislation — which was signed into law on December 30, 2024 — supports survivors, enables law enforcement to better prosecute this heinous crime, and brings more abusers to justice.
EGLE Public Comment Period on Wayne County Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) Redesignation
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is accepting public comments now through Jan. 28, 2025, on the request to redesignate a portion of Wayne County back to attainment for sulfur dioxide. The public is encouraged to review the redesignation request document for more detailed information before commenting.
There are multiple ways to submit a public comment:
- At the virtual public hearing at 6:00 pm on Jan. 28 (details found in “Upcoming Events” section)
- By email: ShuffE@Michigan.gov
- By U.S. mail: EGLE, Air Quality Division, Attn: Erica Shuff, P.O. Box 30260, Lansing, MI 48909- 7760.
Virtual Public Hearing on Wayne County SO2 Redesignation
WHEN: Jan. 28, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Virtual – The public may join the broadcast at: https://bit.ly/4acTGxU or call 636-651-3142 and use conference code 374288.
An informational session with an opportunity to ask questions from EGLE staff will be immediately followed by the public hearing.
Detroit Lions Logo Drawing Contest
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer launched a statewide contest inviting Michiganders to draw their own version of the Detroit Lions logo in support of the team making the playoffs for a second year in a row.
Whether you’re an experienced artist or a dedicated fan, this is a fun way to show your support for the Lions as they push toward the Super Bowl!
You can submit your drawing at Michigan.gov/OnePride for a chance to have your Lions logo featured on social media. Good luck and go Lions!
AG Nessel Warns Lions Fans of Potential Ticket Scams
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warns Detroit Lions fans to be cautious of ticket scams as the team advances to the playoffs. You should only purchase tickets through official sources, such as the NFL website or authorized sellers, to avoid counterfeit or overpriced tickets.
The Attorney General also recommends using credit cards for purchases to provide additional protection. Fans should be wary of deals that seem too good to be true and should verify the legitimacy of sellers before making any transactions.
If you have a complaint regarding tickets you purchased online, you can contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team at:
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form
Play it Nice and Safe Around Ice this Winter
With cold temperatures becoming more consistent throughout the state, more people are enjoying ice fishing, skating, hockey, and other outdoor adventures. The Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources urges everyone to have fun but always use caution when venturing onto or near ice.
Ice is often unstable around river mouths and near lake and river currents. Reservoirs with changing water levels also require great caution. Frozen bodies of water should be checked very carefully before braving the ice. While there is no perfectly reliable method to determine if ice is safe, you can use a spud, needle bar or auger to test the thickness and quality of ice.
Additional ice safety tips include:
- If there’s ice on the lake but water around the shoreline, use extra caution.
- If you are visiting a new area, ask locals at bait shops, restaurants, or stores about ice conditions, but always check conditions for yourself before going onto the ice.
- If you’re walking on the ice, wear a pair of ice cleats to help with traction.
- Wear bright colors to increase your visibility. White clothing and gear are difficult to see.
- Use the buddy system and tell someone who is staying on shore where you will be and when you plan to return.
- If you’re operating a snowmobile or off-road vehicle, ride in a staggered line. This makes it easier to maneuver in case a rider ahead of you breaks through the ice.
For more information, visit Michigan.gov/IceSafety. For snowmobile safety tips, go to Michigan.gov/RideRight
Warming Centers in SD-1
With below freezing temperatures expected in the coming days, I want to remind you that warming centers are available throughout Senate District 1. Please utilize them when needed to stay warm and healthy. Below is a list of all the centers throughout our district with addresses, phone numbers, and the hours of operation. Please feel free to contact our office if additional assistance is needed.
Allen Park
PHONE: 313-928-0771
WHERE: Allen Park Community Center – 15800 White St., Allen Park, MI 48101
WHEN: Monday-Friday: 6:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.; Saturday: 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Detroit
PHONE: 313-883-2277
WHERE: Cass Community Social Services (families and single women) – 11850 Woodrow Wilson St., Detroit, MI 48206
Ecorse
PHONE: 313-382-3305
WHERE: Ethel Stevenson Senior Center – 4072 W. Jefferson Ave., Ecorse, MI 48229
WHEN: Monday-Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Lincoln Park
PHONE: 313-386-4075
WHERE: Lincoln Park Community Center – 3525 Dix Hwy., Lincoln Park, MI 48146
WHEN: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
River Rouge
PHONE: 313-842-4200
WHERE: Police Department – 10600 W. Jefferson Ave., River Rouge, MI 48218
WHEN: 24 Hours (lobby area)
Taylor
PHONE: 313-291-7740
WHERE: William Ford Senior Activities Center – 6750 Troy St., Taylor, MI 48180
WHEN: Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., seniors only
Taylor
PHONE: 734-374-8900
WHERE: Taylor Recreation Center – 22805 Goddard Rd., Taylor, MI 48180
WHEN: Monday-Friday: 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., after hours based on need
Taylor
PHONE: 734-374-8900
WHERE: Taylor Sportsplex – 13333 Telegraph Rd., Taylor, MI 48180
WHEN: Monday-Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.