Dear Neighbor,
I want to provide you with some information about what has been going on in our state government as well as update you on what I have been working on in the Michigan Legislature.
In this e-news, you can find information about:
- Upcoming Coffee Hour & District Event Calendars
- Legislative Updates
- Helpful News & Resources
As always, you can reach my office at (517) 373-2406 or by replying to this email.
Sincerely,
Jeff Irwin
State Senator
District 15
Coffee and Conversation this Saturday in Milan
Please join me this Saturday, October 19th from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Owl, Morning ‘til Night, 9 W. Main St., Milan MI 48160.
Don’t forget to click on “Going” on the Facebook event page to get a reminder the day before as well as the day of.
If you have any questions, please contact my office at (517) 373-2406 or by responding to this email.
- Ypsilanti Event Calendar
- Ann Arbor Event Calendar
- Lenawee County Event Calendar
- Milan Event Calendar
- Saline Event Calendar
Science of Reading Passed into Law
This month we took a substantial step towards improving literacy in Michigan. Governor Whitmer signed Senate Bills 567 and 568 into law, creating a framework for early literacy education that emphasizes foundational skills and the science of reading. Together these bills ensure that K-3rd grade students are effectively screened for dyslexia and other reading difficulties, provide those students with the evidence-based support they need to prevent them from falling through the cracks, and prepare our teachers with the tools to do so. I am immensely proud to see these bills signed into law. You can read more about this legislation here.
Clean Water Requirements for Mobile Home Park Residents
This month we began hearings on Senate Bill 920, which, if passed, would require better regulations and testing for drinking water distributed by mobile home parks. Every American deserves access to clean water. To view the powerful committee testimony from impacted mobile home residents, watch here.
Freedom to Plan Act: Expanding Access to Contraception and Maternal Health Care
In Michigan we are still working to expand access to reproductive health care and for the freedom for all Michiganders to make their own medical decisions. The Freedom to Plan Act includes legislation to expand access to all contraceptives and to improve prenatal and maternal care for all. You can read more on the Freedom to Plan Act here.
$125 Million to Invest in School Safety and Mental Health
A supplemental budget of $125 million to further support school safety and mental health was secured for our staff and students through the signing of Public Act 148 of 2024. You can learn more about this funding here.
Weigh in on US-23 Construction in Oct. 21 MDOT Public Open House
If you frequent US-23, you can learn more about the construction project and give your input at a public open house hosted by the Michigan Department of Transportation on October 21st. Learn more about the project here and find out how to participate in the open house here.
Track that Ballot!
Did you vote absentee? If you dropped off or mailed in your ballot, you can ensure it was received by easily tracking it here.
MPSC Urges Michiganders to Keep Watchful Eye Out for Criminals Posing as Utility Workers
The Michigan Public Service Commission urges Michiganders to be aware of signs if someone is a utility worker impostor, and to never let someone in your home unless you’re sure they are who they say they are. Read the full statement here.
Here are tips to help keep your family safe:
- Utilities generally seek to contact customers in advance by phone, email or text before visiting a home. Utility employees will only rarely need to enter a home, but when it is necessary, utilities will try multiple ways to contact customers in advance to notify them of work that needs to be done.
- Utility employees are required to carry photo identification badges and show the badge when asked. A utility employee or contractor who refuses to show their badge should be refused entry.
- Ask the employee why they are there and if in doubt, call your utility company directly using the customer phone number your utility company includes on your bill to confirm the visit is needed before allowing anyone entry or access to their property. Keep your door locked when making the call, and if you must speak to the person, do so without allowing them access to your home.
Secure Medicine Storage and Disposal Options
It is important to ensure your household medicines are used, stored, and disposed of properly. To learn more on how to do so, or where to dispose of unwanted, unused, or expired medicines for free near you, click here.
Warming Centers in Michigan
As the cold creeps in, it is important to stay safe and warm. Here is a list of statewide warming shelters for a list specific to Washtenaw County, click here.