Dear Neighbor,
Happy October! 🎃 Below are some updates from our office.
Feel free to send feedback by sending an email to SenVKlinefelt@senate.michigan.gov or calling (517) 373-7670.
Sincerely,
Veronica Klinefelt
State Senator
District 11
Featured in This Newsletter
- Legislative Updates
- Upcoming Event
- News and Resources
Legislative Updates
Historic State Budget Now In Effect with New Fiscal Year Underway
October 1 marked the beginning of a new fiscal year for the state of Michigan, meaning our transformative 2025 state budget has officially taken effect! From continuing the universal free school meals program to investing in affordable housing initiatives, this budget was crafted to support the needs and desires of Michiganders in every corner of the state.
To learn more about the new budget now in effect, click here.
Bipartisan Bills to Implement Dyslexia Screening, Improve Literacy Head to Governor’s Desk
Affecting up to one in five children in each classroom, dyslexia is a language-based learning disability that can impact the ability to read, write, spell, and pronounce words. Data suggests that students with dyslexia who receive high-quality, phonics-based instruction early on can go on to become successful readers.
That’s why Senators Jeff Irwin and Dayna Polehanki have fought for the better part of a decade to implement comprehensive dyslexia screening for Michigan students. Senate Bills 567 and 568, which passed out of the Michigan Senate last week with nearly unanimous support, will require schools to screen students for characteristics of dyslexia and provide evidence-based interventions to help students achieve literacy. This bipartisan legislation now heads to Gov. Whitmer’s desk for her signature.
Learn more about these bills here.
Advancing the Freedom to Plan on World Contraception Day
For over six decades, contraception has been an integral component of women’s healthcare, giving them the power to plan their own course in life by allowing them to determine whether to have children and the number and spacing of their children.
Last week, on World Contraception Day, the Senate Health Policy Committee heard testimony on the Freedom to Plan package, composed of Senate Bills 973, 974, 987, 988, and 1006, that seeks to expand Michiganders’ access to contraception.
The first half of the package, introduced by Senators Mary Cavanagh and Jeff Irwin, would break down financial barriers to over-the-counter oral hormonal contraceptives and emergency contraceptives. Additionally, legislation introduced by Sen. Mallory McMorrow would ensure more inclusive access to immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraception.
To hear the testimony provided at the committee hearing, you can watch the recorded livestream here. To learn more about our continued work to protect reproductive freedom, click here.
Upcoming Event
Coffee Hour
WHEN: Monday, October 7 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
WHERE: Recreation Authority Roseville & Eastpointe (RARE), 18185 Sycamore St. Roseville, MI
News and Resources
Breast Cancer Awareness & Preventative Resources
Approximately 13% of American women — or one in eight — will develop breast cancer over the course of their life. To spread awareness and honor those impacted by breast cancer, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed every October.
Early detection saves lives, which is why knowing your family history and getting screened annually starting at age 40 is imperative. The Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) encourages residents to take advantage of the following free health screening programs to put their health into their own hands:
- The Breast & Cervical Cancer Control Navigation Program (BC3NP), available statewide, provides free breast and cervical cancer screening services to low-income women.
- The WISEWOMAN Program helps participants understand their chronic disease risk factors and make healthy lifestyle choices. Every participant receives a free health screening.
- To learn more about the BC3NP and WISEWOMAN Programs, call 844-446-8727 or visit Michigan.gov/cancer. For Spanish resources, call 800-379-1057.