May 11, 2021
Dear Friend,
As a State Representative in 2013, I was proud to introduce legislation that would have created Michigan’s first Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission. In 2018, this idea came to fruition through a ballot initiative passed overwhelmingly by Michigan voters. This new commission is now working to create new, unbiased legislative districts using your input. I hope you will participate in the upcoming hearing detailed in this newsletter.
Also, in this edition you will find news about my legislation to fight opioid overdoses, educational opportunities at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Western Michigan University, and my next virtual coffee hour.
Stay safe and be well,
Sean McCann
State Senator
20th District
INDEPENDENT CITIZENS REDISTRICTING COMMISSION – KALAMAZOO HEARING
The Michigan Independent Citizens Independent Redistricting Commission will hold a public hearing in Kalamazoo on Thursday, May 13, from 6:00-9:00 PM at Wings Event Center (3600 Vanrick Dr., Kalamazoo, MI 49001). Don’t miss your chance to give input on Michigan’s first-ever, citizen-led redistricting process for legislative districts.
Doors will open at 5:00 PM, and live public comment will take place in the order of check-in at the event.
The event will also be live-streamed on YouTube for anyone who wishes to watch (and archived on Michigan.gov/MICRC for viewing at a later date). If persons wish to make public comment remotely (via Zoom or phone), they should email redistricting@michigan.gov by noon on Thursday to sign up, so instructions can be emailed to them prior. Remote public comment will take place after the in-person public comment.
>> Learn more about the process at Michigan.gov/MICRC
INTRODUCED: BILL TO FIGHT OPIOID EPIDEMIC
Today I introduced Senate Bill 436, to allow county medical examiners or health officers to establish a Drug Fatality Review Team (DFRT) in an effort to reduce overdose deaths by better understanding related risk factors, trends, and more. This bill was developed in partnership with the pathology and medical examiner team at the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker School of Medicine (WMed).
Michigan’s opioid epidemic is an ongoing public health crisis, and one that some studies show became worse during the COVID-19 pandemic over the past year. I want to give Michigan’s medical examiners and community stakeholders every opportunity to contribute their expertise to the fight against heroin, prescription opioids, methamphetamine, and other novel drugs.
>> You can learn more about SB 436 here on my website at SenSeanMcCann.com.
LIFELONG LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Western Michigan University’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute offers educational opportunities designed for individuals aged 50 and older in our community. Members take courses for the experience of lifelong learning, not for course credit. Summer 2021 courses will be made available exclusively online. Registration opened on Tuesday, May 4.
>> Click here to view available summer courses and check out this gem of a program at WMU!
UPCOMING VIRTUAL COFFEE HOUR
I want to hear from you!
Join me for a Virtual Coffee Hour on Friday, June 4 at 1:00 PM.
>> Please use this form to RSVP to the coffee hour and to receive a link to join the meeting. Registration deadline is Thursday, June 3 by 5:00 PM. You will be emailed a link to the meeting, along with any other necessary information, prior to the event.
You can submit questions on the registration page as well. I look forward to hearing what is on your mind and sharing further updates from Lansing.