Dear Neighbor,
As we end the month of June and jump into summer season, I hope you are able to spend time outside in the sun. Whether you enjoy gardening, barbequing, swimming, or taking a stroll around a local park — there are many different ways to enjoy all our state has to offer this time of year.
In Lansing, we’re hard at work advancing policy legislation and developing the best budget possible for Michigan residents for 2024-25. This E-newsletter will inform you of all the exciting things happening in the Legislature and throughout District 19.
As always, 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 email me at sensmccann@senate.michigan.gov or call 517-373-5100.
Sincerely,
Sean McCann
State Senator
19th District
Happy Pride Month!
My colleagues and I are committed to cultivating true inclusion and belonging in Michigan — not only during the month of June, but every day year-round. Since taking office, the legislature has worked to expand the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA), reaffirming and expanding legal protections for the LGBTQ+ community. This effort has been 50 years in the making and will protect our LGBTQ+ family, friends, coworkers and neighbors against discrimination in employment, public accommodations and public services. It will also provide protection in educational facilities, housing and real estate.
In addition to passing a resolution recognizing June as Pride Month, the Michigan Senate has passed bills — including Senate Bills 348 and 349 — to ban the harmful practice of conversion therapy by mental health professionals seeking to change the gender identity or sexual orientation of minors. The Michigan Senate also passed House Bill 4718 to prohibit the use of disclosing anyone’s sexual orientation or gender identity, either real or perceived, as a defense in court. This defense has historically been used in court to justify violent acts against LGBTQ+ individuals by claiming the victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity provoked the defendant into a violent reaction.
These legislative efforts are a big step forward for Michigan, but certainly not the last. I remain committed to working towards advanced equity and inclusion in our state.
June is National Gun Violence Awareness Month
To draw attention to the issue of gun violence and advocate for life-saving policies, the Michigan Senate recently passed a resolution recognizing June as Gun Violence Awareness Month.
Gun violence is a public health crisis that plagues communities across our state, leaving an irrevocable mark on mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, friends, and neighbors. Since 2012, we’ve seen the rate of gun deaths in Michigan increase by 25%, and firearms are now the leading cause of death for children and teens. For all these reasons, there has never been a more important time for lawmakers to act on commonsense policies that are proven to make our communities safer.
After assuming the Majority, my colleagues and I delivered a slate of gun violence prevention legislation that Michigan residents have waited years for. This legislation closes dangerous loopholes to strengthen background checks, requires the secure storage of firearms, disarms individuals convicted of domestic violence and allows for the temporary removal of firearms from people who pose a significant risk to themselves or others.
As we work to build safe communities for all Michigan residents to enjoy, I remain committed to evidence-based solutions to this public health crisis.
Michigan Senate Memorial Day Celebration
Every year since 1995, the Michigan Senate has held a special session to commemorate Memorial Day and recognize Michigan veterans, active military servicemembers, and their families, including our state’s Blue Star Mothers, to express both the Senate and the entire state’s gratitude for their service. The ceremony also recognizes the Michigan soldiers who have lost their lives as well as their Gold Star Families they have left behind.
Video of the full ceremony can be found here. I was thrilled to see the Kalamazoo Pipe Band participate in this year’s ceremony. It was an honor to be a part of this important ceremony to recognize our Michigan veterans and the sacrifices our service members and their families, and I remain committed to supporting our veterans through important policy changes and positive budget investments.
Comstock Coffee Hour Recap
Thank you to Comstock Township for hosting my coffee hour on May 17. We had great conversation and I appreciate those who stopped by! Stay tuned for my next coffee hour, which will be announced on the “Events” page on my website here.
Vulnerable Road Users Legislation
On June 5, Senate Bill 617, my legislation to expand the statutory provision that provides enhanced penalties for a moving violation that causes injury to a “vulnerable roadway user” passed with bipartisan support in the Michigan Senate. Senate Bill 618 also passed.
This legislation is part of a bipartisan bill package with Sen. Klinefelt (Macomb), Rep. Rogers (Kalamazoo), and Rep. Schutte (Midland). Senate Bills 617-618 and House Bills 5223-5224 would expand protections afforded to vulnerable roadway users including pedestrians, bicyclists, individuals using a wheelchair, or an individual riding or operating a vulnerable transportation device.
House Bills 5223–5224 passed in the Michigan House on June 4.
I look forward to this important legislation moving forward within the legislative process. Michigan law should ensure that road users face consequences for reckless behavior that results in injury or death of another person. Under these bills, law enforcement and prosecutors would be afforded another tool to fill the gap between basic traffic infractions and more serious crimes.
Senate Bill 807
On June 20, I offered testimony in support of my Senate Bill 807 that would amend the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act to allow an individual who was 19 years old or older to work or volunteer for a marihuana establishment or tribal marihuana business if the individual were supervised by an agent of the establishment or business who was 21 years old or older.
Currently, the Act prohibits a marihuana establishment, including a marihuana grower, processor, secure transporter, safety compliance facility, retailer, microbusiness, or tribal marihuana business, from allowing an individual under the age of 21 to volunteer or work for the establishment. My bill would lower the minimum age to work or volunteer for a marihuana establishment from 21 to 19 years of age. It also would allow a person who was 19 years of age or older to manufacture, purchase, distribute, and sell marihuana accessories in the individual’s capacity as an employee or volunteer.
If enacted, this legislation would help with ongoing workforce concerns in the industry – and allow younger people to work in a lucrative and growing industry, particularly as several Michigan higher educational institutions begin offering programs related to marihuana and have noted the benefits that working in the industry can have for students in these programs. Northern Michigan University, University of Michigan, Lake Superior State, Grand Valley, and Kalamazoo Valley Community College are just a few of the higher education institutions in the state currently offering cannabis programs.
I appreciate Robin Schneider, Executive Director of the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association, as well as Jevin Weyenberg, owner of Lake Effect from my district for joining me in testimony regarding the benefits of lowering the age threshold from 21 to 19 if an individual is acting on behalf of a marihuana establishment.
Stay In Touch
Visiting the Michigan Capitol? If you plan to visit Lansing for a conference or to advocate for an issue important to you, please contact my office so we can set up a time to meet you.
Paying tribute? It is my pleasure to produce official legislative tributes honoring Kalamazoo County and Antwerp Township residents for milestone birthdays, anniversaries, retirements, and special accomplishments. If you would like a tribute from state officials, please let me know and we would be glad to assist.
Publications
A resource my office has to offer, but many may not know about, are constituent publications! The Michigan Legislature produces several publications full of useful information for constituents to use, and my office can provide them.
Some of our most popular publications are our Constituent’s Guide, the US and Michigan Constitutions, Services for Seniors, and Veterans Benefits. Many of these publications include how-to guides for forms and services that can be very helpful.
Please reach out to my office if you are interested in learning more or would like us to send you any copies.
HELPFUL LINKS