Friends and Neighbors,
This week officially marked 100 Days since the 102nd Michigan Legislature convened, and I cast my first vote serving as your Senator for the 35th District. We continue to balance urgency with diligence in advancing legislation to improve people’s lives and statewide systems. We are working together daily to push forward policies that will make life in Michigan better tomorrow than it is today. I invite you to learn how our spring to-do and done lists are shaping up, and to share our progress with others.
Sincerely,
Kristen McDonald Rivet
State Senator, District 35
(517) 373-1725
PO Box 30036
Lansing, MI. 48909
SenKMcDonaldRivet@senate.michigan.gov
IN THIS EDITION
- Legislative Update
- Investing in the Community
- In the Community
- Helpful Resources and Links
- Contact Us
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Governor Whitmer Signs Child Access Protection, Background Check Expansion Bills
On April 13, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a package of gun safety bills establishing child access protection laws and expanding background checks in Michigan. Among the bills is Public Act 16, my first standalone legislation signed into law. It updates the state’s criminal code for the safe storage of firearms for child access protection. For details on these new requirements and potential penalties, click here.
One in three families with children have at least one gun in the house. I grew up in one of those houses. It’s a practical, commonsense step to require safe storage around children. I’m grateful to all my colleagues in the Legislature who voted for our gun safety package and appreciate the bipartisan support my bill received in the House of Representatives.
When the new laws take effect, background checks will be required on all firearm sales in Michigan. Previously, individuals purchasing long guns from non-federally licensed firearms dealers were not required to go through a background check.
Extreme Risk Protection Orders
Also on April 13, the Michigan House of Representatives passed bills 4145–4148 in support of establishing Extreme Risk Protection Orders (also called ERPO or Red Flag legislation). The legislation will allow a court to issue an ERPO to temporarily suspend a person’s access to firearms if the court decides that individual shows clear warning signs of violence and poses an immediate threat to themselves or others. This legislation has been passed by both the House and Senate and is on its way to the Governor’s desk.
Safeguarding Against Sexual Assault, Empowering Disclosure
The Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety Committee’s April 13 hearing focused on a set of bipartisan bills aiming to prevent sexual abuse of youth and medical patients. I sponsor one of the bills in this 9-bill package, (SB 72), which would create penalties for intentionally failing to document related services and procedures in a patient’s medical records. Combined with SB 71, introduced by Sen. Roger Hauck (R-Union Twp.), this legislation will protect, retain, and maintain medical records referencing a vaginal or anal penetration treatment for 15 years by a health professional and health facility or agency. This legislation would also implement and require certain boards to provide guidance to licensees on related medical services.
Clean Energy Future Plan
I’m proud to join Senate Democrats in advancing the Clean Energy Future Plan. This bill package would implement a wide range of energy provisions, including clean fuel and clean energy standards, to help make Michigan a leader in reducing carbon emissions and lessen consumers’ utility costs.
My sponsored bill in the Clean Energy Future Plan is the fourth component listed: Codify Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s PA 116 to allow farmers to rent land for solar operations while maintaining the preservation of farmland enrolled in the PA 116 program.
Beyond being vital for sustainability, addressing climate change by prioritizing clean energy sources is smart economics and offers increased reliability for consumers. With the federal Inflation Reduction Act, renewable energy has never been more affordable for us to make these changes. Industry has already been moving to replace coal and carbon-emitting energy sources with solar and wind. Our legislation and investments would accelerate these transitions, protecting our residents and our rates as we combat the climate crisis. Additional details are in this full press release.
Regional Collaboration on State Housing
Increasing affordable housing requires cross-sector collaboration & listening to local community members who work in this crucial space. Michigan State Housing Development Authority & CEDAM: The Community Economic Development Association of Michigan recently facilitated meetings across our state to lay groundwork for 15 Regional Housing Partnerships. I attended our region’s meeting (Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland, and Saginaw counties) and look forward to future collaboration.
INVESTING IN COMMUNITY
Saginaw Lands 2024 Memorial Cup
For the first time ever, Michigan will host Canada’s 2024 Hockey League Memorial Cup and Saginaw is only the fourth American site selected in 100+ years of championships. This is huge for our community as it will deliver an estimated economic impact of $24 million to our region and put us in the international spotlight. Saginaw Spirit, Saginaw Future Inc., Michigan Economic Development Corporation and others put together a winning pitch to host this prestigious event at the Dow Event Center. I’m thrilled to have supported this successful bid and look forward to helping showcase our district to a huge audience.
>> Learn more.
Hemlock Semiconductor Joins State Partnership to Lower Cost of Child Care for Employees
Child care must work if we want more young parents to work. Hemlock Semiconductor’s participation in MI Tri-Share is a smart business move and great news for young families in our district working or considering working at HSC. These investments help recruit and retain talent while offering parents jobs that make sense for them and their families. Michigan’s Tri-Share program makes child care more affordable by splitting costs between parents, employers, and the state. To date, 139 employers have joined MI Tri-Share with participating parents saving an average of $464 a month, or $5,568 a year.
>> Tri-Share Child Care info and news.
Major Funding Award for Lafayette Bridge
The federal government has granted $73 million to replace Bay City’s Lafayette Bridge, an MDOT drawbridge in our district. We can thank Congressman Dan Kildee, Senator Gary Peters, and Senator Debbie Stabenow for securing this new federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation to help replace our 85-year-old bridge and improve pedestrian and bicycle paths.
M-84 Resurfacing in Saginaw County
Beginning Mon., April 17, Michigan Department of Transportation will be resurfacing approximately 2 miles of M-84 from McCarty Rd to Kochville Rd. Estimated end date is June 16. This work will be completed using lane closures and traffic shift, and paving operations will occur during overnight hours. Beyond improving the driving surface of M-84 and extending roadway life, this $1.8 million investment is expected to directly and indirectly support nearly 22 jobs.
Grants to Help Businesses Address Talent Shortages
Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity is making $4.7 million available to help Michigan businesses address talent shortages. This has the upside of helping Michigan businesses grow and creating new and better career opportunities for Michigan workers. The grant awards are available to organizations through the Sector Strategies Employer-Led Collaborative initiative, and funding proposals will be accepted through May 8. LEO anticipates funding 10-20 awardees with one-time grants ranging from $150,000 to $500,000. Learn more.
IN THE COMMUNITY
Cesar Chavez Scholarships Luncheon
The American GI Forum of Saginaw put on a fantastic event with the Cesar Chavez Scholarships Luncheon. From the honorees and speakers to the food and community turnout, I’m grateful I could take part in celebrating our Latino community and Hispanic history. The American GI Forum National Veterans Outreach Program Inc is the largest federally chartered Hispanic Veterans organization with chapters across the nation focusing on veterans’ issues, education, and civil rights.
Visit to Francis Reh Academy
On a recent visit to Saginaw’s Francis Reh Academy, I got to share my love of reading with the 2nd graders, answer great questions posed by the 4th graders about government, and had a great starter discussion with their National Junior Honor Society students. I look forward to their follow-up presentation to local officials and how we might be able to assist the change they want to see and make in our community.
Diversity Brings Strength to Climate Change
Our Intern, Diva Patel (pictured above with Director of District and Constituent Services Kevin Hayes), helped facilitate this event in her capacity as SVSU student leader. Featured speakers spoke on the impact of climate change and how both older and younger generations can get involved in combating it through civic engagement.
Vietnam Veterans Pinning Ceremony with U.S. Senator Gary Peters
Vietnam War veterans haven’t always received the recognition they deserve for bravely serving our country. I appreciated the opportunity to join our U.S. Senator Gary Peters in Saginaw in honoring our local Vietnam veterans with a commemorative pinning ceremony. I stand with our community in being grateful for the sacrifices they and their families made.
Affordable Housing: Modular Homes Made in District
Our Chief of Staff Liz Trombley recently toured General Housing Corporation, a modular home manufacturer in Bay City. Habitat for Humanity Michigan CEO John Williams and his team also joined as they consider options for scaling their productions of affordable housing for individuals who need nontraditional financing.
Meeting With Saginaw Valley State University Students
I joined Representative Amos O’Neal (D- Saginaw) to speak at last month’s SVSU College Democrats meeting. We discussed our fast start in the Michigan Legislature, including policy to lower taxes, expand civil rights and advance gun safety. I greatly appreciated that these young adults wanted to learn and share their questions about our work & issues impacting our community.
Other Events with Community and Constituents
Sen. McDonald Rivet attended the Saginaw County Superintendents Breakfast meeting.
Legislative Director Stephen Prince represented the Office of the Senator at the Midland Business Alliance’s Advisory Committee on Infrastructure meeting; Bay City’s quarterly legislative meeting; and the Students of Saginaw Academy of Excellence’s presentation on connections between law enforcement and education.
Director of District and Constituent Services Kevin Hayes represented the Office of the Senator at Bay Future’s Annual Meeting, the Bay County Township Officers Association Dinner; the FIRST in Michigan Robotics competition hosted at SVSU during National Robotics Week; the Diversity brings Strength to Climate Change event; and the UAW Local 699 Retirees Lunch. He also met with Delta College Political Science students and Professor Lisa Lawrason.
Community Communications
APR 7 MIDLAND DAILY NEWS: “Sen. McDonald Rivet shines light on trackers, intimidation in politics”
APR 9 MICHIGAN ADVANCE: “With hunger on the rise, Food Bank Council asks the Michigan Legislature to boost funding”
APR 13 MIDLAND DAILY NEWS: “Whitmer signs gun safety bills for background checks, safe storage”
HELPFUL RESOURCES AND LINKS
- Energy Assistance Programs
- Power Outages | Ready.gov
- Michigan Achievement Scholarships
- Interactive District Map
- Find Your Senator
- Senate TV website
- Michigan Senate website
CONTACT MY OFFICE
- Website Contact Form: This is the best, fastest way to reach us.
- Website News Page: This page archives our official press releases and statements.
- Social Media: Social media sites are neither official government websites nor are they well suited for constituent correspondence. However, since we post frequently, social media can be a very timely way to access news and information. Our “Office of Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet” Facebook page is linked here: