Legislative Updates, Service Recognition and More

Sep 25, 2023 | Email

Friends and Neighbors,   

It’s been a busy and energizing couple of weeks for our team. Several bills I’m sponsoring are moving forward and if passed, they stand to make meaningful progress on Michigan’s housing, energy and cost-lowering fronts. Along with these legislative developments, this newsletter also recognizes notable service to, and investments in, communities across our district. As always, I appreciate you making time to stay connected with the work of your Senate District 35 team and the great things happening in our Great Lakes Bay Region. 

Kristen McDonald Rivet
State Senator
District 35
(517) 373-1725
PO Box 30036
Lansing, MI. 48909
SenKMcDonaldRivet@senate.michigan.gov

 

In This Edition  

  • Legislative Updates  
  • Community Investments  
  • Service Spotlights  
  • In the Community  
  • Helpful Resources and Links   
  • Contact Us    
Legislative Updates 
 

Reining In Prescription Drug Costs 

Big Pharma’s profit margin is three times that of other U.S. industries, while everyday folks stretch their medicine or go without life-saving drugs because of the extremely high costs. I’m proud to work with Senator Darrin Camilleri and Senator Veronica Klinefelt on landmark legislation aiming to lower costs for Michiganders and bring much-needed accountability, transparency and oversight to pharmaceutical companies, making them more responsive to consumers.

On September 20, we testified in front of the Senate Finance, Insurance and Consumer Protection Committee on Senate Bills 482–485, which seek to establish an independent, nonpartisan Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB). The board would have the authority to evaluate the impact of drug costs and set upper payment limits at which insurers, employers, purchasers and governments can afford to provide particular drugs to everyone in the state who should receive them. These affordability caps would lower costs and expand patient access for every Michigan resident, employer, pharmacy and health plan.  

The 5-member PDAB would be comprised of leaders in health care economics, health policy and clinical medicine without financial bias in their data-informed decision-making. Our legislation has criteria for which drugs could be reviewed for affordability and puts strict rules in place to safeguard against external influence from politicians, industry executives or any special interest groups. 

If enacted, it would make Michigan the seventh state with a prescription drug affordability panel. Learn more about the widespread support for our legislation and how the PDAB we’re proposing would work: View testimony or read our news release.    

 

Protecting Heritage Farmland Opting for Solar  

Solar operations allow farmers to diversify revenue sources, keeping farms viable so they can stay in their families, while helping our state’s clean energy transition. My bill, Senate Bill 277, gives Michigan farmers an option that makes sense for them and our environment. It’s practical policy that codifies a program successfully implemented for the past four years, allowing farmers to rent land for solar operations while maintaining the preservation of farmland enrolled in the PA 116 program. 

As testimony from the Conservative Energy Forum noted, Michigan farmers already use their land for fuel (corn for ethanol), and we’ll need far fewer acres than that for solar energy needs. I was grateful for the opportunity to testify and glad to see the Senate Energy & Environment Committee pass the bill onto the full Senate with some bipartisan support.  

 
Testifying on My Bill to Increase Middle Income Housing

After it passed out of the Senate with bipartisan support in late June, I was glad to have the opportunity to testify before the House Economic Development & Small Business Committee regarding my bill to increase middle income housing. I emphasized the practical benefit of Senate Bill 293 — that it would provide the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) with much-needed flexibility to help communities across our state meet their unique local housing needs. 

My bill would expand the Housing and Community Development Fund — MSHDA’s incubator for innovation in housing — to make its financing available to middle-income households (incomes up to 120% of the Average Median Income in respective communities), give local authorities the flexibility to support capacity building and modernize the fund to be an effective tool for rural, urban and suburban communities. This legislation is a good step forward to increase our state’s housing supply, and I’m hopeful for bipartisan support in both committee and full House votes. 
 
 

Community Investments 

 

EGLE Awards $1 Million to New High School Development in Saginaw 

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) awarded a $1 million Brownfield Redevelopment Grant to Saginaw for the city’s new high school building and athletic fields. This grant will help ensure that any contamination from the site’s past industrial uses does not pose a risk to future use. State Representative Amos O’Neal and I have had countless conversations with city and school district officials on how crucial this project is. I am thrilled that we were able to work with EGLE to support it. 
 
As shared in our last enewsletter, I’m proud to have one of the Brownfield Act expansion bills signed into law this summer, which will help deliver economic and environmental wins to residential neighborhoods, as well as larger business developments. 
 
  
 
Delta College, MEDC Announce Major Initiative to Expand Semiconductor Workforce 

I was thrilled to join leaders from Delta College, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Hemlock Semiconductor and SK Group in announcing a major initiative to grow our semiconductor workforce. Delta is investing more than $530,000 to expand its semiconductor curriculum offerings, including $292,000 from MEDC’s Semiconductor Higher Education Grant Initiative. Delta also expects a decision on their federal grant request for $284,000 from the U.S. Senate next month.  

This is a great example of Michigan’s education, industry and government sectors working together. We’re maximizing wins made possible by the CHIPS & Science Act and the Semiconductor Career and Apprenticeship Network Program funded earlier this year by the CARES Act— both have helped position our Great Lakes Bay Region to be a long-term powerhouse in semiconductor manufacturing. 

Delta’s expansion adds pathways to better paying jobs that don’t overburden students with debt. It also ensures we’ll have high-skilled talent for high-tech roles, onshore more of the semiconductor supply chain and create more of the jobs needed for working families to thrive in our Great Lakes Bay Region. 

 

Auburn, Midland and Saginaw Awarded Millions Through “Protecting MI Pension Grants”  

On September 20, Gov. Whitmer announced Michigan was putting $553 million back into seniors’ pockets across 123 communities through Protecting MI Pension grants. Communities in Senate District 35 are receiving approximately 8.5% of the funds awarded statewide: Auburn ($139K), Midland ($8.1M) and Saginaw ($38.6M). 

The Protecting MI Pension Grant Program was created to help ensure that Michiganders who served our communities as police officers, firefighters, sanitation workers and in so many other invaluable professions, receive the stable, secure retirement they earned. 

I applaud this administration’s continued commitment to deliver for Michigan seniors and families. This funding helps provide fiscal stability to local governments and helps them keep their promises to local retirees. This news release shares more, and you may view a complete list of awardees online. 

 

Service Spotlights 

 

Local Fire Departments Celebrate Service Anniversaries  

Two communities in our region celebrated big milestones this September — Kawkawlin Fire/Rescue Station 14 with 75 years of service and Kochville Twp. Fire Department with 50 years of service! Team McDonald Rivet was honored to present them with special tributes.  

 

Saginaw NAACP Hosts 52nd Annual Freedom Fund Celebration   

With a theme of “Thriving Together,” our NAACP Saginaw Branch had much to celebrate at their annual gathering. Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate delivered the keynote address, and I was privileged to be among the other elected officials sharing a few words. Of all the honorees receiving tributes for their commitment to improving life in our community this past year, I’m immensely proud of two in particular — Rosa Holliday and Kevin Hayes. 

Rosa is a relentless advocate for Saginaw constituents’ concerns. She was honored with the Hero Community Service Award. Kevin is an invaluable member of our team, serving as Director of District & Constituent Services. He received the Young Professional Award. Rosa and Kevin are integral to the extensive, inclusive coalition that helps guide our office’s work through community touchpoints. I congratulate them and all the individuals recognized this year. 

 

Midland Airport Manager, Saginaw Airport Recognized for Their Service 

Announced earlier this month, our region claimed two Michigan Aeronautics Commission and Michigan Department of Transportation awards for achievements in promoting and improving Michigan aviation. Buena Vista’s H.W. Browne Airport received the General Aviation Airport of the Year Award, and Sarah Pagano, airport manager at Midland’s Jack Barstow Airport, received the Aviation Community Involvement Award.  

Our local airport was selected for its attentive commitment to airport management, operations and customer care. Sarah was selected for her outstanding work in bringing together the airport and the Midland community.

 

In The Community  

 

Bay City Academy Tour 

Bay City Academy had a packed schedule for me when I visited on Constitution Day. I fielded questions about my legislative work, read to 3rd and 5th grade classes, toured updated spaces and watched a BCA Drama skit! I appreciate every student and staff member for sharing their time and school experiences with me. 

 

 Congressman Kildee’s Veterans & First Responders Recreation Day

Military and first responder service is high-risk and high stress. Beyond thanking the men and women who have made sacrifices to keep us safe, it’s important to encourage healthy outlets and offer helpful resources. While this was Congressman Dan Kildee’s 7th Annual Veterans and First Responders Recreation Day, it was the first time it was held in Midland — a community new to his Congressional District this year — which gave our team an opportunity to take part. 

 

Midland Porch Talk 

We had a great late summer porch talk with constituents in Midland — discussing practical transitions to solar and other clean energy sources, my upcoming legislation around school recess and how best to talk with folks who have perspectives shaped by inaccurate information. If you’re a Senate District 35 constituent open to hosting and inviting your neighbors to share at a future porch talk, please email our Director of District and Constituent Services, Kevin Hayes at khayes@senate.michigan.gov   

 

Additional Events, Meetings   

Senator McDonald Rivet’s other events included hosting her September coffee hour in Bay County; speaking at the Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance Board of Directors meeting; visiting with Hemmeter Elementary students for a Capitol tour; participating in the Michigan Women’s Commission discussion on maternal health; and attending the Mridha International Institute of Peace and Happiness Peace Walk, Bay County Twp. Officers Association Dinner and the grand opening of Acorn Health’s autism therapy center. 

Director of District and Constituent Services Kevin Hayes offered resources at the Veterans & First Responders Recreation Day and Saginaw’s Fiesta K?Onda!; and also attended several of the Senator’s events referenced above. 

Legislative Director Stephen Prince attended Saginaw’s Community Alliance for the People Town Hall.

 

Community Communications

SEP 12, DETROIT FREE PRESS: “Proposed 5-member board could cap costs on prescription drugs in Michigan” 

SEP 12, WNEM TV5 “Michigan lawmakers aim to reduce costs of prescriptions” 

SEP 12, MLIVE “Proposed board could cap price of Michigan’s costliest prescriptions” 

SEP 18, MIDLAND DAILY NEWS “Delta College, MEDC announce $500k expansion to help expand Michigan’s semiconductor workforce” 

SEP 20, MLIVE “Delta College announces $500K expansion to in-demand semiconductor curriculum” 

SEP 21, MICHIGAN ADVANCE “Senate Committee Considers Prescription Drug Cost Oversight Package”  

 

Upcoming Events

 

Conversation With Parents of Children with Disabilities     

WHEN: Friday, September 29, 2023, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.   
WHERE: *Midland 

*This event is specifically for parents/guardians of children (of all ages) with disabilities. For questions or to RSVP, please email themidlandfridaygroup@gmail.com to receive the hosting location in Midland. 

 

Midland County Coffee & Conversation     

WHEN: Monday, October 9, 2023, from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.   
WHERE: Greater Midland Community Center, 2205 Jefferson Ave., Midland, MI 48604  

 

Helpful Resources and Links    

 

Farm Innovation Grant Opportunity to Help Michigan’s Food and Agriculture Industry 

The Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) is accepting applications through November 20 for a one-time farm innovation grant program. The Farm Innovation Grant Program is designed to boost innovative solutions to real, immediate and future problems facing Michigan’s food and agriculture industry. The maximum grant award eligible is $450,000 per proposal, and applications must outline how the project will impact and produce measurable innovation outcomes for Michigan’s food and agriculture industry. Visit michigan.gov/mdardgrants to view the application and grant guidelines. 

 

Resources for Michiganders Potentially Affected by the UAW Strike 

For those who may be potentially impacted by the UAW strike, it is important to be prepared as negotiations continue. The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) is offering assistance to all affected business owners and workers in Michigan — including the following resources: 

To connect with your local Michigan Works! service center for career services, call (800) 285-WORKS (9675) or visit Michigan.gov/MichiganWorks. For additional assistance, workers may schedule appointments at Michigan.gov/UIA or call Customer Service at (866) 500-0017. 

 

Here are additional resources you may find helpful: 

 

Contact Us and Stay Informed 

  • Website Contact Form:  This is the best, fastest way to reach us.  
  • Website News Page:  This page archives our official press releases and statements.  
  • Past ENewsletters: This page archives our prior enewsletter editions.
  • 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. Visit Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet’s Facebook page here.