Friends and Neighbors,
As I write, we’re in the thick of our annual budget process in Lansing, with subcommittees reporting out proposals for the full Appropriations Committee’s consideration. We’re working to deliver a fiscally responsible and responsive budget by the end of June. I encourage you to learn more about the budget process and investments that aim to improve affordability and opportunities for Michiganders.
I’m hopeful about many policies moving their way through the Michigan Legislature these days, but am particularly excited about my newly introduced child care legislation. In this newsletter, I also invite you to learn about the “Momnibus,” recent investments improving our region, lots of constituent connections, and more.
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
- Comunity Investments and Connections
- Staff Acknowledgements
- Helpful Reminders, Resources, and Links
- Connecting with Us
Legislative Updates
McDonald Rivet Leads Introduction of Child Care for All
If you’ve followed our work since last year, you know I’ve gone into communities and on the record about our broken child care system. To craft practical, impactful, and actionable solutions for Michiganders, my staff and I have had conversations with parents, early childhood service providers and care workers; employers, business leaders and regulators; budget officials, fellow legislators, and Governor Whitmer’s team.
In late April, I introduced “Child Care for All,” a combination of bills and budget proposals which aim to lower costs for Michigan families and providers, boost the state’s workforce, and set our kids up for success. My colleagues, Senators Anthony and Hertel, and Representatives Farhat, Fitzgerald, Mentzer, and Churches joined me in sponsoring this important legislation.
The Child Care for All plan includes the following components:
- Working Parents Tax Credit (SB 838; HB 5640)
- Update and Modernize Licensing Requirements (SB 837 & SB 839; HB 5638 & HB 5639)
- Streamline and Expand Access to Child Care Subsidies (SB 836; HB 5637)
- Public Investment in Child Care (Budget Recommendations)
Local coverage on this Child Care for All legislation and the pressing needs it addresses is linked here.
“Momnibus” Bills Aim to Improve Equity, Accountability, Outcomes in Maternal Health
The United States has the worst maternal death rate of all high-income nations, and Black and Native women in America are 3-4 times more likely to die from pregnancy and childbirth complications than white women. While Michigan has seen some improvements in the past decade, we only rank 23rd for maternal mortality among the states, and stark disparities persist for Black women and people from marginalized communities regardless of income, education, or socioeconomic status.
To improve equity, accountability, and outcomes in maternal healthcare in our state, Senate Democrats introduced the “Momnibus.” This robust legislative package takes a multi-faceted approach to strengthen community-driven programs, enhance prenatal care and maternal healthcare, and amplify voices from Black and marginalized communities regarding their pregnancy and birthing experiences. This press release shares more about Senate Bills 818–827 and efforts to save moms’ lives and close the gap in racial and ethnic disparities in this healthcare space.
Michigan Voting Rights Act
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In the past decade, the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 has been weakened by judicial interpretations and faces continued attempts to undermine and undo its voter protections. In response, Senate Democrats introduced the Michigan Voting Rights Act, Senate Bills 401–404, to reproduce and expand upon the original federal law. I shared a few thoughts and support for this legislation with constituents who were in Lansing advocating for voting access and protections (pictures above). We’re a healthier democracy and stronger nation when every citizen is empowered to exercise their right to vote. |
Community Investments and Connections |
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Buena Vista Approved for Nearly $600K Grant Toward Lead Line Replacement
Recognizing MichiganWorks! Impact Awards Winner, Recent Funding |
Congratulations to Jeremy Lutz on winning the MichiganWorks! Great Lakes Bay Region Impact Award! Michigan Works! helps transform the lives of countless jobseekers and plays a vital role in our state’s economy. Their annual event celebrates the economic and personal impact of newly created jobs, training and talent development that matches local employers’ needs. Kudos to all the regional award winners and to MichiganWorks! for driving this success.
Earlier this year, Michigan’s Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity announced that 16 Michigan Works! agencies across our state would receive a combined $3 million in grants toward the Young Professionals initiative. This program helps Michiganders aged 14-24 overcome employment barriers. Our Great Lakes Bay MichiganWorks! was awarded $200,732. To find out what other programs are available to advance the academic and career training goals of Michigan youth, visit MichiganWorks.org or call 1-800-285-9675.
Keeping Commerce Moving During Lafayette Bridge Detour
While not closing in the initial phase, work to demolish and replace Bay City’s Lafayette Bridge is set to begin and go through the next three years. It’s vital to keep our commerce running during that stretch, and bringing key stakeholders together helps reach and execute the best solutions. I want to thank Michigan Department of Transportation’s Paul Schiefer and Steve Katenhus for joining me last week to discuss truck reroute paths with Michigan Sugar Company and Bay County Farm Bureau representatives.
Learning with Linsday Littles
I had the joy of spending some time with the young learners and staff at Bay City’s Linsday Early Head Start. Early education and development programs like Head Start have an extraordinary impact on children and their communities. Workers in this space make these programs possible for our young families. They shape brighter futures, make our community better, and deserve to be paid at a level that would allow them to enroll their own children in similar programs.
Exploring Expansion of the “Rx Kids” Stipend Program for Pregnant Moms and Infants
Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha recently met with community stakeholders in Saginaw, including our office’s Kevin Hayes, to discuss expansion of Rx Kids. Currently being piloted in Flint with funding approved in last year’s state budget, this first-in-the-nation program aims to alleviate child poverty and proactively improve health outcomes by providing stipends to pregnant moms and infants. While only a few months in, enrollment is strong and already making a positive impact for Flint families. Dr. Hanna-Attisha is the pediatrician who helped uncover the Flint water crisis. You may read more about her leadership and the Rx Kids initiative here.
Porch Talk Pulse
I want to thank LeBoeuf’s Lounge for hosting our most recent “porch talk.” Residents from Saginaw’s Northwest Neighborhood Association and FACT (Families and Children Together) joined us in a discussion that touched on education, school safety, mental health supports, and licensing for social workers and registered nurses.
Visit to Holy Cross Lutheran School in Saginaw
While visiting Saginaw’s Holy Cross Lutheran School, we discussed how bills become law and current legislation that’s crafted to improve outcomes for students with dyslexia. We also clarified that being a Michigan Senator is not the same as being in the Star Wars Imperial Senate. Thank you to the students and teachers for sharing their time with us!
Chefs for Shelterhouse
I was happy to be with hundreds who turned out for the return of Chefs for Shelterhouse this April. Over the last year, Senate Democrats led the passage of important legislation to prevent sexual assaults and to protect and empower domestic violence survivors. Our work in Lansing — including bill packages you may learn more about here and here — strengthens on-the-ground efforts of dedicated, compassionate staff and volunteers at Shelterhouse and all our region’s domestic shelters and support organizations. Thanks to all who make these vital resources possible and to the event organizers for a successful comeback after a few years’ hiatus.
If you or a loved one has experienced domestic violence, Michigan’s Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-866-VOICEDV (1-866-864-2338), is a free and confidential resource to call, text, or chat. Trained advocates can provide you with crisis support and connect you with counseling, services, and resources in your area.
Together in Pride
Joining a couple hundred friends committed to equality, more kindness and less hate at the Together in Pride fundraiser made for a great evening in Midland. In our district and across Michigan, we stand united against bigotry, fearmongering, and any attempt to deny LGBTQ+ individuals the civil rights all Americans should have. Kudos to Great Lakes Bay Pride on another great event and another great year of advocacy, education, inclusion, and inspiration.
Commemorating Workers’ Memorial Day
n late April, Michigan Senate Democrats passed Senate Resolution 111, a measure I proudly co-sponsored which recognizes April 28, 2024 as Workers’ Memorial Day. It’s a day when communities and worksites honor friends, family members, and coworkers who have been killed or injured on the job. I was privileged to speak at our region’s remembrance event organized by the Mid-Michigan Area Labor Council/AFL-CIO. Work-related injuries claim about 15 lives a day in America. As Senate Democrats have shown through our record, we honor the legacies of fallen workers by recommitting to safety awareness and championing workplace safety rights.
Connect with Us Over Coffee in Bay City
WHEN: Monday, May 20, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Community Room, 100 E. Midland St., Bay City, MI 48706
Our constituent hours are great opportunities to share what’s on your mind and to hear about our work and what’s happening in Lansing directly from me. If you are unable to join us May 20, we rotate locations by county and always post upcoming in-district events here on our website.
Staff Acknowledgments
Our work for you is better when we hear directly from you. So, no matter how packed our calendars get, we always try to make ourselves available and put ourselves in community. In the past week alone, our Legislative Director Stephen Prince and Director of District & Constituent Services Kevin Hayes met with constituents and community leaders representing over a dozen groups. Our Communications Director Carol Sullivan connected with several organizations including EGLE at Midland’s Earth Day Expo. At the House Health Policy Committee hearing, our Chief of Staff Liz Trombley testified on my behalf regarding Senate Bill 482. Your SD-35 Team always puts in extra effort, and this recent stretch deserves a shout-out.
| I also have one farewell and one welcome to share — Cindy Villarreal-Medina finished her internship with us last week and will head to Washington D.C. for a summer stint. Kylee Johnson has joined our staff as Scheduler/ Office Manager. Please join me in wishing them both well in their new roles. |
Helpful Reminders, Resources, and Links |
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Go Hands Free. Just Drive. It’s the Law. Police agencies throughout Michigan are partnering with the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) for a high-visibility enforcement effort in support of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Michigan’s Hands-Free Driving Law took effect June 30, 2023. As a reminder, a driver cannot hold or support a phone or other device with any part of their hands, arms, or shoulders. Even if a cell phone or other device is mounted on your dashboard or connected to your vehicle’s built-in system, you cannot use your hands to operate it beyond a single touch. Please help reduce traffic crashes and the harm caused by them by following the law. Here’s a simple distracted driving fact sheet for what you cannot manually do on any electronic device while driving. Fishing Season Is Here! The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds anglers that the new fishing licenses for the 2024 season (valid through March 31, 2025) can be purchased at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or on the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app, which you may download on your smartphone. Visit this DNR webpage for key fishing season dates. For additional information about fishing licenses, email DNR eLicense at MDNR-E-License@Michigan.gov or call 517-284-6057.
Virtual Resource Fair for Families of Children with Special Health Care Needs Several Michigan organizations are teaming up to offer individuals with disabilities and their families, caregivers, providers, and other community supporters a Virtual Resource Fair on May 7, 2024, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Learn more and register here. Utilities Assistance & Power Outage Resources
College and Career Training Resources and Scholarships |