Building Up Our Communities

Friends and Neighbors,

With the first day of school underway or on the horizon for students, many of you may have been busy with back-to-school shopping, parent-teacher open houses, and a new season of extracurricular activities. I know I have!

This e-newsletter continues our summer series that shares information on the Fiscal Year 2025 State Budget, along with our regular legislative, community, and resource updates.

Looking ahead to Labor Day, I want to personally thank the hard-working constituents who drive our Great Lakes Bay Region economy, and the retirees upon whose work we all are fortunate to build upon. Enjoy the holiday!

Kristen McDonald Rivet
State Senator
District 35

(517) 373-1725
PO Box 30036, Lansing, MI 48909
SenKMcDonaldRivet@senate.michigan.gov

In This Edition

State Budget: Revenue Sharing & Infrastructure
Legislative Updates
Community Investments
Community Connections
Helpful Reminders, Resources, and Links
Connecting with Us

State Budget: Revenue Sharing & Infrastructure

REVENUE SHARING: The FY25 budget prioritizes the important role our communities play in Michigan’s success. We substantially increased revenue sharing funds to make sure residents and local governments in every community have the resources they need. We’re strengthening public safety and improving quality of life in our communities.

What is revenue sharing and why is it important?

Revenue sharing is the distribution of money from sales tax collections to cities, villages, townships (CVTs) and counties to fund services that residents count on from their local government. These dollars help fund local-level services like police protection, fire service, roads, water and sewer service, garbage collection, parks and recreation, and more.

Out with the Old.

In 1998, the State of Michigan adopted a fair method for discretionary revenue sharing based on a three-factor formula that was to be phased in over 10 years. In 2002, before the phase-in was complete, the three-factor formula was ripped away and replaced by a “uniform reductions” method. This booted nearly 1,200 communities out from being able to receive these critical dollars, forcing drastic cuts in everyday services from sidewalk repairs to water infrastructure projects and more.

In with the New.

With our 2025 state budget, Senate Democrats are returning to the three-factor formula for discretionary revenue sharing, distributing dollars in a more balanced way, and making sure every community across every inch of Michigan can receive these funds. We also allocated $75 million annually for a new Public Safety Trust Fund, which will help local efforts to curb crime and make our communities safer. See our prior newsletter for all the public safety investments we’re making.

Overall, the FY25 budget includes an 11.5% increase to revenue sharing for both CVTs and counties, ensuring all communities see more funding to support residents’ everyday needs.

INFRASTRUCTURE: Across the state and here in mid-Michigan, we made significant investments to rebuild our roads, bridges, and water infrastructure — replacing lead pipes and restoring wastewater treatment facilities. Here are some infrastructure budget highlights:

More than $440 million in additional funding in our transportation budget, including $89.4M that goes to state-funded local work like road, bridge and pedestrian projects.
$509.4 million to fund lead service line replacement, water infrastructure, and climate change mitigation. This includes the following increases:

- $10.3M increase for climate change mitigation through green infrastructure, providing grants to municipalities to support stormwater projects that reduce the impact of climate change

- $52.3M increase in local water infrastructure projects

- $13M increase for lead service line replacement

- Additional funding for specific local water projects, including $8M for lead service line replacement and $17M for specific water infrastructure projects

$4.2 billion for road and bridge construction projects, including $1.7 billion in federal highway aid from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

- Includes $1.6 million to cover Bay City’s share of Lafayette Bridge reconstruction costs

$247.6 million of new funding to improve state and local roads, highways, and bridges across the state. $20 million of federal American Recovery Plan funding to support local transit operating expenses.
$74.5 million of new one-time funding for local roads and bridges and other critical infrastructure projects.
$24 million to support new technology and mobility projects, including drone infrastructure projects, e-bike incentives, and an inductive charging pilot project.
$7.1 million of additional funding for Michigan airports and air service retention and enhancement.

Legislative Updates

Senate Democrats Introduce Legislation to Give Michiganders the Freedom to Plan

Continuing to build on a list of policy wins to protect Michiganders’ reproductive freedom, Michigan Senate Democrats introduced legislation to ensure all Michigan residents have access to contraception and the “Freedom to Plan” their futures.

Michigan Senate Democrats recently introduced the Freedom to Plan Act to break down financial barriers to FDA-approved over-the-counter oral hormonal contraceptives and emergency contraceptives, and to ensure Michigan residents are always empowered to make their own medical decisions.

My Democratic colleagues and I are committed to making sure Michiganders — not politicians — possess the power to determine if, and when, they would like to begin or grow their family. Actions we’ve taken this term include:

Repealing Michigan’s 1931 abortion ban
Passing the Reproductive Health Act, repealing medically unnecessary regulations and removing barriers to safe, quality reproductive care
Passing the Family Protection Act to modernize the state’s surrogacy laws and protect other forms of assisted reproduction, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF)
Now, we’re aiming to ensure affordable access to contraception so every Michigan resident can plan their own future.

For over six decades, contraception has been an integral component of women’s health care and has provided Michiganders the invaluable ability to chart their own life course. While other states work to restrict individuals’ reproductive rights, Michigan Senate Democrats are leading the fight to protect freedom of choice for all.

Reflecting on Voting Rights this Anniversary of the 19th Amendment

Sunday, August 18, 2024 marked 104 years since the ratification of the 19th Amendment which empowered women with the right to vote. Half of Americans were officially disenfranchised, second class citizens until courageous women fought and sacrificed to secure for themselves — and millions of women to come after — the right to vote.

While other states are making it more difficult to exercise Americans’ most fundamental right, Michigan Democrats have increased access to convenient, secure voting options for all our citizens.

As I shared in this article about Souls to the Polls in Saginaw, the changes we passed this term ensure everyone’s voice can be heard and vote cast no matter how busy or complex their lives are with kids, school and work, or without transportation and other things we often take for granted.

Community Investments

$18 Million to Help Small & Mid-Size Auto Suppliers Modernize Manufacturing Capabilities

Earlier this month, Governor Whitmer announced that Michigan will receive $18 million from the U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE) to help small- and medium-sized automotive companies modernize their capabilities to manufacture electric vehicles (EVs).

Michigan’s funding accounts for more than one-third of the federal $50 million grant program, and allows our state to develop a domestic, diversified EV supply chain; retain high-quality, good-paying jobs; and move toward carbon neutrality by 2050. It will further position Michigan as a leader in clean energy jobs and help our auto industry and workers retool to manufacture EVs.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, Governor Whitmer’s historic clean energy legislation, and bipartisan economic development tools are all helping to grow the middle class, create good-paying, in-demand manufacturing jobs, bring supply chains home, and lower energy costs for consumers.

Nearly $1 Million Awarded to Make Students in our 35th District Safer, Healthier

Safer and healthier school environments mean better learning environments. Stronger Connections Grants totaling nearly $1 million will help Saginaw and Midland Public Schools and Bay City Academy offer crucial supports including mental health services and violence prevention programs. Statewide, children in 76 intermediate school districts, public school districts, and public charter schools will benefit from nearly $20.5 million in grants for mental health and other services that the Michigan Department of Education has awarded. This is really great news for our kids and teachers, and I invite you to learn more here.

BCBS Awards Grants to Health Clinics across Michigan Including in Bay, Saginaw Counties

In its twentieth year of Strengthening the Safety Net, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan awarded a combined $914,000 to 48 Michigan clinics providing free or low-cost medical, dental and behavioral health services to uninsured or vulnerable Michigan residents. Two clinics in our district received grants up to $15,000 each for operations: Central Michigan University Street Medicine in Saginaw and the Helen M. Nickless Volunteer Clinic in Essexville. The services provided by these clinics promote healthier and stronger families, engaged communities and cost savings for our health care system.

Local Students Among Winners in ‘Free Pizza for a Year’ FAFSA Promotional Contest

Hungry Howie’s Pizza & Subs; the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential; the Executive Office; and the Michigan Credit Union League recently teamed up for “Reach for the Pie,” a pizza giveaway contest to boost completion of the Free Application For Student Aid (FAFSA).

Freeland’s Jacob Loeffler and Midland’s Autumn Brutyn and Kaydence Ripley were three of 100 students who won one free Hungry Howie’s pizza per week for 52 weeks. While they won pizza, the 7,300+ students who completed the FAFSA for this contest are also winners — unlocking financial aid to help them pursue their educational and vocational dreams.

The FAFSA is the first step for students to receive the Michigan Achievement Scholarship – the state’s signature scholarship program – and the Community College Guarantee. Starting with the class of 2023 and beyond, the Michigan Achievement Scholarship significantly lowers, or in some cases eliminates, the cost of college. Qualifying students attending a public or private university can receive up to $27,500 to earn a bachelor’s degree. Through the Community College Guarantee, students attending their local community college can earn their skill certificate or degree tuition-free. This effort is one way the state is working toward Michigan’s Sixty by 30 goal to have at least 60% of Michiganders earn a degree or skilled certificate by 2030.

Community Connections

New Date! September 21 Veterans & First Responders Recreation Day

Join me along with U.S. Congressman Dan Kildee and State Representative Amos O’Neal at the 8th year of this FREE event for veterans, first responders, medical staff, and their families. Enjoy fishing, kayaking, and more. Equipment is provided and all skill levels are welcome. Resources for veterans and first responders including caseworkers from Rep. Kildee’s office and veteran service officers will be on site. Lunch will also be provided.

NEW DATE: Saturday, September 21, 2024 *rescheduled from August
TIME: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
LOCATION: William H. Haithco Recreation Area, 2121 Schust Rd., Saginaw 48603
RSVP if you plan to join: michigan.rsvp@mail.house.gov

Midland Resident Receives MDOT’s Highest Employee Honor

Midland resident Amanda Novak is one of six Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) employees to be honored with the Director’s Award, the department’s highest employee honor for outstanding service. The award recognizes employees for their leadership and exemplary public service. Novak was specifically cited for coordinating multiple agencies as she helped develop a new approval process for project staging and dealing with excess material on MDOT right of way. More here.

Helpful Reminders, Resources, and Links

Michigan Achievement Scholarship Unlocks Opportunities in Higher Education for Michiganders

My Senate Democratic colleagues and I expanded the Michigan Achievement Scholarship program so that every recent high school graduate in our state has an affordable path to better jobs. Under this program, students can receive:

Up to $2,750 annually if they enroll in a Michigan community college, for up to three years
Up to $4,000 annually if they enroll in a Michigan private college or university, for up to five years
Up to $5,500 annually if they enroll in a Michigan public university or a baccalaureate degree program at a Michigan community college, for up to five years

AND

Graduating high school seniors are eligible to earn a skill certificate or degree at their local community college tuition-free just by filling out the new and simplified FAFSA.

So, whether your student’s path is community college, skilled trade certification or other career training, I encourage you to learn more at one of several informational sessions/ webinars offered now through December 2024.

Safe Driving Tips as New School Year Gets Underway

When driving, treat school buses like traffic signals:

When overhead lights are flashing yellow: Prepare to stop
When overhead lights are flashing red: Stop at least 20 feet away
When hazard warning lights are flashing: Proceed with caution

Severe Storm, Power Outage and Utilities Assistance Resources

MI READY (disaster, power outage, and emergency preparedness)
Managing Storm Debris (EGLE resource for local officials)
State Emergency Relief Program (extreme hardship threatening health and safety)
Michigan Energy Assistance Program
Weatherization Assistance Program

College and Career Training Resources and Scholarships

MI Student Aid and Paying for College in Michigan
Michigan Achievement Scholarships
Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarships (for high-demand jobs)
Michigan Reconnect (tuition-free degree or skills certificate)

Mental Health Crisis Lines

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988, or visit this Lifeline Chat, to connect with a trained crisis counselor at this free 24/7 nationwide confidential hotline.

Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 or text 838-255.

The Trevor Project has counselors trained in the challenges young people in the LGBTQ community face. Call 1-866-488-7386, text 678-678, or click here for their 24/7 support.

Locating Mental Health Treatment Services

Michigan 211: Call 211 or visit mi211.org to speak with a live person who can help you locate long-term mental health resources or talk through a problem. All conversations are confidential, can be made anonymously, and are available in 180 languages upon request.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Visit FindTreatment.gov, a confidential and anonymous resource, to locate treatment facilities for mental and substance use disorders near you.

Michigan Community Mental Health Services Programs: CMHSPs provide a comprehensive range of services and supports to children, adolescents and adults with mental illnesses, developmental disabilities and substance use disorders in all 83 Michigan counties. Find your local program here.

Connecting With Us

If You Need Help
If you have issues dealing with any state government department, including accessing unemployment benefits or tax information, my office is available to help resolve it. While we usually cannot assist with local or federal issues, we will always do our best to connect you with the most appropriate person or organization for help.

Website Contact Form: This is the best, fastest way to reach us.
Phone: (517) 373-1725 | Email: SenKMcDonaldRivet@senate.michigan.gov

Most Current Updates
Social media sites are neither official government websites nor are they well suited for constituent correspondence. However, since we post frequently, our social media accounts can be a very timely way to learn about legislative action, community news and impacts. Visit my Facebook page or my Threads page.

Our newsletters, website and constituent hours are also great ways to learn about our work.