Friends and Neighbors,
Is there anything more wonderful than mid-Michigan in the fall? From our state parks to local pumpkin patches, cider mills, trunk-or-treats, and more, I hope you’re taking advantage of all the autumn offerings in our Great Lakes Bay Region.
Since our last e-newsletter, a huge federal investment has been announced in our community, which will have a far-reaching and long-lasting positive economic impact on our district. I share those details below, along with important moves for legislation dealing with families at all stages of life and our usual updates on community connections and resources.
As we near the November 5 General Election, I also want to share this Michigan Secretary of State website, Michigan.gov/vote, where you can find helpful information, including different ways to vote; how to find your clerk’s office, drop box or polling location; sample ballots, and more.
Kristen McDonald Rivet
State Senator
District 35
(517) 373-1725
PO Box 30036, Lansing, MI 48909
SenKMcDonaldRivet@senate.michigan.gov
- Child Care Gets First Hearing — Sen. McDonald Rivet, Business Leaders & Providers Testify
- Hemlock Semiconductor Gets $325 Million from CHIPS & Science Act — Massive Positive Impact on our District’s Jobs, Economy
- Senate Advances Bills to Protect Seniors & Vulnerable Adults; Improve Maternal Health Care; and Strengthen Child Labor Laws
McDonald Rivet, Business Leaders, Parents & Providers Testify on Urgency to Fix Michigan’s Child Care Crisis
October 17, 2024 — I joined child care providers, parents, and leading business voices to testify before the Senate Housing and Human Services Committee on the state of child care in Michigan, its economic impact, and my plan to improve both. It’s the first hearing since more than 80 leaders from Michigan’s non-profit, business, and faith communities endorsed my Working Parents Tax Credit, a key component of the bills and budget measures introduced earlier this year to lower child care costs for Michigan families and providers, boost the state’s workforce, and set all kids up for success.
In the last decade, America has lost almost 20 percent of its child care capacity; here in Michigan’s, that loss is double at 40 percent. Most private child care operations struggle to keep their doors open. With closures too common, centers that do stay open often have waiting lists exceeding two years. This puts a strain on parents and employers, as evidenced by Michigan ranking 39th in the nation for workforce participation, the lack of child care is the top reason young workers aren’t entering the workforce.
Testimony at this child care hearing made clear that an immediate, sustained public investment is required to address the growing child care crisis in Michigan. The $1.5 billion cost of the proposed investment pales in comparison to the $2.8 billion that Michigan loses annually in the form of workforce productivity and economic gains due to its lack of reliable child care. That figure is cited in this recent study by the US Chamber of Commerce, the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and the Early Childhood Investment Corporation.
Before this hearing, Dave Meador, Executive Director of the Detroit Regional Chamber CEO Group, and I spoke with MIRS about why this is the most impactful investment we can make for Michigan right now — and how returning money to working parents and cutting red tape for providers would simplify the process for everyone. Our interview begins at 38:00 at this link.
Your Life, Your Family, Your Freedom to Plan
Gov. Whitmer recently announced that, beginning in November, community partners and federally qualified health centers will distribute emergency contraception, condoms, over-the-counter oral birth control pills, and family planning educational resources for free to the general public, regardless of insurance. This new program will continue as long as supplies are available.
The freedom to plan is as essential as reproductive healthcare access. With programs like Plan First! and the Reproductive Health Act, we’re keeping people safe, and empowering Michiganders to make informed decisions about their health and future. With other states making it more difficult to obtain preventative screenings and birth control, I’m glad Michigan is expanding vital healthcare coverage and protecting personal choice when it comes to family planning.
Legislation to Protect Michigan’s Kids, Moms, & Seniors Advances in the Senate
In late October, my Senate Democrat colleagues and I moved several pieces of legislation forward to protect Michiganders at key stages of their lives.
Protecting seniors and vulnerable adults from abuse: To combat scams, fraud, and theft targeting seniors and vulnerable adults, we passed Senate Bills 922–925. Learn more here about how we’re working to better prevent, detect, and prosecute this type of abuse and financial exploitation.
Improving maternal health care services: The Momnibus bill package — Senate Bills 818–823, 825 and House Bill 5826 — focuses on closing the health outcome gaps that Black and Brown Michiganders experience in their prenatal, birth, and post-partum experiences. This package is also on its way to the full Senate chamber after passing through the Senate Committee on Housing and Human Services.
Strengthening Michigan’s child labor laws: The Senate Labor Committee voted to send Senate Bills 963–965 to the Senate floor for a full vote. This legislation would increase penalties and fines for businesses found employing minors illegally or subjecting them to unsafe working conditions.
$325 Million for Hemlock Semiconductor from CHIPS & Science Act to Create Jobs, Grow Mid-Michigan Economy
There’s no better place to make the future of America’s economy than right here in mid-Michigan. I joined leaders at Hemlock Semiconductor to celebrate $325 million approved for a new facility that will add 180 permanent, advanced manufacturing jobs and over a thousand good-paying construction jobs.
My number one goal is bringing more high-wage jobs to our district. This huge win for our region and families is the direct result of the CHIPS and Science Act; leaders prioritizing American-made components of vital supply chains; and mid-Michigan’s excellence in innovative, technical manufacturing. Increasing homegrown production of a crucial part of countless supply chains also strengthens our national security.
This is the largest CHIPS and Science Act investment in Michigan to date. Paired with a $40 million match from the Make It In Michigan Competitiveness Fund, it will help attract top talent, support sustainable economic growth, and ensure the technologies we rely on every day are made here at home. Learn more here.
MiLEAP Awards Delta College $269,000+ Barrier Removal Grant
I’m pleased to share that the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) has awarded Delta College $269,379 to help students overcome financial and logistical barriers that would otherwise stop them from achieving their goals. The funds were awarded through MiLEAP’s Student Success Grant program, part of Michigan’s 60 by 30 effort — to have 60% of working-age adults obtain a skill certificate or college degree by 2030.
Saginaw Transit Awarded $200,000 to Improve Bus Stops
Gov. Whitmer recently announced recipients of Shared Streets and Spaces Grants that improve public spaces in support of public health, safe mobility and strengthened commerce. Saginaw Transit Authority Regional Services is one of the awardees and will receive $200,000 for bus stop amenities improvements.
Improving public transit makes communities safer and more attractive for workers, shoppers, and visitors. Investments like this are key to our future population growth and will provide a better experience for current residents using these bus stops.
Three Saginaw Schools Selected for Building Healthy Communities Program
Congratulations to Saginaw’s Herig School, Nouvel Catholic Central High School, and Sherwood Elementary on being selected to participate in Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Building Healthy Communities Program. The BHC program has a proven history of creating healthier school environments, reducing childhood obesity and chronic disease, improving academic achievement, and addressing mental health and well-being.
Bipartisan Support Successful for $600,000 Toward Empowering ALICE Population
It’s always great to see tax dollars returning to our district, especially when they reduce barriers to employment. The State of Michigan has awarded $600,000 to PartnerShift Network and their work with our ALICE population (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). Advocating for these funds was a bipartisan effort, and I’m glad it was a successful one.
Honoring Midland County Law Enforcement, Firefighters
Four of Midland County’s finest and bravest public safety servants earned Midland County Police Officer and Firefighter of the Year honors: (left to right) Midland County Sheriff Office Deputy Brandan Hodges, City of Midland Police Officer Andrew Hawkins, Larkin Twp. Firefighter Lt. Gary Hardy, and City of Midland Firefighter Lt. Joe Shaffer. A firefighter with the City of Saginaw for decades, our District Assistant Chedrick Greene extended our office’s gratitude and appreciation with this year’s honorees at the recent awards banquet hosted by the Midland Exchange Club.
A Blue Ribbon Visit to Handley Elementary
I took a field trip to Saginaw’s Handley Elementary with former teacher, Chair and fellow member of our PreK-12 Appropriations Committee, Senator Darrin Camilleri. We went to congratulate them in person and learn more about how Handley’s teachers and students earned National Blue Ribbon School honors. Thanks to Principal Julie Miller for arranging our tour, and to everyone at Handley for sharing time with us.
35th Senate District Citizen Shout-Outs
One of the very best parts of my job is meeting amazing people and thanking them for making our community better. Celebrating her 102nd birthday, I thanked Vera Gobeski for making our country better too. An original “Rosie the Riveter,” Vera worked third shift at Dow to help keep America open for business and win WWII. Read more about this Bay City and American hero here.
Our Legislative Director Stephen Prince congratulated Saginaw’s Brandon Hillaker for his outstanding commitment to vocational rehabilitation at this year’s Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) Champion Awards. MRS helps individuals with disabilities prepare for employment to achieve economic self-sufficiency. It is valuable work made possible through the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. MRS also recognized Bay City’s Merson USA as a Corporate Champion.
Happy Halloween!
Our Chief of Staff, Liz Trombley, and Legislative Director, Stephen Prince, hope all the kiddos they greeted with smiles and goodies had as much fun as they did at McLaren’s Trunk-or-Treat held at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Great Lakes Bay Region.
Protect Your Personal Data Online
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and along with the work Senate Democrats are undertaking to protect Michiganders’ consumer information, the Michigan Dept. of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) has excellent advice on what consumers and businesses can do to protect their personal and financial information online from scammers and cyberattacks. Find it here.
If you suspect insurance fraud, you may report that to DIFS safely, easily and, in most cases, anonymously by calling 877-999-6442 or online by visiting DIFS’ website.
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)
Whether your student’s path is community college, skilled trade certification or other career training, I encourage you to learn more at one of these informational sessions/ webinars offered now through December 2024.
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.
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.
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