Updates and Thanksgivings

Nov 21, 2023 | Email

Friends and Neighbors,

I hope Thanksgiving gives you quality time with loved ones and opportunities to appreciate all the people and experiences in your life for which you can be grateful.

I’m thankful for the chance to serve you and your neighbors, and I always appreciate your engagement in our office’s work and community happenings. With the Michigan Legislature’s adjournment for the year, I’m looking forward to additional connections in the district in the coming weeks. I hope you can join me at one of our upcoming events.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Kristen McDonald Rivet
State Senator
District 35

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

 

 

In This Edition

  • Upcoming Events
  • Legislative Updates
  • Community Investments and Connections
  • Thanksgiving Resources
  • Helpful Links
  • Contact Us

 

Upcoming Events

Growing Michigan Together Town Hall

WHEN: Thursday, November 30 from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Delta College Main Campus, Room N007 (Commons/ Lower Level) 1961 Delta Rd., University Center, MI 48710

While population growth is a statewide objective, our region has been losing population faster than any other area in Michigan. I’ve long been on record about the urgency of not just increasing our population but also adopting policies and encouraging the kind of investments that will transform our economy for 21st century success and paths to prosperity for every community member.

On Thursday, November 30, I’ll be joined by Hilary Doe for a Town Hall at Delta College on this topic. Doe is Michigan’s Chief Growth Officer and Executive Director of the Growing Michigan Together Council, which is tasked with advising the Governor on how best to improve educational outcomes, attract and retain talent and ensure long-term funding solutions for higher education and upgrading our transportation and water infrastructure.

I strongly encourage you to add your voice to this important conversation. To RSVP, please click here. If you are unable to attend on Nov. 30, email info@growingmichigan.com with your ideas about how to make our state an even better place to call home. 


Coffee and Conversation in Auburn
WHEN: Monday, December 4 from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
WHERE: Iron Grind Coffee House, 116 N. Auburn Rd., Auburn, MI 48611


Conversation on Issues Impacting Families & Children with Special Needs 
WHEN: Monday, December 11 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Buena Vista Senior Center, 1940 S Outer Dr, Saginaw, MI 48601

In partnership with the Heart of the City Development Center, I’m hosting this dialogue to learn more about the needs of the disability community and issues impacting families and children with special needs in our district. You’re welcome to attend in person or virtually. Visit our event webpage for details on attending virtually.

 

Legislative Updates

Protecting Michiganders’ Reproductive Healthcare

After the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, nearly 2.5 million Michigan voters showed overwhelming support for Proposal 3, the November 2022 ballot initiative to enshrine reproductive rights in our state constitution. My colleagues and I took an important step toward ensuring this right is accessible by passing the Reproductive Health Act (Senate Bills 474, 476 and 477 and House Bills 4949, 4951 and 4953–4956).

This legislation repeals medically unnecessary regulations and removes administrative burdens that are not placed on any other healthcare providers. It also better aligns Michigan’s laws with the protections codified as a result of Proposal 3’s passage. These bills now head to the Governor’s desk for signature. Full press release is here.

 

Clean Energy Future Plan Finalized, Sent to Governor

In our last enews edition, I highlighted the costs of continuing with the status quo on energy practices and policies. With the Clean Energy Future Plan finalized, here’s what Michiganders will gain:

Energy independence and savings — Instead of continuing to pay to import coal (100% of what we currently use to generate electricity) and natural gas (92%), we’ll use wind and solar facilities that have zero import or transport costs once built. It is smarter and less expensive to use home grown energy instead of relying on foreign and out-of-state energy sources. 

A diversified portfolio — Nuclear energy, the use of natural gas with carbon capture technology and biomass fuels will all count as clean energy options.

More reliability, affordability and accountability — The Michigan Public Service Commission will have the authority to prioritize grid investments that improve capacity and reduce outages. The legislation also includes an “escape clause” preventing any clean energy requirement from compromising reliability or unduly raising costs for customers.

Energy sector job creation — A historic allocation of federal funds will help Michigan implement these policies, bringing further investment and jobs to our state.

Preservation of our land, water and air — Michigan’s natural resources are valuable assets that need responsible stewardship. We will save more than money as we transition away from energy sources that harm our environment.

 

Siting Renewable Energy Projects, Protecting Personal Property Rights

Earlier this month, the Senate passed the Renewable Energy Siting Reform Package, House Bills 5120 and 5121. In expanding the role of the Michigan Public Service Commission, we’re simplifying the approval process for building large-scale renewable energy projects while protecting personal property rights, public input and local oversight.

Constituent feedback through coffee hours, correspondence and conversations resulted in several amendments that substantially improved these bills which I ultimately supported. Some of these amendments include the prohibition on eminent domain; increased setbacks for solar projects; a requirement that developers must go through the local unit of government first; municipal contested Public Service Commission fund for municipalities; and payments by the developer to the local units of government that will be used for public safety.

In addition to these amendments, prioritizing constituents’ personal property rights was a significant factor for my yes-vote. Land is personal and keeping farmland can be challenging. In the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment’s November 8 hearing (at approx 35- and 40-minute marks), farm owners testified to the realities facing farmers and local officials. It’s not right to block property owners from using their land as they see fit when reasonable regulation protects the community. Renewable energy can help farmers diversify revenue making it possible to keep heritage farmlands within families for generations to come.

Exclusionary zoning has squeezed farmers and resulted in a backlog of renewable energy projects, jeopardizing millions of dollars in investments for rural Michigan and grid reliability. A streamlined permitting system unlocks Michigan’s competitiveness and creates better opportunities for our farmers and low- and middle-income working families.

 

Community Investments & Connections

Boosting Our Teacher Workforce

Schools and students need good teachers now more than ever. “Grow Your Own” is a smart, practical response to our teacher shortage. I got to celebrate and spread the good news about this program where Saginaw Public Schools employees can pursue accelerated teaching credentials from Saginaw Valley State Universitywithout financial burden. The $2 million I helped secure for this partnership will go a long way to helping Saginaw Public Schools fill vital classroom positions.

New Project to Add Vibrancy, Build Community in Downtown Saginaw

Our region has yet another transformative placemaking win to celebrate. The Memorial Cup Legacy Project will revitalize vacant areas near the Dow Event Center into a Riverfront Saginaw highlight lasting decades after the hockey tournament and attracting more folks to live, visit and do business here. More in this news release.

Spotlighting Homeless Shelters, Outreach Services

Working with the hurting and homeless is not easy. It is a higher calling which staff and volunteers at Restoration Community Outreach Service and City Rescue Mission of Rescue Ministries of Mid-Michigan carry out with compassion and conviction. From meeting immediate basic needs to restoring self- sufficiency, they uplift many in Saginaw and our entire community along the way. I’m grateful to have had the chance to tour these shelters and for the hearts and hands of everyone involved. Their websites have information if you’re looking to lend or receive help.

Veterans Day Ceremonies in Midland, Bay Counties

I’m forever grateful for the men and women who sacrificed to secure our liberty and peace, and I’m forever committed to ensuring paths for them to thrive after active service. I shared these sentiments at events honoring veterans at Midland County’s wreath presentation and Bay County’s ceremony at the USS Edson.

Touring, Serving at East Side Soup Kitchen

A good warm meal prepared with love. We don’t have to wait until Thanksgiving for that. We can find it — or share it — any weekday at the East Side Soup Kitchen. On Monday, November 13, Director of District and Constituent Services Kevin Hayes and I joined volunteers from AAA, Great Lakes Bay Health Centers and a local family to serve guests lunch at ESSK. From staff who serve regularly to the thousands of volunteers who lend their time once or twice a year, our community is fortunate to have so many who are so generous. Thanks to Executive Director Diane Keenan and Board President Jane Fitzpatrick for the chance to learn more about ESSK’s mission, services and partnerships.

Midland’s Santa Parade

Midland showed up with a huge turnout for this year’s Santa Parade! It’s always great to see our community support our school marching bands, local employers, non-profits and more. My favorite part was giving out high-fives to the smallest parade fans. Thanks to everyone who participated and watched, the parade organizers and all who helped the day run smoothly and safely.

 

Additional Events, Meetings in District  

Senator McDonald Rivet’s other events and meetings included attending the Citizens Action Committee Saginaw Bishop’s breakfast meeting; attending the Saginaw County Superintendents Legislative breakfast meeting; presenting at the Saginaw NAACP virtual meeting; sharing a legislative update with the Women of Michigan Action Network; participating in the 13th Annual Developing Exceptional American Leaders New DEAL Conference; and hosting a constituent hour at Saginaw’s Heidelberg Inn. 

Director of District and Constituent Services Kevin Hayes shared updates and resources with veterans at Bay County’s Operation Green Light Fair; attended a reception for Samaritas, the UAW local 699 retiree meeting, ALPACT’s regular meeting and several of the Senator’s events referenced above. 

Legislative Director Stephen Prince attended meetings with the Midland Business Alliance Committee on Infrastructure and the Memorial Cup Host Organizing Committee.

 

Community Communications 

NOV 6, WNEMTV5 (Video): Grow Your Own Program receives $2M in funding

NOV 8, More Perfect Union (Video): Michigan’s Bold New Solution to High Drug Prices

NOV 10, Midland Daily News: McDonald Rivet’s bill to protect farmland, promote solar energy included in Clean Energy Plan

NOV 14, MLIVE: State grant backs Saginaw teachers’ education at SVSU

NOV 14, Hey, Bay City (Video/ Podcast)

Phil Eich’s Hey, Bay City podcasts are great windows into our community. I appreciated this chance to talk about my path leading to public service and first year focus as a State Senator. Follow these links for video, audio or text excerptsfrom my podcast with Phil, episode #45.

 

Thanksgiving Resources

For community members struggling to make ends meet, the holiday season can be especially tough. The United Way in Bay, Midland and Saginaw Counties can help connect folks to assistance as well as volunteer opportunities. These are just a few programs available to district residents:

If you’re looking for free, festive and family-friendly events in our region, the Great Lakes Bay Parents holiday calendar is a great resource.

 

Other Helpful Resources & Links

Food Access Survey for Saginaw Residents

If you’re a City of Saginaw resident, please consider providing input on your local grocery retail options and food access. This Food Access Survey will be used by City Council members as they plan, make decisions and take action to increase food access in Saginaw. Paper copies are available at City Hall, City Manager’s Office, 1315 S. Washington Avenue Room 203.

College and Career Training Resources and Scholarships

Child Care Survey  

The East Michigan Childcare Coalition is surveying parents, employers, providers and staff to learn about their experiences related to childcare. For a paper or phone survey option, email jordan@data-driven-decisions.org or call/text 269-330-5067.  

Vaccine Recommendations, Testing Information 

Utilities resources you may find helpful:

Michigan Senate Webpages:

Contact Us

  • Website Contact Form: This is the best, fastest way to reach us.
  • Upcoming Events: Includes our monthly constituent hours and more.
  • Phone: (517) 373-1725 | Email: SenKMcDonaldRivet@senate.michigan.gov
  • 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.