District 35 News & Updates

Jul 6, 2023 | Email

Friends and Neighbors,      

I hope you and yours enjoyed a safe and happy Fourth of July holiday. 

Through the final session days of this portion of Michigan’s legislative calendar, my colleagues and I continued our commitment to improving everyday life here in Michigan. We always said we’d work on real issues that would make lasting, positive differences, and we’re holding to our word on that. This enews edition shares a few significant legislative moves, including wins for our environment, economic development, safety, and housing.  

Our next enewsletter will focus exclusively on the state budget’s historic and transformative investments, including local impact.

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  
  • In the Community 
  • Community Conversations 
  • Upcoming Coffee Hour  
  • Helpful Resources and Links  
  • Contact Us   

Legislative Updates 

McDonald Rivet’s Pro-Economy, Pro-Environment Bills Head to Governor 

With thoughtful policy, we can tackle climate change and boost economic development at the same time. I’m proud to share that, among my first five pieces of legislation sent to the Governor’s desk, two are wins for our economy and environment.   

My Senate Bill 303 (along with Senate Bill 302) will expand the scope of projects and properties eligible for Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financing. Also, Senate Bill 130 (along with Senate Bills 129, 131–132) will amend the Brownfield Redevelopment Financing Act to allow the use of tax increment financing for the development and support of residential housing.   

These bills expand access to optional financing tools for Michigan businesses, agribusinesses and local governments to develop property in ways that benefit the environment and bottom lines. These commonsense policies will address climate change and add jobs to our energy and construction sectors while lowering carbon footprints and energy costs. The Brownfield Redevelopment legislation will also incentivize property development for affordable housing, which is a critical need. Read the full press release here. 
 
 

Gov. Whitmer Signs McDonald Rivet Bill, Bipartisan Package to Prevent Sexual Assault and Empower Survivors  

After the Senate passed it unanimously, my bill in the legislative package aimed at protecting survivors and strengthening penalties for sexual assault under the pretext of medical care received overwhelming support in the House. Senate Bill 72(in conjunction with Senate Bill 71) requires medical professionals to preserve a patient’s records for specific services for at least 15 years and creates new sentencing guidelines for violations.  

This legislation, signed by Gov. Whitmer on June 29, builds on years of critical work done by advocates and previous sponsors of these policies. I’m proud to have supported these bills which will protect patients, hold sexual predators accountable with stronger penalties and empower survivors to pursue justice. Read the full press release here. 

 
Increased Housing For “Missing Middle”  

Affordable housing is often the first thing I hear about in community conversations. The new jobs coming to Michigan and our region are great, but we also need housing that works for working families. The changes, which my bill proposes to the Michigan Housing and Community Development Fund (HCDF), are good steps forward to solve our state’s labor supply challenges, grow our population and stabilize families.    

Senate Bill 293 would expand the HCDF to make its financing available to middle-income households and provide state and regional housing authorities with greater flexibility to address “missing middle” housing needs.  With bipartisan support, the Senate passed my bill on June 27. Read the full press release here. 
 
 

New Distracted Driving Law In Effect As of June 30  

In early June, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation to reduce distracted driving and save lives by making it illegal to hold and use a mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle in Michigan. Michigan is now the 26th state to adopt hands-free driving laws.  

Texting while driving had already been prohibited, but the new law makes all hand-held cell phone usage illegal. The legislation defines holding a cell phone or electronic device as physically supporting it with “any part of the hands, arms or shoulders.” For more information on this new legislation, including fines and exceptions, visit the Michigan State Police Distracted Driving site. 
 
 

Senate Continues Work to Implement Proposal 2 Election and Voting Reforms 

On June 14, the Michigan Senate passed the most comprehensive and expansive voting improvements in a generation. Senate Bills 367–374 implement the election reforms voters overwhelmingly passed in Proposal 2 of 2022, including more days of early voting, increased drop boxes and adopting a “one and done” absentee voter application. In late June, the House passed some of these bills while others are on the House Election Committee’s docket. I view access to voting as a fundamental right and am proud to support these measures. Learn more here. 
 
 

In the Community 

Midland Business Alliance Legislative Conference 

We share so many priorities across our region. From tax relief, housing and childcare, to wins for our economy and environment, I enjoyed sharing updates at this year’s Midland Business Alliance Legislative Conference.   

 

Lt. Governor Visits Saginaw Small Businesses 

Our usual ‘Saginawesome’ factor bumped up with Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist’s visit celebrating two small businesses coming to Old Town Saginaw. Gee’Ques Wood Smoked Barbecue and Michigan Cream & Sugar recently received support from Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Match on Main program which aims to strengthen communities through stronger and more attractive downtowns. 

 

Light Up the City Kickoff 

Team McDonald Rivet loved the awesome energy at the Light Up The City Saginaw kickoff. Community is stronger and crime decreases when residents, including kiddos, get to know their neighbors, public safety officers and resource agencies. 

 

Great Lakes Bay Pride Festival  

One year ago from the day of our Pride Festival, the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade threatened reproductive freedom, marriage equality and privacy rights. Michigan voters rejected that extremism, and our current legislative leadership is committed to ensuring rights for every Michigander. From making our state’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act more inclusive to banning conversion therapy, we have so much to celebrate this Pride month, and we’re going to keep Michigan moving forward. 

 

Spectrum Selects First Ward for Community Center Assist Grant Partnership 

I loved being part of this event showing what’s possible when residents, nonprofit and community-minded for-profit organizations join forces. Spectrum Community Center Assist (Charter Policy) selected First Ward Community Service for a $50,000 donation along with computers, internet service and more to use in newly renovated training and technology spaces. Having led a network of community centers in our district, I know firsthand the impact this grant will have. I’m thrilled it will help First Ward extend their amazing reach to Saginaw youth, adults and seniors. 

 

Senator McDonald Rivet’s other events with community and constituents included the Saginaw Community Foundation’s Annual Celebration; PFLAG Tri-Cities Chocolate Party; The Arc of Midland’s Coffee & Conversation; Midland Area Well-Being Coalition’s Birthday Celebration; Bay County Department on Aging Olympic Games Awards Ceremony; Dr. Craig Tatum’s 25th Pastoral Anniversary Tribute; and St. Stan’s Polish Festival.

 

Legislative Director Stephen Prince attended the Saginaw County Superintendents Legislative Breakfast. Director of District and Constituent Services Kevin Hayes attended the Bangor Twp. Road Commission meeting and the UAW Area 5 Retirees gathering.  

 

Community Communications    

JUNE 8, MIDLAND DAILY NEWS: “Gov. Whitmer expands distracted driving laws, allowing hands-free technology use” 

JUNE 8, CATALYST MIDLAND: “Early Childhood Education has hit crisis point”  

JUNE 25, MIDLAND DAILY NEWS: “McDonald Rivet addresses Elliott-Larsen Act, Dobbs anniversary” 

JUNE 26, WNEM TV5: “Community leaders talk small business growth in ‘Old Town” 

 

Coffee & Conversation

Personal connections and candid conversations about things that can make life better in our region are truly valuable for me. I hope you can make our July event in Midland.

Midland County Coffee Hour  
WHEN: Monday July 24, 2023, from 1–2 pm
WHERE: Midland Business Alliance Conference Room, 300 Rodd St, Unit 101, Midland, MI 48640  

 

Helpful Resources and Links    

 These resources may help you learn more about air quality in your area, specifically around wildfires and smoke impacts:  

Contact my Office 

  • 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 eNews: This page archives 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.