Fall Season Begins and Community Resources

Sep 22, 2023 | Email

Dear Neighbors, 

I hope you enjoyed your summer and are now excited for the start of fall. As the new season begins, we all anticipate college football games, cider mill visits and leaves changing colors — but we can also embrace and look forward to the start of back-to-school season and the return of the legislative session.  

As you read this newsletter, I hope you find the updates and community resources helpful — especially those of you who may be impacted by the UAW strike.  

In service,

Mallory McMorrow
State Senator
District 8

 

Featured in this Newsletter 

  • The Fall Legislative Session Has Begun: Learn More with Eight FAQs 
  • National Voter Registration Day is Sept. 19: Confirm Your Status 
  • Resources for Michiganders Potentially Affected by the UAW Strike 
  • Animal-Proofing Homes Ahead of Colder Weather 
  • Apply for the MI Future Educator Fellowship   
  • Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 
  • AG Nessel Launches the Address Confidentiality Program 
  • Free Well Water Testing Available Through EGLE 
  • September is National Recovery Month 

 

 

The Fall Legislative Session Has Begun: Learn More with Eight FAQs

Legislators have returned to Lansing, back from a summer filled with in-district events, tours and stakeholder meetings. As we plan on having a robust legislative schedule for the fall, I invite you to learn more about the “what, where and how” of session and how you can participate in the legislative process. 

Understanding how to find, track and stay informed about the actions of your legislators is key. Click here to learn more and stay up to date on what’s happening in your Michigan Legislature. 

 

National Voter Registration Day is Sept. 19: Confirm Your Status 

Voting is a powerful way Michiganders can preserve and protect our democracy. On September 19, 2023, we recognized National Voter Registration Day to encourage all citizens of voting age to register to vote or update their registration status. Registering or updating your registration status is simple and can be done in less than ten minutes. You can do it online, by mail or in-person at your local clerk’s office or Secretary of State branch. 

Michigan Senate Democrats are committed to expanding access to the ballot box and removing barriers that make it harder for Michiganders to cast their vote. Read more here about the work we’re doing to build a more equitable and accessible electoral process that protects and empowers voters. 

 

Resources for Michiganders Potentially Affected by the UAW Strike 

For those who may be potentially impacted by the UAW strike, it is important to be prepared as the negotiations continue.  

In light of the recent events, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has offered their assistance to all affected state business owners and workers — including the following resources: 

To connect with your local Michigan Works! service center for career services, call (800) 285-WORKS (9675) or visit Michigan.gov/MichiganWorks. 

For additional assistance, workers can schedule appointments at Michigan.gov/UIA or call Customer Service at (866) 500-0017. 

 

Animal-Proofing Homes Ahead of Colder Weather 

As the summer ends and fall begins, colder temperatures are expected. Animals will eventually begin to hibernate in the winter, so this is a great time to become aware of how to secure your home and prevent wildlife nuisances. Here are some tips that may be useful:  

  • Remove food sources like pet food and ensure that garbage is securely tucked in an animal-proof container.
  • Put garbage out the morning of garbage pick-up rather than the night before. 
  • Use fencing to protect gardens or individual plants from wildlife. 
  • If a non-domesticated animal gets into an attic, use noise (loud radio, banging pots and pans) or ammonia-soaked rags. 
  • Cut any tree limbs that overhang the roof. 
  • Be sure to cap your chimney to keep animals from climbing in your fireplace. 
  • Seal pet doors at night. 

For animal control resources, please review the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) nuisance animal control directory here. 

 

Apply for the MI Future Educator Fellowship  

The MI Future Educator Fellowship offers $10,000 scholarships to up to 2,500 future educators every year. It is now accepting applications for the 2023-2024 academic year! 

To be eligible, the student must fulfill the following requirements: 

  • Complete the annual MI Future Educator Fellowship application. 
  • File a current-year Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 
  • Be a high school graduate. 
  • Be admitted into an eligible Educator Preparation Program (EPP) approved by Michigan’s State Board of Education. 
  • Be working on their initial teacher certification. 
  • Be enrolled in enough coursework to be considered enrolled full-time during the academic year, or its equivalency for individuals enrolled in an alternative certification program. 
  • Have reached Junior grade level according to the institution’s definition. 
  • Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. 
  • Be a Michigan resident since July 1 of the previous calendar year. 
  • If you are a dependent student, your parent on your FAFSA must also be a Michigan resident since July 1 of the previous calendar year. 
  • Complete a Commitment to Teach in Michigan Agreement, which requires that the recipient teach in Michigan in a public school or qualifying public preschool program for a specific number of years, depending on the number of years the recipient has received the MI Future Educator Fellowship. This will be issued to applicants when the institution confirms eligibility. 

For more information, visit here. 

 

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month, observed annually from September 15 to October 15, celebrates the rich culture and histories of Latino Americans in the United States. The month-long observance commemorates the independence days of Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Mexico, Chile, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala.  

First established as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 by President Lyndon Johnson, it was later expanded to a full thirty days by the Reagan administration and became law on August 17, 1988. Throughout history, Latinos have continued to progress and greatly contribute to society. To learn more about the positive impact of Latinos in the Michigan Legislature, read the full news story here.  

 

AG Nessel Launches the Address Confidentiality Program 

On September 13, Attorney General Dana Nessel launched the Address Confidentiality Program to provide certain protections for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking or those who fear that disclosure of their physical address will increase the risk of harm. This program is based on a bill that passed in 2020, had bipartisan and unanimous support, and was cosponsored by Sens. Bayer, Chang, Irwin, McMorrow, Moss, Polehanki and Wojno. 

Qualified applicants must: 

  • Be moving or planning to move as pre-existing addresses may already be compromised. 
  • Be at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor. 
  • Be a parent or guardian acting on behalf of a minor or ward. 

To learn more about the ACP Program, click here. 

 

Free Well Water Testing Available Through EGLE 

The Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) is excited to announce a special program to provide Michigan residents with free well water testing and help families know the quality of their well water. 

Most wells get checked when they are first built; however, EGLE and local health departments know water wells should be checked more frequently, as water quality may change over time. If you have a private well and want to know the quality of your water, here’s what you can do: 

Contact your local health department. They can tell you about the water in your area and recommend any specific tests to perform. 

Visit the EGLE website gov/EGLEPrivateWells. Here, you can add your information to ask for a water test. You will also learn more about how to collect your own water sample to send in to the lab. 

Don’t worry if you’re not sure what the results mean. EGLE and local health department officials are available to help you understand the results and will guide you on next steps, if necessary. 

Learn more here. 

 

September is National Recovery Month 

National Recovery Month (Recovery Month), celebrated throughout September, is a time to honor the resilience and strength of individuals who have embarked on the journey of recovery from addiction or mental health challenges. It is a month dedicated to raising awareness, reducing stigma and promoting understanding of the recovery process. 

Since 1989, Recovery Month has served as a reminder that recovery is possible and a reality for many across the state and nation. It encourages communities to unite, support one another and celebrate the transformative power of recovery.  

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) sees Recovery Month as an opportunity to inspire hope and reinforce the message that recovery is a lifelong journey worth pursuing. Through education, advocacy and events, SAMHSA works to raise public awareness regarding mental health and addiction recovery. 

Throughout September, SAMHSA is hosting several events to commemorate National Recovery Month. A list of events, times, locations and registration information can be found here. 

SAMHSA also offers additional resources, including: