- Legislative Update: This June is Gun Violence Prevention Month. Along with the slew of actions Senate Democrats have taken to reduce gun violence in Michigan, Sen. McMorrow and her colleagues continue to push forward legislation to combat this crisis and make our communities safer. Just this past week, several bills passed out of committee to ban bump stocks and ghost guns as well as to prohibit firearms in the Capitol and surrounding legislative buildings. Read on to learn more.
- Legislative Update: Happy Pride Month! Read on to learn how Senate Democrats have fought — and won — protections for Michigan’s LGBTQ+ community.
- District Update: This Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8, Michigan residents can take advantage of the “Three Free” Weekend — two full days when state residents and out-of-state visitors can grab a fishing rod, ride the off-road trails and visit state parks, boating access sites and other outdoor locations — all free of charge.
- Good News from the District: The City of Oak Park has several parks and recreation development projects happening, including the $7.5 million Oak Park Woods project at Shepherd Park, which includes a new greenspace and an event hub. Join the 2025 State of the City Address at Oak Park City Hall on June 10, where immediately afterwards there will be a groundbreaking ceremony for the event hub site.
Preventing Gun Violence in Our Communities
Every June, Senate Democrats recognize National Gun Violence Awareness Month to honor communities shattered by gun violence and raise awareness of this growing issue. Earlier this week, Sen. McMorrow introduced a Senate Resolution — for the seventh year in a row — to highlight how Senate Democrats’ actions to combat this crisis are a having proven impact in our homes and communities.
In response to ongoing public calls to address gun violence and mass shootings in Michigan, the Senate is continuing to prioritize the safety of Michiganders by advancing common-sense gun reform. Several pieces of legislation focused on reducing gun violence in the state, including bills sponsored by Sen. McMorrow, passed out of committee this week, which work to:
- Prohibit the manufacture, sale, or possession of bump stocks — Senate Bill 224, (Polehanki)
- Prohibit an individual from possessing a firearm in the Capitol, the Binsfeld Building, and the Anderson Building — Senate Bills 225 & 226 (Polehanki & Bayer)
- Ban ghost guns, or guns without serial numbers, and updates state law to make it illegal to make, assemble, import, sell, possess, etc. a ghost gun — Senate Bill 331 & 332 (McMorrow)
This legislation builds on previous efforts the Senate has already taken to reduce gun violence in Michigan, including:
- Requiring universal background checks to close the private sale loophole;
- Creating child access protection laws to keep legal firearms safely and securely stored and out of the hands of children and teens; and
- Allowing a court to issue an “Extreme Risk Protection Order” (ERPO) to temporarily intervene to suspend a person’s access to firearms if they show clear warning signs of violence and pose an immediate threat to themselves or others.
This month and going forward, Sen. McMorrow and her colleagues remain fully committed to advancing meaningful, life-saving policies that protect our communities and keep these preventable tragedies from occurring.
Senate Hearing Highlights Risks of Proposed Medicaid Cuts
This week, the Senate Health Policy Committee held an important hearing to discuss the serious risks posed by proposed Medicaid cuts pushed by Washington Republicans. Medical professionals, hospital leaders, and community advocates shared their concerns about how these cutbacks would harm the health and economic stability of Michigan communities.
Medicaid is an essential program that provides health insurance to 2.6 million Michiganders. It also supports thousands of jobs and ensures that hospitals can continue to care for everyone who needs it. Despite the clear benefits Medicaid provides, President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress are moving forward with plans to make significant cuts to the program in order to hand over trillions of dollars in tax cuts to the nation’s wealthiest individuals and corporations. If these cuts go through, more than 700,000 Michiganders could lose their health insurance. This would not only hurt individuals and families, but also drain billions from Michigan’s economy and risk forcing hospitals to downsize or shut down entirely — harming those on private health care insurance as well.
This hearing is part of larger efforts by Michigan Senate Democrats to protect access to health care, including the recent adoption of Senate Resolution 50. The resolution called on President Trump and the U.S. Congress to change course and reject any proposal that would strip health care access to those in need.
You can watch a video of the committee hearing here.
Creating a Welcoming, Inclusive State for All During Pride Month
Michigan Senate Democrats are committed to cultivating inclusion and belonging in Michigan — not only during the month of June, but every day year-round. Since taking office, the Majority has worked to expand the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA), reaffirming and expanding legal protections for the LGBTQ+ community. This effort has been 50 years in the making and will protect LGBTQ+ family, friends, coworkers and neighbors against discrimination in employment, public accommodations and public services. It also will provide protection in educational facilities, housing, and real estate.
In addition to passing a resolution recognizing June as Pride Month, the Michigan Senate passed bills to ban the harmful practice of conversion therapy.
These legislative efforts are a big step forward for Michigan, but certainly not the last. With all the uncertainty stemming from the federal level, the Senate recognizes the continued need for education and awareness to end discrimination and prejudice and remains committed to putting forth legislation that supports the rights of every Michigander to live freely and authentically.
Learn about Pride events across the state and how you can celebrate this month here.
New Facebook Page for Sen. McMorrow — Be Sure to Follow!
Please follow the new official legislative Facebook page for the Office of Senator McMorrow!
This page will serve as a space for updates on upcoming events, district updates, and Senator McMorrow’s work in the Michigan Senate. From key votes and legislation to community events, you’ll find it all right here. Please like and share!
Get outside for ‘Three Free’ Weekend June 7-8
The Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources encourages everyone to take advantage of “Three Free” Weekend – Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8. It’s two full days when Michigan residents and out-of-state visitors can grab a fishing rod, ride the off-road trails and visit state parks, boating access sites and other outdoor locations — all free of charge.
- Free Fishing Weekend. Fish for all in-season species, all weekend long, without a license. All other fishing regulations apply. Visit Michigan.gov/FreeFishing for more information.
- Free ORV Weekend. Legally ride 4,000 miles of state-designated routes and trails and the state’s six scramble areas without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit. Many ORV trails remain closed following this spring’s ice storm in northern Michigan. Visit Michigan.gov/ORVinfo for the latest ORV trail, safety and closure information.
- Waiver of the Recreation Passport. To encourage people to pursue free fishing and other outdoor fun, the DNR waives the regular Recreation Passport fee that grants vehicle access to Michigan’s 103 state parks, 1,000-plus state-managed boating access sites and many other outdoor spaces. Learn more about Passport benefits at Michigan.gov/RecreationPassport.
Dive into Summer, Not Danger — Water Safety Tips
With summer on the horizon and Michigan’s Great Lakes, rivers, and backyard pools soon ready for use, water safety is more important than ever!
Whether you’re heading to the beach or relaxing by the pool, keep these key water safety tips in mind:
- Ensure at least one adult is CPR-certified, especially in households with pools or near open water. Babysitters and caregivers should also maintain up-to-date CPR certification.
- Designate a “Water Watcher” during group gatherings, like pool parties — someone who remains alert and undistracted while friends, family, or children are swimming.
- Keep a phone nearby, ideally a landline with your physical address to quickly call 9-1-1 in an emergency. Cell phones may not automatically relay your location.
- Equip your pool with essential rescue tools, such as a reaching pole, throwable floatation device, CPR instructions, a breath mask, and a fully stocked first aid kit.
- If a child goes missing, check the water first. If you can’t locate them quickly, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Stay safe, stay prepared, and enjoy everything Michigan’s waters have to offer this summer!
Oak Park Project Groundbreaking
Oak Park has several parks and recreation development projects happening, including the $7.5 million Oak Park Woods project at Shepherd Park, which includes a new greenspace and an event hub. Join the 2025 State of the City Address at Oak Park City Hall on June 10th and immediately afterwards there will be a groundbreaking ceremony for the event hub site. RSVP to attend here.
Livernois-McNichols Main Street Ribbon Cutting
Team McMorrow was there at the Live6 Alliance Livernois-McNichols Main Street Ribbon Cutting Celebration this week. Collectively, the Main Street movement is the leading voice for preservation-based economic development and community revitalization across the country. This is the 22nd designated Main Street community in Michigan, and the initiative brings investment and local opportunities to the Livernois-McNichols corridor in Northwest Detroit, which includes the Bagley, Martin Park, University and Fitzgerald communities.
Royal Oak Student Wins Optimist Oratorical Contest
Congratulations to Royal Oak Middle Schooler Abigail Woodruff. Abigail won the Royal Oak Optimist Oratorical Contest and the area contest and took home first place in the Michigan district contest, earning a $2,500 scholarship! This was quite an accomplishment as she was competing against high school students. Sen. McMorrow is wishing Abigail good luck at the Optimist International World Contest in St. Louis this summer!
Thank you for staying connected with Sen. McMorrow’s office through the biweekly e-newsletter. We’re committed to keeping you informed on our work in Lansing and the progress we’re making in the district. Whether it’s legislative updates or community initiatives, we want to ensure you’re engaged and aware of the ways we’re advocating for you.
Reach out with any questions, concerns, or ideas that you may have. Our office is here to assist you with any state-related matters, and we value your feedback. Feel free to contact us at (517) 373-2523 or by email at SenMMcMorrow@senate.michigan.gov.