Legislative and Community Updates

Jun 3, 2024 | Email

I hope you had a relaxing Memorial Day with loved ones to honor and remember the brave heroes who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country. 

The Michigan Senate and the House are continuing to work on the Fiscal Year 2025 state budget that will soon be presented to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to sign. We are working hard, ensuring state dollars go toward our people and the communities we live, work, and grow in. As always, this newsletter serves as a great update on what we’re accomplishing here in Lansing on your behalf. 

If you or someone you know would like to provide any feedback about what’s happening in Lansing, or needs assistance of any sort, please feel free to reach out to my office. You can email us at SenMMcMorrow@senate.michigan.gov or call (517) 373-2523.  

Sincerely, 

Mallory McMorrow 
State Senator 
District 8 

 

Featured in This Newsletter 

  • Legislative Updates      
  • News You Can Use 
  • In The Community 
  • Good News from the District 
     

Legislative Updates  

Transit Plan Retools Corporate Subsidies 

Transit Riders United (TRU) was joined by Senators Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak) and Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor), Representatives Jason Morgan (D-Ann Arbor) and Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit), and Michigan’s Chief Infrastructure Officer Zach Kolodin at the annual State of Transit event in January. 

Having a viable public transit system is crucial to the future of our region. For decades, the Metro Detroit area — and state as a whole — has failed to make significant advancements in public transit. I am excited to see the Michigan House of Representatives craft legislation with my ideas in mind and take up my legislation, Senate Bill 559, to overhaul the Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve (SOAR) Fund.  

With the House plan, Michigan would budget $250 million per year for the traditional economic development incentives intended to attract employers and create jobs — half as much as now.  The budget plan also calls for:  

  • $200 million each year in transformational transit and mobility projects. 
  • $100 million to the Housing and Community Development Fund to build affordable housing across the state. 
  • $50 million per year to the Revitalization and Placemaking Fund to support community projects that can include increasing childcare services and improving access to community college. 

Read more here! 

Working to Deliver Innovative “Building up Michigan” State Budget 

Last year marked a significant milestone for Michigan Democrats as we capitalized on our first trifecta in 40 years to spearhead a transformative budget — directing vital resources into historically neglected sectors like infrastructure, education, and local communities. This comprehensive budget, encompassing various offices, departments, initiatives, projects, and programs, follows an annual funding cycle, necessitating the State Legislature to craft a new budget each year. 

Crafting this state budget is a collaborative effort involving negotiations between both legislative branches and the governor, resulting in a new state budget being signed into law each year to distribute funding to residents, schools, communities, businesses, local governments, and more. 

Currently, we’re in an exciting moment with our budget process, continuing the investments of the previous year and taking an innovative approach to addressing the needs of all Michiganders. Highlights of our “Building Up Michigan” budget proposal include record school funding, increased access to community college for students, significant funding for local communities and efforts to lower costs for state residents. 

As we work to deliver a final budget by the end of June, I encourage you to learn more about the process and the investments we’re looking to make to support our communities — read more here.  

Senate Bill 27 Ensuring Equal Insurance Coverage for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatments Becomes Law 

Last week, Tuesday, May 21, 2024, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed bipartisan legislation, Senate Bill 27, sponsored by Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing). This new law requires insurers to cover treatments for mental health and substance use disorders at the same level as physical health services. It aims to close existing loopholes and ensure that Michigan residents can access necessary treatments. 

Our Senate Majority remains committed to uplifting and supporting Michiganders in every facet of life and will work hard to ensure that our state’s residents have access to mental health care and resources. 

Bipartisan Senate Legislation to Address Michigan’s Paramedic Shortage Enacted 

Gov. Whitmer also recently signed Senate Bill 249, sponsored by Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), which will help ensure more paramedics can enter the workforce by giving qualified individuals more opportunity for accreditation. The bill allows paramedics to receive accreditation through a state-administered exam instead of only having a national exam option, cutting bureaucratic red tape that could reduce time and financial barriers to becoming a paramedic.   

The legislation also updates exams for emergency medical services personnel and requires non-accredited education program sponsors to give specific notices. By expanding accreditation exam options, the state of Michigan is making the cost of paramedic programs more accessible and affordable. 

Michigan Senate Moves Forward on Bills for Special License Plates  

Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) worked with Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to create a new pathway for organizations — like the NAACP or the Divine Nine — to obtain custom license plates featuring their emblems.  

To apply, an organization must first gather commitments from at least 500 members to purchase the plate. Once this requirement is met, the organization must complete an application for a New Special Organization License Plate. Finally, the Michigan Department of State will review and approve the application, completing the process. 

Similarly, Sen. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit) introduced Senate Bill 788, which would authorize a special registration plate for women veterans in the state of Michigan. The bill is intended to further recognize the contributions to and sacrifices for our nation and our state by Michigan’s women veterans. 

Last week, the Michigan Senate Committee on Veterans & Emergency Services voted favorably to advance the bill. If passed, this legislation would allow Michigan to join 17 other states that provide a special registration plate to specifically honor women veterans for their sacrifice. 

Senate Democrats have emphasized the importance of attracting diverse talent to Michigan. Taking these steps has a significant impact toward providing recognition and representation for diverse organizations making a difference across our communities. 

Senate Introduces Bipartisan “Safer Michigan Act” to Reduce Future Crime 

Earlier this month, a bipartisan group of Senators introduced a package of bills known as the “Safer Michigan Act (SB 861–864) to establish Productivity Credits, which provide incentives for eligible inmates to participate in and complete programs proven to reduce the likelihood of future crime. Productivity Credits are a proven safety strategy to reduce recidivism and prepare people who are incarcerated to return to their communities.  

The Safer Michigan Act is sponsored by Sen. Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) (SB 861), Sen. Roger Victory (R-Hudsonville) (SB 862), Sen. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor) (SB 863), and Sen. Ed McBroom (R-Waucedah Twp) (SB 864). This bill package has the support of thousands of crime victims, as well as law enforcement, business leaders, and faith groups in Michigan. 

 

News You Can Use 

Extreme Risk Protection Laws Working to Protect Michiganders 

In the first three months since my Extreme Risk Protection Order (Red Flag) laws went into effect, they were used over 80 times to temporarily remove firearms from those deemed an imminent threat. These laws are working to keep Michiganders safe from gun violence and create a preventative tool for loved ones, judges, and law enforcement. More than 60 of the 83 protection orders approved have been requested by police agencies, and all have reported the implementation of the orders took place peaceably. Read more here. 

EGLE and Michigan Saves Launch Septic Replacement Loan Program 

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has partnered with Michigan Saves, the nation’s first nonprofit green bank, to launch the Septic Replacement Loan Program (SRLP). This program — made possible through the $35 million we allocated to EGLE’s Onsite Wastewater Management Unit — provides low-interest financing options for loans up to $50,000 to Michigan homeowners needing to replace failing or near-failing septic systems. 

The SRLP offers two tiers of financing: income-based loans (Tier One) up to $30,000 per project and market-based loans (Tier Two) up to $50,000 per project. Rates, terms, and loan amounts will vary. 

To be eligible for the program, septic systems must be permitted by the local health department according to EGLE’s minimum standards and installed by a Michigan Saves authorized contractor. 

For more information about the SRLP, to find a Michigan Saves authorized contractor, and to begin the financing process for septic system replacement, please visit MichiganSaves.org/Septic/.  

MDARD Encourages Owners to Help Keep Their Animals Safe this Summer 

With the unofficial start of summer behind us, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) would like to remind owners of some of the best ways to keep their animals healthy and safe. Keep your animals safe this summer by following these seven easy tips:  

  1. Vax & Relax: Keep animals up to date on routine vaccinations. 
  2. Let it Flow: Provide unlimited cool, clean fresh water. 
  3. Happy Tummies: Avoid feeding animals people foods. 
  4. Know Their Limits: An animal’s ability to tolerate heat varies. 
  5. Look Before They Splash: Avoid harmful algal blooms (HABs) in bodies of water 
  6. Animal illness due to HABs is reportable to MDARD. To report cases, submit a Reportable Disease Form or call 800-292-3939. In addition, to report any suspicious looking algae, please email algaebloom@michigan.gov. 
  7. Search No More: Make sure animals have proper identification. 
  8. Small Circle of Friends: Keep animals away from wildlife, ill animals, and animals of unknown health status. 

These tips can help keep your animals safe and healthy throughout the summer. If there are any concerns about your animals’ health now or throughout the year, please talk to your veterinarian. 

Storm Resources from EGLE 

With the tragic devastation caused by the tornadoes that recently ripped through southwest Michigan, the realities of storm season are fresh on our minds. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) encourages Michiganders to prepare as much as possible for severe storm events prior to them occurring. Here are some resources they recommend starting with: 

Explore High-Wage, In-Demand Careers During Professional Trades Month 

With more than 520,000 Michigan jobs and approximately 45,500 annual openings in the professional trades projected by the year 2030, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) to proclaim May as Professional Trades Month. The annual observance honors hard-working Michiganders in professional trades while encouraging students and adults to explore education and career opportunities leading to high-wage, in-demand careers. 

Businesses across Michigan need highly skilled workers in sectors such as agriculture, construction, education, energy, healthcare, hospitality, information technology, manufacturing, mobility and outdoor recreation. Many of these high-demand, high-wage careers do not require a four-year degree and have pathways that focus on credentials, certificates, on-the-job training and Registered Apprenticeships. 

To learn more about high-wage, in-demand career opportunities in the professional trades, Michiganders can explore the following resources: 

National Cancer Survivors Day 

This Sunday, we honor and celebrate the incredible cancer survivors in our lives for their strength and courage, in addition to the invaluable contributions of their loved ones, friends, and healthcare providers. 

 

In The Community 

Upcoming Coffee Hour 

Please join me at an in-person coffee hour on Friday, June 14! 

Good News from the District  

Congratulations to Ferndale Fire Chief Teresa Robinson on her swearing in as the first-ever woman president of the Southeastern Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs. We are so fortunate to have such a strong leader in Chief Robinson! 

Best wishes and congratulations to all the graduates from our district! 

You’re off to great places. Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So… get on your way. 

— Dr. Seuss