Dear Neighbors,
I hope this newsletter reaches you and your family safe and healthy. As the weather continues to be sunny warm, I encourage you all to get outside and enjoy yourself!
Featured in this newsletter:
- Gov. Whitmer Proclaims May 8–12 as Teacher Appreciation Week
- Legislative Updates
- May is Asian American, Pacific American Heritage Month
- Community Updates
- Summer 2023 Job Market Forecast for Michigan Teens (Ages 16–19)
- Applications Now Being Accepted for the Fostering Futures Scholarship
- Helping Medicaid members keep their coverage
Should you need any help, please do not hesitate to contact my office by phone at (517) 373-7350 or by email at SenDPolehanki@senate.michigan.gov.
Working for you,
Dayna Polehanki
State Senator
District 5
Gov. Whitmer Proclaims May 8–12 as Teacher Appreciation Week
On Monday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed May 8–12 as Teacher Appreciation Week.
“Teachers help our kids learn and grow into their best selves and are the foundation of a high-quality education from preschool to postsecondary,” said Governor Whitmer. “Every child in Michigan deserves a high-quality public education, and I am proud that my fifth proposed budget includes the highest per-student funding in Michigan history—for the fifth year in a row. The budget will continue our work to support current educators and grow the profession, by funding scholarships, paying student teachers, and supporting retention efforts. During Teacher Appreciation Week, let’s thank the teachers who made a real difference in our lives and work together to help them succeed in the classroom.”
Governor Whitmer’s fifth budget recommendation continues historic public education investments. Her budget includes the highest per-student investment in Michigan history without raising taxes and free breakfast and lunch to all Michigan public school students, making it easier for kids to learn and educators to teach in classrooms.
Legislative Updates
Governor Whitmer signed my bill, Senate Bill 63, into law!
“Senate Bill 63 will keep students safe at school and provide improved learning environments by amending the Revised School Code to allow a sinking fund tax authorized on or after the bill’s effective date to be used for the purchase of real estate for school buildings, for school security improvements, for the acquisition or upgrading of technology, for the acquisition of student transportation vehicles, or for the acquisition of vehicles used in the maintenance of school building.” — Governor Whitmer
“I would like to thank Governor Whitmer for supporting Senate Bill 63. This legislation gives schools and taxpayers more flexibility to purchase and maintain school buses,” said state Senator Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia). “To best serve students, it is important that schools have a safe and reliable bus fleet.”
May is Asian American, Pacific American Heritage Month
May is Asian, Pacific American Heritage Month, during which we pay tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America’s history and are instrumental in its future success.
Community Updates
Play ball! It was a great day for baseball and softball at the Garden City Youth Athletic Association Opening Day ceremony. Pictured with Garden City Mayor Mark Jacobs and Fire Chief Catherine Harman.
Senators Santana, Bayer, Chang, and Klinefelt met in my district today as guests of Wayne County Executive Warren Evans to discuss Wayne County’s legislative priorities. Nankin Mills is so beautiful!
Summer 2023 Job Market Forecast for Michigan Teens (Ages 16–19)
The Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget’s Michigan Center for Data and Analytics released its summer (June–August) teen employment forecast for 2023. For more information, including resources for finding summer employment, click here.
Applications Now Being Accepted for the Fostering Futures Scholarship
Young adults who have experienced foster care on or after their 13th birthday are eligible to apply for a scholarship from the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury.
The priority deadline for the Fostering Futures Scholarship application for academic year 2023-24 is August 1, 2023. Eligible students enrolled at a Michigan degree-granting college or university may now apply to receive scholarship funds for tuition, fees, room, board, books and supplies.
Fostering Future Scholarship Applicants with questions should contact the state Treasury Department’s Student Scholarships, Grants and Outreach area at mistudentaid@michigan.gov or call toll-free at 1-888-447-2687.
Helping Medicaid members keep their coverage
Take action to avoid a gap in coverage
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government declared a Public Health Emergency (PHE), allowing Medicaid members to keep their health care coverage. Per recent federal legislation, eligibility renewals will start again in June. Monthly renewal notifications will be sent by mail beginning in May.
Following these steps will help determine if you still qualify:
- Make sure your contact information is up to date.
- Check mail or text messages for a letter.
- Complete your renewal form (if you get one).
If you’re a Medicaid member, learn more about how these changes may affect your health care coverage at Michigan.gov/2023benefitchanges.