Dear Neighbor,
As Halloween festivities come to a close, I hope you and your loved ones had a chance to enjoy all that Michigan has to offer in the beautiful month of October. Here in the Senate, we’ve stayed busy delivering on the priorities that matter most to you, from advancing legislation to protect families struggling with debt to strengthening child labor laws.
Election Day is next week, and over a million Michiganders have already cast their ballot early! Make your voice heard this election and ensure you have a voting plan in place before Tuesday, Nov. 5.
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 SenDPolehanki@senate.michigan.gov or call 517-373-7350.
Sincerely,
Dayna Polehanki
State Senator
District 5
- Senate Democrats’ bills to protect families struggling with debt, strengthen child labor laws, improve maternal health care for communities of color, bolster protections for vulnerable adults, and more advance in the Senate.
- Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Learn what’s on your ballot, where to find your polling place, and more at mi.gov/vote.
Legislative Packages to Protect Michigan’s Kids, Families, & Seniors Advance in the Senate
Senate Democrats recently moved forward several pieces of legislation to protect Michiganders from their younger years to their older ones.
Protecting Michigan families struggling with debt: On Oct. 23, the Michigan Senate Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection voted to pass Senate Bills 408 and 409, which will bring greater equity to the state’s bankruptcy and debt garnishment systems. This data-driven legislation ensures that vulnerable Michiganders can pay off their debts without losing their homes, vehicles, or ability to work. The bills now head to the Senate floor for further consideration.
Safeguarding seniors and vulnerable adults from abuse: To combat the scams, fraud, and theft that Michigan’s seniors and vulnerable residents too often fall victim to, the Senate passed Senate Bills 922–925, which would ensure Michigan’s growing population of aging adults can enjoy the dignity, safety, and quality of life they deserve. These will now be taken up for consideration by the House.
Strengthening Michigan’s child labor laws: Senate Bills 963–965 would increase penalties and fines for businesses found employing minors illegally or subjecting them to unsafe working conditions. These bills moved through committee and are now on their way to the Senate floor for a vote.
Improving maternal health care services: The Momnibus bill package — Senate Bills 818–823, 825 and House Bill 5826 — focuses on amplifying the voices of Black and Brown birthing people, ensuring that their needs are prioritized and addressed. This package is also on its way to the full Senate chamber for consideration after passing through the Senate Committee on Housing and Human Services recently.
2025 State Budget Funds New Reproductive Health, Family Planning Program
In June, Senate Democrats passed the bipartisan 2025 state budget, securing a $5.6 million investment to expand access to contraceptives and family planning services for Michiganders. Thanks to this allocation, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services are launching Take Control of your Birth Control, a new program to ensure Michigan families have access to free contraception and family planning resources beginning in November.
Community partners and federally qualified health centers will distribute emergency contraceptives, condoms, and over-the-counter oral contraceptives to the general public for free, as long as supplies last. Starting in November, visit michigan.gov/takecontrol to locate participating organizations near you and learn more about these essential resources.
Rotary Club of Livonia Annual Spaghetti Dinner
I was delighted to support the Rotary Club of Livonia at its 6th Annual Spaghetti Dinner Community Fundraiser to raise awareness of World Polio Day. Rotary Clubs across the nation have been working to eradicate polio for over 30 years and proceeds from the dinner will go toward continuing the effort in the U.S. and abroad.
Schoolcraft College Foundation’s Fundraiser, CulEx 2024
It was a pleasure to attend the Schoolcraft College Foundation’s CulEx 2024: Dine and Disco fundraiser at the school’s newly renovated Vistatech Center. Proceeds from the fundraiser will fund scholarships and grants to benefit students and program offerings at Schoolcraft College!
Canton Fire Station #4 Groundbreaking
I was proud to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for Canton Township’s Fire Station #4. Along with Rep. Ranjeev Puri, I helped secure $7 million in our state budget to build this state-of-the-art facility. Located near the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Lilley Road, the new fire station will increase access to emergency services for residents and improve the overall safety of our community.
Voting is BOO-tiful! What You Need to Know
It’s not just spooky season; it’s election season! In addition to fighting for your rights at the ballot box, Senate Democrats want to make sure you have all the information you need to elevate your voice in our democracy. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5, but early in-person voting is already underway — avoid the lines by voting early in-person at your designated early voting site indicated by your municipality.
To learn more about early in-person voting, voting on Election Day, where to find your clerk’s office or polling place, what’s on the ballot, and more, visit mi.gov/vote.
Need to register? If you’ve recently moved or changed your name since the last election, you’ll need to update your voter registration. Now that we’re within 14 days of the election, you may only register in person at your local clerk’s office with documentation showing proof of residency. You can register to vote and vote in person up until and on Election Day. You must be in your city or township clerk’s office by 8 p.m. on Election Day in order to register and vote in the general election.
Honoring Our Firefighters, Police, EMS, & More on National First Responders Day
Every day, our brave first responders put their own security on the line to protect our Michigan communities. Monday, Oct. 28 was National First Responders Day, an annual observance to recognize the courage, sacrifice, and service of our first responder heroes, from police officers and firefighters to paramedics and 911 dispatchers.
Senate Democrats acknowledge the vital role first responders play in keeping our communities safe, and we remain committed to supporting public safety officers and their loved ones for all that they contribute. In September, the Michigan Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 834, legislation championed by Sen. Kevin Hertel to double survivor benefits for public safety officers who are killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty — read more about this important legislation here. We also secured historic funding in the 2025 state budget to support local police and fire services, ensuring our first responders have the quality equipment and facilities they need to best serve our communities.