Dear Neighbor,
Happy New Year! I hope you and your loved ones were able to enjoy a restful holiday season and are feeling energized for 2025.
It was an exciting, productive year for us in the Senate, and we’re proud of all that we accomplished to build opportunity here in Michigan. My colleagues and I return to the Capitol this week, kicking off the 103rd Legislature — and we’re excited to continue delivering more progress for the residents of our state this year.
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
- In the final days of 2024, the Senate tackled important legislation to improve the lives of Michiganders. Now, we’re headed back to the Capitol this week to begin our work in the 103rd Legislature!
- Join me for my upcoming Coffee and Conversation event at Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea in Canton on Thursday, Jan. 23 at 5:00 p.m. Click here for more information.
- Jan. 11 is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, an annual observation to bring awareness to modern-day slavery and prevention efforts. Senate Democrats have worked to pass legislation that supports and protects trafficking survivors.
Reflecting on the Historic Progress of the 102nd Legislature
The Senate adjourned for the final time in 2024 on Dec. 20, wrapping up a strong conclusion to the 102nd Legislature. Over these first two years in the Senate Democratic Majority, we’ve worked hard to make Michigan a national leader in pragmatic policymaking, and we’ve delivered great wins for the residents of our state. Our long list of accomplishments includes:
- Delivering on pocketbook issues by phasing out the unfair retirement tax, quintupling the state Earned Income Tax Credit, and making child care and higher education more affordable and accessible;
- Securing transformative investments in people, schools, and communities across the state, including free school meals for all public school students;
- Passing clean, renewable energy policies to protect our air, land, water, and health;
- Protecting our communities by enacting commonsense gun violence prevention measures;
- Strengthening the rights of all Michiganders, including voters, workers, women, and the LGBTQ+ community;
- Among so many more.
My colleagues and I look forward to the beginning of the 103rd Legislature this week, and we’re excited for another productive year of policymaking for our constituents.
Combating Human Trafficking in Michigan
Jan. 11 is annually recognized as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, an opportunity to spread awareness about human trafficking and educate the public on prevention efforts. Over 27.6 million people globally are estimated to be subjected to this form of modern-day slavery, undermining international law and public safety across the world.
Senate Democrats championed Senate Bills 515–517 to protect trafficking survivors in Michigan by allowing statements given outside of court to be admissible as evidence, allowing them to not have to appear in court and see their perpetrator face-to-face to participate in a trial. This legislation — which was signed into law on December 30, 2024 — supports survivors, enables law enforcement to better prosecute this heinous crime, and bring more abusers to justice.
63rd Annual Garden City Santaland Parade
I was delighted to join Garden City residents as we braved the cold to participate in the Santaland Parade down Middlebelt Road. It was a heartwarming sight to see the community come together for this cherished tradition.
7th Annual Merry & Bright: Livonia’s Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting
Together with State Representative Stephanie Young, I had a fantastic time attending Livonia’s Merry and Bright celebration! This annual event always draws a large crowd, making for a festive and enjoyable celebration.
Coffee & Conversation
WHEN: Thursday, January 23, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea, 302 North Canton Center Road, Canton, MI 48187
For more event details, click here.
Lowering the Cost of College for 56,100 Michigan Students
Here in Michigan, we believe that everyone should have equitable access to higher education. That’s why my colleagues and I secured $330 million in this year’s state budget for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, a bipartisan program established to lower the cost of community, private, and public college by thousands of dollars a year for most graduating seniors.
This year, 56,100 Michigan students are benefiting from no- or reduced-cost tuition thanks to our investment in the Michigan Achievement Scholarship. In total, Michigan families are saving over $131.5 million in tuition — which equals around $2,345 in savings per student. We’ll continue working to make higher education attainable and affordable for more families.
Be Winter Ready
The cold and snow are here! As Michigan faces cold weather and winter storms, make sure to plan ahead and take the proper precautions to stay safe. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends creating a communication plan with your family and taking steps to prepare your home and vehicle for the low temperatures, including:
- Weatherproof your home: Insulate walls and attic, caulk and weather-strip doors and windows, and insulate any water lines that run along exterior walls.
- Install a smoke detector and a carbon monoxide detector: Home heating is the second leading cause of home fires; make sure to prioritize fire safety and keep your house safe.
- Create an emergency car kit: Include items to stay warm — a portable phone charger, shovel, windshield scraper, flashlight, battery-powered radio, extra batteries, water, snacks, first-aid materials, jumper cables and waterproof matches.
- Prepare for power outages: Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges; do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
Read more tips here.