Dear Neighbor,
Michigan’s infamous winter weather is here! As temperatures drop, I hope you are staying safe and warm. Be sure to take extra care when going outside or traveling in these conditions: bundle up, watch out for ice, and pay attention to the changing weather. If you, a loved one, or a neighbor need a place to escape the frigid temperatures, there are several warming centers located throughout our community. Find a list here.
Below, you’ll find updates on how my colleagues and I hit the ground running during the first weeks of Michigan’s 103rd Legislature. I’m excited about the what the new year holds and remain committed to serving our community by working on the issues that matter most to you.
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
- As we began Michigan’s 103rd Legislature earlier this month, my colleagues and I wasted no time in introducing legislation to increase government transparency, improve access to affordable health care, and support working families.
- Join me later today for a Coffee and Conversation event at Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea in Canton at 5:00 p.m. Click here for more information.
- With sub-zero temperatures and dangerous wind chills in the forecast this week, make sure you take proper safety precautions such as limiting your time outdoors, checking on others, and preparing for travel emergencies.
Honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. Through Action
As your State Senator, I have been fighting to make Michigan a state where you and your loved ones can thrive, no matter the color of your skin, who you love, or the amount of money in your wallet. As elected officials, our actions — both the policies we put in place and budget decisions we make — should underscore the very fact that we all deserve to be treated with dignity.
This week, we remember and pay respect to Martin Luther King, Jr. whose courage, tenacity and leadership forged a more inclusive and just future for our nation. His efforts, along with the tireless work and sacrifice of many other social justice trailblazers, helped lay a progressive foundation that we continue to build on today.
From banning race-based hair discrimination and expanding historic protections for our LGBTQ+ community to passing legislation combating hate crimes and permanently establishing Michigan’s Black Leadership Advisory Council, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I have been laser-focused on continuing Dr. King’s work here in our state. This year, we remain committed to championing legislation and investments to uplift Michiganders across the state, especially for communities who have been historically marginalized and underrepresented.
Michigan’s 103rd Legislature Kicks Off with Focus on Accountability and Affordability
As we began Michigan’s 103rd Legislature earlier this month, my colleagues and I wasted no time in introducing legislation to address the issues important to you. These bills would increase government transparency, improve access to affordable health care, and support working families.
- Senate Bills 1 and 2 would expand the state’s Freedom of Information Act to include the Michigan Legislature and governor. Similar legislation passed by the Senate in the 102nd Legislature garnered widespread and bipartisan support.
- Senate Bills 3-5 aim to establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board in Michigan — an independent body designed to lower prescription drug costs and hold Big Pharma accountable. These bills build on Michigan Senate Democrats’ efforts during the 102nd Legislature to lower costs for working families here in Michigan.
- Senate Bills 6-8 and 15 focus on strengthening protections for Michigan workers. These bills would raise the state’s minimum wage, protect service workers’ tips, require employers to offer paid sick leave, and crack down on illegal wage theft.
Throughout this legislative term, Senate Democrats are committed to building on previous successes and delivering real, lasting benefits for families across the state.
New Livonia Senior and Recreation Center
Hey, fellow Livonians! I am so proud to have helped deliver $5 million for our new senior center. Thank you to Mayor Brosnan for the tour of Phases I and II of “Project Catalyst” — the new senior and recreation center renovation.
Livonia enjoys around 80,000 visits to the current senior center per year and a whopping 800,000 visits to our recreation center every year. It only makes sense to connect the two facilities together! The new senior center will be a huge two-story gathering place connected to the rec center with an elevator, covered entrance, fireplace, coffee shop, lots of parking, and plenty of meeting spaces for your clubs and activities.
Mayor Brosnan and I are standing in front of the new senior center in the photo above. Check in on the progress of the project by clicking here.
Westland’s Annual MLK Day Ceremony
Thank you to Mayor Coleman for inviting me to Westland’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Ceremony hosted by C. Paschal Eze, Chief Diversity Officer.
Elder Jonathan M. Wynne, Detroit Pistons Chaplain, gave a powerful keynote speech. The theme was “don’t change your dream, change your strategy.”
We capped the ceremony with the Davis’ uplifting rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
Coffee & Conversation Today!
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.
Save the Date! 2025 State of the State Address
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will be delivering the 2025 State of the State Address on the evening of Wednesday, Feb. 26. In the speech, the governor will address members of the Legislature as well as Michiganders across the state as she lays out plans for the year ahead to create good-paying jobs, fix our roads, invest in our students, and more.
Over the past two years, we’ve had a strong partner in Gov. Whitmer as we worked to lower costs, drive change, and create opportunities for the people of our state. As we dive deeper into a new legislative session with new colleagues in the Michigan House, I look forward to another productive term and seeing all that we can accomplish together to build up our communities.
You can watch the address on your local TV channel, online here, on Facebook, and YouTube.
Play It Nice and Safe Around Ice This Winter
With cold temperatures becoming more consistent throughout the state, more people are enjoying ice fishing, skating, hockey, and other outdoor adventures. The Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources urges everyone to have fun but always use caution when venturing onto or near ice.
Ice is often unstable around river mouths and near lake and river currents. Reservoirs with changing water levels also require great caution. Frozen bodies of water should be checked very carefully before braving the ice. While there is no perfectly reliable method to determine if ice is safe, you can use a spud, needle bar or auger to test the thickness and quality of ice.
Additional ice safety tips include:
- If there’s ice on the lake but water around the shoreline, use extra caution.
- If you are visiting a new area, ask locals at bait shops, restaurants, or stores about ice conditions, but always check conditions for yourself before going onto the ice.
- If you’re walking on the ice, wear a pair of ice cleats to help with traction.
- Wear bright colors to increase your visibility. White clothing and gear are difficult to see.
- Use the buddy system and tell someone who is staying on shore where you will be and when you plan to return.
- If you’re operating a snowmobile or off-road vehicle, ride in a staggered line. This makes it easier to maneuver in case a rider ahead of you breaks through the ice.
For more information, visit Michigan.gov/IceSafety. For snowmobile safety tips, go to Michigan.gov/RideRight.