Dear Neighbor,
Spring is well underway now, and I hope you’ve taken some time to enjoy Michigan’s warmer weather and brighter blue skies. Our state has so much to offer during the spring season, from the beautiful blooms at the Holland Tulip Time Festival to the enjoyment of America’s national pastime at Comerica Park.
And while spring is certainly bringing some much-needed joy after a long winter, just know that you are not alone if you’re feeling confused or anxious about the chaos that continues to unfold in our federal government. We’re all in this together, and we’ll continue to support one another in these trying and unprecedented times.
As always, please feel free to reach out to share your thoughts or seek assistance with any challenges you may be facing with state departments. You can email us at SenDPolehanki@senate.michigan.gov or call 517-373-7350.
Sincerely,
Dayna Polehanki
State Senator
District 5
- The Senate passed a record education budget proposal that prioritizes Michigan students, invests in safe and healthy learning environments, and strengthens public schools.
- Join me and Sens. Cavanagh and Bayer in Farmington Hills for a Senior Summit Town Hall and Resource Fair on Friday, May 16 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Read on for more details.
- With gun violence devastating schools, families, and communities across the state and country, Senate Democrats took action to pass gun safety legislation and prevent further tragedy. Now over a year since these changes went into effect, and during Mental Health Awareness Month, I’m grateful to highlight that recent data demonstrates this legislation is fulfilling its intended purpose — saving lives.
Michigan Senate Advances Bold New Education Budget Proposal Focused on Putting Students and Teachers First
As Vice Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on the PreK-12 education budget, I’m proud to share that we passed a record education budget proposal that prioritizes Michigan students, invests in safe and healthy learning environments, and strengthens public schools.
With federal funding for education facing unprecedented uncertainty, Senate Democrats stepped up to deliver a bold, future-focused plan for the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. In addition to raising per-pupil funding to $10,008, the proposal includes $2.5 billion in investments for student mental health, critical upgrades to school infrastructure — including clean and functional HVAC systems — and a continued commitment to free breakfast and lunch for every Michigan public school student.
The budget proposal is part of Senate Democrats’ ongoing commitment to ensuring every child, regardless of zip code, has access to a safe school, a strong support system, and the opportunities they need to thrive.
The Appropriations Subcommittee voted to report the proposal to the full Senate for further consideration.
Recognizing Our Educators on Teacher Appreciation Week
Teachers are the backbone of a thriving, educated America. They show up for our kids and communities day in and day out, even though they’re sometimes the first blamed and the last thanked.
That’s why I proudly sponsored Senate Resolution 42 to designate May 5-9 as Teacher Appreciation Week in the state of Michigan. The Senate adopted my resolution, signaling to Michigan teachers that we see them, we hear them, and we appreciate them.
Michigan Senate Advances Bills to Lower Prescription Drug Costs for Michiganders
While the pharmaceutical industry raked in over $29 billion in net profits during a recent three-month period, nearly a third of Michigan residents stopped taking their prescriptions because of cost and 60% of older adults reported concerns over not being able to afford their essential medications. This is unacceptable.
To ensure all Michiganders, no matter their age, income, or background, have access to affordable, life-saving medication, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I recently passed legislation to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board in Michigan (PDAB) — an independent body designed to lower prescription drug costs and hold Big Pharma accountable. Made up of experts in health care, economics, and supply chain management, the PDAB would be responsible for analyzing and recommending ways to lower drug costs in Michigan. The PDAB would also set upper payment limits — maximum amounts that can be charged for prescription drugs — on medications sold in the state.
This legislative package, Senate Bills 3–5, now heads to the House for consideration. Learn more here.
Michigan Humane Award Presentation
I was honored to receive the Animal Advocate Award from Michigan Humane. I’m truly grateful for this recognition and deeply committed to supporting the welfare of animals. Michigan Humane’s dedication to protecting and caring for animals is inspiring, and I’m proud to stand alongside such a compassionate organization. Together, we can continue advocating for policies and initiatives that ensure every animal has a safe and loving home.
Livonia City Council Legislative Update
Thank you to the Livonia City Council for the opportunity to provide a legislative update. It was a fantastic chance to connect with the local government in my hometown. Engaging with the community and addressing their concerns is always a top priority. I look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts to enhance the quality of life for all residents.
Canton Town Hall
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our recent town hall in Canton! It was an informative discussion featuring Congresswoman Dingell, House Minority Leader Puri, and state Reps. Koleszar and Morgan. Your engagement and thoughtful questions made the event truly impactful, and it’s always inspiring to see our community come together to discuss important issues.
Shine a Light: Autism Acceptance Community Day and Walk
I was thrilled to see over 100 supporters gather for the second annual Shine a Light: Autism Acceptance Community Day and Walk at Tattan Park in Westland. Led by Westland City Council President Pro-Tem Melissa Sampey and Mayor Kevin Coleman, the event promoted autism awareness and acceptance, providing valuable resources and support for individuals and their families. Thank you to everyone who participated!
Corewell Health’s Teen Health Center in Westland
It was great to visit with staff and students at Corewell Health’s Teen Health Center located inside John Glenn High School in Westland. The center provides no-cost medical services to students and community members. The youth advocates I met were impressive in their compassion and drive to make their community a better place.
Senior Summit Town Hall & Resource Fair
WHEN: Friday, May 16, from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: Costick Activities Center, 28600 W. 11 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills, MI 48336
For more details on this event, click here.
Preventing Gun Violence in Michigan
Michiganders take a stand against gun violence on Gun Violence Prevention Advocacy Day at the Capitol on Tuesday, April 22.
From our schools to our stores and even within our homes, gun violence has devastated far too many lives across our state and country. Here in Michigan, death due to gun violence has increased by 25% from 2014, leaving behind an irrevocable toll on families and communities.
That’s why my Senate Democratic colleagues and I acted quickly to secure budget investments and pass commonsense gun safety legislation to address this growing crisis. In effect since February of last year, we passed new laws to strengthen background checks for firearm purchases, require the safe storage of firearms around kids, and allow courts to issue ERPOs to temporarily intervene and suspend a person’s access to firearms if they show clear warning signs of violence.
In recognition of Gun Violence Prevention Advocacy Day (April 22), I want to highlight that data released earlier this year points not only to the need for the ERPO law here in Michigan, but also its effectiveness in intervening before tragedy occurs. In the first year since the law went into effect, 391 ERPO complaints were filed. Among those ERPOs filed, 30% mentioned current or past threats of self-harm or suicide. What this report demonstrates is that Michigan’s new gun safety legislation is fulfilling its intended purpose — saving lives.
- For more information on Michigan’s safe storage law, click here.
- For information about the ERPO petition process in Michigan, click here.
- To obtain a free gun lock, visit a Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services office to request one, or you can check with your local health department or Project ChildSafe police partner.
Prepare for Upcoming Road Closures
Over 55 road projects across the state have recently kicked off, requiring closures on several major roadways, according to the Michigan Dept. of Transportation (MDOT). Drivers should be aware of closures on U.S. 127 in Ingham, Gratiot, and Isabella counties, U.S. 131 in Kalamazoo County, I-75 in Wayne County, U.S. 23 in Genessee County, and M-58 in Saginaw County.
MDOT encourages drivers to remain vigilant, minimize distractions, slow down, and follow posted signage in work zones. For more information on work zone safety, click here. To view an online map of ongoing road projects, click here.