Dear Neighbor,
Over the past weeks and months, my colleagues and I have been working hard to craft a fiscally responsible state budget to ensure that while chaos and confusion comes from Washington, our communities can find security at the state level. Full of people-first investments, our budget will help strengthen local communities, protect vital services, and expand opportunity for every Michigander.
In this newsletter, read more about how our budget will support you and your family, as well as catch up on the other actions we’ve taken to support Michigan veterans and seniors.
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 hosted our annual Memorial Day ceremony last Thursday, and we paired our celebrations with legislative action and support for Michigan’s veterans and their families. Read on to learn more.
- Please join me for an upcoming Community Conversation in Westland on Monday, June 2 at 6:00 p.m. Learn more in this e-newsletter.
- Lyme disease is on the rise in Michigan with cases increasing by 168% over the past five years. Read on for helpful tips to protect you and your loved ones from tick bites and disease this spring and summer.
Honoring Memorial Day with Support for Michigan Veterans & Their Families
Last Thursday, the Senate hosted our annual Memorial Day ceremony to recognize the brave servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our nation and our freedoms. Thank you to my special guest, Sergeant Major William Russell of the Michigan National Guard, who joined me on the Senate floor for this special ceremony.
Senate Democrats paired our Memorial Day commemorations with action to uplift Michigan veterans and their families — because their sacrifice and service deserve to be met with adequate support and care. Through targeted legislation and budget investments, we’ve made it a top priority to build up support for our brave veterans and active-duty service members by:
- Lowering costs for families of disabled veterans by cutting red tape and ensuring spouses can maintain property tax exemptions;
- Protecting the homes of active-duty military members by reducing the likelihood of their properties going unclaimed and reverting to state ownership while they are serving our country;
- Expanding tuition assistance eligibility for spouses and dependents of National Guard members, helping more military families access higher education;
- Strengthening protections for active-duty service members’ credit union accounts during deployment;
- Creating a special registration plate for women veterans, raising recognition of their contributions to our nation;
- Expanding eligibility for the Disabled Veteran registration plate to partially disabled veterans, making it easier for veterans to receive the recognition they deserve while also providing them with free access to Michigan state parks; and
- Investing in veteran mental health services, Michigan’s three veteran homes, grants for nonprofits who provide housing for homeless veterans and their families, and suicide prevention programs for those who have served.
Michigan Senate Passes 2026 Budget to Support All Michiganders
Efforts to finalize our state budget for next year are moving along! The Senate recently passed our proposal for the 2026 State Budget. Crafted through months of collaboration with constituents, community leaders, and key stakeholders, this proposal invests in the people, places, and projects that make our state extraordinary. Together, our budget proposal:
- Puts students, teachers, and parents first;
- Makes government work for you;
- Builds stronger local and state infrastructures;
- Makes our communities safer and backs our first responders; and
- Lowers costs and invests in people.
Our budget bills have been sent to the House of Representatives for further consideration. Learn more here.
Limiting Student Cell Phone Use in the Classroom
As a former teacher, I’ve seen firsthand how cell phones can disrupt learning and affect students’ ability to focus. That’s why I introduced Senate Bill 234 — to help schools create healthier, more focused learning environments by limiting cell phone use during the school day.
This bill doesn’t impose a blanket ban — Instead, it requires each school district and public school academy in Michigan to adopt its own policy to limit student cell phone use during school hours. I believe local school boards are best positioned to decide what works for their communities, and this bill gives them the flexibility to do just that. The bill also includes important exceptions for students to use their phones in emergencies, for medical reasons, or if they have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that requires it. These exceptions are essential to ensure that we’re supporting all students, especially those with unique needs.
The research is clear: excessive phone use is harming our kids’ ability to concentrate at school. This bill is a step toward creating classrooms where students can truly focus, learn, and thrive.
Senior Summit & Resource Fair
It was a pleasure to connect with older Michiganders and share valuable resources at the Senior Summit and Resource Fair in Farmington Hills. From health services to community support, the event was a meaningful opportunity to celebrate and serve our senior residents. Thank you to everyone who helped make it a success!
APIAVote-MI & MAPAAC Panel Discussion
I was honored to be invited by Asian Pacific Islander American Vote Michigan and the Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission to speak at their Capitol Day luncheon. It was a meaningful opportunity to stand in support of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, & Pacific Islander community and to reaffirm my commitment to including AANHPI history in our schools. Representation matters — and so does education that reflects the full diversity of our state.
Memorial Day Service
Last week, I was honored to be joined by Sergeant Major William Russell of the Michigan National Guard for the Michigan Senate’s Memorial Day Service. He graciously presented me with a beautiful challenge coin. As we reflect on Memorial Day, we remember the brave service members who gave their lives for our freedom — a powerful reminder that freedom is never free.
Westland Community Conversation
WHEN: Monday, June 2, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Jefferson Barns Community Center – 32150 Dorsey Street, Westland, MI 48186
For more event details, please click here.
Michigan Working Families, Seniors See Benefits of Senate’s Tax Cuts
Back in 2023, Senate Democrats delivered a historic $1 billion in tax cuts for Michiganders who need relief most. Our Lowering MI Costs plan repealed the unfair retirement tax and expanded tax credits for working families. As folks begin to receive refunds, more Michiganders can see more money being put back in their pockets with the average individual income tax refund hitting $843 — a 50% increase from 2022!
This filing season, 207,000 retiree tax returns saw an average jump of $600 because of the retirement tax changes, and our quintupling of the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit has also provided an average refund of $900 for working families. This means Michiganders have extra money to pay their bills, put food on the table, and grow their savings. To learn more about how my colleagues and I are working to lower costs for you and your family, click here.
Take Action to Tackle Tick-Borne Diseases
Lyme disease is on the rise in Michigan, increasing by 168% over the past five years. In 2024, the state recorded 1,215 cases of Lyme disease compared to only 452 cases in 2020. As summer approaches and more Michiganders begin venturing into the great outdoors, it’s imperative to take steps to avoid tick bites and prevent tick-borne diseases.
Symptoms of tick-borne disease typically start one to two weeks after a bite, often after time spent in wooded, brushy areas. Early symptoms include fevers, chills, rash, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. To protect yourself against Lyme disease, be sure to follow these tips from the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services:
- Avoid tick-infested areas, including overgrown, grassy, brushy, wooded spaces;
- Talk with your veterinarian about tick prevention products for your cats and dogs;
- Use an EPA-registered insect repellent on exposed skin;
- Check yourself and your animals for ticks after being outdoors, even in your own yard;
- Remove any attached ticks carefully with tweezers by grasping the tick firmly and as closely to the skin as possible. With steady, even pressure, pull the tick’s body upward and away from the skin. Cleanse the area with an antiseptic; and
- Bathe or shower as soon as possible after coming indoors.