Dear Neighbor,
Happy Fourth! Summer is officially underway, bringing extreme temperatures and severe weather with it. Be sure to take care of yourself, your loved ones, and your community during this heatwave — and especially during this time of uncertainty and unrest for so many across our state and nation.
No matter what we’re up against, please understand that as your state Senator, I’m always fighting to protect our Michigan communities from the chaos ensuing in the federal government. My Democratic colleagues and I are in your corner, and we’ll continue doing everything in our power to safeguard our state and our residents from harm’s way.
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 has been working hard to strengthen Michiganders’ public safety, recently advancing legislation to enhance roadway safety, improve police practices, and build a future free from gun violence.
- Please join me for a Community Conversation event at the Madonna University Welcome Center on Friday, July 18 at 12:30 p.m. Read on for more details.
- With the high temperatures we’ve been experiencing and more on the way, the Michigan Dept. of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) offers seven helpful tips for pet owners to keep their furry friends safe and cool over the warm summer months. Learn more below.
What Medicaid Means to Michigan
Medicaid is a lifeline for people in every corner of this state and country, allowing folks to get the health care they need, when they need it — no matter their income. The $535 billion that Trump and Congressional Republicans have been working to slash from the program would devastate Michigan families, hospitals, and our economy all while pumping more money into the pockets of our nation’s wealthiest individuals and corporations.
In response to the administration’s threats to dismantle this essential safety net, the Senate Health Policy Committee and Appropriations Subcommittee on the Dept. of Health and Human Services (DHHS) convened a joint meeting where they reviewed, accepted and adopted a new report developed by Senate Democrats that outlines the impact federal cuts to Medicaid would have on Michiganders. In underscoring what Medicaid means to Michigan, the report highlights that:
- One in four Michiganders relies on Medicaid, including two in five children and three in five nursing home residents.
- Medicaid patients make up 22% of hospital volume statewide, and 40% in rural hospitals. Without this funding, hospitals would be forced to significantly downsize or close altogether — forcing everyone to travel farther and wait longer to receive care.
- Nearly 500,000 Michiganders could lose coverage due to new bureaucratic hurdles and red tape.
- Proposed cuts jeopardize 300,000 health care jobs across Michigan sparked by Medicaid’s expansion and would deliver a projected $2.9 billion blow to Michigan’s economy.
To view the full report, click here.
Standing Against Federal Cuts & Chaos
From rash federal cuts to essential programs that serve the American people to haphazardly gutting entire federal agencies — it’s clear that the Trump administration has stoked unprecedented chaos, fear, and uncertainty across our nation. While this administration continues to disregard law and order and advance the priorities of America’s wealthiest, Senate Democrats remain steadfast in our commitment to serving you — the hardworking residents of Michigan.
Over the past few months, my colleagues and I have chaired Senate committee hearings to explore the devastating impacts of federal funding cuts on Michigan families, workers, consumers, seniors, and farmers. We’ve utilized the Senate floor as a platform to speak out against Trump’s pardoning of violent Jan. 6 criminals, his reckless tariffs, and his haphazard proposed slashing of Medicaid and other critical programming in his “Big Beautiful Bill.” And, we’ve hosted community events across our districts to hear directly from folks impacted by the chaos coming out of Washington.
This fight is far from over, but we’ll continue standing strong during these challenging times, no matter what we’re up against. Read more about our efforts to protect Michiganders from the effects of Trump’s federal mayhem here — and read about how our proposed state budget works to further stand up for Michigan residents here.
A Snapshot of Legislative Activity at the Capitol
Along with recently passing a bold budget plan for 2026, Senate Democrats have been working hard to advance important legislation that address our gun violence crisis, supports Michigan’s animal shelters and rescue organizations, protects access to reproductive health care, and improves public safety:
Combatting Our Gun Violence Crisis: Last week, Senate Democrats passed three commonsense gun safety measures to prohibit bump stocks, serialize ghost guns, and prohibit firearms in the Capitol and certain surrounding government buildings. I was proud to sponsor two bills in these packages, including Senate Bill 224 to keep dangerous bump stocks out of the public’s hands and Senate Bill 225 to keep our Capitol safe for all who come to visit the building on school trips or for advocacy days.
Animal Fundraising License Plate Bill: I proudly championed Senate Bill 106, which would create a specialty fundraising license plate that funds free or low-cost spay and neuter services, in addition to training and education programs for folks working or volunteering in Michigan’s animal shelters and rescue organizations. My bill passed the Senate last week and now awaits further action in the House.
Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act: Last week, Senate Democrats passed Senate Bills 154-155 to protect both those seeking reproductive health care and the medical professionals who provide it. The state-level FACE Act works to ensure patients can access the care they need, when they need it — without intimidation or fear of harm. These bills now head to the House for further consideration.
Improving Public Safety: Senate Democrats also recently advanced legislation to enhance public safety and community trust. Bipartisan Senate Bills 216-217 would improve roadway safety by strengthening penalties for drivers who injure or kill cyclists, pedestrians, wheelchair users, and other vulnerable roadway users. These bills passed the Senate floor last week and now head to the House for consideration.
We also heard testimony on the Police Practices Standardization, Transparency, and Trust (S.T.A.T.) package to improve law enforcement practices and transparency, making our communities safer for everyone. Crafted through extensive work with community stakeholders and law enforcement, these commonsense reforms would ensure Michigan remains a leader in advancing policies that enhance public safety and uphold justice for all.
Honoring Livonia’s Legacy on Its 75th Anniversary
Click here to watch us celebrate Livonia’s 75th Anniversary!
I was deeply honored to join our community in celebration of Livonia’s 75th Anniversary. It is a true privilege to serve the people of Livonia and to present a special tribute honoring the spirit, resilience, and 75-year legacy of a city that continues to inspire all who call it home. Thank you to Mayor Maureen Miller Bronsan, the City Council, community leaders, local volunteers, and every neighbor who helped coordinate and participate in this celebration. Here’s to the next 75 years!
Building Bridges at Livonia Pride
I was proud to attend Livonia Pride, hosted by Schoolcraft College, and stand in celebration of love, inclusion, and diversity that makes our community stronger. It was nice to see some familiar faces, State Representative Matt Koleszar, Livonia City Council member Carrie Budinski, and Livonia Pride organizer Renay Weiss-Stansell. Livonia Pride was a beautiful reminder that everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported.
Hitting the Pavement in Livonia
This week, Team Polehanki hit District 5 doors, meeting constituents and hearing firsthand what’s on their minds. There’s nothing like knocking on doors to remind us how connected and engaged Livonia truly is.
Community Conversation
WHEN: Friday, July 18, 2025, from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
WHERE: Madonna University Welcome Center – 36700 Schoolcraft Road, Livonia, MI 48150
Keep Your Animals Safe this Summer
Summer can be an especially dangerous time for not only our families and communities, but also our pets and animals. With the high temperatures we’ve been experiencing and more on the way, the Michigan Dept. of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) wants pet owners to know these seven helpful tips to keep their furry friends safe and cool over the warm summer months:
- Travel Smart: Make sure animals have everything they need to travel safely
Be sure your animals have all the documentation, vaccinations, tests, and treatments they need to reach their destination. - Let it Flow: Provide unlimited cool, clean, fresh water
No matter the species, animals should have access to an abundant supply of cool, clean, fresh water to prevent dehydration. - Happy Tummies: Avoid feeding animals people foods
Salty, fatty, and/or highly seasoned foods (like chips, nuts, and meat fat) can cause digestive upset. Also, chocolate, grapes/raisins, onions, and xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in many candies and gum) can be poisonous to animals; and bones can cause injury and illness. - Know Their Limits: An animal’s ability to tolerate heat varies
An animal’s age, breed, type of coat, and health history can all play a role in their ability to tolerate the heat. Keep an eye on them for signs of heat stress like increased panting or drooling and being more lethargic. If they are showing these signs, it is time to immediately move them to a cooler area. - Look Before They Splash: Avoid harmful algal blooms (HABs) in bodies of water
To prevent illness in animals, keep them out of areas with scums or discolored water, rinse them off after contact with any lake water, and bring clean, fresh water for them to drink. If an animal becomes sick after contact with a suspected HAB, call your veterinarian right away. - Search No More: Make sure animals have proper identification
With all the fun outdoor activities, it can be easy for animals to sneak away and become lost. Make sure they have identification tags and/or microchips that are up to date with your current contact information, ensuring a better chance they can be returned home. - Small Circle of Friends: Keep animals away from wildlife, ill animals, and animals of unknown health status
Any animal, domestic or wild, has the potential to carry disease. Protect your animals by keeping them away from any unfamiliar creatures. - Protect Yourself from Heat-Related Illness
This week, temperatures are expected to reach the 90s with heat index values near and above 100 degrees. When it’s very hot, there’s an increased risk of heat-related illness, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can worsen and cause heat stroke or even death.
To stay healthy during these record high temperatures, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Drink more fluids and avoid liquids with large amounts of sugar or alcohol.
- Limit outdoor activities to when it’s coolest in the morning and evening.
- Spend time indoors with air conditioning.
- Check to make sure your air conditioner filters are clean, and the unit is working properly.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- Wear sunscreen, as sunburn affects the body’s ability to cool down.
- Check on your neighbors and relatives.
- Never leave children or pets unattended in cars, even with the windows cracked.
Safe Firearm Storage Reminder
Each year in the United States, hundreds of children are accidentally injured or killed by firearms that are not properly secured.
With last month being National Gun Violence Prevention Month, the Michigan State Police is reminding residents that Michigan gun owners are legally responsible for ensuring their firearms are stored in a safe manner. The state’s Secure Storage Law requires individuals to keep unattended firearms unloaded and locked with a locking device or stored in a locked box or container if it is reasonably known that a minor is likely to be present on the premises.
Safe storage can reduce the risk of both intentional and unintentional injuries and deaths, as well as lower the rates of firearm theft. Next time you store your firearm, ensure it’s unloaded, locked, and kept separate from ammunition. If you don’t have a gun lock but need one, free locks can be obtained through Project ChildSafe police partners across the state. To find one near you, click here.