Dear Neighbor,
As the summer ends and fall begins, there is so much to look forward to — college football games, cider mills and watching the beautiful leaves change colors. After an amazing summer in District 5, I want to provide you with legislative updates and community resources that I hope you find helpful. Thank you for reading my newsletter and staying informed.
Featured in this newsletter:
- Community Update
- Community Event
- Community Resources
Should you need any help, please do not hesitate to contact my office by phone at (517) 373-7350 or by email at SenDPolehanki@senate.michigan.gov.
Working for you,
Dayna Polehanki
State Senator
District 5
Community Update
Schoolcraft College Dual-Enrollment Program Secures Funding
This week, I had the honor of joining Senator Mary Cavanagh and Representatives Laurie Pohutsky, Stephanie Young and Matt Koleszar in proudly delivering $1,200,000 to Schoolcraft College President Glenn Cerny, for an essential dual-enrollment program.
This significant funding will provide students in District 5 with the incredible opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school! It’s an investment that will empower our students and pave the way for their educational success.
Garden City Fire Station Receives Support for Critical Upgrades
As the State Senator for Garden City, Michigan, I couldn’t be more thrilled and honored to have presented a check for $800,000 from the state of Michigan for much-needed fire station renovations.
I am grateful to Mayor Mark Jacobs and former Fire Chief Catherine Harman for their effective communication, highlighting the urgent need for support with the fire station. Their dedication to our community’s safety and well-being has been truly commendable.
On a more personal note, I want to extend a big congratulations to Chief Harman for her 40 years of service to Garden City. I was thrilled to present her with an official tribute signed by Governor Whitmer, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist and myself. Happy retirement, Chief!
Senate Democrats Take Action to Address Rising Prescription Drug Costs
The Senate Committee on Finance, Insurance and Consumer Protection recently passed Senate Bills 483-485, which would establish an independent Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) in Michigan. The PDAB aims to address this issue by implementing measures to regulate prescription drug costs, ensuring that essential medications are accessible and affordable for everyone.
In 2020, while the costs of many goods were rising, the prices of 500 prescription drugs in Michigan increased at a rate twice that of inflation. Michigan Senate Democrats are committed to alleviating the burden of prescription drug costs on Michigan residents and employers — and they are taking meaningful action to combat this persistent problem. To view the committee hearing on PDAB, click here.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month, observed annually from September 15 to October 15, celebrates the rich culture and histories of Latino Americans in the United States. The month-long observance commemorates the independence days of Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Mexico, Chile, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala.
First established as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 by President Lyndon Johnson, it was later expanded to a full thirty days by the Reagan administration and became law on August 17, 1988. Throughout history, Latinos have continued to progress and greatly contribute to society. To learn more about the positive impact of Latinos in the Michigan Legislature, read the full news story here.
Community Event
Touch a Job Invites Students to MEC to Get Hands-On Experience in High-Demand Fields
Touch a Job is a free event for middle and high school students to discover high-demand careers that pay well and require an associate degree or skill certificate. Attendees can explore various fields including 3-D printing, advanced manufacturing, computer aided design, electric vehicles, energy, firefighting, healthcare, law enforcement, robotics and welding.
Leading the sessions will be experts from the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, Schoolcraft College, AlphaUSA, Trane, Livonia Fire Department and Livonia Police Department.
WHERE: Schoolcraft College’s Manufacturing and Engineering Center — 13001 Merriman Road, Livonia (South of I-96)
WHEN: Saturday, September 30, 2023, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Community Resources
National Voter Registration Day was Sept. 19: Confirm Your Status
Voting is a powerful way Michiganders can preserve and protect our democracy. On September 19, 2023, we recognized National Voter Registration Day to encourage all citizens of voting age to register to vote or update their registration status. Registering or updating your registration status is simple and can be done in less than ten minutes. You can do it online, by mail or in-person at your local clerk’s office or Secretary of State branch.
Michigan Senate Democrats are committed to expanding access to the ballot box and removing barriers that make it harder for Michiganders to cast their vote. Read more here about the work we’re doing to build a more equitable and accessible electoral process that protects and empowers voters.
Resources for Michiganders Potentially Affected by the UAW Strike
For those who may be potentially impacted by the UAW strike, it is important to be prepared as the negotiations continue.
In light of the recent events, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has offered their assistance to all affected state business owners and workers — including the following resources:
- The Claimant Roadmap
- First-time filer coaching sessions
- UIA Community Connect
- Assistance with resetting account passwords
- Work Share
- Registration and Seeking Work Waiver
- Employer Filed Claims
To connect with your local Michigan Works! service center for career services, call (800) 285-WORKS (9675) or visit Michigan.gov/MichiganWorks.
For additional assistance, workers can schedule appointments at Michigan.gov/UIA or call Customer Service at (866) 500-0017.
Animal-Proofing Homes Ahead of Colder Weather
As the summer ends and fall begins, colder temperatures are expected. Animals will eventually begin to hibernate in the winter, so this is a great time to become aware of how to secure your home and prevent wildlife nuisances. Here are some tips that may be useful:
- Remove food sources like pet food and ensure that garbage is securely tucked in an animal-proof container.
- Put garbage out the morning of garbage pick-up rather than the night before.
- Use fencing to protect gardens or individual plants from wildlife.
- If a non-domesticated animal gets into an attic, use noise (loud radio, banging pots and pans) or ammonia-soaked rags.
- Cut any tree limbs that overhang the roof.
- Be sure to cap your chimney to keep animals from climbing in your fireplace.
- Seal pet doors at night.
For animal control resources, please review the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) nuisance animal control directory here.
Apply for the MI Future Educator Fellowship
The MI Future Educator Fellowship offers $10,000 scholarships to up to 2,500 future educators every year. It is now accepting applications for the 2023-2024 academic year!
- Complete the annual MI Future Educator Fellowship application.
- File a current-year Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Be a high school graduate.
- Be admitted into an eligible Educator Preparation Program (EPP) approved by Michigan’s State Board of Education.
- Be working on their initial teacher certification.
- Be enrolled in enough coursework to be considered enrolled full-time during the academic year, or its equivalency for individuals enrolled in an alternative certification program.
- Have reached Junior grade level according to the institution’s definition.
- Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
- Be a Michigan resident since July 1 of the previous calendar year.
- If you are a dependent student, your parent on your FAFSA must also be a Michigan resident since July 1 of the previous calendar year.
Complete a Commitment to Teach in Michigan Agreement, which requires that the recipient teach in Michigan in a public school or qualifying public preschool program for a specific number of years, depending on the number of years the recipient has received the MI Future Educator Fellowship. This will be issued to applicants when the institution confirms eligibility.