Dear Neighbor,
With August right around the corner, I hope you are continuing to soak in all that summertime in Michigan has to offer — beautiful lakes, scenic parks and trails and abundant, fresh produce for your picnics and grill-outs.
Grab a coffee or cold beverage and read on to learn about the many things our team has been working on both in Lansing and District 5.
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
Legislative Updates
State Budget – Delivering Results for District 5
Last week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer officially signed the Fiscal Year 2025 State Budget into law. It directs vital resources into historically neglected sectors like infrastructure, education, and local government. Our Democratic Majority views the state budget as both a values statement and a financial plan. Our cornerstones for the 2025 budget — transformational, innovative, equitable, and intentional — reflect the priorities of Michigan residents.
Here in District 5, I helped deliver historic, transformational investments that will directly benefit the hardworking residents of our community:
- $3.5 million to update and repair Fire Station #4 in Westland
- $2.5 million for sidewalk improvements in Garden City
- $1 million to replace the tower ladder apparatus for Livonia’s Fire Department
- $1 million for building renovations to open a new branch of the Kids-TALK Children’s Advocacy Center in Canton
- $900,000 to repair the roof at Booker T. Dozier Community Center and $1.6 million in revenue sharing increases for Inkster
As Vice Chair of the Pre-K-12 Senate Appropriations Subcommittee, I was proud to help secure significant funding increases for Michigan’s students, teachers, and schools. These historic investments keep more money in the pockets of our hardworking teachers while also investing in the future of Michigan’s children. On average, our budget increases per-pupil funding by approximately $400 per student statewide, but this change impacts each school district differently based on their specific budget percentages allocated to payroll.
These are the specific breakdowns for our schools here in Senate District 5:
Coffee Hour on August 8th at 7:00 p.m. in Livonia
Please join me for our upcoming Coffee & Conversation event on Thursday, August 8 from 7:00-8:00 p.m.! This will be a great opportunity to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee and meet other engaged community members. You’ll also have the chance to hear from me about our legislative priorities and ask any questions you may have.
WHEN: Thursday, August 8, 2024, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: Madonna University Welcome Center, 36700 Schoolcraft Rd., Livonia, MI 48150
Resources
Important Dates for the August Primary
The Michigan State Primary is coming up on August 6, where Michiganders will determine which candidates will compete in the general election happening later this year. Voters will lend their support for candidates running for the U.S. Senate, U.S. House, Michigan House of Representatives, and other local offices. View the full list of candidates here and view your sample ballot here.
Below are important dates to be aware of for the Michigan State primary election:
- AV ballots available for voters June 27
- AV early processing locations
- Early voting period July 27 – Aug. 4
- In-person voter registration required July 23 – Aug. 6
- A primary election will be held on Aug. 6
Find more resources and information about elections and voting in Michigan here.
Free Summer Meals for Students
It can be a challenge for families to keep food on the table while school is out for the summer. One in six kids in Michigan face food insecurity, and more than 850,000 Michigan children rely on free public school lunches. That’s why organizations and local school districts are working with Meet Up and Eat Up and providing those ages 18 and under with delicious, nutritious meals.
All summer long, children 18 and under can eat healthy, satisfying meals in their own communities at no cost. No application forms required, no registration needed, and no proof of residency asked for — just show up and enjoy a meal! All meals must be eaten at the site. Visit the interactive map for locations near you. You can also text “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 304-304 to find free meals in your neighborhood.