District 5 Legislative & Community Updates

Dear Neighbor, 

Fall is officially here. While my team and I have been enjoying the shifts in temperature and seeing the leaves on the trees start to change, we’ve also enjoyed getting back into the rhythm of the legislative session. From passing voting protections to ensuring ongoing investments in our public schools, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I are energized to be back at the Capitol getting things done for Michiganders.

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

Featured in This Newsletter 

For over six decades, contraception has been an integral component of women’s healthcare, giving them the power to plan their own course in life by allowing them to determine whether to have children and the number and spacing of their children.  

Yesterday, on World Contraception Day, September 26, the Senate Health Policy Committee heard testimony on Senate Democrats’ Freedom to Plan package, composed of Senate Bills 973, 974, 987, 988, and 1006, that seeks to expand Michiganders’ access to contraception.

The first half of the package, introduced by Sens. Mary Cavanagh and Jeff Irwin, would break down financial barriers to over-the-counter oral hormonal contraceptives and emergency contraceptives. Additionally, legislation introduced by Sen. Mallory McMorrow would ensure more inclusive access to immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraception.

These bills build on a series of actions taken by the Democratic-led Michigan Legislature, including repealing the state’s 1931 abortion ban and our Reproductive Health Act and Family Protection Act, to ensure Michiganders — not politicians — possess the power to determine if and when they would like to begin a family.

To view the committee hearing and hear the testimony provided, you can watch the livestream on the Michigan Senate Democrats’ Facebook Page at Facebook.com/MichiganSenateDemocrats/live. To learn more about our continued work to protect Michiganders’ reproductive freedom, click here.

Michigan Senate Democrats Pass Bill to Bring Dollars Back to Classrooms and Teachers

Since we assumed the majority, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I have remained committed to strengthening Michigan’s public education system. While our new 2025 state budget included a one-time decrease in the rates school districts pay into the Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement System (MPSERS), we took action just last week to make that change permanent by passing Senate Bill 911. By making this commonsense change, Senate Democrats will redirect over $600 million from MPSERS — which is currently funded at 140% — back to our schools each year. This is equivalent to about a $400 per student increase statewide, providing essential, flexible, and reliable funding that schools will be able use how they see best, whether that’s investing in student mental health and school safety, boosting teacher and staff pay, and more. 

This legislation also eliminates the 3% payroll deduction that some employees contribute toward their retiree health care costs, putting more hard-earned money back into the pockets of more than 100,000 teachers and support staff. This bill is now back over to the House of Representatives for their consideration before it heads to the governor’s desk for signature. 

Community Connections 

2024 Westland State of the City 

Westland Mayor Kevin Coleman delivered his State of the City address this month. It was an honor to present official State of Michigan tributes to each of the 2024 Business and Community award winners, including to First Citizen LeKisha Maxwell! 

Grand Opening of Kids Purpose Learning Center 

I was delighted to take part in a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Kids Purpose Learning Center in Westland. This center will provide quality free Pre-K for children in our district — made possible by additional budget funding from the State of Michigan! 

Powerful Parents for Change Policy Pop-Up

Last month, the Detroit Parent Network hosted its first ever Powerful Parents for Change Policy Pop-Up at the Canton Public Library. I was happy to join the CEO of Detroit Parent Network, Jametta Lily, and many parents from our district to discuss universal preschool and many important issues surrounding early childhood education. 

Time to Remember — Time to Act 

In recognition of National Overdose Awareness Week, Face Addiction hosted its Time to Remember — Time to Act event in our district. Thank you to Attorney General Dana Nessel for joining us to help raise awareness about this important issue! 

Experience Your History Through Art 

I was thrilled to join Operation Refuge in Inkster for its celebration, Experience Your History Through the Art of Ted Ellis. This nonprofit provides essential services to Inkster and the surrounding areas, including emergency food assistance, youth development programs, and STEAM education. A special thank you to Pastor Velma Jean Overman for spearheading this event! 

News and Resources 

Make Sure Your Voter Registration Status is Up to Date 

Voting is a powerful way Michiganders can preserve and protect our democracy. Last week, on September 17, 2024, 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. 

Apply for the Home Heating Tax Credit by September 30 

The Home Heating Tax Credit is a way the state of Michigan helps low-income families pay some of their heating expenses. This year, the average qualifying household received $108 in assistance, which is most often applied directly to residents’ utility bills. With these savings, more Michiganders can have additional money in their pockets to put food on the table, afford medication, pay bills, and more.  

Residents can apply for the Home Heating Tax Credit until the Sept. 30 deadline. To qualify, residents must be a renter with a contracted lease or a homeowner and meet income requirements. You can apply for the Home Heating Tax Credit here.