Dear Neighbor,
October has arrived, and with that, the leaves are falling, temperatures are dropping, and autumn is fully underway! We hope you’ll take advantage of everything the Mitten State has to offer this month, whether that be trick-or-treating with the kids, visiting a local pumpkin patch or cider mill with some friends, or exploring our scenic state parks brimming with peak fall foliage.
My legislative colleagues and I have been hard at work in the Capitol advocating on your behalf and implementing more practical solutions to support both our local communities and the entire state. And just last week, the historic state budget that we passed over the summer took effect, delivering record investments that build up Michigan’s schools, families, infrastructure, and so much more.
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
- Legislative Updates
- Community Connections
- Upcoming Event
- News and Resources
Legislative Updates
Bipartisan Bills to Implement Dyslexia Screening, Improve Literacy Signed into Law
Affecting up to one in five children in each classroom, dyslexia is a language-based learning disability that can impact the ability to read, write, spell, and pronounce words. Data suggests that students with dyslexia who receive high-quality, phonics-based instruction early on can go on to become successful readers.
That’s why Sens. Jeff Irwin and I have fought for the better part of a decade to implement comprehensive dyslexia screening for Michigan students. Our legislation, Senate Bills 567 and 568, which passed out of the Michigan Senate in September with nearly unanimous support, will require schools to screen students for characteristics of dyslexia and provide evidence-based interventions to help students achieve literacy. This bipartisan legislation was signed into law by Gov. Whitmer on Oct. 10.
Learn more about these bills here.
Senate Democrats Push for Stronger Consumer Protections in Michigan
Michigan Senate Democrats are taking action to protect consumers and build a safer, fairer state. This week, the Senate Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection Committee heard testimony on a series of bills aimed at strengthening consumer protections — from cracking down on price gouging to securing your personal data to better protecting our seniors.
Led by Sens. Rosemary Bayer, Sam Singh, Jeremy Moss, and Mary Cavanagh, the bills hold businesses accountable for unfair and predatory practices. These efforts are part of a larger push by Senate Democrats to ensure Michigan families are protected and businesses play by the rules.
Learn more about what Senate Democrats are doing to protect Michigan consumers here.
Community Connections
Livonia Early Childhood Center
In 2021, Livonia voters approved a $186 million bond to benefit our public schools. This included funds to build a brand-new Early Childhood Center. I was thrilled to attend the ribbon cutting for this state-of-the-art facility that will serve Livonia families and children for generations to come.
1835 Livonia City Hall of Fame
Congratulations to the 20th Induction Class of the 1835 Livonia City Hall of Fame. Started in 2005, this award honors Livonia residents who have dedicated a portion of their lives to bettering the town they live or work in. I was proud to attend the Induction Ceremony and support this year’s award winners:
James and Annette McConnell
Livonia Rotary AM
Kathleen McCann
Sister Nancy Jamroz
Paul Shepich
David Parr
Upcoming Event
Coffee & Conversation
You’re invited to join me for my upcoming Coffee & Conversation event on Thursday, Oct. 17! This will be a great opportunity to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee and meet other engaged community members. You will also have the chance to hear our legislative updates and ask any questions you may have.
WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 17 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Coffee + Cream, 38340 Joy Rd., Livonia, MI 48150
News and Resources
Michigan College Month — Free College Applications!
As part of the American College Application Campaign, October is Michigan College Month! During this month, many Michigan colleges and universities waive their application fee in an effort to provide every graduating high school senior the opportunity to apply to college and for financial aid. The Michigan College Access Network created a list of participating colleges.
Find more information, additional institutions waiving their fee for Michigan College Month 2024, and downloadable fee waivers here.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Domestic violence is a crisis facing women and families across Michigan and the United States. On a typical day, more than 20,000 phone calls are placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide. Here in Michigan, an average of one in three families are impacted by domestic violence every year.
The issue of domestic violence is also deeply interconnected with gun violence, as more abusers are choosing firearms as their weapon of choice. That’s why my colleagues and I voted last year to advance legislation to keep weapons out of the hands of convicted abusers. Click here to read more about how Senate Bills 471 and 528 are helping to enhance protections for survivors of domestic violence.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please visit the Michigan State Police webpage on domestic violence here for more information or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. Additional resources can be found here.