Friends,
I hope this newsletter reaches you and your family safe and healthy. As the weather continues to fluctuate, please stay safe while driving and remember to dress warmly for the temperature!
Featured in this newsletter:
- Protecting Michiganders from gun violence
- Stay safe during power outages
- Winter driving safety tips
- Upcoming events
- March is Reading Month
Please do not hesitate to call my office at (517) 373-0990 or reply to this email if you have any questions or need assistance.
Working for you,
Sylvia Santana
State Senator
District 2
PROTECTING MICHIGANDERS FROM GUN VIOLENCE
Gun violence is a leading cause of early death in this country, killing tens of thousands a year, and it is the Number One cause of death for American youth. From the mass shooting at Oxford High School in 2021 to the shooting at Michigan State University, there have been 34 mass shootings in Michigan that have injured or killed at least four people. The reality is that the omnipresent danger gun violence poses to our society and our fellow Michiganders is not going to change until we change our policies.
Michigan Democrats have introduced widely embraced common-sense gun legislation that will save lives from being lost to mass shootings, homicides, suicides, and accidents. These proposals have been developed with input from state and national experts, public safety officials, parent advocacy groups and responsible gun owners. Together, these bills will help keep our fellow Michiganders from harming themselves or others, intentionally or accidentally, while also respecting Michigan’s hunting, farming, and sporting traditions.
This common-sense gun legislation has been proven effective at saving lives and is supported by Michiganders across the state:
- Universal background checks save lives by ensuring people convicted of violent crimes like domestic violence cannot purchase guns and cause more harm.
- Extreme Risk Protection Order laws, also known as “red flag” laws, will save lives by giving families and law enforcement the tools needed to temporarily remove guns from the hands of people who have threatened to hurt themselves or others.
- Safe storage laws will save lives by ensuring responsible gun owners keep their firearms secure from children and prevent their firearms from falling into the wrong hands and being used to commit a crime.
STAY SAFE DURING POWER OUTAGES
Stay up to date on where power outages are and how to keep yourself and your family protected: Power Outages | Ready.gov
- DTE Outage Map
- Consumers Energy Outage Map
- Learn how to stay safe during blackouts: Blackouts (michigan.gov)
- Know what to do if you see a downed power line
Report Power Outages
WINTER DRIVING SAFETY TIPS
Winter weather can make driving commutes longer, and more treacherous. So, it is important for you to be safe on the roads.
Taking time to clean the snow off your vehicle and tracking the distance between locations prior to traveling can help eliminate accidents. Also, remember to pack drinking water, extra snacks, scarves, and coats in your car in case of an emergency.
If you are ever stranded on the road and need roadside assistance, call AAA or 911. Remember to stay a few lengths away when driving behind other cars. Use this simple trick to stay safe while driving in snowy conditions: if you can’t see the driver’s mirrors or full headlights, the driver likely cannot see you. Now, if there are downed power lines, stay as far away from them as possible.
For more winter driving safety tips, please click here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
I have several Coffee & Conversation events I hope you will join me for. These events are a great way to share your questions, thoughts, and comments on the issues that matter most to you, as well as get a firsthand update on what my colleagues and I have been working on in Lansing. I hope to see you there!
Coffee and Conversation with Sen. Santana
WHEN: Monday, March 13, 2023, from 9 – 10:30 am
WHERE: St. Suzanne Cody Rouge Community Resource Center, 19321 W Chicago, Detroit, MI 48228
WHEN: Monday, March 13, 2023, from 11 – 12:30 pm
WHERE: Henry Ford Centennial Library, 16301 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126
WHEN: Monday, March 13, 2023, from 1 – 2:30 pm
WHERE: Campbell | Detroit Public Library, 8733 W Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209
WHEN: Monday, March 13, 2023, from 3 – 4:30 pm
WHERE: John F Kennedy, Jr. Library, 24602 Van Born Rd, Dearborn Heights, MI 48125
Next month is Reading Month, when we will come together to celebrate and promote the joy and importance of reading in Michigan. Reading plays a crucial role in our lives, expands our knowledge of the world and each other, and helps us grow our imagination and build empathy. That’s why Gov. Whitmer proposed increased investments in literacy grants and coaches for children and adults this year, so Michiganders of all ages can experience the joy of reading.
Make the most out of this month by reading something new, returning to an old favorite, or writing a story of your own! Whether you have a short story that you’ve written or are inspired to write one for the first time, you are encouraged to send it to Gov. Whitmer. During Reading Month, she will be sharing some of your stories on her social media to celebrate your talents and bring people together.
To submit your story:
- Visit Gov. Whitmer’s website
- Click “Contact the Governor”
- Fill out the form and attach a copy of your story!
- Please make sure to include your name, grade, and the city you live in
Submissions will be accepted exclusively through the online system and must be received no later than Sunday, March 12, 2023.