Dear Neighbors,
I hope this newsletter finds you and your family safe and healthy. As the summer is underway, I am looking forward to spending more time in District 2. If you see me around, please feel free to say hi!
Featured in this edition:
- Upcoming Events
- Legislative Updates
- Free Summer Meals in Your Community
- Fall Turkey Hunting License Applications Now Available
- Helping Medicaid Members Keep Their Coverage
- Summer Safety Measures
- MDHHS Virtual Baby Fair
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
Upcoming Events
Join me at my Ice Cream Social! This will be an informal event where constituents can enjoy ice cream and hear directly from me about legislative and community updates. I can’t wait to share with you what’s been happening in Lansing and in our vibrant district. Please mark your calendars! Click here to learn more.
WHEN: Monday, August 7, at 11 am – 1 pm
WHERE: The Custard Company, 23845 W. Warren St., Dearborn, MI 48127
Legislative Updates
FY 2024 ‘Budget for the People’ passes
Our people-focused budget has finally passed — reflecting the needs and interests of Michiganders everywhere. This budget uplifts families struggling to make ends meet, keeps our communities safe and places opportunity in the hands of hardworking, dedicated residents.
With our new Democratic Majority, our members prioritized the input of residents, communities and organizations from around the state, using those perspectives to craft this budget. We are proud to have engaged a diverse group of Michiganders, contributing to the most transparent budget process seen in decades. The budget is full of transformative, innovative and equitable investments that will improve lives and our state’s future. Here are a few highlights:
- Public Health and Safety, including funding for essential direct care workers to get a wage increase, fire stations to upgrade their equipment, local health departments and federally qualified health centers, support for gun violence prevention efforts, and emergency alert system upgrades.
- Education, including universal school meals, fully funded special education programs, as well as historic investments in community colleges, public universities, student financial aid and student support resources.
- Infrastructure, including one-time funding for the most critical road and bridge projects across the state, as well as support for improved transportation, water and environmental systems — plus transformative community investments in housing, municipal needs and more.
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, including funds to support the Racial Disparities Task Force and recently passed Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act expansion, as well as racial equity in community health plans, and grants to support business owners and entrepreneurs.
Read more about the budget and how it will impact our state here.
New distracted driving laws are now in effect
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently signed a package of bills to reduce distracted driving and save lives by ensuring drivers have their full attention on the road with the use of hands-free technology. On June 30, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) began installing Hands-Free Device Use signs at 37 locations along state line and border crossings and displaying reminders of the new law on their dynamic message signs throughout the state.
The new law updates Michigan’s distracted driving laws, which currently prohibit texting and driving, to also include watching or recording videos and engaging in social media, among other uses. Additionally, the law provides accountability for drivers who put themselves and others in danger and requires the Michigan State Police to submit a progress report on the effectiveness of the new law 3.5 years after it is enacted. Additional information regarding this legislation and the penalties associated are available at Michigan.gov/DistractedDriving.
Michigan Senate passes conversion therapy ban
The Michigan Senate passed bills — including Senate Bills 348 and 349, as well as House Bills 4616 and 4617 — to ban the harmful practice of conversion therapy by mental health professionals seeking to change the gender identity or sexual orientation of minors. The bills are currently making their way to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk and make Michigan the twenty-second state to ban conversion therapy.
Cheers! July is Michigan Beer Month
The Michigan Senate has designated July as Michigan Beer Month for the sixteenth year, with a resolution notably sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids). Beer is an integral part of the fabric of our state, and Michigan has built a reputation for its high-quality beers and breweries. Since our communities greatly benefit socially and economically from having a thriving beer industry, it is important to highlight and recognize our hardworking Michigan craft brewers. Cheers to them, and to a prosperous future in Michigan!
Helping Medicaid members keep their coverage
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government declared a Public Health Emergency (PHE), allowing Medicaid members to keep their health care coverage. Per recent federal legislation, eligibility renewals were planned to start again in June. (NOTE: The department recently announced an extension of the deadline to submit documents for those who originally had a June 30 cutoff date. Folks can now submit their documents by July 30.) Learn more at Michigan.gov/mdhhs/2023benefitchanges.
Following these steps will help determine if you still qualify:
- Make sure your contact information is up to date
- Check mail or text messages for a letter
- Complete your renewal form (if you get one)
Fall Turkey Hunting License Applications Now Available
Free Summer Meals in Your Community
Have hungry kids and teens to feed? It can be a challenge to find healthy meals that fit your budget. 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 nearest you. You can also text “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 304-304 to find free meals in your neighborhood.
Are you a new or expecting parent? Join MDHHS for a free virtual baby fair to learn about resources available to you, important information and ask questions to experts. Register here.
- Monday, July 24, 2023, from 9 – 11 am
- Wednesday, July 26, 2022, from 6 – 8 pm
Think About Pedestrian Safety
With summer here, many Michiganders are enjoying time outside by walking to work or taking a stroll to their local park. While walking, make to be safe and follow the Department of Transportation’s guidance on how to prevent pedestrian crashes:
- Be prepared before walking and plan your safest route; stay focused and alert.
- Walk on sidewalks, if they’re there. If not walk as far to the left as you can, facing traffic.
- Anticipate what other road users might do — turns, pulling out of a parking space or driveway, backing up so that you can avoid it.
- While crossing, look left and right for traffic; be prepared to get out of the way if a driver doesn’t seem to see you.
- For more pedestrian safety tips, including for youth and teens, click here.
Stay Safe While Swimming
Keep Fires Under Control
When you’re working with fire or equipment outdoors, keep in mind that fires can take off very fast and that the remains of a fire smolder for some time. Keep it safe out there with these tips:
- Contain your campfire or bonfire in a pit or ring and make sure you put it out thoroughly before leaving for the night. Douse the fire with water, stir the ashes and douse again.
- Never leave any fire — including hot coals — unattended.
- Keep a hose or other water source nearby when burning.
- Never shoot fireworks into the woods, dry grass or shrubs.
- Get more fire safety tips at Michigan.gov/FireManagement.
Keep Up With EGLE’s Air Quality Index