Dear Neighbors,
I hope you are staying safe and warm in this cold Michigan weather. Be sure to take extra care when going outside or traveling in these conditions. Bundle up and stay warm, watch out for ice and pay attention to changing weather conditions.
Between the Lions’ win this past weekend and the Governor’s State of the State address this Wednesday, there is a lot of excitement at the Capitol this week. With that said, I hope this newsletter informs you of other exciting things happening in the Legislature and throughout District 2.
Featured in this newsletter:
- In Recent News
- Legislative Updates
- Resources
Please do not hesitate to call my office at (517) 373-0990 or reply to this email if you have any questions, concerns or need assistance.
Working for you,
Sylvia Santana
State Senator
District 2
In Recent News
Keep, Swap or Sell? Weigh in on Land Review by Feb. 7
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is in the final stages of reviewing and finalizing recommendations on whether to keep, exchange or sell state-managed public lands, but there is still time for Michigan residents to review them and share feedback.
An updated, interactive web map reflects the recommendations since the initial public comment period closed, making it easy to see what has changed throughout the Department’s ongoing review process.
Comments left on the web map or emailed to DNR-StateLandReview@Michigan.gov by Feb. 7 will be compiled and provided to the DNR director. A final decision on recommendations is expected at the Feb. 8 meeting of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission.
Follow updates on the state land review process at Michigan.gov/PublicLands.
Questions? Contact Kerry Heckman at heckmank1@michigan.gov.
Michigan Serves as a Clean Energy Leader in the Midwest
Michigan leads the nation in federal climate investments, strategic initiatives and groundbreaking legislative victories that put our great state on track to achieve 100% clean energy by 2040 while also creating thousands of jobs. Michigan’s commitment is exemplified by the MI Healthy Climate Plan 2023 Report, an annual report developed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE) Office of Climate and Energy. The report provides a summary of 2023 progress on the implementation of the state’s MI Healthy Climate Plan(MHCP).
Anchored in legislative victories, state investment and action, as well as federal investments, the MHCP positions Michigan as a national leader in clean energy and climate action. My colleagues and I have worked hard to implement policies that: reduce costs; protect land, air, water and public health; foster equity; and create family-sustaining jobs. In doing so, Michigan is creating a blueprint for a more sustainable, just and prosperous future for all.
According to the 2023 Clean Jobs Midwest report, Michigan was No. 1 in the Midwest for clean energy jobs, and the sector is growing twice as fast as the overall economy.
Michigan has an all-of-government approach to climate and has worked to incorporate climate into existing programs and launch new programs including the new MI Healthy Climate Corps and the EGLE climate liaisons. You can learn more about the state’s accomplishments and initiatives to improve clean energy in the MI Healthy Climate Plan 2023 Report.
Clean-Energy School Buses Coming to Michigan Courtesy of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Michigan’s transition to clean- and electric-energy school bus fleets has shifted into a higher gear with the announcement of millions of dollars coming to the state from President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Clean School Bus Program (CSBP) grants.
Detroit, Lansing and Pontiac public school systems will each receive $5,925,000 in federal funding to buy 15 clean-powered school buses apiece.
Funding through third-party multistate grantees First Student Inc. and Highland CSB 1 will help purchase electric buses in five additional Michigan public school systems: 10 buses in Flint; five in Redford Union No. 1; and two each in Mason County, Brimley and the West Shore Educational Service District in Ludington.
Michigan Seeks Input on Advancing Clean Energy Economy
The state of Michigan is inviting input on a historic opportunity to leverage significant federal financing for clean energy generation and infrastructure, economic development, supplier retooling and diversification and other related projects in Michigan.
Billions of dollars in federal loans and loan guarantees are available to invest in climate- and energy-related projects through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office. Michigan is committed to fully decarbonize the state’s economy by 2050 and generate 100% of the state’s power from clean sources by 2040.
Responses must be received by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024. Submit written responses via one of the following:
- Online form.
- Email to EGLE-OCE@Michigan.gov with subject line “SEFI R”
- Regular U.S. mail to:
- Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
Executive Office, Office of Climate and Energy
P.O. Box 30473 Lansing, MI 48909-7973
Call for Nominations for Hometown Health Hero Awards
The Michigan Public Health Week Partnership, a collaboration of 12 organizations working to increase the visibility of significant accomplishments in public health, is seeking nominations of individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to preserve and improve their community’s health for its annual Hometown Health Hero awards.
Hometown Health Hero awards are presented every spring as part of Michigan Public Health Week, April 8-14. Award recipients will be honored at a reception Wednesday, April 10, in the Atrium of Heritage Hall in the State Capitol Building.
Nomination forms can be downloaded from Michigan.gov/mphw. Completed nominations should be sent to Jim Koval via email at kovalj@michigan.gov or faxed to 517-335-8392 by Wednesday, Jan. 31.
Calling All Michigan Artists!
Michigan is calling upon young artists from across the state to submit their artwork for two art contests. Find more information on each contest below!
Michigan State Police National Missing Children’s Poster Contest
The Michigan State Police (MSP) Missing Children’s Clearinghouse invites fifth-grade students statewide to participate in the 2024 National Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest. The annual contest creates an opportunity to promote child safety while discussing the issue of missing and/or exploited children. There are over 670 missing children in the state of Michigan currently.
Michigan’s winning artist will have a shot at the national contest, which includes a free trip to Washington, D.C. and their artwork featured as the National Missing Children’s Day poster. The 2018 national winner was a Michigan student from Clinton Township.
Contest rules:
- Applicants must be in the fifth grade.
- Original artwork should reflect the theme “Bringing Our Missing Children Home” and the phrase must appear somewhere on the poster.
- Digitally produced images, collages, cut-outs and stamping will not be eligible for consideration.
- The finished poster must measure 8.5 x 14 inches.
The poster must be submitted with a completed application, which includes a description of the artwork and a brief biography of the artist, either written or typed. Submissions must be postmarked by Friday, February 2, 2024, and must be mailed to:
Michigan State Police
Missing Children’s Clearinghouse
Attn: Ms. Jolene Hardesty
7150 Harris Drive
Dimondale, MI 48821
Capture Nature Photos for ‘Forests in Focus’ Contest
American Forests is calling for submissions for its annual “Forests in Focus” photo contest. Capture the beauty of forest scenes, ranging from expansive wilderness areas to serene city parks. The submission period for the 2024 Forests in Focus Photo Contest is from January 15 to February 25.
For details on photo categories and entry instructions, please visit the American Forests photo contest webpage here. Ensure your entries are submitted by Sunday, February 25, no later than 6 p.m. Don’t miss the opportunity to showcase your talent in celebrating the magnificence of our forests.
MI Coloring Contest for State Mascot
In honor of the state’s semi-quincentennial, the state of Michigan invites young artists to download the 2-page sheet available here, color it in and give it a name! The winner’s suggested name will become the name of our state mascot, and they’ll get all 12 issues of Michigan History for Kids Magazine.
All submissions should be returned by July 4, 2024, to america250MI@gmail.com, or mailed to 7453 Westshire Drive, Lansing, MI 48917.
Legislative Updates
2024 State of the State Address
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her sixth annual State of the State Address on Wednesday, January 24. At the commencement of her speech, the governor highlighted the past year’s commitment to “making a real difference in people’s lives” through key legislation enacted by the House and Senate and signed into law in 2023.
While the State of the State Address featured nostalgic 80s music references and expressed pride for the Detroit Lions, the core focus was on Gov. Whitmer’s new policy proposals for 2024. The outlined goals include:
- Affordable housing;
- Bringing back good jobs;
- Free community college;
- Free pre-K for all;
- $5,000 family caregiver tax credit;
- Electric vehicle rebates;
- Continue fixing roads, bridges, pipelines and everything in between.
Gov. Whitmer underscored in her address, “Every Michigander deserves a classic Michigan story—you work hard, follow your dreams and build a great life. When you get knocked down, you get up again. You keep fighting. That’s what makes us special.”
Concluding her speech, the governor expressed, “This year, let’s maintain our momentum so that everyone can create their own classic Michigan story.” Michigan Senate Democrats look forward to continuing our collaborative partnership with the governor’s office and the House of Representatives to further progress and positive change for residents across the state.
You can find more information on her policy proposals, as well as watch a recording of the speech here.
Working to Expand Access to Quality, Affordable Housing
Safe and affordable housing continues to be a critical need for Michiganders. High interest rates and home prices create challenging conditions for both buyers and sellers, and many Michigan renters face challenges finding affordable housing too. Due to the high cost of housing, families often have to forgo food, healthcare or other necessities to avoid eviction.
Since taking office, addressing Michigan’s housing shortage has been a top priority for Senate Democrats. Through investments in housing and community development, passing historic tax relief and incentivizing redevelopment projects, our Majority for the People has been working to tackle this issue head on and make it easier for people to find and keep a place to call home.
To learn more about Senate Democrats’ efforts to expand access to affordable housing, click here.
2024 Laws Going into Effect
After a historic year with the Democrats in the majority, there were major pieces of legislation that passed. These are some of the laws taking effect on February 13, 2024:
Restoring Workers’ Rights. Legislation repealing Michigan’s anti-worker law (House Bills 4004 and 4007 and Senate Bill 34) — which allowed union workers to opt out of paying union dues and fees — is set to go into effect.
Gun Safety. This year, gun safety-related legislation (Senate Bills 79, 80, 81 and 82 and House Bills 4138 and 4142) will take effect , including the following: expansion of background checks, safe gun storage requirements and laws permitting courts to temporarily remove guns from those a judge deems pose an imminent threat to themselves or others, as well as temporarily banning those with domestic violence convictions from possessing and purchasing firearms and ammunition in Michigan.
Please remember: Starting February 13, if you are a gun owner who has young children, make sure to safely secure your firearms — unloaded, locked, and if possible, separate from ammunition when not in use. For more information on secure storage, please visit BeSMARTforKids.org.
Reproductive Health Act. The Reproductive Health Act (Senate Bills 474, 476and 477 and House Bills 4949, 4951, 4953–4956) will remove restrictive regulations for clinics, repeal a state law requiring the purchase of a special insurance rider for private health plans to cover abortion and remove a law banning higher education institutions’ pregnant and parenting services offices from providing referrals for abortion services.
Resources
Take Care of Yourself, Combat Winter Blues
The winter season can bring joy and happiness but can also have an adverse impact on mental health. It is important to consistently check in with your mental health and ensure you are getting the support you need. If you find yourself emotionally struggling or experiencing a mental health crisis, please be sure to utilize the following resources:
- Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and administered by Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant). To learn more, click here.
- If you need mental health care, go to the MDHHS website for more information.
Statewide Warming Centers
As the temperatures drop and power outages are apt to occur, Michiganders must know which warming centers are available and accessible in their area. If you or someone you know needs to get warm, please check out this list of available Detroit Warming Centers.
Be sure to travel only if the conditions permit. If possible, call ahead to ensure the warming center has space and capacity.