Dear Neighbor,
As we have officially entered August, we’re nearing the end of another beautiful Michigan summer. I hope you and your loved ones have the chance to get out and savor everything this wonderful season has to offer in our great state.
Throughout the summer, my colleagues and I have been busy at work, connecting with residents across Michigan and in our districts. I’ve had some great conversations that have underscored what the pressing issues that need our attention are when we return to Lansing this fall.
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 contact me by sending an email to SenSSantana@senate.michigan.gov or calling 517-373-0990.
Sincerely,
Sylvia Santana
State Senator
District 2
In Recent News
Let’s Meet for Ice Cream in Dearborn
One of my favorite events of the summer has arrived and I hope you will join me! I am hosting a community ice cream social this September in Dearborn. Please join me and others from the community to enjoy the final days of summer and discuss the topics that are important to you and your family. This is a great opportunity for us to engage in meaningful dialogue that helps me do my best to represent you in Lansing.
Where: Dairy Queen Grill & Chill, 4600 Greenfield Road, Dearborn, MI., 48126
Date: Friday, September 20
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
I look forward to seeing you there!
Senate Democrats Celebrate Water Quality Month — Continuing the Fight to Protect Michigan’s Water Quality
The Great Lakes — Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario — are more than just a scenic backdrop for summer vacations; they are the lifeblood of our state. And with more than 11,000 inland lakes and countless rivers and streams, there is no other state in the nation more influenced, shaped, or connected by freshwater than Michigan.
From Detroit and Grand Rapids to Traverse City and Mackinac Island, Michigan’s water resources provide unparalleled benefits to communities across the state, acting as a source of drinking water, economic opportunity, transportation, recreation, and so much more. Protecting and preserving the state’s lakes requires continuous effort, robust infrastructure, and evidence-based policies.
Fortunately, our Senate Majority for the People, knowing the important role water plays in every aspect of Michiganders’ lives, has made it a priority to safeguard our water quality for future generations by investing in water infrastructure, combatting pollution, and ensuring all residents have access to clean drinking water.
Since taking office, my colleagues and I have:
- Secured more than $1 billion for water infrastructure projects between the 2024 and 2025 State Budgets. Funding will go towards replacing lead service lines, rebuilding sewers and more.
- Allocated $1.5 million to enhance the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments’ (SEMCOG) water monitoring program at the 14 community water intakes along the Huron-Erie corridor, helping them protect public health from the harmful impact of potential spills and discharges.
- Passed legislation to combat lead contamination in drinking water and ensure students and teachers have access to clean drinking water in school.
- Championed the historic Clean Energy Future package which sets clean energy standards, promotes energy efficiency, and creates the Office of Community and Worker Economic Transition.
- Passed a bill that provides critical updates for water testing efforts in the state, helping control pollutant discharge from farms and factories.
Read more about the work we’re doing to build up our water infrastructure and strengthen environmental protections, so future generations of Michiganders can enjoy our state’s Great Lakes and unique natural resources for years to come.
Free Mental Health Training for Veterans and First Responders in Dearborn
The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) has partnered with the Detroit VA Medical Center and Frontline Strong Together to host four mental health focused training sessions for veterans who are first responders across the state of Michigan, including one in Dearborn.
The Dearborn training event will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20 at the Dearborn Double Tree Hotel at 5801 Southfield Freeway, Detroit, MI., 48228.
The training seminar will cover topics such as stigma with mental health within the first responder and veteran communities, suicide intervention and prevention, understanding the stress cycle, burnout, resiliency and more.
Click here to register and learn more.
Legislative Updates
Senate Democrats Introduce Legislation to Give Michiganders the Freedom to Plan
While other states work to restrict individuals’ reproductive rights, Michigan Senate Democrats are leading the fight to protect freedom of choice for all.
The Freedom to Plan Act was recently introduced in the Senate and, if passed into law, would break down financial barriers to over-the-counter oral hormonal contraceptives and emergency contraceptives — providing Michigan residents with the autonomy, power and freedom to make their own medical decisions.
For over six decades, contraception has been an integral component of women’s health care. Named as one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, contraception has played a pivotal role in expanding women’s bodily autonomy. Giving women and individuals who can become pregnant the ability to determine whether to have children and the number and spacing of their children, contraception provides Michiganders with the power to plan their own course in life.
These newly introduced bills build on a series of actions taken by the Michigan Legislature to ensure Michiganders — not politicians — possess the power to determine if and when they would like to begin a family. After repealing the state’s archaic and dangerous 1931 abortion ban, Senate Democrats championed the Reproductive Health Act which breaks down barriers to accessing reproductive care by repealing medically unnecessary regulations that are only imposed upon abortion care facilities. Additionally, the Legislature passed the Family Protection Act to modernize the state’s surrogacy laws and protect other forms of assisted reproduction, such as IVF.
Building Up Black-Owned Businesses During Black Business Month
August is National Black Business Month! This month-long observance is an opportunity to highlight the many contributions and achievements of Black-owned businesses in the state of Michigan. Since the beginning of the 102nd Legislature, Senate Democrats have intentionally allocated funding to invest in the entrepreneurial dreams of Michiganders from every walk of life. In the state budget for Fiscal Year 2025, my colleagues and I secured $10 million for grants to uplift minority-owned businesses, as well as $500,000 to support minority-owned food and agricultural businesses in expanding their services to underserved communities — helping diversify the industry and increase Michiganders’ access to nutritious and affordable food.
Overall, small businesses have the power to create jobs, economic growth, and self-actualization for residents. Therefore, championing diversity in business only helps us achieve a more inclusive, welcoming state. If you are looking for ways to connect with, develop, and support Black-owned businesses in your area, please utilize the resources available from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation or reach out to our office to learn more about grant opportunities available to you.
Signed into Law: State Budget Dedicated to Building Up Michigan
Last year marked a significant milestone for Michigan Democrats as we capitalized on their first trifecta in 40 years to spearhead a transformative budget — directing vital resources into historically neglected sectors like infrastructure, education, and local communities.
Last month, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer officially signed the Fiscal Year 2025 state budget into law, building on last year’s transformative budget by continuing to invest in children and families, students and workers, public safety, community development, and more.
This Democratic majority views the state budget as both a values statement and a financial plan. Our cornerstones for the 2025 budget — transformational, innovative, equitable, and intentional — reflect the priorities established last year.
Read more here.
Back-to-School Budget Signed
Last month, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer put her stamp of approval on the K-12 budget for the 2024-25 school year. This budget continues putting Michigan students and educators first and foremost, helping to set our kids up for futures full of success and opportunity.
Last year, our Democratic majority began the popular free breakfast and lunch program for all Michigan public school students — and in this year’s budget, we continued this critical program to ensure that Michigan’s 1.4 million public school students are well-fed and able to focus on learning. More information about the free breakfast and lunch program can be found here.
Our education budget also implements the state’s first-ever “Opportunity Index” equity funding formula that strategically invests more dollars into districts based on their concentration of poverty, prioritizing students and schools with the highest level of need.
We also delivered on the promise of two years of free community college for high school graduates, helping improve access to higher education and better paying jobs. This ensures that every Michigan high school graduate, beginning this year, can obtain an associate degree or skilled certificate tuition-free, saving over 18,000 students up to $4,820 annually.
Michigan Senate Democrats remain committed to meeting the needs and interests of students, educators, and families in every corner of our state, and we look forward to another school year full of learning, growth, and opportunity for our kids.
Gems of District 2
I believe the communities across District 2 have so much to offer those who live there and those who come to visit. As part of this newsletter, I want to take a moment to highlight the gems and the people that make District 2 so special.
Evergreen Community Garden
In this eNews, I am proud to honor Mrs. Shirley Rankin, who has been responsible for the upkeep of the Evergreen Community Garden since 2018. Prior to starting the garden with her own money, she started Evergreen Block Club in 2013 and currently serves as its president. Mr. & Mrs. Rankin moved to the area in 2009. They purchased four vacant lots with the help of the DLBA and beautified the garden with the help of the Cody Rouge/Warrendale Framework Project, as well as community members and State Senator Sylvia Santana.
The Evergreen Block club is located at 7600 Evergreen Ave in Detroit and is a welcoming environment for the residents in the community. Community members love the Evergreen Community Garden as it is a great place to have a small, intimate picnic or just relax and read a book.
Thank you to the Rankins and the community who both contribute to and enjoy the garden. It is looking beautiful!
Resources
Michigan Achievement Scholarship Unlocks Opportunities in Higher Education for Michiganders
Colleges and universities play a vital role in shaping the future of our state. Recognizing this, Senate Democrats have expanded the Michigan Achievement Scholarship (MAS) program to create the “Community College Guarantee.” The scholarship is available to most graduating high school seniors and incoming college freshmen this year.
Under the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, students can receive:
- Up to $2,750 annually if they enroll in a Michigan community college, for up to three years.
- Up to $4,000 annually if they enroll in a Michigan private college or university, for up to five years.
- Up to $5,500 annually if they enroll in a Michigan public university or a baccalaureate degree program at a Michigan community college, for up to five years.
If you’re interested in learning more about how you or your student can take advantage of the scholarship, the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) is hosting a series of informational webinars. Participants will be able to gather the following information:
- Information about the NEW Community College Guarantee
- Michigan Achievement Scholarship eligibility requirements
- Michigan Achievement Scholarship award amounts
- Important action items for students and families
- Additional resources and program information
You can find a date that works with your schedule and register here.
August is National Immunization Awareness Month
With summer in full swing and flu season just around the corner, we recognize National Immunization Awareness Month to highlight the importance of routine vaccination for Michiganders of all ages. Vaccines are the best way for you to protect yourself from preventable diseases and avoid spreading those diseases to others in your community.
> To locate a health department nearest you and get up to date on your vaccines, click here.
> Learn more about the vaccines you and your family members may need to stay healthy, visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website here.
Stopping the Spread of Invasive Species in Michigan
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) recently verified a new detection of invasive hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) on trees on a private property in Leelanau Township in Leelanau County.
Public awareness plays a crucial role in the fight against invasive species.
Suspected infestations in Leelanau County or new areas of the state can be reported by:
- Emailing MDARD at MDA-Info@michigan.gov or calling the Customer Service Center at (800) 292-3939.
- Using the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) online reporting tool or downloading the MISIN smartphone app and reporting from your phone.
Be prepared to report the location of infested trees and, whenever possible, take one or two pictures of infested branches to help confirm identification. To avoid spreading hemlock woolly adelgid, do not collect sample branches or twigs.
Infested trees can be identified by looking on the undersides of hemlock shoots branches for evidence of round, white ovisacs near the base of the needles. Up close, ovisacs resemble cotton balls and may appear alone or in clusters. For assistance in identification, see MDARD’s short video Hemlock Woolly Adelgid: Invasive Species in Michigan.
It’s important to note that other, less damaging pests can be mistaken for hemlock woolly adelgid. Be sure to review photos and descriptions of common hemlock woolly adelgid look-alikes at Michigan.gov/HWA. Help in identifying hemlock trees is also available at the same site.
Although the tiny insects don’t move far on their own, they can be blown by wind or hitchhike on birds or animals. Also, cars, boats or RVs parked under infested trees may transport the insects to new locations. Take precautions like only parking in designated areas, cleaning gear and vehicle before traveling, and leaving firewood at home.”
For more information on hemlock woolly adelgid and other invasive species in Michigan, and to find out what you can do to help prevent them, visit Michigan.gov/Invasives.
Find the Help You Need with Michigan 2-1-1
Michigan 2-1-1 is an all-in-one resource for Michiganders. Call 2-1-1 or go to their website to find information and resources pertaining to utility assistance, housing programs, food assistance, HIV/STI services, COVID-19, home visiting, grief and bereavement resources and services and much more. The 2-1-1 line is open 24/7 and offers help in over 180 languages. You can also use this link to find your local number to text.