Community Updates, Events and Resources

Nov 7, 2023 | Email

Dear Neighbor, 

I hope this letter finds you and your family well. As we continue into fall (even if it feels more like winter!), I will be hard at work here in Lansing drafting legislation and advocating for you and our communities. If you need help navigating a state agency, or have any questions about current legislation, please do not hesitate to reach out — my team and I are here to assist you however we can and appreciate hearing from you. 

Help in understanding your concerns and ideas is vital, and the best ways to connect with my office are bulleted below. See more on what we’ve accomplished in this edition of our eNews; for more frequent updates on what I am working on and where I am in the district, please follow my official Facebook page. 

Sincerely, 

Sue Shink 
State Senator
District 14 

 

Featured in This Newsletter: 

  • Community Resources  
  • Legislative Updates 
  • In the Community 

 

Community Resources 

Resources for Michiganders Potentially Affected by the UAW Strike 

Congratulations to the UAW on a huge win for workers! For those who may continue to be impacted by the UAW strike, please see below. 

In light of the recent events, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has offered their assistance to all affected state business owners and workers — including the following resources: 

To connect with your local Michigan Works! service center for career services, call (800) 285-WORKS (9675) or visit Michigan.gov/MichiganWorks. 

For additional assistance, workers can schedule appointments at Michigan.gov/UIA or call Customer Service at (866) 500-0017. 

Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests Available 

As of September 25, every U.S. household can again place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home.  

Here’s what you need to know about your order: 

  • Limit of one order per residential address. 
  • One order includes #4 individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests (COVIDTests.gov has more details about at-home tests, including extended shelf life and updated expiration dates). 
  • Orders began shipping free starting the week of October 2, 2023. 

Before You Throw Out “Expired” Tests: Check the FDA’s website to see if your COVID-19 tests’ expiration dates have been extended. 

 

Legislative Update 

Expanding Opportunities for Clean, Renewable Energy

I am happy to share that major portions of the Clean Energy Future Plan, including my bill SB 502, have passed the Senate. SB 502 will require the Public Service Commission to weigh equity and environmental justice for people too long neglected, affordability, compliance with the clean energy standards in SB 271 and SB 273, and public health, when approving Integrated Resource Planning. 

By addressing key financial and accessibility issues with transitioning to renewable energy sources, the Clean Energy Future Plan will make our homes and businesses more comfortable and significantly reduce energy costs while improving the reliability of energy delivery. 

What a Difference a Week Makes! 

In a single week, our #MajorityForThePeople took steps to address several pressing issues facing Michiganders. Here’s a quick recap: 

Passed 

  • Senate Bill 410 to provide accountability for drug companies, restoring Michiganders’ ability to pursue justice and recoup damages if a faulty drug leads to injury or death 
  • Senate Bills 474–477 to establish the Reproductive Health Act, building on the repeal of Michigan’s 1931 abortion ban and reducing barriers for those seeking reproductive healthcare. 
  • Senate Bills 530, 531 and 575 to strengthen Michigan’s 2019 auto no-fault policy reform and improve access to care for Michigan drivers. 
  • Senate Bill 351 to strengthen Breastfeeding Anti-Discrimination Act to expand protections for those who use a breast pump or other means to express milk 
  • Senate Bills 395 and 396 to abandon punitive and problematic requirements to better enable the growth of teachers 

Juvenile Justice Package 

The Juvenile Justice Taskforce came up with several recommendations last year to reform the way we treat Juveniles in our criminal justice system. We’ve been hard at work implementing these reforms in the Juvenile Justice Package.  

My bills in this package are SB 424 and 425, respectively, they amend the Indigent Defense Commission Act to require the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission to serve indigent adults and youths, and require the Appellate Defender Commission to create a system of appellate defense services for indigent youth. These bills will ensure our criminal justice system gives our states’ youth the care they need. 
 
 

In the Community 

Consumer Protection Town Hall with Attorney General Dana Nessel 

I hosted a Consumer Protection Town Hall with Attorney General Dana Nessel in Dexter at the Mill Creek Middle School. We discussed ways to protect ourselves from scams and predatory business practices. I apprecjate the time our attorney general spent with us—she made protecting ourselves from scams fun. And I was ready when a scammer called me the next day with “ important personal information” for a family member. It was a pleasure to speak with everyone who was able to attend.  

To learn more about protecting yourself and those you love from scams, you can visit the attorney general’s website: https://www.michigan.gov/ag/consumer-protection  

MDOT Public Meeting on Fencing Areas of the Michigan Rail Line along Huron River Drive  

MDOT proposes to install a tall steel fence between Huron River Drive and the railway that runs along the Huron River. Many residents have spoken out against this fence. I have relayed community concerns to MDOT and urged them to provide safe passage instead. Tim Hilton from our office attended a community meeting with MDOT to hear public discussion about the proposed railway fence in Ann Arbor.  

I appreciate everyone who was able to attend to share their thoughts on this important issue in our community. To learn more, please visit: https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/news-outreach/pressreleases/2023/09/15/mdot-public-meeting-in-ann-arbor-to-discuss-proposed-michigan-rail-line-safety-improvements  

Budget Roadshow with Senator Anthony

Sarah Anthony and I spent time touring different locations in our district that received funding in our recently passed budget. I had a fantastic time visiting with the Washtenaw Conservation District and local farmers and land stewards, the Jackson Community Action Agency and other local Jackson leaders and the community of Brooklyn to celebrate our districts budget wins for conservation, housing and accessible recreation. 

Farm Aid Cohort 

Last month, I visited Indiana to learn more about family farming as part of the Farm Aid cohort with the State Innovation Exchange (SIX). My colleague, Representative Emily Dievendorf, joined me and elected officials as well as farmers from across the country. We tackled a number of important issues such as changes in the market, succession, the barriers BIPOC farmers face, access to capital, and Right to Repair policy. I will be spending more time with the SIX cohort learning about issues facing farmers and working with residents and legislators to develop practical solutions.