Dear Neighbor,
I hope this letter finds you and your family well. As we approach the holiday season and have just celebrated Thanksgiving, I hope you continue taking time to rest and gather with loved ones. Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to express gratitude in our lives — and I am incredibly thankful to serve and represent you in District 14! I have met so many people who care about our community and are working hard to make this world a better place. You inspire me and keep me going strong!
For some, the holidays can be lonely and can leave people needing access to support or resources. Please call our office if you need help or assistance: (517) 373-2426.
In this legislative year alone, the Senate Majority has passed critical legislation to address the issues and challenges facing our state. I am pleased that our caucus accomplished this by listening and engaging in real conversations with constituents. I look forward to our continued progress in the new year.
I hope to hear from you. I work hard to represent you and appreciate hearing your concerns and ideas (more on what we’ve accomplished later in this newsletter!). The best ways to connect with my office can be found below. For more frequent updates on what I am working on and where I am in the district, please follow my official Facebook page.
Please visit my webpage at senatedems.com/shink to check out my future events and sign up for my newsletter.
- Email: sensshink@senate.michigan.gov
- Phone: (517) 373-2426
- U.S. Mail: P.O. Box 30036 Lansing, MI 48909
Sincerely,
Sue Shink
State Senator
District 14
Featured in This Newsletter
- Community Resources
- Legislative Updates
- In the Community
- Upcoming Events
Legislative Updates
Protecting Survivors of Domestic Violence from Further Abuse
Domestic violence is a crisis facing women and families across Michigan and the United States. The issue of domestic violence is also deeply interconnected with gun violence, as more abusers are choosing firearms as their weapon of choice. That’s why Senator Chang and I introduced Senate Bills 471, 472 and 528. On November 21, these bills were signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Michigan has now joined the majority of states that have enhanced protections for survivors of domestic violence. Click here to read more about this legislation.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, visit the Michigan State Police webpage on domestic violence here for more information, or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
Financial Disclosure
For a long time, Michigan was one of only two states where lawmakers did not have to file any type of public report about their personal finances. After extensive input from stakeholders and lawmakers, bipartisan financial disclosure Senate Bills 613–616 passed the Senate nearly unanimously and are now one step closer to helping improve government transparency and codify Proposal 1 of 2022 — which was supported by 2.8 million Michigan voters just last year.
Per Proposal 1 of 2022, and going beyond it, the legislation passed ensures that starting on April 15, each lawmaker must disclose:
- Sources of income;
- Assets held for investment or production of income;
- Significant liabilities;
- Positions held in organizations;
- Future employment agreements;
- Spouse’s occupation and more.
The Senate bills also extend this disclosure to candidates for office so that voters can vet these potential conflicts as they decide on who they want to represent them.
Community Resources
Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Protects Against New Variants
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recommends all Michiganders 6 months and older receive the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine which is designed to provide protection against severe COVID-19 disease from currently circulating variants. I got mine a couple of weeks ago.
Most Michigan residents can still get a COVID-19 vaccine for free. For people with health insurance, most plans will cover COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to you. Michigan residents who don’t have health insurance or have health plans that do not cover the cost can reach out to a health care provider or local pharmacy participating in the CDC’s Bridge Access Program, their health department or visit Vaccines.gov for additional information on ways to obtain a free vaccine. For more information, click here.
Health Insurance Marketplace Enrollment Period Opens
Open enrollment for 2024 health insurance runs from November 1, 2023, through January 15, 2024. Consumers must select a plan no later than December 15, 2023, for coverage to start on January 1, 2024.
Shop for a health plan by visiting the Health Insurance Marketplace or calling 800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325). During open enrollment for 2024 coverage, consumers can choose from 169 health plans on the Marketplace. For the overall individual market, which includes off-Marketplace plans, 228 plans will be available.
For questions about health coverage, visit Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance or call DIFS 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 877-999-6442.
In the Community
Jackson ALPACT Youth Leaders Panel
On November 29, my team member Nancy and I will be visiting Jackson for a youth leaders panel with the Advocates and Leaders for Police and Community Trust (ALPACT). I am excited to learn more about how we can strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and our communities.
Upcoming Events
Coffee and Conversation
Please join me on December 8 to chat about recent legislation, our communities and more over coffee at Vito’s Espresso!
WHEN: Friday, December 8, 2023, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: Vito’s Espresso, 7975 Spring Arbor Rd., Spring Arbor, MI 49283
Clean Energy Future Town Hall
Please join me, State Representative Conlin and the Michigan League of Conservation Voters for a Town Hall to discuss the recently passed clean energy future package.
WHEN: Wednesday, December 13, 2023, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: Clague Middle School Auditorium, 616 Nixon Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Please visit my website senatedems.com/shink/ to learn about any new and upcoming events — we are always adding more. Happy Holidays!