Dear Neighbor,
As the fresh bloom of spring revitalizes our beautiful state, let’s embrace the season of growth and renewal together. I hope you are having a great start to spring and enjoying everything that warmer weather brings to our state, including both showers and flowers! Here is what has been blooming in our legislative garden recently.
This newsletter will inform you of some of the exciting things happening in the Legislature and in Senate District 14.
If you or someone you know would like to provide feedback about what’shappening in Lansing, or need assistance of any sort, please feel free to reach out to my office. You can email us at sensshink@senate.michigan.gov or call (517) 373-2426. And don’t forget to visit my official Facebook page for the latest updates on happenings at the Capitol and in the district.
Sincerely,
Sue Shink
State Senator
Senate District 14
Legislative Updates
Michigan Senate Democrats Pass Legislation to Tackle Predatory Payday Loan Practices
Recently, the Senate Democrats passed a bipartisan bill to cap interest rates on predatory payday loans in Michigan. Currently, there are no restrictions on these interest rates and lenders have been charging residents up to 370% on payday loans. Under the legislation spearheaded by Sen. Sarah Anthony, the cap would be set at 36%.
In Michigan, 7 out of 10 payday borrowers fall into a cycle of debt, immediatelytaking out new loans after repaying their previous ones. Moreover, a substantial three-quarters of payday lenders’ profits stem from borrowers caught in a cycle of at least 10 loans per year.
During discussion of the legislation in the Senate Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection, testimony showed how financially and emotionally devastating predatory payday loan practices are to Michiganders. These lenders tend to target and adversely impact those in rural areas and marginalized communities. More than 100 organizations from around the state also indicated their support for the bill.
The bill now moves to the House for further consideration. If the bill passes in the House and the governor signs the legislation into law, Michigan will join 20 other states and the District of Columbia in implementing similar measures.
Senate Passes Legislation to Protect Voters, Prevent Use of Firearms for Intimidation During Election Process
Michigan Senate Democrats passed House Bills 4127 and 4128, legislation that will ban open carry of firearms within 100 feet of polling places and ballot drop boxesduring elections.
These bills aim to prevent forms of voter intimidation against those participating in the democratic process or election officials. This aligns Michigan with several other states such as Florida, Texas and Mississippi. These bills will be returned to the House for consideration.
In Recent News
Clean Energy Future Legislation Creates Community & Worker Economic Transition Office
As part of our Clean Energy Future legislative package, signed into law last year, a new state office was created: the Community and Worker Economic Transition Office. The new office will develop proactive strategies and deploy resources to help companies and Michiganders take advantage of economic opportunities as the state shifts to high-tech advancements.
Housed in the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), this office will lead the development of a statewide plan for advancement into high-tech EV manufacturing and clean energy opportunities. It will strengthen the state’s workforce by connecting workers to quality jobs and assisting employers in accessing resources for equipment upgrades and training to meet the demand in these sectors.
Michigan’s Economic Transition Office is the first in the nation to address shifts to renewable energy in both the utility and auto sectors.
Communities
The Economic Transition Office will continue working closely with community leaders and stakeholders to shape a dynamic, diverse economy. It will craft and implement strategies to tackle the key challenges across our state’s regions. Additionally, it will serve as a central resource hub for regional and federalinformation, offering technical assistance, capacity-building support and sharing best practices to help communities access resources effectively.
Workers
The Economic Transition Office will help workers on their path to these high-tech, high-pay jobs by increasing awareness of and decreasing barriers to accessing resources, as well as partnering with community leaders to influence design of new programs that fill gaps. The office will collaborate with workforce partners, ensuring priority populations receive proactive outreach.
Employers
The office aims to boost Michigan’s economy and equity by prioritizing small and medium-sized businesses, women and minority-owned businesses, and those affected by manufacturing job losses. It supports businesses that offer good wages, decent benefits and fair treatment for workers.
To learn more about the Community & Worker Economic Transition Office and to sign up for updates, visit http://www.Michigan.gov/EconomicTransition.
April is Autism Acceptance Month
April is Autism Acceptance Month. This is a time to reflect upon and celebrate the unique perspectives and talents individuals on the spectrum bring to our communities. This month helps us to raise awareness, promote acceptance, and ignite change that supports people with autism in meaningful ways.
Earth Day 2024
Monday, April 22, 2024, is Earth Day! I am very passionate about the environment and taking care of our planet. That is why I have championed crucial environmental protections in Michigan. I’m proud to have co-sponsored and worked hard to support the Clean Energy Package, which sets renewable energy standards in our state. By taking action and promoting sustainable practices, we can ensure a healthier future for generations to come. Let’s unite in our efforts to keep our communities healthy and create a more sustainable world. Happy Earth Day!
In the Community
Constituent Services on the Road
On April 2, my team and I had the pleasure of joining the Office of GovernorWhitmer for Constituent Services on the Road, which took place right here in District 14 in Northfield Township. This was a fantastic opportunity for our neighbors to directly connect with key departments such as the Secretary of State (SOS), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA), and Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). I’m always thrilled to see democracy in action and to witness firsthand the positive impact these services have on our community.
Upcoming Events
Voting and Elections Town Hall
Please join me along with special guests Deputy Secretary of State AghoghoEdevbie and Jackson County Clerk Cierra Sowle. This event will be a great opportunity for us to update you on some of the recent changes made to our election laws that help to secure our elective processes and strengthen voting rights for all Michiganders.
WHEN: Wednesday, April 24, 2024, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Jackson District Library, 3125 E. Michigan Ave., Jackson, MI 49202
Michigan Natural Spaces Walk & Talk
As the trees bud and flowers blossom, I hope you will join me for a Walk & Talk on May 10 at the Waterloo State Recreation Area. The event will be held from 11:30am-1:00pm. I hope to share ideas and connect with you, while enjoying the beauty of Spring. I look forward to seeing you there!
WHEN: Friday, May 10, 2024, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Waterloo State Recreation Area, 16345 McClure Rd., Chelsea, MI 48118
(Meeting Place: Discovery Center, Outdoor Pavillion)
Resources
Virtual Resource Fair for Families of Children with Special Health Care Needs
The Family Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs, Michigan Family to Family, and Michigan Family Voices are teaming up for a Virtual Resource Fair on May 7, 2024, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Microsoft Teams.
This event is meant to inform individuals with disabilities and their families, caregivers, youth, providers, and community support about the variety of services and resources available in Michigan for children and youth with disabilities and special health care needs, and their families.
Tax Help and Resources
It’s tax season! Remember that the deadline to file state and federal taxes is April 15. If you have questions about filing your taxes or want to check your refund status, view account information and more, click here.
Many Michiganders who are working hard but earning the least will now be able to keep more in their wallets thanks to the expansion of the Working Families Tax Credit, championed by legislative Democrats last year. Those who qualify began receiving supplemental checks earlier this year. If you are a qualified recipient and believe there was an issue with getting your check, the Michigan Tax Help Centermay be able to provide additional help.
Call Michigan 2-1-1
Michigan 2-1-1 is a toll-free service that provides residents with information. Specialists trained to assist community members will connect you with the proper resources. From utility payment assistance to household needs, 2-1-1 is a great tool for you and your loved ones to use.
Though based in Lansing, Michigan, 2-1-1 supports several regions in our state. You can text, email or call for help. For more information, click here .