Dear Neighbor,
As we enter June and jump into the summer season, I hope you can spend time outside. Whether you enjoy gardening, cooking on the barbeque, swimming, or taking a stroll around a local park — there are many ways to enjoy the best our state has to offer this time of year.
The Michigan Senate and the House are continuing to work on the Fiscal Year 2025 state budget that will be presented to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to sign. We are working hard, ensuring state dollars go toward our people and the communities where we live, work, and grow. As always, this newsletter serves as an update on what we’re accomplishing here in Lansing on your behalf.
If you or someone you know would like to provide feedback about what’shappening in Lansing or needs assistance, please contact 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.
Sincerely,
Sue Shink
State Senator
District 14
Featured in This Newsletter
- Legislative Updates
- In Recent News
- In the Community
- Upcoming Events
- Resources
Legislative Updates
Senate Bill 27 Ensuring Equal Insurance Coverage for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatments Becomes Law
On May 21, 2024, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed bipartisan legislation, Senate Bill 27, sponsored by Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing). This new law requires insurers to cover treatments for mental health and substance use disorder at the same level as physical health services. It aims to close existing loopholes and ensure that Michigan residents can access the necessary treatments.
Our Senate Majority remains committed to ensuring access to healthcare and saving residents money at the same time.
Bipartisan Senate Legislation to Address Michigan’s Paramedic Shortage Enacted
Gov. Whitmer also recently signed Senate Bill 249, sponsored by Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), legislation that will help ensure more paramedics can enter the workforce by giving qualified individuals more avenues for accreditation. The bill allows paramedics to receive accreditation through a state-administered exam instead of only having a national exam option, cutting bureaucratic red tape that could reduce time and financial barriers to becoming a paramedic.
The legislation also updates exams for emergency medical services personnel and requires non-accredited education program sponsors to give specific notices. By expanding accreditation exam options, the State of Michigan is reducing the cost of becoming a paramedic.
Michigan Senate Moves Forward on Bills for Special License Plates
Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) worked with Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to create a new pathway for organizations — like the NAACP or the Divine Nine — to obtain custom license plates featuring their emblems.
To apply, an organization must first gather commitments from at least 500 members to purchase the plate. Once this requirement is met, the organization must complete an application for a New Special Organization License Plate. Finally, the Michigan Department of State will review and approve the application, completing the process.
Similarly, Sen. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit) introduced Senate Bill 788, which would authorize a special registration plate for women veterans in the state of Michigan. The bill is intended to further recognize the contributions and sacrifices for our nation and our state by Michigan’s women veterans.
Last week, the Michigan Senate Committee on Veterans & Emergency Services voted favorably to advance the bill. If passed, this legislation would allow Michigan to join 17 other states that provide a special registration plate to specifically honor women veterans for their sacrifice.
Senate Democrats are working to attract diverse talent to Michigan. Thesespecial plates recognize and celebrate diverse organizations making a difference across our communities.
In Recent News
Michigan Senate Memorial Day Celebration
Every year since 1995, the Michigan Senate has held a special session to commemorate Memorial Day and recognize Michigan veterans, active military servicemembers, and their families, including our state’s Blue Star Mothers, to express both the Senate’s and the entire state’s gratitude for their service. The ceremony also recognizes Michigan soldiers who have lost their lives as well as their Gold Star Families they have left behind.
I was happy to invite Michigan National Guard veteran Trista Rink to the Capitol on Thursday, May 23, to partake in our annual Memorial Day session. Ms. Rink served in Iraq and is now a Great Start Readiness Program supervisor. Video of the full ceremony can be found here. It was an honor to be part of this important ceremony to recognize our Michigan veterans and the sacrifices of our service members and their families. I remain committed to supporting our veterans through important policy changes and positive budget investments. Look for more details of our work to support veterans in future newsletters.
Creating a Welcoming, Inclusive State for All During Pride Month
Michigan Senate Democrats are committed to cultivating true inclusion and belonging in Michigan — not only during the month of June, but every day year-round. Since taking office, our Majority for the People has expanded the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA), reaffirming and expanding legal protections for the LGBTQ+ community. This effort has been 50 years in the making and will protect our LGBTQ+ family, friends, coworkers and neighbors against discrimination in employment, public accommodations and public services. It also will provide protection in educational facilities, housing and real estate.
In addition to passing a resolution recognizing June as Pride Month, the Michigan Senate has passed bills — including Senate Bills 348 and 349— to ban the harmful practice of conversion therapy by mental health professionals seeking to change the gender identity or sexual orientation of minors.
These legislative efforts are a big step forward for Michigan, but certainly not the last. Our caucus remains committed to putting forth legislation that will further advance our shared mission of equity and inclusion.
Building Safe Communities: Senate Democrats Recognize National Gun Violence Awareness Month
To draw attention to the issue of gun violence and advocate for life-saving policies, the Michigan Senate recently passed a resolution recognizing June as Gun Violence Awareness Month. Gun violence is a public health crisis that plagues communities across our state, leaving an irrevocable mark on mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, friends, and neighbors. Since 2012, we’ve seen the rate of gun deaths in Michigan increase by 25%, and firearms are now the leading cause of death for children and teens, and a significant cause of death for older white men. For all these reasons, there has never been a more important time for lawmakers to act on commonsense policies that are proven to make our communities safer.
After assuming the Majority, my colleagues and I delivered a slate of commonsense gun violence prevention legislation for which Michigan residents have waited too many years. This legislation closes dangerous loopholes to strengthen background checks, requires the secure storage of firearms to keep them away from young children, disarms individuals convicted of domestic violence and allows for the temporary removal of firearms from people who pose a significant risk to themselves or others.
As we work to build safe communities for all Michiganders to enjoy, I remain committed to championing evidence-based solutions to this public health crisis.
Calling All Michigan Artists! Secretary Benson Announces New “I Voted” Sticker Contest
Grab your color pencils, crayons or markers — Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson recently announced the state’s inaugural “I Voted” sticker contest, which is now accepting entries from students enrolled in Michigan schools and Michigan residents.
Michiganders can apply for a chance to see their design on an official “I Voted” sticker that will be handed out to voters when they go to the polls this year. Local election clerks can order the winning sticker designs in time for the November election.
The contest has separate entry categories for grades K-8, grades 9-12, and general entry which is open to Michigan residents of all ages. Designs must be completed on the official entry form available at Michigan.gov/IVotedSticker, nonpartisan, and must include the phrase “I Voted.”
Entries are due by 11:59 pm on Sunday, June 30. Full contest rules are at Michigan.gov/IVotedSticker. The public can vote for finalists online throughout July. Winners will be announced in August and will receive special recognition from Secretary Benson.
In the Community
Mackinac Policy Conference 2024
I enjoyed attending this year’s Mackinac Policy Conference, withopportunities for great meetings and impactful policy discussions. I took to the stage to support Tobacco-Free Kids with the Greater Detroit Regional Chamber. Our kids deserve to have protection from predatory marketing and flavored tobacco products that lure them into addiction.
Special Olympics Capitol Day
I had the privilege of meeting athletes, staff, and supporters of Special Olympics Michigan when they visited the Capitol on June 4. We learned about Unified Champion Schools, a model to change school culture to make schools more socially inclusive.
Upcoming Events
Safe Aging Town Hall
Coming soon! On today, Friday, June 14, I’ll join a panel discussion on Safe Aging hosted by the Washtenaw County Commission on Aging and led byU.S. Representative Debbie Dingell. We’ll learn about community resources for senior safety, listen to residents’ concerns, and answer questions. See you there!
WHEN: Friday, June 14, 2024, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
WHERE: Chelsea Senior Center, 512 Washington St., Chelsea, MI 48118
Juneteenth Celebrations
Last year, Juneteenth became an official state holiday in Michigan. It takes place on June 19, commemorating the emancipation of the final slaves in the Confederacy on June 19, 1865. District 14 will host two big Juneteenth celebrations this year, both on Saturday, June 15. I plan to attend both andhope to see you there!
- Ann Arbor NAACP Juneteenth: Saturday, June 15 – Community Unity Walk starting at Fuller Park, 10:00 a.m.; Celebration and Picnic at Wheeler Park, noon to 6:00 p.m.
- Jackson Juneteenth Celebration & Resource Fair: Saturday, June 15 – At Horace Blackman Park, 212 W. Michigan Ave., Jackson (downtown), 2:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Senior Summit – Save the Date
Mark your calendar for our upcoming Senior Summit on Friday, August 16, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Jackson’s Crouch Senior Center, 1715 Lansing Avenue. Several local and state resource providers will be on hand with free, on-site help and services, including the Secretary of State’s mobile unit.
Resources
Tips to Keep in Mind During Medicare Fraud Prevention Week
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is participating in Medicare Fraud Prevention Week in support of nationwide efforts to combat Medicare fraud, errors and abuse.
Fraud impacts Medicare beneficiaries in time, stress and health issues. It also costs families, friends and caregivers in worry and lost work when helping their loved ones recover from Medicare fraud. Everyone, however, can play a part in the fight against fraud. Take these steps during Medicare Fraud Prevention Week and beyond:
Medicare beneficiaries can monitor their insurance statements to make sure products and services received match what is on the statements. They can request free My Health Care Trackers from their local Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP).
Caregivers can help by being on the lookout for items such as durable medical equipment (like boxes of knee braces) lying around the house that may have been shipped to the beneficiary without their or their doctor’s approval. They can remind their client or loved one to never give out their Medicare number or other personal information over the phone to prevent unauthorized purchases.
Families can help by talking to their loved ones about protecting their Medicare number just as they would a credit card number. Help loved ones create a Medicare.gov account to access Medicare statements online or remind them to open and review statements when they come in the mail. Beneficiaries can also register their phone number on “do not call” lists and visit Optoutprescreen.com to opt out of mailings.
Partners and professionals can help by sharing SMP information on social media, referring clients and consumers to the SMP and inviting the SMP to speak during a shared event.
Health care providers can help by talking to patients about health care scams such as those related to durable medical equipment and genetic testing schemes. Remind patients that products and services should only be ordered by physicians they regularly see. Needed medical items should never be ordered through TV ads or unsolicited calls.
Community members can help by looking out for older neighbors. When in public, be aware of older individuals purchasing gift cards in large amounts. Encourage older adults to talk to a trusted source about Medicare questions and tell neighbors about the most recent Medicare scams. Community members can also volunteer with a local SMP.
Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones by joining SMP and their partners. Learn more about Medicare Fraud Prevention Week atSmpresource.org.
Planning for College
As families and college students make plans to begin or continue attending colleges and universities in the fall, one important step is learning about and applying for financial aid. My office is working on a resource guide for young adults, to be mailed later this summer, which will include information on college financial aid.
FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is an important starting point for anyone seeking financial assistance for college and is due every year on June 30. You can visit this link for lots of helpful info on FAFSA from the State of Michigan.