Dear Neighbor,
Summer is officially upon us, bringing high temperatures to kick off the season. Stay cool, stay hydrated and, as always, stay safe.
Last week we celebrated Juneteenth, a day commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. While our country has certainly made significant progress in its pursuit of social justice and freedom for all, there is more work to be done so that all Michiganders — regardless of what they look like, who they love, how they pray, or what zip code they call home — can thrive.
To that end, my Senate colleagues and I have remained committed to building up Michigan in one of the most impactful ways we can: by passing a bold state budget that prioritizes the very people and communities we live, work, and grow in. I’m excited to report that earlier this week, Senate Democrats successfully passed a bold Fiscal Year 2025 State Budget that builds on last year’s transformative budget by continuing to invest in children and families, students and workers, public safety, community development, and more.
If you or someone you know would like to provide any feedback about what’s happening in Lansing or needs assistance, 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.
Sincerely,
Sue Shink
State Senator
District 14
Legislative Updates
Legislation Introduced to Enhance Protections for Vulnerable Adults
Elderly individuals and vulnerable adults are at high risk of being subject to abuse and exploitation at the hands of family members, friends, or other close associates. To keep Michiganders safe from harm, Sens. Veronica Klinefelt (D-Eastpointe), Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), and Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) recently introduced Senate Bills 922–925 to better protect those who are unable to protect themselves because of advanced age or a mental or physical impairment. This comprehensive legislative package would enhance protections for vulnerable adults by strengthening penalties for abuse and financial exploitation offenses and developing programs to bolster prevention efforts.
This package has been referred to the committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety.
Michigan Senate Democrats Pass Bill that Enhances Safety for Vulnerable Roadway Users
Led by Sen. Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo), Michigan Senate Democrats passed Senate Bills 617 and 618, which would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to prescribe a felony penalty for committing a moving violation against a vulnerable roadway user and as a result causing injury or death.
Senate Bill 618, sponsored by Sen. Veronica Klinefelt (D-Eastpointe), defines vulnerable roadway users as a pedestrian, individual using a bicycle, roller skates, inline skates, a nonmotorized scooter or skateboard, a wheelchair, an individual riding equine, and a U.S. Postal Service employee or contractor, among others.
Senate Democrats Introduce Bills to Establish Tenants’ Right to Organize and Right to Repair in Michigan
A few weeks ago, Michigan Senate Democrats led by Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) introduced Senate Bills 900–903, known as the Tenant Empowerment Package.
These bills would protect tenants’ rights and tighten up Michigan law to ensure all renters have the tools they need to fight for those rights. The bills enshrine the right to repair into law to guarantee that landlords provide safe housing and make timely repairs. If landlords fail to initiate repairs promptly, tenants would be allowed to deduct repair costs from their rent. The bills also ensure transparency and fairness in lease agreements by requiring adequate notice for rent increases and preventing landlords from using lease language to eliminate tenants’ rights to repair or their right to organize.
More than a quarter of Michiganders are renters but lack basic legal protections to ensure safe and affordable living conditions. Sen. Anthony believes that every Michigander deserves the right to a safe and dignified living space they can call home. These bills are the first steps Sen. Anthony, and her Democratic colleagues are taking to address these issues and enshrine the rights of renters and tenants in Michigan’s state law.
Senate Bills 900-903 have been referred to the Senate Committee on Housing and Human Services for further consideration.
Tenants and Landlords: A Practical Guide is a helpful reference booklet explaining the rights and responsibilities of the tenant and landlord in Michigan.
In Recent News
Recognizing Juneteenth
Happy Juneteenth! Observed on June 19 every year, Juneteenth commemorates the day that the last people who were enslaved in the U.S. learned of their freedom — June 19, 1865, over two years after President Abraham Lincoln presented the Emancipation Proclamation.
The significance of Juneteenth extends beyond its historical roots. It symbolizes triumph over the injustices of slavery and stands as a testament to the progress made and the work still needed to achieve true freedom and equality for all.
As we celebrated this day, please know that I remain steadfast in the fight for equity and justice so that all Michiganders are not only free but can live their lives in happiness and health.
Check out our recent story, Celebrating Juneteenth & Black Excellence in the Michigan Legislature, to learn all the ways the Senate’s three Michigan Legislative Black Caucus members are making waves at the Capitol and for the people of Michigan.
Men’s Health Month in Michigan
June is Men’s Health Month in Michigan. It is a good time for men to prioritize their well-being and take charge of their health. On average, men live five years fewer than women, with Native American and African American men having the lowest life expectancy. Men are also less likely to seek help for depression, stress, and substance abuse than women, and middle-aged people, especially men, have the highest rate of suicide in the U.S. compared to other groups, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Because of these types of statistics, it’s crucial that men are aware of the importance of a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, and medical checkups both for their physical and mental well-being. For more information, visit the Men’s Health Month website.
In the Community
Dexter Bicentennial
Dexter celebrated its 200th birthday with four days of amazing events, including a downtown parade. I was thrilled to join the celebration, along with many other local, state and national officials.
Senior Town Hall in Chelsea
Thank you to the Washtenaw County Commission on Aging and to U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell for hosting the Safe Aging Town Hall and resource fair at the Chelsea Senior Center. I was glad to participate in the panel discussion, with a robust conversation on the many scams and frauds facing today’s seniors and how to avoid them. I’m proud to advocate for the well-being, safety, and quality of life of our seniors.
Upcoming Events
Senior Resource Fair in Jackson – Save the Date
On Friday, August 16, I’m hosting my annual Senior Summit event at the Crouch Senior Center in Jackson. Attendees can come anytime between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to learn about their legal rights, services available to seniors, how to avoid scams, and how to avoid having their identity stolen, among other topics from various organizations and agencies.
This annual event is incredibly informative and a great way for you to ask questions and share updates on issues that are important to you. I look forward to seeing you there.
WHEN: Friday, August 16, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: Crouch Senior Center, 1715 Lansing Ave. #672, Jackson, MI 49202
Resources
Stay Safe During Summer Heat
In preparing for the high temperatures and humidity that summer can bring, Gov. Whitmer and several state departments have provided guidance for how we can stay safe.
Last week, temperatures reached the 90s with heat index values near and above 100 degrees. When it is very hot, there is an increased risk of heat-related illness including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If not treated, heat exhaustion can worsen and cause heat stroke or death.
Humidity can make temperatures feel even hotter. High temperatures plus high humidity are more dangerous because these conditions make it harder for the body to sweat and cool itself down. In addition to the daily temperature, residents should pay attention to the daily heat index, which gives a more accurate picture of how hot it feels outside.
To stay healthy when it is hot, residents are encouraged to:
- Drink more fluids and avoid liquids with large amounts of sugar or alcohol.
- Limit outdoor activities to when it is coolest in the morning and evening.
- Spend time indoors in air conditioning.
- Check to make sure your air conditioner filters are clean, and the unit is working properly.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing.
- Wear sunscreen, as sunburn affects a body’s ability to cool down.
- Check on neighbors and relatives to determine if they need assistance.
- Never leave children or pets unattended in cars, even with the windows cracked.
You can see a list of Cooling Sites in Washtenaw County here.
This news story includes a list of Cooling Sites in Jackson and Jackson County.