Dear Neighbor,
It’s hard to believe August is already almost over and the first day of school is here for many Michigan students and on the horizon for others. While this is a busy time for many families with back-to-school shopping, the start of new school sports seasons and extracurricular activities, I hope you can find time to pause and enjoy the final days of summer in our beautiful state.
Throughout the summer, my colleagues and I have been busy at work, connecting with residents across Michigan and in our districts. The conversations I’ve had during these past few weeks with many of you have been truly meaningful and have underscored what the pressing issues are that need our attention when we return to Lansing this fall.
If you or someone you know would like to provide feedback about what’s happening in Lansing, has ideas for legislation, or needs assistance, please feel free to reach out to my office. You can email us at sensshink@senate.michigan.gov or call (517) 373-2426. And please don’t forget to visit my official Facebook page for the latest updates.
Sincerely,
Sue Shink
State Senator
District 14
Legislative Updates
Celebrating Black-Owned Businesses During Black Business Month
August is National Black Business Month! This month-long observance is an opportunity to highlight the many contributions and achievements of Black-owned businesses in Michigan. Since the beginning of the 102nd Legislature, Senate Democrats have intentionally allocated funding to invest in the entrepreneurial dreams of Michiganders. In the state budget for Fiscal Year 2025, my colleagues and I secured $10 million for grants to invest in the success of minority-owned businesses, as well as $500,000 to invest in minority-owned food and agricultural businesses to expand their services to underserved communities — helping diversify the industry and increase Michiganders’ access to nutritious and affordable food.
Overall, small businesses have the power to create jobs, economic growth, and self-actualization for residents. Therefore, championing diversity in business helps us achieve a more inclusive and welcoming state. If you are looking for ways to connect with, develop, and support Black-owned businesses in your area, please utilize the resources available from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation or reach out to our office to learn more about grant opportunities available to you.
In Recent News
Reflecting on the 19th Amendment on 104th Anniversary
August 18th marked the 104th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment which secured for women the right to vote. I took a moment to reflect over the weekend on the fact that not that long ago, half of Americans had no official voice in our democracy. I reflected on the courageous women and supporters who fought and sacrificed to secure for themselves — and for the millions of women to come after — the right to vote. It is ridiculous that they had to fight at all to secure the right to vote and reminds us that sometimes those in charge wish to divide us and keep others out of the democratic process to preserve their own power and for no other legitimate reason.
Now more than ever, we must recommit to protecting voting rights and accessibility for all Americans. For this reason, I am proud of the work my fellow Senate Democrats and I have been able to accomplish, with the help of voters, to protect voting accessibility in Michigan, such as passing and enacting Proposal 2 of 2022 which makes voting easier and more secure for Michigan citizens.
Dept. of Energy Awards $18 Million to Michigan to Help Small Suppliers Modernize Their Manufacturing Capabilities
Great news! Last week, Gov. Whitmer announced that Michigan will receive $18 million from the Department of Energy (DOE) to help small- and medium-sized automotive companies modernize their capabilities to manufacture electric vehicles.
Michigan’s funding accounts for more than one-third of the $50 million grant program, which was created in direct response to a proposal submitted by the Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) last year recommending DOE create a program for small suppliers and medium-sized auto suppliers. This investment allows Michigan to develop a domestic and diversified EV supply chain, retain high-quality, good-paying jobs, meet the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan and support the Biden-Harris administration’s goal of having 50% of all new vehicle sales be electric by 2030.
According to the Center for Automotive Research, Michigan is home to over 1,000 independent automotive suppliers, and 140 of these suppliers and over 45,000 of their workers may need to retool their facilities and convert from making ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles or components to EVs. The $18 million in funding will further position Michigan as a leader in clean energy jobs and manufacturing, ensuring the state remains a leader in the automotive industry.
The DOE, along with the U.S. Dept. of Labor, has also designated Michigan as an EV Workforce Hub in partnership with LEO to ensure Michigan workers have equitable access to high-quality training, education and services that provide a path to a good career without leaving their community.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, coupled with the Michigan Legislature’s and Gov. Whitmer’s historic clean energy legislation (including a bill sponsored by Senator Shink), have created an unprecedented opportunity for Michigan to advance a clean energy future. This funding, in tandem with bipartisan economic development tools, is growing the middle class, creating good-paying, in-demand manufacturing jobs, bringing supply chains home, and lowering energy costs for families.
In the Community
Chelsea Town Hall
Chief of Staff Jeffrey Hillman represented our district at Congresswoman Debbie Dingell’s town hall in western Washtenaw County. Led by Congresswoman Dingell, an engaged audience posed questions on water quality, energy affordability, election security, and world events.
Senior Summit in Jackson
Our Senior Summit at the Crouch Senior Center in Jackson was amazing! I’m grateful to all the vendors who came and provided on-site assistance and resources to the many attendees. Help offered included driver’s license renewals, veterans’ benefit checks, voter registration checks, blood pressure checks, plus useful information for seniors on fraud prevention, independent living, transportation, fire prevention, and much more.
Jackson Pride Fest
Team Shink participated in Jackson’s Pride Fest. It was a vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ voices and stories. Along with my colleagues in the Michigan Senate, I will continue to fight for LGBTQ+ protections and stand against bigotry and hate.
In other happenings across Senate District 14 — I attended the Jackson County Farm Bureau annual meeting with Rep. Jennifer Conlin at beautiful Gee Farms. Team Shink visited a Resource Fair at Jackson’s Loomis Park sponsored by Nation Outside. Sen. Stephanie Chang and I presented a tribute to celebrate the 30th year of the National Council of Chinese Learning Schools. I’ve been visiting township offices and distributing information about state services. Team Shink also participated in Village Southside Market at Jackson’s YPOP Gardens, presented by Master Gardener Diane Washington, Young People of Purpose, Residents in Action, Black Food Sovereignty, and MSU Extension.
Upcoming Event
Join me tomorrow, Friday, August 30, for a Youth Voter Education Event alongside Jackson Ward 1 Councilmember Arlene Robinson and Young People of Purpose. This is a great opportunity for young residents to learn more about voter registration and the voting process.
WHEN: Friday, August 30 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
WHERE: YPOP Community Garden, 1107 Maple St., Jackson, MI 49203
Find more details here.
Resources
Safe Driving Tips as New School Year Begins
Soon, we’ll be sharing the road with school buses again. Here are some quick tips to remember, whenever you see a school bus stopping for students to board.
Remember, yellow lights on school buses activate when the bus is preparing to stop. Red lights and the long stop arm are activated when the bus is completely stopped and accepting or discharging passengers.
Here’s a reminder on what to do when a school bus stops on different road types.
- Two-lane roadway – When a school bus stops for passengers, all traffic from both directions must stop.
- Multi-lane roadway with a center turning lane – When a school bus stops for passengers, all traffic from both directions must stop.
- Four-lane roadway without a median separation – When a school bus stops for passengers, all traffic from both directions must stop.
- Divided highway of four lanes or more with a median separation – When a school bus stops for passengers, only traffic following the bus must stop.
Michigan Achievement Scholarship Unlocks Opportunities in Higher Education for Michiganders
Colleges and universities play a vital role in shaping the future of our state. Recognizing this, Senate Democrats have expanded the Michigan Achievement Scholarship (MAS) program to create the “Community College Guarantee.” The scholarship is available to most graduating high school seniors and incoming college freshmen this year.
Under the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, students can receive:
- Up to $2,750 annually if they enroll in a Michigan community college, for up to three years.
- Up to $4,000 annually if they enroll in a Michigan private college or university, for up to five years.
- Up to $5,500 annually if they enroll in a Michigan public university or a baccalaureate degree program at a Michigan community college, for up to five years.
If you’re interested in learning more about how you or your student can take advantage of the scholarship, the Michigan Dept. of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) is hosting an informational webinar. Participants will be able to gather the following information:
- Information about the NEW Community College Guarantee
- Michigan Achievement Scholarship eligibility requirements
- Michigan Achievement Scholarship award amounts
- Important action items for students and families
- Additional resources and program information
Webinars are offered on several days and times, starting Aug. 27 and running through Dec. 10. You can find a date that works with your schedule and register here.
District 14 Map
I am proud to serve Michigan’s 14th Senate District. The District is within Washtenaw and Jackson Counties, and includes parts of Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor Township, and Lodi Township, and all of Blackman Township, Chelsea, Columbia Township, Dexter, Dexter Township, Freedom Township, Grass Lake Township, Hanover Township, Henrietta Township, Jackson, Leoni Township, Liberty Township, Lima Township, Lyndon Township, Napoleon Township, Northfield Township, Norvell Township, Rives Township, Salem Township, Sandstone Township, Scio Township, Sharon Township, Spring Arbor Township, Summit Township, Sylvan Township, Tompkins Township, Waterloo Township, and Webster Township.