Worker Rights, Pre-K for All, and Resources for You

Dear Neighbor,

The days are getting shorter as we wave goodbye to a hot summer and enjoy cooler weather. As we approach the beginning of autumn, I encourage you to take advantage of everything our great state has to offer. From cider mills and pumpkin patches to scenic hiking trails and state parks, there’s no shortage of fall fun to be had here in the Mitten State!

My legislative colleagues and I are back in the Senate chamber this month after a busy summer spent connecting with our constituents and communities. I’m eager to continue advocating on your behalf in Lansing and getting more practical solutions across the finish line to deliver on the issues that matter most to you.

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

Keeping Our Workers Front and Center This Labor Day and Always

To honor Labor Day, I hope you’ll join me in reflecting on the hard-working individuals who build up Michigan every day, from our educators to our homecare workers, our skilled tradespeople to our first responders.

Last year, the Senate Democratic Majority passed powerful legislation to strengthen and protect workers’ rights, repealing the state’s harmful anti-union law, reinstating prevailing wages and more. And so far, this year, we have continued that progress.

In the 2025 state budget passed this summer, $2.5 million was approved for the creation of the Community and Worker Economic Transition Office. Established by the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity, this office will develop proactive strategies that help companies and Michiganders take full advantage of the high-tech, high-paying jobs coming to the state in the auto and energy sectors.

The new state budget also included $52 million in continued support for Michigan Reconnect scholarships, enabling workers to go back to school to pursue a degree or a skilled trade certification.

Building on last year’s momentum, several other bills to uplift our workers are making their way through the Legislature. Some of those include:

The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (MIOSHA) maximum penalties package, Senate Bills 829–830, will enhance workplace safety by bringing Michigan’s maximum penalties for MIOSHA violations up to par with federal levels. This package has been passed by the Senate and awaits further consideration in the House.
A new set of bills to strengthen Michigan’s child labor laws was introduced this summer. Senate Bills 963–965 would increase penalties and fines for businesses found employing minors illegally or subjecting them to unsafe working conditions; transfer the authority to issue work permits for minors from the Michigan Dept. of Education to the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO); and establish a new Youth Employment Standards Act registration system under LEO for the employment of minors.
Senate Bills 790–791 would restore the right of 35,000 independent provider home care workers to have the choice to form a union, create access to training for caregivers, and more. This package passed the Senate this past June and awaits further consideration in the House.
Prevailing wage protections have been extended to essential wind and solar projects statewide through Senate Bill 571. Officially signed into law this past summer, this legislation ensures fair compensation and safeguards the skills and safety of our workforce.

Back-to-School Budget Signed

As students across Michigan have made their way back to the classroom, I am excited that our state education budget positively impacts our students, teachers, parents, and communities. This summer, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer put her stamp of approval on the K-12 budget for the 2024-25 school year. This budget continues putting Michigan students and educators first and foremost, helping to set our kids up for futures full of success and opportunity.

Last year, our Democratic majority began the popular free breakfast and lunch program for all Michigan public school students — and in this year’s budget, we continued this critical program to ensure that Michigan’s 1.4 million public school students are well-fed and able to focus on learning. More information about the free breakfast and lunch program can be found here.

Our education budget also implements the state’s first-ever “Opportunity Index” equity funding formula that strategically invests more dollars into districts based on their concentration of poverty, prioritizing students and schools with the highest level of need.

In line with our ongoing commitment to improving equity in school funding, the FY 2025 budget delivers critical resources to the students and schools that need them most — especially those needing mental health services. To address the mental health needs of our students, my Democratic colleagues and I have delivered funding in the FY 2025 budget:

School Safety and Mental Health Grants: $26.5 million
School Mental Health Services: $107.9 million
School-Based Health Centers: $33.0 million
MPSERS Cost Offset: $598.0 million ongoing (with flexibility to support mental health services per student)

We also delivered on the promise of two years of free community college for high school graduates, helping improve access to higher education and better paying jobs. This ensures that every Michigan high school graduate, beginning this year, can obtain an associate degree or skilled certificate tuition-free, saving over 18,000 students up to $4,820 annually.

Michigan Senate Democrats remain committed to meeting the needs and interests of students, educators, and families in every corner of our state, and we look forward to another school year full of learning, growth, and opportunity for our kids.

Learn more about the investments made to education in the FY 2025 state budget here.

In Recent News

Families are Encouraged to Enroll 4-Year-Olds Now in Pre-K

It’s not too late for families to enroll their 4-year-olds in free, high-quality pre-K through their local school district. The recent historic investment in Pre-K for All included in the state’s new budget will allow nearly 59,000 4-year-olds across the state to access free pre-K. As of August 15, enrollment has expanded to all families regardless of income level, while continuing to prioritize families most in need.

Under the FY 2025 budget, free pre-K enrollment is open to families up to 400% of the federal poverty limit, or about $120,000 for a family of four.

Families still have time to enroll children who will be 4 years old by Dec. 1 in pre-K this fall! Availability varies by location, with priority given to those who need it most. Visit MiPreKforAll.org to find programs near you.

Michigan Dept. of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential Extends Deadline for Adults Ages 21-24 to Apply for Tuition-Free Community College

The Michigan Dept. of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) recently announced that the application deadline for the Reconnect Age Expansion has been extended until Dec. 31, 2024, and is now applicable to students beginning their education in the winter and spring semesters of the 2024-2025 academic year.

Michigan Reconnect is the largest program in state history to help eligible students earn a skill certificate or degree tuition-free at their local community college.

Michiganders who are 21- to 24–years old and are not already participating in Michigan Reconnect must complete the following steps to take advantage of this limited-time scholarship opportunity:

Apply for the Michigan Reconnect scholarship at Michigan.gov/Reconnect by Dec. 31, 2024.
File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Apply and enroll in a community or tribal college no later than the summer semester of 2025.

For additional information, visit: michigan.gov/reconnect/community-college/michigan reconnect-for-ages-21-to-24.

In the Community

Youth Voter Education Event

“Every Vote Counts!” was the message at a youth voter education event at Jackson’s Young People of Purpose (YPOP) Gardens. Thank you to Councilperson Arlene Robinson and to Diane Washington, founder of YPOP, for organizing an impactful event. Additional thanks to League of Women Voters Jackson Area for bringing materials and to RJ’s Metropolitan Ice Cream for the treats!

Title IX Plaza Ribbon-Cutting

Title IX changed the lives of women and girls by bringing equality to federally funded education and opening the door to women’s sports. However, it hasn’t been without fights and hard work by brave women, 14 of whom are honored at the new Title IX Plaza located along the Border-to-Border Trail at Dexter-Huron Metropark. As a county commissioner, I supported development of the plaza and appreciated celebrating with the women it honors and the many people who contributed to its realization, including Congresswoman Debbie Dingell.

Visit this website for more information on how Title IX Plaza tells the stories of women from Southeast Michigan who were pivotal in fighting for this crucial legislation, both on and off the playing field.

EPA Open House — Michner Plating

Team Shink attended an EPA presentation and open house about the Michner Plating Superfund site in Jackson. Cleanup of contaminants at this former industrial site will begin soon. While we can and must do a better job of preventing and cleaning up pollution, I’m grateful for federal and state environmental laws enacted in my lifetime that hold polluters accountable, protecting people and the environment now and in the future.

State of the Irish Hills

Team Shink participated in the inaugural State of the Irish Hills event at Michigan International Speedway for discussion and advocacy on infrastructure, recreation, and rural economic development. I’ve brought back investments in Swain Park in Brooklyn and a safer route to school for Brooklyn children and families. I will continue to support this important work.

Resources

September is Suicide Prevention Month

All of us are enough as we are. All of us are worthy. All of us are strong. All of us are loved. Sometimes people feel like they cannot go on and end their lives and we want to prevent that. Suicide is a tragedy for all of those involved and a critical public health concern, claiming the lives of nearly 50,000 Americans in 2022. Just in 2021, we lost 1,482 Michiganders to suicide. The devastation of suicide is far-reaching, impacting innumerable families and communities across our state and beyond.

Suicide is preventable — and September, National Suicide Prevention Month, is a great time to spread awareness and resources to connect members of our communities with help.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. The Lifeline provides 24-hour, toll-free, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
The Veterans Crisis Line provides free 24/7, confidential crisis support for veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their loved ones. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect. Call 988 and press “1” to speak with a qualified responder, or text 838255.
Find a suicide prevention coalition, support group, or crisis line near you by scrolling down this page and finding a listing in your county.
Get help for yourself or a loved one, learn the facts and warning signs, locate advocacy resources, and much more through the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

From gun violence prevention efforts to investments in suicide prevention programs, my Senate colleagues and I remain committed to working toward practical solutions to help reduce suicide in our Michigan communities. With suicides accounting for more than half of gun deaths in the United States in 2021, our Senate Democratic Majority worked hard to deliver a slate of gun violence prevention legislation in 2023, helping to keep deadly weapons out of the hands of those at risk of harming themselves or others. We also secured the following budget investments to help address the issue of suicide in Michigan:

$9.4 million to provide statewide coverage for 988, the suicide and mental health crisis line.
$750,000 in federal fund authorization to utilize a grant under the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, helping to provide resources toward community-based suicide prevention efforts to meet the needs of veterans, service members, and their families.
$250,000 to support Six Feet Over’s suicide loss survivor program, a nonprofit that provides mental health education, advocacy, and support to individuals with lived experiences of suicide.

Severe Weather Resources

With the severe storms that swept across Michigan in late August, I wanted to share some helpful resources from the Michigan Dept. of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) that you may find useful as you work with your insurance company to file a claim and repair any damages.

Additional information regarding severe weather preparedness is available on the DIFS website. Consumers having issues with their insurer or claims process may file a complaint with DIFS at Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints.

Please feel free to contact the Office of Consumer Services toll free at (877) 999-6442 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with any questions you may have. DIFS can help answer questions regarding what an insurer must do and help explain policy language. Here a few more resources that may be of help:

Washtenaw Senior Millage Info

The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to place an older persons millage proposal on the ballot for the upcoming November 5 election. If approved by voters, this .5 millage will support, expand, and improve essential services for older adults across the county, ensuring they receive the care and support they deserve. Washtenaw County is one of only 9 counties in the state without a countywide dedicated millage to support Senior Services.

If approved, these funds would support programs that benefit older adults in Washtenaw County including potentially impacting housing, transportation, overall health and wellness, social and recreational opportunities, and supporting Senior Centers. In Washtenaw County, about 21% of the total population is over 60, and by 2030, 1 in 4 residents will be over the age of 60 and they will outnumber those under 18.

If approved, the millage would increase county taxes 0.50 mills, which is 50 cents for every $1,000 in taxable value. The proposed tax would start in 2024 and end in 2031, and County officials estimate the millage would raise roughly $11.6 million in its first year.

I encourage community members to participate in upcoming informational meetings and forums to learn more about the proposal and its potential impact. These events will provide opportunities for residents to ask questions, share their views, and become actively involved in the decision-making process. For more information about these events and the senior millage proposal, please visit https://www.sayyestoseniors.com, contact sayyes2seniors@gmail.com, or visit the “Say Yes to Seniors” Facebook Page.

Note: We will continue to bring you information on ballot measures that may be on your local ballot, from now until the November 5 election.