Dear Neighbor,
It really feels like fall. While my team and I have been enjoying the cooler weather and seeing the leaves on the trees start to change, we’ve also enjoyed getting back into the rhythm of the legislative session. From passing voting protections to ensuring ongoing increased investments in our public schools, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I are energized to be back at the Capitol getting things done for Michiganders.
If you or someone you know would like to provide feedback on what’s happening in Lansing, or needs assistance, please feel free to contact my office. You can send an email to sensshink@senate.michigan.gov or call (517) 373-2426. And please visit my official Facebook page for the latest updates.
Sincerely,
Sue Shink
State Senator
District 14
Featured in This Newsletter
- Legislative Updates
- Helpful News and Resources
- In the Community
- Upcoming Events
Legislative Updates
Senate Democrats Pass Michigan Voting Rights Act to Increase Election Protections
On National Voter Registration Day, my colleagues and I passed legislation to establish the Michigan Voting Rights Act (MVRA). Building on the progress of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, the MVRA would set additional protections at the state level, shielding voters from attacks on exercising their right to vote that have been witnessed in this state and across the country.
Outlined in the legislation are protections for Michiganders across race and place, including those with limited-English proficiency and voters with disabilities.
Learn more here.
Supporting the Families of Michigan’s Fallen Public Safety Heroes
Our public safety officers selflessly put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities. When a public safety officer makes the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, Michigan currently provides their surviving family with just $25,000 — a benefit that has not been increased in over two decades. Michigan Senate Democrats believe it’s time to better honor those who have fallen while serving their communities, and so my colleagues and I passed Senate Bill 834 last week.
This bill will double the benefit to $50,000, providing greater financial support to the families of our first responders in their time of need. Learn more here.
The Fall Legislative Session Has Begun: Learn More With 8 FAQs
Legislators are ramping up our work in Lansing after a summer filled with in-district events, tours and constituent meetings. As our legislative schedule for the fall gets underway, I invite you to learn more about the “what, where and how” of Senate session and how you can participate in the legislative process.
Understanding how to find, track and stay informed about the actions of your legislators is key. Click here to learn more and stay up to date on what’s happening in your Michigan Legislature.
Helpful News and Resources
Make Sure Your Voter Registration Status is Up to Date
Voting is a powerful way Michiganders can preserve and protect our democracy. On September 17, 2024, we recognized National Voter Registration Day to encourage all citizens of voting age to register to vote or update their registration status. Registering or updating your registration status is simple and can be done in less than ten minutes. You can do it online, by mail or in-person at your local clerk’s office or Secretary of State branch.
Michigan Senate Democrats are committed to expanding access to the ballot box and removing barriers that make it harder for Michiganders to cast their vote. Read more here about the work we’re doing to build a more equitable and accessible electoral process that protects and empowers voters.
Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month
During Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the rich culture and histories of Latino Americans across the United States and here in Michigan. The month-long observance commemorates the independence days of Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Mexico, Chile, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala.
In Michigan’s history, fewer than 20 Hispanic individuals have been elected to serve in the state legislature, including Sens. Mary Cavanagh, Darrin Camilleri and Erika Geiss. Their backgrounds and lived experiences make our caucus and our state stronger. Learn more about them and Hispanic Hertiage Month here.
New Report Shows Democrat-led Clean Energy Legislation Will Lower Costs, Create Thousands of Good Paying Jobs, and Stimulate an Economic Boom
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer highlighted a new report from 5 Lakes Energy, projecting that the historic clean energy package signed into law last year, in which I played a large role, combined with the Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), will drive significant economic growth and cost-savings in the state. According to the report, by 2030, the nation-leading package and federal investments will drive household energy bills down by about $297 a year, secure $15.6 billion in federal funding, and save $7.3 billion in public health costs, and make progress towards the MI Healthy Climate Plan.
Read more here.
Jackson Co. Jail Operations Millage Info
In Jackson County, a millage request will appear on the November ballot to fund ongoing operations expenses for the county jail. The millage proposal is for .25 mill over a 10-year term.
If your home has a market value of $100,000, the impact of this millage would be no more than $12.50 per year of additional property tax.
In 2002, Jackson County voters passed a .5 millage to build the Chanter Rd. jail and fund its operations. In 2022, that millage expired. The jail is paid for, but operating expenses remain. The proposed .25 millage would pay for continued operations of the jail.
According to Sheriff Gary Schuette, deputies working at the jail are essential to maintaining public safety, managing jail operations, and responding to emergencies. Without this .25 operations millage, the Sheriff’s Department will be forced to cut $1 million from its budget. Those cuts would include significantly reducing staff and closing sections of the jail, resulting in crowded conditions and turning away arrests.
Questions about the proposed millage may be addressed to Jackson County Sheriff Gary Schuette by emailing GSchuette@mijackson.org or calling (517) 768-7921.
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.
In the Community
Whitmore Lake Clinic Grand Opening
I was incredibly excited to attend the ribbon-cutting of this great new medical facility, together with State Representative Jennifer Conlin. The opening of the Hamilton Community Health Network clinic in Whitmore Lake is the result of many years of residents and others who care about the health of our community working together. Patients are welcome with or without insurance! I am thrilled I was able to bring home $1.5 million to get this clinic built! Special thanks to Whitmore Lake Area Human Services, Marta Larson, Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, University of Michigan School of Nursing, State of Michigan, Hamilton Community Health Network and many others.
Homeschooling Town Hall in Chelsea
My team and I met with the Michigan Christian Homeschool Network in Chelsea. It was a wonderful opportunity to get to know area homeschool families better.
Jackson Community Clean-Up
Team Shink pitched in to help out with the annual Community Clean-Up Day in Jackson, sponsored by the MLK Corridor Improvement Authority.
Veteran Build/Habitat for Humanity Groundbreaking
Habitat for Humanity builds homes with the people who are going to live in them — in this case a veteran and their family! It’s also a community effort. The State of Michigan is involved in this build in Jackson, which includes state money as part of the funding. What a great thing for our community!
Grand River Clean-Up
Team Shink also worked at the annual Grand River Clean-up, organized by Grand River Environmental Action Team (GREAT). Thank you to the many volunteers who took part in keeping Jackson’s Grand River beautiful, especially to the JROTC students.
In other happenings, I attended the Western Washtenaw Regional Advisory Group meeting. My team participated in Jackson’s 3rd annual Hispanic Heritage Festival and visited township board meetings to deliver state resource booklets. If your organization would like free booklets about accessing state services, please let us know.
Upcoming Events
Collaborative Planning Session: Equitable and Just Climate Action
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE) Office of Climate and Energy and Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate want to hear from communities with environmental and climate justice concerns about ways to integrate justice and equity into climate action planning, specifically the implementation of the MI Healthy Climate Plan (MHCP).
The public is invited to participate in an in-person engagement session on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. ET at the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center in Detroit, with a virtual option available. This meeting is the latest opportunity to help shape how Michigan moves forward with implementation through an equitable lens.
Dr. Tony Reames, Associate Professor and Director of the University of Michigan (UM) School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) Detroit Sustainability Clinic, and Liesl Clark, Director of Climate Action Engagement at the UM SEAS, will lead an activity on centering environmental justice and a just transition as EGLE prioritizes actions across the pillars of the MI Healthy Climate Plan, including:
- Cleaning the electric grid
- Electrifying vehicles and increasing public transit
- Repairing and decarbonizing homes and businesses
- Driving clean innovation in industry
- Protecting Michigan’s land and water
The session will build on previous feedback related to environmental and climate justice received throughout the development of the MI Healthy Climate Plan.
The event is free and pre-registration is required, whether you’re attending in person or virtually. The sessions will be a combination of presentations and breakout discussions. Use this link to pre-register.
For the in-person event: Snacks and beverages will be available. Paid parking is available in the black-gated lot on East Atwater, across from Milliken State Park. The parking is $5 before 4:00 p.m. and $10 after 4:00 p.m.