Senator Sue Shink Email Banner

Dear Neighbor,  

October has arrived, and with that the leaves are falling, temperatures are dropping, and autumn is fully underway! We hope you enjoy some fall activities here in the Mitten State, whether that be trick-or-treating with the kids, visiting a local pumpkin patch or cider mill with some friends, or exploring our scenic state parks brimming with peak fall foliage.  

My legislative colleagues and I have been hard at work in the Capitol advocating on your behalf and implementing more practical solutions to support both our local communities and the entire state. On October 1st, the historic state budget that we passed over the summer took effect, delivering record investments that build up Michigan’s schools, families, infrastructure, and so much more.  

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, 

Senator Shink Signature

Sue Shink 
State Senator
District 14

Featured in This Newsletter 

  • Legislative Updates 
  • In the Community 
  • Upcoming Events 
  • Helpful News and Resources   

Legislative Updates  

Senate Democrats Push for Stronger Consumer Protections in Michigan 

Protecting Michigan Consumers

Michigan Senate Democrats are taking action to protect consumers and build a safer, fairer state. This week, the Senate Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection Committee heard testimony on a series of bills aimed at strengthening consumer protections — from cracking down on price gouging to securing your personal data to better protecting our seniors.   

Led by Senators Rosemary Bayer, Sam Singh, Jeremy Moss, and Mary Cavanagh, the bills hold businesses accountable for unfair and predatory practices. These efforts are part of a larger push by Senate Democrats to ensure Michigan families are protected and businesses play by the rules.   

Learn more about what Senate Democrats are doing to protect Michigan consumers here. 

 

Historic State Budget Now in Effect with New Fiscal Year Underway 

Work Zone Awareness

October 1 marked the beginning of a new fiscal year for the state of Michigan, meaning our Democratic Majority’s transformative 2025 state budget has officially taken effect! From continuing the universal free school meals program, increasing education funding to investing in affordable housing initiatives, this budget was intentionally crafted to support the needs and desires of Michiganders in every corner of the state.  

To learn more about the new budget now in effect, click here. 

 

Bipartisan Bills to Implement Dyslexia Screening, Improve Literacy Head to Governor’s Desk 

Affecting up to one in five children in each classroom, dyslexia is a language-based learning disability that can impact the ability to read, write, spell, and pronounce words. Data suggests that students with dyslexia who receive high-quality, phonics-based instruction early on can go on to become successful readers and students. I’ve seen that this is true in my own family!  

That’s why Sens. Jeff Irwin and Dayna Polehanki have fought for the better part of a decade to implement comprehensive dyslexia screening for Michigan students. Senate Bills 567 and 568, which passed out of the Michigan Senate in September with nearly unanimous support, will require schools to screen students for characteristics of dyslexia and provide evidence-based interventions to help students achieve literacy. This bipartisan legislation now heads to Gov. Whitmer’s desk for her signature.   

Learn more about these bills here. 

 

Michigan Senate Democrats Pass Budget Supplemental and Other Legislation to Bring More Dollars Back to Classrooms and Teachers 

Michigan Senate Democrats Pass Budget Supplemental and Other Legislation to Bring More Dollars Back to Classrooms and Teachers

Since assuming the majority, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I remain committed to strengthening Michigan’s public education system. Our new 2025 state budget included a one-time decrease in the rates school districts pay into the Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement System (MPSERS), and we recently took action to make that change permanent by passing Senate Bill 911. This redirects over $600 million from MPSERS — which is currently funded at 140% — back to our schools every year, which is equivalent to about a $400 per student increase statewide.  

This legislation also eliminates the 3% payroll deduction that some employees contribute toward their retiree health care costs, putting more money back into the pockets of more than 100,000 hardworking educators and support staff. This bill has been returned to the House of Representatives for their consideration before it heads to the governor’s desk for her signature.  

Similarly, the Legislature passed a school budget supplemental bill in September, investing millions of state dollars into school safety and mental health supports. This gives school districts the flexibility to determine where those funds are needed most — whether it be more school resource officers, counselors, therapists, or infrastructure upgrades. We’re proud to have put even more funding toward one of the most important causes we can — the safety and well-being of Michigan students. 

 

In the Community 

Harold White Sr. Awards Breakfast 

Harold White Sr. Awards Breakfast
Harold White Sr. Awards Breakfast

I was excited to attend the annual Harold White Sr. Awards breakfast. Deserving Jackson-area individuals and organizations were honored for their work in diversity and inclusion and their volunterism. Congratulations to the honorees of this year’s awards! 

 

Head Start Fall Assembly 

Every child deserves a high-quality education

Every child deserves a high-quality education, and it begins with Pre-K. My Chief of Staff, Jeffrey Hillman, attended the Michigan Head Start Fall Assembly on Mackinac Island. He gathered information about the state’s movement toward universal Pre-K, and met with Head Start leaders and parents from Jackson and Washtenaw Counties. We applaud the dedication of these early education leaders. 

 

School Visits at the Capitol 

My team loved meeting with some amazing Emerson School 5th graders at the Capitol recently.

My team loved meeting with some amazing Emerson School 5th graders at the Capitol recently. 

It was a special opportunity to chat with these awesome 5th graders from Northeast Elementary School inside the State Capitol. 

 

Douglas Hinton Honored for Donation to Save the Flags of Michigan 

Douglas Hinton, Jackson resident and accomplished amateur Civil War historian, found a Camp Blair flag at an antique store. Camp Blair in Jackson sent some of the first volunteers to fight on behalf of the Union in the Civil War. Douglas then donated $1,000 to Save the Flags of Michigan, an effort that restores, displays, and cares for important Michigan flags. He adopted the Michigan Sixth Cavalry flag as his ancestors fought for our country under that flag. It was my honor to participate in the ceremony honoring Douglas’ generosity and to present a tribute signed by the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Thank you, Douglas!  

In other happenings, my team participated in the Early Childhood Literacy Kick-off event in Jackson to discuss the critical role literacy plays in shaping futures and to share ideas on building stronger early literacy education in our community. Also, did you know that every Monday morning at 7:30 I talk with Greg O’Connor or Marc Daly of WKHM radio? Tune in to 970 AM/101.5 FM here to hear our next conversation. 

  

Upcoming Events  

Chelsea Happy Hour 

WHEN: Wednesday, October 23 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. 
WHERE: The Grateful Crow, 420 N. Main St., Chelsea  

I’m excited to invite you to a Happy Hour I’m hosting on October 23, from 6 to 7 p.m., at the Grateful Crow. This will be a great chance for us to sit down, enjoy some free appetizers, and talk about the issues that are most important to you. I’m looking forward to hearing what’s on your mind and providing updates on our progress in Lansing. 

After the Happy Hour, stick around for live music and continue the evening with our community. I hope to see you there! 

  

News and Resources 

Michigan College Month — Free College Applications! 

Michigan College Month — Free College Applications!

As part of the American College Application Campaign, October is Michigan College Month! During this month, many Michigan colleges and universities waive their application fee in an effort to provide every graduating high school senior the opportunity to apply to college and for financial aid. The Michigan College Access Network created a list of participating colleges.  

Find more information, additional institutions waiving their fee for Michigan College Month 2024, and downloadable fee waivers here. 

 

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic violence is a crisis facing women and families across Michigan and the United States. On a typical day, more than 20,000 phone calls are placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide. Here in Michigan, an average of one in three families is impacted by domestic violence every year.   

The issue of domestic violence is also deeply interconnected with gun violence, as more abusers are choosing firearms as their weapon of choice. That’s why my colleagues and I voted last year to advance legislation to keep weapons out of the hands of convicted abusers. Click here to read more about how Senate Bills 471 and 528 are helping to enhance protections for survivors of domestic violence.    

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please visit the Michigan State Police webpage on domestic violence here for more information or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. Additional resources can be found here. 

 

Breast Cancer Awareness & Preventative Resources 

Approximately 13% of American women — or one in eight — will develop breast cancer over the course of their life. To spread awareness and honor those impacted by breast cancer, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed every October.  

Early detection saves lives, which is why knowing your family history and getting screened annually starting at age 40 is imperative. The Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) encourages residents to take advantage of the following free health screening programs to put their health into their own hands:  

  • The Breast & Cervical Cancer Control Navigation Program (BC3NP), available statewide, provides free breast and cervical cancer screening services to low-income women.  
  • The WISEWOMAN Program helps participants understand their chronic disease risk factors and make healthy lifestyle choices. Every participant receives a free health screening.  
  • To learn more about the BC3NP and WISEWOMAN Programs, call 844-446-8727 or visit Michigan.gov/cancer. For Spanish resources, call 800-379-1057. 

Honoring National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month 

The tragedy of losing a baby takes an enormous, unthinkable toll on women, families, and communities across the world. And although miscarriage and stillbirth can be common experiences for women of childbearing age, pregnancy and infant loss often remains a taboo topic linked to harmful stigma and shame.   

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, a time to recognize those impacted by bereavement and share resources to spread awareness, support, and understanding. Here are a few resources to recognize this important month and help reduce the stigma associated with pregnancy and infant loss:  

  • Connect with a trained, caring volunteer by calling 1-800-944-4773, the Postpartum Support International helpline. You may also text the helpline at 800-944-4773 for English, or 971-203-7773 for Spanish. 
  • Find pregnancy and infant loss support resources, including financial assistance for funeral expenses and a list of behavioral health providers by county, from MDHHS here. 
  • Locate bereavement resources from Michigan Medicine here, which include loss support groups, podcasts on grief, and much more. 
  • Join an online community to share your story, post a tribute on the Wall of Remembrance, submit a note of gratitude for your health care providers, and explore the March of Dimes website for additional ways to commemorate Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. 

Washtenaw County Special Education Millage Renewal 

On November 5, voters living in school districts served by the Washtenaw Intermediate School District will vote on a 12-year, no tax increase, special education millage renewal proposal. This proposal is to renew the current millage of 2.3826 mills to provide funds for the education of students with disabilities. 

More than 6,000 students currently receive special education services in Washtenaw County. That’s one in every seven students. Plus, nearly 900 children aged 0-3 years receive special education services before preschool.  

You can learn more about the millage renewal proposal at community information sessions hosted by Washtenaw ISD: 

  • Thursday, October 10 at 4:00 p.m. (register here) – Held at the Washtenaw Intermediate School District’s Teaching and Learning Center at 1819 S. Wagner Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 
  • Thursday, October 10 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom webinar (register here)  
  • Monday, October 21 at 6:30 p.m. (register here) – Held at the Washtenaw Intermediate School District’s Teaching and Learning Center located at 1819 S. Wagner Rd., Ann Arbor, MI  

Jackson County Public Library Millage Renewal 

Voters in Jackson County will see a millage renewal proposal on the November 5 ballot that seeks to fund the Jackson District Library system for the next 8 years.  

Last approved in 2016, the library’s millage accounts for the vast majority of their funding. This proposal asks voters to renew the existing millage of 1.7411 mills.  

Jackson District Library is a system of 13 community libraries across the county. More than 1,000 people visit a JDL library location every day. For more information on this proposal, you can click here. 

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.