Dear Neighbor,
Welcome November! Here in the Senate, we’ve stayed busy delivering on the priorities that matter most to you, from advancing legislation that protects families struggling with debt to strengthening child labor laws and the retirement system for Michigan Correction Officers and other public safety officers.
Additionally, Election Day is almost upon us, and over two million Michiganders have already cast their ballots early! I voted last weekend — it was incredibly easy. Please make your voice heard this election and ensure you have a voting plan in place before Tuesday, Nov. 5.
If you or someone you know would like to provide feedback on what’s happening in Lansing or needs assistance, please reach out to 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
14th Senate District
- Senate Democrats’ bills to protect families struggling with debt, strengthen child labor laws, improve maternal health care for communities of color, increase protections for vulnerable adults, and more advance in the Senate.
- Recent legislative wins will help grow Michigan’s food economy, including increasing the smaller-scale producers of honey and maple syrup under the cottage food law.
- Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Learn what’s on your ballot, where to find your polling place, and more at mi.gov/vote.
Legislative Packages to Protect Michigan’s Kids, Families & Seniors Advance in the Senate
Senate Democrats recently moved forward several pieces of legislation to protect Michiganders from their younger years to their older ones.
Protecting Michigan families struggling with debt: On Oct. 23, the Michigan Senate Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection voted to pass Senate Bills 408 and 409, which will bring greater equity to the state’s bankruptcy and debt garnishment systems. This data-driven legislation ensures that vulnerable Michiganders can pay off their debts without losing their homes, vehicles, or ability to work. The bills now head to the Senate floor for further consideration.
Safeguarding seniors and vulnerable adults from abuse: To combat the scams, fraud, and theft that Michigan’s seniors and vulnerable residents too often experience, the Senate passed Senate Bills 922–925, which would ensure Michigan’s growing population of aging adults can enjoy the dignity, safety, and quality of life they deserve. These bills will now be taken up for consideration by the House.
Strengthening Michigan’s child labor laws: Senate Bills 963–965 would increase penalties and fines for businesses found employing minors illegally or subjecting them to unsafe working conditions. These bills were passed out of the Senate Committee on Labor earlier this month and will now move to the Senate floor for consideration by the full chamber.
Improving maternal health care services: The Momnibus bill package — Senate Bills 818–823, 825 and House Bill 5826 — focuses on amplifying the voices of Black and Brown birthing people, ensuring that their needs are addressed so that they experience safer births. This package is also on its way to the full Senate chamber for consideration after passing through the Senate Committee on Housing and Human Services recently.
2025 State Budget Funds New Reproductive Health, Family Planning Program
In June, Senate Democrats passed the bipartisan 2025 State Budget, securing a $5.6 million investment to expand access to contraceptives and family planning services for Michiganders. Thanks to this allocation, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services are launching Take Control of your Birth Control, a new program to ensure Michigan families have access to free contraception and family planning resources beginning in November.
Community partners and federally qualified health centers will distribute emergency contraceptives, condoms, and over-the-counter oral contraceptives to the general public for free, as long as supplies last. Starting in November, visit michigan.gov/takecontrol to locate participating organizations near you and learn more about these essential resources.
Taking Steps to Grow Michigan’s Food Economy
Understanding that Michigan’s rural communities have strong roots in agriculture and food production, Senate Democrats have been advancing efforts to ensure everyone, from our farmers to our smaller-scale food producers, have the resources necessary to grow and lead in their sectors.
This fall marked a victory for Michigan’s beekeepers and maple syrup producers specifically, when Senate Bill 882 passed unanimously through the Senate. Introduced by Sen. Sam Singh and passed through the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, which I chair, this legislation would increase the annual sales cap for honey and maple syrup producers from $15,000 to $25,000 under the Cottage Food Law. Now over to the House for consideration, this bipartisan legislation will break down a critical barrier for honey and maple syrup producers and allow them to grow their business beyond what has so far been possible — something that’s not only a welcome change for producers and consumers, but to Michigan’s agricultural economy as a whole.
Senate Democrats have enhanced Michigan’s food and agriculture industry using the 2025 State Budget as a tool as well, funding a new “Farm to Family” program which supports regenerative farming and agricultural supply chains and brings Michigan-grown crops to dinner tables around the state. We also continued to invest in innovative and mutually beneficial programs like Double Up Food Bucks and 10 Cents a Meal that improve food access while utilizing Michigan fruits and vegetables. About $5 million is also included to help bolster Michigan’s agricultural industry to address the impacts of climate change. And, resources were allocated for minority-owned food and agriculture business ventures to build their capacity, whether in expanding agricultural processing or production, developing regional food systems, or increasing access to healthy food.
As Chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee, I’m proud to lift up issues that Michigan’s rural communities hold near and dear. From protecting and preserving Michigan’s water infrastructure to ensuring our farmers have what they need to be successful, I’ll continue to work alongside other state and federal officials to ensure that every community, no matter how remote, has the resources needed to thrive. Michigan’s farmers are the driving force behind our local and national food systems. Their dedication to growing high-quality crops strengthens our economy and nourishes our communities. It’s vitally important that we continue to support farmers with the resources and opportunities necessary to grow, innovate and succeed.
Now and always, Senate Democrats will continue looking out for rural Michiganders and the places and spaces we care about, ensuring our fields and forests and the ways of life they sustain are around for generations to come.
Happy Hour in Chelsea
I enjoyed many conversations about issues in District 14 and beyond with constituents who attended our Happy Hour event in Chelsea. Thanks to all who came out and to the Grateful Crow restaurant for the lovely venue.
Taiwanese American Organization Cultural Visit
Thank you to the University of Michigan MCity, the Lurie Nanofabrication Lab, and the Marsal Family School of Education for hosting the Taipei Economic Cultural Office, Michigan Taiwanese American Organization, and my team. Incredible intellectual property and cultural and business innovations have come out of the University of Michigan, and expanding partnerships will surely bring many more.
MDOT Traffic Summit
Michigan roads are crucial to connecting communities and the economy. My team and I attended MDOT’s annual traffic summit for Jackson County to learn about current and future construction projects.
Farm Visit in Jackson County
Jeffrey Hillman, my Chief of Staff, met with Jacob Faist at his multi-generational farm and rode along during their harvest. Thank you, Michigan Corn Growers Association and Faist Farms, for your hospitality!
YMCA Youth in Government Conference
YMCA Michigan Youth in Government brings together young people from across the state to learn about civic engagement and work on real problems we’re facing. Thank you for inviting me to speak with you at your Fall Training Conference.
Unity Picnic in Ann Arbor
Great food from a variety of culinary heritages, lots of friendly people who care about our community, and great weather were hallmarks of the 4th annual Asian and African American Unity Picnic in Ann Arbor, where we celebrated culture, community, and the beauty of diversity. Everyone was welcome and attendees had the opportunity to get to know one another better!
Purple Run for SafeHouse
I loved participating with my Constituent Services Director, B, in the Purple Run at the University of Michigan to benefit SafeHouse Center in their work to reduce domestic violence and support survivors.
Jackson Business and Professional Women
Pam Withrow was Michigan’s first female warden at a male prison and has written two books about it! She shared her experiences at the Jackson Business and Professional Women’s Lunch.
Trunk or Treat Fun
My team enjoyed spooky fun handing out treats to kids and families at two trunk or treat events in the district, including Jackson County’s Halloween Town event at the fairgrounds and the Local Heroes Trunk or Treat with Norvell first responders. Happy Halloween!
Voting is BOO-tiful! What You Need to Know
It’s not just spooky season; it’s election season! In addition to fighting for your rights at the ballot box, Senate Democrats want to make sure you have all the information you need to elevate your voice in our democracy. Election Day is next Tuesday, Nov. 5, but early in-person voting is already underway — avoid the lines by voting early in-person at your designated early voting site indicated by your municipality.
To learn more about early in-person voting, voting on Election Day, where to find your clerk’s office or polling place, what’s on the ballot, and more, visit mi.gov/vote.
Need to register? If you’ve recently moved or changed your name since the last election, you’ll need to update your voter registration. Now that we’re within 14 days of the election, you may only register in person at your local clerk’s office with documentation showing proof of residency. You can register to vote and vote in person up until and on Election Day. You must be in your city or township clerk’s office by 8 p.m. on Election Day to register and vote in the general election.
Honoring Our Firefighters, Police, EMS & More on National First Responders Day
Every day, our brave first responders put their own security on the line to protect our Michigan communities. Monday, Oct. 28 is National First Responders Day, an annual observance to recognize the courage, sacrifice, and service of our first responder heroes, from police officers and firefighters to paramedics and 911 dispatchers.
Senate Democrats acknowledge the vital role first responders play in keeping our communities safe, and we remain committed to supporting public safety officers and their loved ones for all that they contribute. Last month, the Michigan Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 834, legislation championed by Sen. Kevin Hertel to double survivor benefits for public safety officers who are killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty — read more about this important legislation here. We also secured historic funding in the 2025 state budget to support local police and fire services, ensuring our first responders have the quality equipment and facilities they need to best serve our communities.
Washtenaw County Community Mental Health and Public Safety Millage (Prop. 4)
Proposal 4 asks voters in Washtenaw County to approve renewal of 1.00 mill for Community Mental Health and Public Safety, maintaining the existing split of 38% going to Community Mental Health, 38% to the Sheriff’s Department, and 24% for rebates to cities and townships with their own police forces (Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Milan, Saline, Ypsilanti, Pittsfield Township, and Northfield Township). The existing millage will expire in 2025, and the new millage would be in place for a period of eight years, from 2026 through 2033. If approved, the millage would raise an estimated $22.4 million in annual funding. The stated purpose of the proposed millage is “for improving the treatment of people with mental health needs; providing increased financial support for mental health crisis, stabilization and prevention; and for continued law enforcement services.”
A full list of all proposals on general election ballots within Washtenaw County, both countywide and local, can be found here.
A full list of all proposals on general election ballots within Jackson County, countywide and local, can be found here.