Dear Neighbor,
This week, the Senate held its 28th Annual Memorial Day ceremony and honored those who have died in service to our country. It is an opportunity for us, as legislators, to show our gratitude for those who left behind friends, family, and the comforts of home to defend the principles of freedom and liberty.
I was honored to be joined by Donald Bliss, a Jackson County resident and purple heart recipient, on the Senate floor for the 28th Annual Senate Memorial Day ceremony. Thank you, Donald, for your service to our country.
Please know that I am listening to you. I represent you and I am always available to hear your concerns and ideas. The best methods of connecting with my office can be found below. For more frequent updates on what I am working on and where I am in the district, please follow my official Facebook page.
Email: sensshink@senate.michigan.gov
Phone: (517) 373-2426
U.S. Mail: P.O. Box 30036 Lansing, MI 48909
Sincerely,
Sue Shink
State Senator
District 14
Legislative Updates
For the past 40 years, too many people and directly impacted communities and populations have been largely left out of the state budget process. And we have seen historic disinvestment over the years that has led to the crumbling roads and bridges, outdated and dangerous water systems, struggling and strained schools, and other challenges facing our state and its people.
We are finally in a position to do things differently. To do things better, for everyone. With the legislation we are passing now and in the negotiations that will continue, the Senate Democratic Majority for the People is working to ensure we craft a budget for the people.
While there are key priorities and important, specific points of emphasis in each individual budget, our budget work has some common threads throughout:
- We have proposed historic investments and unveiled innovative programs with an eye toward diversity, equity, stability, and a better future for all Michiganders.
- We have made transformational, once-in-a-lifetime investments that will have an indelible impact on the state and the residents we serve.
- There has been an intentionality in what we are doing and who we are helping, making sure residents with the greatest needs are receiving the greatest support.
- And we have worked to improve government efficiency, transparency and accountability—to make state services more user-friendly and state spending and decision-making more open and clearer.
Sen. Shink Legislation to Aid Local Businesses Passes Senate
I’m happy to say that my bill to aid local businesses has passed the Senate. Senate Bill 164 changes business improvement zones to allow for some of these zones to be created using weighted voting by assessed or taxed value.
These improvements give valuable tools to business owners and enable stakeholders to invest in our community. The new Business Improvement Zones allow groups of property owners to establish a geographic area that can collect funds from its members and use those funds to invest in the zone. Such groups have been utilized in Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids so far, but could be applied throughout the state
These new tools will let our local business owners improve their communities while simultaneously continuing our state’s economic momentum.
In the Community
Sen. Shink and Jackson Pride Center celebrate ELCRA Expansion
On the evening of May 10th, alongside my friends from the Jackson Pride Center, I celebrated the expansion of the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights act to include protections for LGBTQ+ Michiganders. Thank you to everyone who was able to attend, and a special thanks to Chase Sports Bar for sharing their fantastic space.
Upcoming Events
Jackson County Rose Parade
Please join me in walking in the Jackson County Rose Parade on June 4 at 12:00 p.m. All ages are welcome to attend. This year’s theme is “Home Sweet Home”. Please arrive no later than 11:30 a.m. if you’d like to walk with team Shink. I hope to see you there!
Staging will take place on Courtland Street from 1st Street to MLK/Francis Street. The parade will start at Blackstone Street, the Parade will travel east on Michigan Avenue and conclude at One Energy Plaza.