Dear Neighbor,
May was a busy month in the Michigan Senate as we passed the first set of budget bills and introduced important legislation to protect some of our most vulnerable individuals. As we come into June, I will continue to work diligently to pass an effective and equitable state budget.
It’s Great Lakes and Freshwater Week here in Michigan! The weather has been fantastic recently, so I hope you are able to find time to truly take advantage of the unparalleled recreational opportunities our state has to offer. In celebration of the Great Lakes and our inland waters, this weekend (June 10-11) is Michigan’s “Three Free” Weekend. Residents and nonresidents can grab a fishing rod, ride the off-road trails, and visit state parks and boating access sites – all free of charge!
As you have undoubtedly noticed, we’ve seen a steep decline in air quality due to smoke from the ongoing wildfires in Canada. Shocking scenes of smoked-clogged vistas and dark orange skies have become alarmingly common and present an ominous reminder of the tangible effects of climate change. While this smoke lingers over the region it is important to take steps to protect yourself from air pollution. The Washtenaw County Health Department recommends that sensitive groups, such as those with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teenagers avoid strenuous outdoor activities, keep outdoor activities shorter than normal, and consider moving physical activities indoors.
With this in mind, I hope you are able to enjoy the beautiful weather we are having and get a chance to try out some of the fun things to do on our state’s Great lakes and inland bodies of water.
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
Senate Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee Hears Importance of Conserving Michigan’s Land and Water
Michigan is defined by its abundance of pristine waters and expansive natural spaces. Not only do our state’s land and water resources provide endless opportunities for recreation, hunting, camping, fishing, and much more, but our natural resources also mitigate the damaging effects of climate change by slowing the effects of greenhouse gas emissions by capturing and sequestering greenhouse gasses such as carbon dioxide. Now more than ever it is critical that we protect these special places around our state.
On May 23rd, the Senate Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee heard presentations on Conservation work and its importance in Michigan and President Biden’s conservation proposal, “America the Beautiful”. Michigan is uniquely positioned to be a national leader in conservation and equitable and environmental development, which is why we need legislation tailored to protecting our special places while also allowing economic growth.
This work is part of the Clean Energy Future Plan, a bill package to help support Michigan’s ongoing efforts to become a more environmentally sustainable state as climate patterns continue to change.
By addressing key financial and accessibility issues with transitioning to renewable energy sources, the Clean Energy Future Plan allows more homes and businesses across the state to improve their energy usage. This plan includes proposals to:
- Clean the Electrical Grid;
- Reduce Energy Waste;
- Expand the Purview of the Michigan Public Service Commission;
- Codify Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s PA 116 Program;
- Create a Clean Fuels Standard; and
- Repair and Decarbonize Homes and Businesses
The 2023 Detroit Regional Mackinac Policy Conference focused on “the Power of &,” which invited dialogue among speakers, panelists, and attendees on why Michigan needs an “and” approach instead of “either or” policy solutions. The “and” approach should create a healthy, productive tension among leaders with different points of view. During the conference, I attended several sessions that discussed the importance of individual freedom & collective action, including diverse voices, sustainability & economic growth, and investing in the future & financial responsibility.
In between sessions, I visited with Mackinac State Historic Parks Director, Steven Brisson and toured some of Mackinac’s beautiful state parks and monuments. Did you know that 82% of Mackinac Island is within the Mackinac Island State Park? Fort Mackinac and the historic Downtown sites are the most prominent features of the park, but there are many points of interest and monuments throughout the park, including the Father Marquette Statue, the Scout Barracks, the Michigan Governor’s Summer Residence, and Skull Cave.
In the Community
Jackson Rose Parade
Thank you to Grow Jackson, Nation Outside, the Jackson Pride Center, and all of the other wonderful volunteers who were able to walk with Team Shink this past Saturday in the Jackson Rose Parade. I had a fantastic time walking through beautiful downtown Jackson to celebrate the City of Roses!
Happy Pride Month
June marks Pride Month, a celebration of LGBTQI+ rights, voices, and stories. Every June we celebrate the power of love, acceptance, and togetherness. I am working for a Michigan in which every resident can be their true, authentic selves. We also celebrate the progress in the fight for equality, in large part because of the incredible advocates that have influenced historic changes in policies and legislation.
