[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2023\/02\/SenShink_EmailBanner.png” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” alt=”Email Banner” title_text=”SenShink_EmailBanner” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Dear Neighbor,<\/span><\/p>\n As the summer season continues to inch forward, I hope you\u2019ve gotten the opportunity to enjoy some of the perks of summertime in beautiful Michigan, whether that\u2019s time on a hiking trail, a Tigers baseball game at Comerica Park, or soaking up the sun on our freshwater coast.<\/span><\/p>\n And the benefits of living in Michigan certainly don\u2019t stop there \u2014 we\u2019ve also earned national recognition as one of the top 10 states for business in the country! I\u2019m proud of the work my Senate colleagues and I have done to help make Michigan one of the best states to do business, work, live, and play.<\/span><\/p>\n As always, please feel free to reach out to share your thoughts or seek assistance with any challenges you may be facing with state departments. You can email me at <\/span>sensshink@senate.michigan.gov<\/span><\/a> or call (517) 373-2426. Also, please visit my official <\/span>Facebook page<\/span><\/a> for the latest updates.<\/span><\/p>\n Sincerely,<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/03\/shinksignature.png” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” alt=”Senator Shink Signature” title_text=”shinksignature” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Sue Shink\u00a0<\/span> [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/10\/EnewsHeaders_Recent-Highlights.png” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” alt=”If you’re in a rush \u2014 Recent Highlights” title_text=”EnewsHeaders_Recent Highlights” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/10\/EnewsHeaders_Legislative-Updates.png” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” alt=”Enews Headers Legislative Updates” title_text=”EnewsHeaders_Legislative Updates” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Tax Changes for Michiganders Under Trump\u2019s Big, <\/span><\/b>Beautiful<\/span><\/b> Bad <\/span><\/i><\/b>Bill<\/span><\/b> Along with stripping health care and food assistance away from millions of Americans, ballooning our national debt, adding several billion dollars for unchecked deportation efforts, and restricting opportunities for student loan borrowers, this <\/span>new federal budget bill notoriously marks the largest transfer of wealth from the poorest to the richest in our nation\u2019s history<\/span><\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n By making the 2017 Trump tax cuts permanent, this new Republican-backed law hands out trillions of dollars in tax cuts to the country\u2019s wealthiest individuals, businesses, and corporations while leaving millions of low-income and working families nationwide to foot the bill.<\/span><\/p>\n In recognition of Lakes Appreciation Month this July, let\u2019s break down how Trump\u2019s big, bad bill impacts Michiganders with different incomes and their ability to take a summertime trip to one of our state\u2019s Great Lakes.<\/span> For Michigan taxpayers, here\u2019s what the average tax cut looks like for the…<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n Find the full breakdown by income group here.<\/span><\/a> And, keep in mind that for everyday Michiganders, these figures do not reflect resource losses from cuts to vital social safety programs or price increases linked to Trump’s tariff policies.<\/span><\/p>\n While Republicans in Washington have clearly shown who they\u2019re working for, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I remain committed to putting YOU \u2014 the hard-working people of Michigan \u2014 first.\u00a0 From including funds to protect Michiganders from rash federal actions in our <\/span>own state budget proposal<\/span><\/a> to calling on Michigan\u2019s congressional delegation to reject this dangerous federal budget bill, the <\/span>Michigan Senate Democrats have done whatever we can to fight back against Trump<\/span><\/a> and used every tool at our disposal to safeguard Michigan residents \u2014 and we will keep doing so every step of the way.<\/span><\/p>\n Eliminating Medical Debt for Michiganders<\/span><\/b> Announced earlier this month<\/span><\/a>, nearly 210,000 Michiganders in communities across our state have had their medical debts forgiven <\/span>thanks to the $4.5 million we secured in last year\u2019s state budget under Sen. Sarah Anthony’s leadership.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n And, while <\/span>attacks at the federal level<\/span><\/a> attempt to amplify the burden shouldered by those with medical debt, our work here at the state Capitol is far from over. Building off last year\u2019s progress, Senate Democrats proposed an additional <\/span>$5 million for debt forgiveness in the 2026 state budget<\/span><\/b> along with <\/span>reintroducing bipartisan legislation last month to continue tackling this growing issue<\/span><\/a>. Championed again by Sen. Anthony, this new legislation would establish clear guidelines for hospitals to offer financial assistance programs and strengthen consumer protections for patients struggling with medical expenses.<\/span><\/p>\n Celebrating & Protecting Michigan\u2019s Greatest Natural Treasure: Our Great Lakes<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/07\/GreatLakes.png” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”GreatLakes” align=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n The Great Lakes boast more than their scenic sandy shorelines and unmatched recreational opportunities. Containing more than 20% of the world\u2019s freshwater, the Great Lakes region is used as <\/span>the primary water source for more than 40 million people. These iconic water bodies form a vital component of our state\u2019s natural ecosystem, providing a home to a diverse range of wildlife while also serving as crucial shipping routes and energy sources. In short, they\u2019re vital to our state and national economy, environment, and day-to-day way of life.<\/span><\/p>\n And, as the Great Lakes state and home to 11,000 more inland lakes and tens of thousands of miles of rivers and streams, I can\u2019t think of a better place to celebrate Lakes Appreciation Month than right here in Michigan. For all the reasons mentioned above and more, it\u2019s absolutely critical that we work to protect our lakes and waterways as much as we seek to enjoy them.<\/span><\/p>\n Committed to safeguarding our lakes and water bodies for future generations to come, Senate Democrats have worked to:<\/span><\/p>\n Some Ways to Celebrate Lakes Appreciation Month in the Great Lakes State<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n Learn more about ways to explore the Great Lakes here<\/span><\/a>, and read on about further efforts my Senate Democratic colleagues and I have championed to protect Michigan\u2019s freshwater ecosystem <\/span>here.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/10\/EnewsHeaders_Upcoming-Events.png” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” alt=”Upcoming Events” title_text=”EnewsHeaders_Upcoming Events” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Jackson Ice Cream Social<\/span><\/b> WHEN: <\/span><\/b>Thursday, July 31, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.<\/span> Jackson Senior Summit<\/span><\/b> WHEN: <\/span><\/b>Friday, August 1, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.<\/span> [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/10\/EnewsHeaders_Community-Connections.png” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” alt=”Community Connections” title_text=”EnewsHeaders_Community Connections” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Gun Violence Listening Session<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/07\/GVPListeningSession.png” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”GVPListeningSession” align=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Gun violence affects many in our district. Listening leads to effective solutions. I sat with several residents of Washtenaw and Jackson Counties to hear their stories. Thank you for spending time with me and sharing your thoughts.<\/span><\/p>\n Farmer Listening Session<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/07\/Farmer1.png” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Farmer1″ align=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/07\/Farmer2.png” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Farmer2″ align=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Farmers feed and power Michigan! I’m listening to farmers. At my farmer and agriculture listening session in Jackson County, our discussion included wildlife control, low-input dairying, and recent staff cuts to the USDA.<\/span><\/p>\n New Affordable Housing in Ann Arbor<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/07\/AAHousing.png” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”AAHousing” align=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Congratulations, Avalon Housing! \u201cThe Grove at Veridian\u201d is ready for new residents. Truly affordable housing, the work on this neighborhood started before I was a county commissioner. I worked on it as a commissioner, along with my colleagues, our legislators, Sen. Jeff Irwin and Rep. Felicia Brabec, and now it is ready for our people! So many people and organizations made this happen. What an exciting day!<\/span><\/p>\n Electric School Bus Showcase<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/07\/EVBus.png” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”EVBus” align=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Jackson Public Schools has 21 new electric school buses! It’s a win for clean air, and the thousands of dollars saved on gas and oil will be directed to teachers and kids in the classroom. My team enjoyed a showcase event that demonstrated how EV buses can be used during emergencies for backup power and cooling centers.<\/span><\/p>\n Chelsea Main Street Park<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/07\/Park.png” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Park” align=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Congratulations, Chelsea Main Street Alliance on breaking ground! As a commissioner and a legislator, I\u2019ve been excited to support this work to renovate the old Federal Screw Works property into a community park for Chelsea. I can\u2019t wait to spend time there when it\u2019s finished!<\/span><\/p>\n Swain Park Ribbon Cutting<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/07\/RibbonCutting.png” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”RibbonCutting” align=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n I was honored to attend the official opening of the new playground at Swain Park in Brooklyn. Led by Kiwanis, the community came together to revitalize the park so that people of all ages and ability levels can enjoy this incredible space. Rep. Carrie Rheingans and I supported this work by bringing tax dollars back to the community to help fund this effort.<\/span><\/p>\n Speaking with Jackson Residents<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/07\/MLKRecCenter.png” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”MLKRecCenter” align=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n My team and I were out talking to residents in Jackson recently. It was great to <\/span>speak <\/span>with<\/span>
<\/span>State Senator<\/span>
<\/span>14<\/span>th<\/span> Senate District<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n
<\/span>Earlier this month, in the wee hours of the night, Republicans in Washington paved the way for passage of Trump\u2019s budget mega-bill. Signed into law on July 4, this massive spending bill continues to add to the chaos and concern spurred by federal actions since January of this year. Touted as Trump\u2019s \u201cBig, Beautiful Bill\u201d \u2014 this legislation will certainly have a big impact, but that impact looks to be anything but beautiful.<\/span><\/p>\n\n
<\/span>Health care is a human right. No one should be forced into a cycle of debt and poverty just for seeking the medical care they need and deserve. That\u2019s why Michigan Senate Democrats have remained committed to providing economic relief for Michiganders who have been saddled by medical debt.<\/span><\/p>\n\n
\n
<\/span>I\u2019m excited to host an Ice Cream Social and Community Conversation on Thursday evening, July 31, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center in Jackson. Follow the path around to the back of the King Center, and I\u2019ll be at the pavilion, along with the RJ\u2019s Metropolitan ice cream truck. I look forward to seeing you there and hearing your thoughts!<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span>WHERE: <\/span><\/b>Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center – Pavilion, 1107 Adrian St., Jackson,<\/span> MI 49203<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span>I\u2019m hosting my annual Senior Summit and Resource Fair at the Senior Center in Jackson! I hope you\u2019ll attend to learn about services available for seniors, plus safety tips for identity protection and avoiding scams. There will be several state agencies and local organizations on hand to answer your questions and offer resources.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span>WHERE: <\/span><\/b>Crouch Senior Center, 1715 Lansing Ave., #672, Jackson,<\/span> MI 49202<\/span><\/p>\n