Featured in the Newsletter
- Legislative Updates
- In the District
- Upcoming Events
- Other News
Legislative Updates
- Senate Bill 691 — My bill amends the Agricultural Commodities Marketing Act to ease some of the auditing requirements for funds collected by commodity groups. This ensures funds collected under this act will be allocated and disbursed appropriately for marketing programs, promoting agricultural growth in our state. It passed unanimously through the Senate.
- Expansion of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) — In honor of Sunshine Week last week, the Senate Oversight Committee, which I chair, voted on legislation to expand the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to include the Michigan Legislature, the governor, and the lieutenant governor. This move marks a significant stride towards enhancing transparency and accountability within our state government.
- Senate Bill 702 — This legislation aligns Michigan graduation hour requirements for licensed estheticians and manicurists with new federal guidelines. Passage of this bill will ensure that cosmetology students in Michigan will be eligible for federal student financial aid.
- Senate Bill 447 — I testified in front of the Energy and Environment Committee in support of this legislation with Amelia DeLuca, Chief Sustainability Officer at Delta Airlines. This legislation would provide for a refundable tax credit for a business engaged in the use of sustainable aviation fuel. Sustainable aviation fuel is key to decarbonizing airplanes throughout the world and allows for domestic agricultural feedstock to be utilized to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.
Key Senate Bills
Consumer Protection Against Predatory Lending — Legislation that would cap the predatory payday loan interest rates at 36%, protecting vulnerable communities and promoting fair lending practices. This bill passed the Senate 24 to 13.
Senate Bills 567–568 — Legislation that would ensure early dyslexia screening for Kindergarteners through 3rd graders, better access to screening for 4th through 12th graders, training programs to include dyslexia education, and help equip educators with effective reading instruction methods. These bills passed the Senate 37 to 1.
In the District
We had the pleasure of visiting classrooms across the district for March is Reading Month! From Cole Academy to Schavey Elementary, Bennett Woods, and Central Elementary, we loved reading to the students and answering their questions.
Bingham Township Tour
I joined local officials in Bingham Township for a tour and discussion of the potential development and infrastructure improvements to their watermain and how it could make a significant impact for the region’s future.
Shiawassee Farm Bureau Breakfast
I had the opportunity to speak at this year’s Shiawassee Farm Bureau Legislative Breakfast to discuss agricultural issues in our district and throughout the state.
Bath School Museum
I had the privilege of meeting with Chris and Kate Hagerman alongside Clinton County Board of Commissioner, Dwight Washington, to explore funding opportunities for a museum commemorating the tragic Bath School Disaster of 1927. This devastating event, claiming 44 innocent lives, remains the deadliest attack on a U.S. school. Together, we’re working to secure the necessary support for this historical landmark.
Upcoming Events
April 12 Coffee Hour
Come chat with me at Eatery 121 in Ovid for Coffee Hour!
WHEN: Tuesday, April 12 from 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
WHERE: 121 S Main St, Ovid, MI 48866
Clean Energy Town Hall
Join me and the League of Conservation Voters to discuss new Clean Energy legislation in Michigan and how it will impact our communities.
WHEN: Monday, April 22 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: MSU Stem Building, Room 1202, 642 Red Cedar Road, East Lansing, MI 48824
Other News
Happy Women’s History Month!
In honor of Women’s Month, we recognize and celebrate the growing representation of women in Michigan’s legislative landscape. With 12 women in the Michigan Senate Democratic Caucus, 34 in the Michigan House of Representatives Democratic Caucus, and 13 serving as Chiefs of Staff in the Michigan Senate, their increasing representation plays a pivotal role in bringing diverse perspectives to the table, enriching discussions and shaping legislation that resonates with the needs of families, workers and businesses all over Michigan. Their contributions are invaluable, fostering a more inclusive and effective government for all Michiganders.