- My legislation to curb youth tobacco use in Michigan was heard in the Senate Cmte. on Regulatory Affairs last week, where I provided testimony alongside health experts and youth advocates.
- Join me for my upcoming virtual Coffee and Conversation event on Nov. 22 at 8:00 a.m. Register here.
- Nov. 11 is Veterans Day, a day to honor the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of those who have served in our armed forces. Thank you to all those who served and their families for your service and sacrifice.
My Legislation to Prevent Youth Tobacco Use Receives Committee Hearing
Last week, I shared testimony alongside health experts and youth advocates at the Senate Committee on Regulatory Affairs on legislation that would require tobacco retailers to be licensed and repeal the penalties against minors for tobacco use, purchase, or possession — which have shown to be ineffective. Vaping and other tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable death in Michigan and across the country, and Senate Democrats are dedicated to protecting Michigan’s youth from its serious health risks. My legislation, Senate Bills 651 and 652, work with bills sponsored by Sens. Cavanagh (D-Redford Twp.) and Wojno (D-Warren), Senate Bills 653 and 654, to curb youth tobacco use in Michigan. Learn more here.
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 fall victim to, 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 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 advanced out of the Senate on Nov. 7 and now head to the House for further deliberation.
- 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 prioritized and addressed. 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.
Virtual Community Conversation
WHEN: Friday, Nov. 22, from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
WHERE: Virtual – Register here
Community Conversation in Williamston
WHERE: Monday, Dec. 2, from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
WHEN: Capital Area Public Libraries, 3845 Vanneter Rd., Suite 1, Williamston, Michigan 48895
Spruce from Eagle, Michigan Now on Capitol Lawn for the Holiday Season
The official State of Michigan Christmas Tree made its way to downtown Lansing this past weekend for the 2024 holiday season. The tree, a 60-foot spruce, was generously donated from Eagle residents, Rich and Dorcas Albertson. If you’re attending Lansing’s 40th annual Silver Bells in the City on Nov. 22, head on over to the Capitol lawn to watch the tree lighting ceremony taking place following the parade around 7:30 p.m.
Honoring Our Veterans on Nov. 11, Veterans Day
Throughout history, veterans have made tremendous contributions to our country and state. Our Democratic Majority worked to pass legislation and secure investments for the veteran community, honoring their contributions and sacrifices.
- Senate Bill 788 to create a special registration plate for women veterans, honoring their service and sacrifices to Michigan and the nation.
- House Bill 5127, now signed into law by Gov. Whitmer, which expands eligibility for the Disabled Veteran registration plate to partially disabled veterans.
- Senate Bills 176, 330, and 364 to help surviving loved ones of disabled veterans better access property tax exemptions.
- The Fiscal Year 2025 budget created more opportunities for veterans and secured $2.5M for grants to address veteran homelessness. In the FY 2024 budget, Michigan Democrats made long-needed investments in the veteran community, including $1.2 million for suicide prevention programs to aid veterans and their families.
We are committed to providing our service members, veterans, and their families with meaningful recognition and essential support.
As always, if you or someone you know would like to provide feedback about what’s happening in Lansing or needs assistance, feel free to contact my office. You can email us at SenSSingh@senate.michigan.gov or call (517) 373-3447.
Sincerely,
Sam Singh
State Senator
District 28