Dear Neighbor,
With the cool autumn air arriving, I wanted to provide an update on what our team has been working on for District 10 residents. From addressing rising rates of mental health conditions to championing voting rights for Michiganders across race and place, I’ve been focused on tackling the issues that matter most to our community.
Featured in this newsletter:
- Supporting the Families of Michigan’s Fallen Public Safety Heroes
- Senate Democrats Pass Michigan Voting Rights Act to Bolster Election Protections
- Hope is Possible: Mental Health Resources
- The Fall Legislative Session: Learn More With 8 FAQs
- Make Sure Your Voter Registration Status is Up to Date
- Apply for the Home Heating Tax Credit by September 30
- Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month
- September is Preparedness Month in Michigan
- September is National College Savings Month
If you have any questions, want to comment on pending legislation, or resolve any issues in state government, please do not hesitate to contact my office by phone at (517) 373-8360 or by email at SenPWojno@senate.michigan.gov.
Sincerely,
Paul Wojno
State Senator
District 10
Supporting the Families of Michigan’s Fallen Public Safety Heroes
Our public safety officers selflessly put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities. When a public safety officer makes the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, Michigan currently provides their surviving family with just $25,000 — a benefit that has not been increased in over two decades. It is time to honor those who have been killed while serving their communities. I am proud that my senate colleagues and I passed Senate Bill 834 this week, which will double the benefit to $50,000, providing greater financial support to the families of our first responders in their time of need. Learn more here.
Senate Democrats Pass Michigan Voting Rights Act to Bolster Election Protections
On National Voter Registration Day, my colleagues and I passed legislation to establish the Michigan Voting Rights Act (MVRA). Building on the progress of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, the MVRA would set additional protections at the state level, shielding voters from attacks on exercising their right to vote that have been witnessed in this state and across the country.
Outlined in the legislation are protections for Michiganders across race and place, including those with limited-English proficiency and voters with disabilities.
Learn more here.
Hope is Possible: Mental Health Resources
From gun violence prevention efforts to investments in suicide prevention programs, my Senate colleagues and I remain committed to working toward practical solutions to help mitigate suicide in our Michigan communities. With suicides accounting for more than half of gun deaths in the United States in 2021, our Senate Majority worked hard to deliver a slate of gun violence prevention legislation in 2023, helping to keep deadly weapons out of the hands of those at risk of harming themselves or others. We also secured the following budget investments to help address the issue of suicide in Michigan:
- $9.4 million to provide statewide coverage for 988, the suicide and mental health crisis line.
- $750,000 in federal fund authorization to utilize a grant under the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, helping to provide resources toward community-based suicide prevention efforts to meet the needs of veterans, service members, and their families.
- $250,000 to support Six Feet Over’s suicide loss survivor program, a nonprofit that provides mental health education, advocacy, and support to individuals with lived experiences of suicide.
In addition to the expanded resources for mental health, it is also National Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide is a critical public health concern, claiming the lives of nearly 50,000 Americans in 2022. The devastation of suicide is far-reaching, impacting innumerable families and communities across our state and beyond.
But suicide can be prevented — and September, National Suicide Prevention Month, is an opportune time to spread awareness and resources to connect members of our communities with the help they need. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please utilize available resources:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for 24-hour, toll-free, confidential support. Learn more here.
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press “1” to speak with a qualified responder, or text 838255. Available to veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their loved ones. Learn more here.
- Local Resources: Find a suicide prevention coalition, support group, or crisis line near you by scrolling down this page and finding a listing in your county.
Learn more about how Michigan Senate Democrats are shining a light on suicide prevention and connect with more resources here.
Read more about our work to build a healthier Michigan for all here.
The Fall Legislative Session: Learn More With 8 FAQs
Legislators are ramping up our work in Lansing after a summer filled with in-district events, tours and stakeholder meetings. As our legislative schedule for the fall gets underway, I invite you to learn more about the “what, where and how” of Senate session and how you can participate in the legislative process.
Understanding how to find, track, and stay informed about the actions of your legislators is key. Click here to learn more and stay up to date on what’s happening in your Michigan Legislature.
Make Sure Your Voter Registration Status is Up to Date
Voting is a powerful way Michiganders can preserve and protect our democracy. On Sept. 17, 2024, we recognized National Voter Registration Day to encourage all citizens of voting age to register to vote or update their registration status. Registering or updating your registration status is simple and can be done in less than ten minutes. You can do it online, by mail, or in-person at your local clerk’s office or Secretary of State branch.
Michigan Senate Democrats are committed to expanding access to the ballot box and removing barriers that make it harder for Michiganders to cast their vote. Read more here about the work we’re doing to build a more equitable and accessible electoral process that protects and empowers voters.
Apply for the Home Heating Tax Credit by September 30
The Home Heating Tax Credit is a way the state of Michigan helps low-income families pay some of their heating expenses. This year, the average qualifying household received $108 in assistance, which is most often applied directly to residents’ utility bills. With these savings, more Michiganders can have additional money in their pockets to put food on the table, afford medication, pay bills, and more.
Residents can apply for the Home Heating Tax Credit until the Sept. 30 deadline. To qualify, residents must be a renter with a contracted lease or a homeowner and meet income requirements. You can apply for the Home Heating Tax Credit here.
Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month
During Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the rich culture and histories of Latino Americans across the United States and here in Michigan. The month-long observance commemorates the independence days of Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Mexico, Chile, El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala.
In Michigan’s history, only 14 Hispanic individuals have been elected to serve in the state legislature, including Sens. Mary Cavanagh and Darrin Camilleri. Their backgrounds and lived experiences make our caucus and our state stronger. Learn more about them and Hispanic Heritage Month here.
September is Preparedness Month in Michigan
Disasters and emergencies happen when we least expect them. That’s why the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) is encouraging residents to take steps to prepare for emergencies.
Throughout September, the MSP/EMHSD is joining federal, state, and local governments in supporting emergency preparedness initiatives. Agencies nationwide are uniting under the theme “Start a Conversation.” The campaign is designed to spark conversations about emergencies and disasters to prompt individuals, families, and businesses to take more actions to prepare. To learn more about making an emergency preparedness plan, click here.
September is National College Savings Month
With Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declaring September as Michigan College Savings Month, the Michigan Education Trust (MET) is boosting its efforts to encourage families to plan early for their children’s higher education.
This year, the MET is offering new incentives for their prepaid tuition program, including the 2024 College Savings Month Bonus, to make college more financially accessible than ever. Purchasers who open new Pay-As-You-Go contracts for qualified beneficiaries by Sept. 30, 2024, will earn a $100 College Savings Month Bonus.
The MET plans have benefits that go beyond just savings, with contributions being tax-deductible for Michigan residents and distributions for qualified education expenses being tax-free. In addition to the tax benefits, MET allows for year-round contributions. This makes it easy and convenient for anyone in a child’s life to invest in their future.
- If purchasers want to enroll, they can click here and use the coupon code CSM24 to take advantage of the new bonus as well as waive the $25 online enrollment fee.
- If interested in a MET plan and want to view eligibility requirements for the College Savings Month bonus, click here.