Dear Neighbor,
Whether you’re finding time for some fall yardwork, visiting our area parks to enjoy the Fall colors, or watching your favorite college football team and our Detroit Lions, I hope that you have had the opportunity to enjoy the autumn season that has given us some great summer weather.
In Lansing, we’ve passed legislation that keeps our seniors safe from abuse and exploitation – protecting children in the workplace and promoting equity in maternal health care.
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.
Warmest regards,
Paul Wojno
State Senator
District 10
- Legislation to strengthen child labor laws, improve maternal health care for communities of color, bolster protections for vulnerable adults, and more advances in the Senate.
- Local upcoming events for fall and the holiday season, including Winterfest at Regina High School.
- Early in-person voting is in effect this election year. Learn more at mi.gov/vote, including where to find your clerk’s office or polling place and what’s on your ballot.
Legislative Packages to Protect Michigan’s Kids, Moms, and Seniors Advance in the Senate
Earlier this month, Senate Democrats moved forward several pieces of legislation to protect Michiganders from their younger years to their older ones.
Protecting 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 moved through committee and are now on their way to the Senate floor for a vote.
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 last week.
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 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.
November Programs
Snowmobile USA Show: One of America’s largest snowmobile shows
- WHEN: November 1-3, 2024
- WHERE: Novi Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave, Novi, MI 48374
- Click here for more information.
Motor City Comic Con: Meet celebrities, play games, and wear your best cosplay
- WHEN: November 8-10, 2024
- WHERE: Novi Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave, Novi, MI 48374
- Click here for more information.
Holly Dickens Festival: Step into the magical world of the Holly Dickens Festival
- WHEN: November 24-26, December 2-3, and December 9-10, 2024
- WHERE: Battle Aly, Holly, MI 48442
- Click here for more information.
Detroit Thanksgiving Parade: Come enjoy the 98th America’s Thanksgiving Parade
- WHEN: November 28, 2024, at 8:45 a.m.
- WHERE: Woodward Avenue from Kirby to Congress in Detroit, MI
- Click here for more information.
December Programs
Winterfest at Regina High School: Come enjoy free hot cocoa, a Santa meet and greet, ice sculptures, and choir performances
- WHEN: December 5, 2024, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
- WHERE: Regina High School, 13900 Masonic Blvd. Warren, MI 48088
Holiday Nights Greenfield Village: Explore more than 80 acres of Greenfield Village
- WHEN: December 5-8, 11-15, 18-23, 26-28, 2024 from 6:30 -10:00 p.m.
- WHERE: 20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI 48124
- Click here for more information and to purchase your ticket. You may also call (313) 982-66001 for assistance.
Rochester Christmas Parade: Watch over 100 floats and community groups in Downtown Rochester
- WHEN: Sunday, December 8, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.
- WHERE: Downtown Rochester
- Click here for more information.
Early Voting is BOO-tiful! What You Need to Know
It’s election season! In addition to fighting for your rights at the ballot box, we want to make sure you have all the information you need to elevate your voice in our democracy. Early in-person voting is already underway in some places and is an option statewide beginning Oct. 26. Avoid the lines by voting early in-person at your designated early voting site indicated by your municipality.
To learn more about early in-person voting, where to find your clerk’s office or polling place, and what’s on the ballot, visit mi.gov/vote.
Need to register? If you’ve recently moved or changed your name since the last election, you’ll need to update your voter registration. Now that we’re within 14 days of Election Day, you may only register in person at your local clerk’s office with documentation showing proof of residency.
Honoring Our Firefighters, Police, EMS, and More on National First Responders Day
Every day, our brave first responders put their own safety on the line to protect our Michigan communities. This past Monday, October 28th was National First Responders Day, an annual observance to recognize the courage, sacrifice, and service of our first responder heroes, from police officers and firefighters to paramedics and 911 dispatchers.
The Senate acknowledges the vital role first responders play in keeping our communities safe, and we remain committed to supporting public safety officers and their loved ones for all that they contribute. Last month, the Michigan Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 834, that I was proud to co-sponsor that doubled survivor benefits for public safety officers who are killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty — read more about this important legislation here. We also secured historic funding in the 2025 State Budget to support local police and fire services, ensuring our first responders have the quality equipment and facilities they need to best serve our communities.