Dear Neighbor,
It’s been an eventful November with the election of our new president and the selection of legislative leaders at both the state and federal levels. I want to thank everyone who exercised their right to vote. Whether you voted early, absentee, or in person on Election Day, you played your part in our democracy and helped us set a new state record for ballots cast during a general election.
As temperatures continue to drop and winter approaches, I hope you and your loved ones are staying safe and warm. Now is an excellent time to winterize your home and vehicle, and to prepare an emergency plan for extreme cold and other winter weather events.
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
- The Senate advances legislation to protect Michigan workers and build a healthier future for residents.
- November 11 was Veterans Day, a day to honor the 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. Learn more about our work to support Michigan veterans here.
Protecting Michigan Workers of All Ages
- Improving Michigan’s Unemployment System: Unemployment benefits have long been a critical lifeline for Michigan workers — helping them put food on the table, pay their rent, and afford other essential items in times of difficulty. This week, the Senate Labor Committee voted to advance a package of bills that would make updates to Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA), improving system processes for unemployed workers in the state. These bills now head to the Senate floor.
- Bolstering Child Labor Laws: My colleagues and I passed Senate Bills 963–965 last week, which would increase penalties and fines for businesses found employing minors illegally or subjecting them to unsafe working conditions. These now head over to the Michigan House for their consideration.
- Strengthening Retirement Benefits for Officers: The Michigan Senate recently passed Senate Bills 165–167, sponsored by Sens. John Cherry, Kristen McDonald Rivet, and Sue Shink. This legislation would allow new corrections, conservation, and other certain state officers to become members of the Michigan State Police hybrid retirement system and would allow current officers to elect to move retirement systems. These bills now advance to the House for consideration.
Building a Healthier Michigan
- Improving Breast Cancer Detection Standards: Too many families in Michigan and across the country know the pain of losing a loved one to breast cancer — whether it’s a mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, or friend. Recognizing the immense benefits of early detection, Sen. Sarah Anthony introduced Senate Bill 1042 to improve the quality of information and the way in which it is provided to women following their mammograms. Senate Bill 1042, which was voted favorably out of the Senate Committee on Health Policy, will now head to the Senate floor for a vote by the full chamber.
- Preventing Youth Tobacco Use: The Senate Committee on Regulatory Affairs recently advanced 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 my colleagues and I are dedicated to protecting Michigan’s youth from its serious health risks.
Detroit People’s Food Co-op: Affordable and Community-Owned Grocer
The Detroit People’s Food Co-op is a Black-led and community-owned grocery cooperative with 4,013 official members according to their website. The goal of the co-op is to meet the dietary and health needs of the community through higher access to a wide variety of nutritious food. Through membership, you gain access to discounts, deals, and can contribute positively to the community.
Open daily from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., the co-op provides access to fresh produce, low prices on basics, and accepts SNAP benefits. The best part is that you do not have to be a member to shop at the co-op! If you are interested in becoming a member/owner of the Detroit People’s Food Co-op, you can complete the application here. In order to gain membership, you must be a resident of the state of Michigan, 21 years of age or older, and pay the $200 membership fee. They offer a payment plan of 10 monthly installments of $20 as well.
Check out the Detroit People’s Food Co-op website here.
Located at: Detroit Food Commons, 8324 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48202
Deer Hunting Begins Nov. 15
The opening day of Michigan’s 2024 firearm deer hunting season is Friday, Nov. 15. The Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources has created a page to help hunters have a successful season — find licenses, regulations, maps, and more here.
Recognizing the significance and tradition of hunting here in Michigan, my colleagues and I have been working to reduce red tape for hunters and restore our game species, while also protecting Michigan’s many outdoor spaces, which offer ample opportunities for residents to explore, unwind, and enjoy nature.
If you’re planning on taking part in this tradition this year, good luck and remember to stay safe!
Winter Hazards Awareness Week
As winter approaches, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared Nov. 3-9 as Winter Hazards Awareness Week, urging Michiganders to prioritize emergency preparedness.
The Michigan State Police recommend weatherproofing homes, insulating pipes, cleaning gutters to prevent ice dams, and ensuring heating systems are safe. Install battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors and create an emergency kit with essentials like food, water, and blankets. Drivers should winterize vehicles and carry emergency supplies, including a flashlight, jumper cables, and extra warm clothing. For more tips, visit Michigan.gov/miready.
Honoring Our Veterans on Nov. 11, Veterans Day
Every year on Nov. 11, Americans come together to express profound gratitude for those who honored our country through the highest form of service. From soldiers and sailors to pilots, Coast Guard members, and Marines, these are individuals who sacrifice their safety from here in our backyards to some of the most dangerous corners of the earth to defend the ideals of freedom and democracy.
While we can never serve these patriots in the same way they have served us, we all have an obligation to support and honor them. Understanding this, my colleagues and I have worked to pass legislation and secure investments in the Michigan Legislature to uplift veterans. Some of this work includes:
- Passing legislation to lower costs for families of disabled veterans by eliminating red tape and ensuring spouses can maintain property tax exemptions.
- Establishing a special registration plate for women veterans in the state of Michigan, helping to raise recognition of their contributions to our nation.
- Securing funds for suicide prevention programs that help veterans and their families address the trauma related to military service.
On Veterans Day and beyond, I remain committed to providing our service members, veterans, and their families with meaningful recognition and essential support. To learn more about the Senate’s efforts to support Michigan veterans, click here. To learn more about the various resources available to veterans, click here.
Winter Weather Forecast: What Michigan Can Expect This Season
Michigan weather is known for being unpredictable — one moment it’s sunny and warm, and the next, a snowstorm rolls in. To help you plan ahead, here’s a look at what you can expect this winter: Southeast Michigan is likely to see a milder, wetter winter than usual. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released a forecast predicting warmer temperatures for the season.
If you’re hoping for snow days, you might be disappointed. With higher-than-average precipitation and slightly warmer temperatures, rain or sleet are expected to be more common than snow. There will also be some La Niña conditions this winter, which is a climate pattern where the tropical Pacific Ocean’s surface temperatures cool down. For the Midwest, this usually means more wet weather than usual.
So, while you might not get the snow-covered winter wonderland you were hoping for, make sure to keep your winter gear handy — Michigan weather can always surprise you! Hopefully, this forecast takes a bit of the uncertainty out of what’s ahead.