Dear Neighbor,
I hope you have a Happy Valentine’s Day and are able to spend time with loved ones. February also marks Black History Month and Cancer Awareness Month. In this newsletter we have included events to celebrate Black History Month, as well as resources in honor of Cancer Awareness Month!
Our work in the Legislature is well underway for the year, and I’m honored to continue serving you and our community in the Senate.
Featured in Today’s Newsletter:
- Celebrating Black History This Month and Beyond
- Valentine’s Day is Here!
- Michigan Education Trust Makes College Savings Even More Accessible for Working Families
- Cancer Awareness Month
- 2025 Grow Detroit’s Young Talent Application Portal Now Open
- February 11 Was 2-1-1 Day!
- Remembering the Lives Lost on February 13, 2023
- Warren Community Homebuying Resource Fair
Please feel free to reach out to share your thoughts or seek assistance with challenges you may be facing with state departments. You can email me at SenPWojno@senate.michigan.gov or call (517) 373-8360.
Warmest regards,
Paul Wojno
State Senator
District 10
Celebrating Black History This Month and Beyond
February is Black History Month, a designated time to honor and appreciate the contributions, cultures, histories, and achievements of African Americans. Michigan has long been home to a diverse range of Black historical figures whose legacies have left an indelible mark on the world, from abolitionist Sojourner Truth and civil rights activist Malcom X to the “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin and the “mother of the freedom movement” Rosa Parks — whose birthday is annually celebrated on Feb. 4.
In the state Senate, we’ve fought hard to ensure Michigan is a state where anyone has the opportunity to succeed, no matter their background or the color of their skin. From combating hate crimes to centering equity in our state budget investments, my colleagues and I are committed to uplifting communities that have been historically marginalized.
Want to get involved this Black History Month? Check out local events and some ways to celebrate here.
Valentine’s Day is Here!
Valentine’s Day is upon us, and while love is certainly in the air, the history behind this cherished occasion might surprise you. Believe it or not, there were actually two St. Valentines, which raises the question: were they both waiting for sweethearts to embrace, or was one of them crafting the infamous “vinegar valentines?” These cheeky Victorian-era cards, also known as penny dreadfuls, offered a sharp refusal to unwanted admirers and suitors. And who could forget that those adorable conversation hearts, originally started as medical lozenges!
Fast forward to the present, and Valentine’s Day has morphed into a major spending holiday, with Americans expected to shell out a staggering $27.5 billion this year — averaging $193 per person. The floral industry is blooming, with approximately 2.8 billion cut roses set to fill homes across the country, while about 190 million greeting cards are poised to be delivered. And let’s not forget our furry companions; in 2020, around 27.6 million households splurged on Valentine’s gifts on their pets, proving that love extends beyond just humans. Whether you’re celebrating with a partner, friends, or even your cherished pet, Valentine’s Day remains a heartwarming reminder that love — past, present, and future — is worth cherishing and sharing!
Michigan Education Trust Makes College Savings Even More Accessible for Working Families
The Michigan Education Trust (MET) is Michigan’s 529 prepaid tuition program. The MET is making opening a college savings account more accessible than ever with a new $25 minimum enrollment contribution beginning 2025, replacing the previous requirement to purchase at least one credit hour to start.
Families interested in opening a MET or learning more about the program can visit MET’s website. Enrollment for the $25 minimum begins immediately.
Cancer Awareness Month
February is Cancer Awareness Month! This month we strive to raise awareness about cancer and prevention efforts. The detrimental effects of cancer are felt by many Michiganders, so Cancer Awareness Month is the perfect time to share resources and support for all those impacted:
- Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) cancer resources for diverse communities.
- MDHHS Keeping Michigan Healthy cancer webpage.
- WISEWOMAN Program helps participants understand their chronic disease risk factors through a free health screening
- American Cancer Society Michigan local resources and events.
2025 Grow Detroit’s Young Talent Application Portal Now Open
The 2025 application for the Grow Detroit’s Young Talent (GDYT) portal is now open. This program offers meaningful summer employment opportunities for Detroit’s youth, aged 14 through 24 years of age.
GDYT offers a citywide summer jobs program that trains and employs young adults for up to 120 hours. Youth participants must be permanent residents of the city of Detroit and be eligible to work in the United States. There are a broad range of jobs available to the participants. Examples of jobs include community cleanups, event planning, accounting, retail, and the Junior Police or Fire Cadets to name a few. Last year, over 8,000 local youth received employment, which is the goal again this year.
To learn more about the application process please visit, gdyt.org/youth.
February 11 Was 2-1-1 Day!
On February 11, we recognized 2-11 day! During this day, we focused on raising awareness about the toll-free health and human services referral service system, 2-1-1. This program, available across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, is a fantastic resource to connect people with information and resources to build healthy, safe communities. Made possible through partnership with local United Way offices, 2-1-1 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To learn more and for help getting connected with resources, click here or simply call 2-1-1.
Remembering the Lives Lost on February 13, 2023
This past Thursday we honored and paid remembrance to the lives lost in the February 13 shooting that took place at Michigan State University in 2023. This year is the two-year mark of the tragedy, and I would like to take time to remember the lives lost and those affected by this event, as well as thank all the first responders who worked tirelessly to secure the safety of the students and staff. Since this incident, the Michigan Legislature has passed common sense gun laws to ensure incidents like this do not occur again.
For those still struggling with the aftermath of this event, resources are available. Please click here to access them.
Warren Community Homebuying Resource Fair
On Saturday, March 1 there is a Warren Community Homebuying Resource Fair from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This event will be held at Lincoln High School (Career Tech Center, 22900 Federal Ave., Warren, MI 48089). During this event, you will have the opportunity to learn about lending products, renting vs. buying, credit repair 101, and other resources.
