Dear Neighbor,
I hope you are enjoying the sunshine and longer days with the start of the spring season! I encourage you to spend some time outdoors and maybe even go fishing to celebrate the start of fishing season!
Featured in this newsletter:
- Fishing Season Begins
- Severe Weather Resources
- Spring Cleaning Is Here: Help Michigan Residents Safely Dispose of Old Medications
- April Marks Financial Literacy Month, a Perfect Time to Open a Michigan Education Trust Prepaid Tuition Savings Program
- Michigan Open Account Coalition Month
- Helping Families with Rx Kids
- Sterling Heights Household Hazardous Waste Day
- The City of Detroit Citizen Solid Waste (Garbage Fee) Discount
- Sign-up for Detroit Alerts 365
- Detroit Down Payment Assistance Program
- Sewer Repair for Neighborhoods Affected by June 2021 Floods
- City of Detroit is Introducing Lifeline H2O
As always, it is an honor to represent you and the residents of the 10th State Senate District, which include portions of Detroit, Warren, Sterling Heights, and the City of Center Line. If you would like any assistance with state-based issues, please feel free to reach out! You can email me at SenPWojno@senate.michigan.gov or call (517) 373-8360.
Warmest regards,
Paul Wojno
State Senator
District 10
Fishing Season Begins
The 2026 fishing season officially opened Wednesday, April 1, 2026, and spring fishing is finally here, so grab your gear and invite someone new to join you and share the fishing experience!
Before you hit the water, make sure to thoroughly review the 2026 Michigan Fishing Regulations to learn any new regulations that apply to your favorite fishing spots. You will also need a fishing license to fish if you are over the age of 17. To purchase a fishing license, please click here. Additionally, if interested in fishing location maps, helpful resources, fish ID information, and weekly fishing reports, please click here.
Severe Weather Resources
From dangerous storms knocking out power for thousands of Northern Michiganders to severe thunderstorms ripping through the lower peninsula, our state has recently faced significant storm damage. Here are some resources that may be useful in the aftermath of severe weather:
- To report downed power lines:
- DTE: outage.dteenergy.com/report-down-line
- Consumers Energy: Call 1-800-477-5050
- For storm recovery resources, click here.
- For insurance help, click here.
- For additional resources and safety tips, visit Michigan.gov/miready.
Spring Cleaning Is Here: Help Michigan Residents Safely Dispose of Old Medications
As Michigan families begin spring cleaning, clearing out old medications is an essential step toward a refreshed home. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25 provides residents with an opportunity to safely dispose of their unused or expired medications at local collection sites.
For residents who want to safely dispose of medications outside of this biannual event, MyOldMeds offers a free, year-round locator that connects people to 980 secure disposal sites across Michigan. The easy-to-use locator helps quickly find nearby drop-off locations just by entering a zip code. The site also includes a Michigan resource page with guidance on proper disposal practices and safe medication management.
April Marks Financial Literacy Month, a Perfect Time to Open a Michigan Education Trust Prepaid Tuition Savings Program
In recognition of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proclaiming April as Financial Literacy Month in Michigan, the Michigan Education Trust (MET) is encouraging families to take the next step in securing their child’s educational future by opening a MET, a 529 prepaid tuition savings program administered by the Michigan Dept. of Treasury, which allows you to pay for future higher education at today’s prices.
“Financial Literacy Month is an important reminder that knowledge is power — especially when it comes to planning for education,” said Megan Patino, executive director of MET. “By understanding tools like 529 plans, families can take control of their financial futures and invest in long-term success for their children. That is a big part of financial literacy and why it is important.”
A MET offers many advantages for saving for college and can be started for just $25:
- Tax benefits: Contributions may be deductible from Michigan state income taxes and withdrawals for qualified education expenses are tax-free.
- Flexibility: Contracts can be used at in-state and out-of-state schools, as well as for community colleges and technical programs.
- Year-round contributions: Parents, grandparents, friends, and community organizations can contribute anytime.
Families interested in opening a MET or learning more about the program can visit MET’s website.
Michigan Open Account Coalition Month
The Michigan Dept. of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is celebrating its first-ever “Michigan Open Account Coalition (MOAC) Month” in April by encouraging Michiganders to take control of their finances by establishing a relationship with a bank or credit union.
Some Michiganders do not have a checking account with a bank or credit union. The number is higher among households that are low-income, in rural communities, receive disability income, or reside in urban neighborhoods without a brick-and-mortar financial institution. Establishing a relationship with a bank or credit union is especially important this year, because the federal government is only issuing tax refunds electronically after phasing out paper checks last year.
Consumers without an account at a bank or credit union spend a larger percentage of their income on fees for check cashing, money orders, bill pay services, third-party debit cards, and more. By having an account with a financial institution, Michiganders enjoy the conveniences of debit cards, direct deposit, online bill paying, and peace of mind knowing their money is insured and their personal information is protected.
During MOAC Month, DIFS is sharing content on X, Facebook, and LinkedIn to highlight the importance of having an account at a financial institution, exploring careers in finance, and information to help the overall financial wellbeing of Michiganders. There is also a wealth of personal finance resources on the DIFS website or the State of Michigan Financial Literacy page.
DIFS also has a MOAC toolkit that you can access here.
Helping Families with Rx Kids
Rx Kids is the nation’s first-ever community-wide prenatal and infant cash prescription program. Beginning April 1, families in Center Line can enroll to receive a one-time $1,500 payment during mid-pregnancy and $500 per month for the first six months of the baby’s life. Rx Kids is led by Michigan State University and administered by GiveDirectly. The initiative is made possible with generous support from the State of Michigan and a growing family of funders and supporters. To learn more, please visit RxKids.org.
Throughout my career, I’ve seen how early‑life support can transform long‑term health outcomes, and expanding the Rx Kids program to families in Center Line reflects a real commitment to Michigan’s children and new mothers.
Sterling Heights Household Hazardous Waste Day
The annual Sterling Heights Household Waste Day event is Saturday, April 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the DPW facility (7200 18 Mile Rd.). Accepted items include paint products, aerosols, pesticides, batteries, fuels, fluorescent tubes, propane cylinders, oils, antifreeze, pool chemicals, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and other items. Things such as appliances, construction debris, explosives, household trash, yard waste, and unidentified materials will not be accepted. Please email dpwcra@sterlingheights.gov or call (586) 446-2440 for more information. This event is open to Sterling Heights residents only.
The City of Detroit Citizen Solid Waste (Garbage Fee) Discount
The City of Detroit may provide a discount to homeowners who are at least 65 years old and have a Principal Residence Exemption on file. Applications are accepted from July 1 through September 15. If applications are mailed, they must be postmarked by September 15.
To get an application, visit DetroitMI.gov/SolldWasteDiscount or call DTSC at (313) 224-3560.
Sign-up for Detroit Alerts 365
Detroit has a new, free emergency notification system called Detroit 365. Get alerts such as
safety advisories, evacuation/shelter in place notices, weather warnings, boil water advisories and more. To register for Detroit Alerts 365, visit DetroitAlerts365.org or text ‘DetroitAlerts365’ to 99411.
Detroit Down Payment Assistance Program
As a Detroit resident, you may qualify for down payment and closing cost assistance when
buying a home. Learn more or apply at DetroitDPA.org or call Detroit Housing Resource Help Line at (866) 313-2520 (option 3).
Sewer Repair for Neighborhoods Affected by June 2021 Floods
The City of Detroit may offer free sewer repair for 97 neighborhoods affected by June 2021 floods. For more information, visit: DetroitMI.gov/psrp or email PSRP@DETROITMI.GOV for an in-person appointment. You can also call to get an application started at (866) 313-2520.
City of Detroit is Introducing Lifeline H2O
The Lifeline Plan has transitioned to the Detroit Water and Sewage Department Lifeline H2O, which offers a single affordable all-in bill amount of $34 per month for eligible households. Please visit DetroitMI.gov/water to learn more about Lifeline H20 and EasyPay Plan.