Dear Neighbor,
We are officially in June, and this month, we have lots of things to celebrate! Warmer weather is here and on June 19, we honor Juneteenth, a day to commemorate the ending of slavery. In this newsletter, I have included legislative updates, helpful district information, and festivities to mark Juneteenth.
Featured in this newsletter:
- Free State Park Admission for Gold Star Families Legislation Introduction
- Selfridge Air National Guard Base Funding Secured
- United Way 2-1-1 Summer Discovery Program
- Stay Protected at the Gas Pump
- World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
- Emergency Weather Preparedness
- ‘Three Free’ Weekend June 13-14 Means Free Fishing, ORVing and State Park Entry
- Juneteenth Events in District
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
Free State Park Admission for Gold Star Families Legislation Introduction
Sen. Michael Webber and I introduced bipartisan legislation to allow Gold Star Families to enjoy Michigan’s state parks at no charge. Senate Bills 1005 and 1006 would provide free and access to Michigan state parks for individuals with a Gold Star Family license plate.
We owe a tremendous debt to our Gold Star Families for everything they have sacrificed in defense of liberty here in America and around the world. We’re proposing free access to 103 state parks as a small way to honor that debt and show our deep appreciation for them and the ultimate sacrifice made by their loved ones in service to our country.
Michigan offers a special Gold Star Family license plate to immediate family members of military personnel who lost their lives in combat. Eligible relatives include spouses, parents, stepparents, foster parents, siblings, half-siblings, children, and stepchildren. Currently to enter a state park, residents must buy a recreation passport, which costs $15 per year for motorized vehicles when purchased online and $19 per year when bought at a state park entrance. Michigan-registered vehicles currently exempt from the recreation passport requirement include vehicles with an ex-prisoner of war license plate, disabled veteran plate, Medal of Honor plate, and Congressional Medal of Honor plate.
Selfridge Air National Guard Base Funding Secured
The Michigan Senate voted to invest $152 million in improvements at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County to support the new F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets. This legislation invests will support infrastructure improvements at Selfridge, including runway upgrades and repairs to airfield and non-airfield features at the base and in the surrounding community impacted by the runway shift. Supporting this vital investment at Selfridge is a tremendous asset to Macomb County and a major driver of our economy and national defense.
United Way 2-1-1 Summer Discovery
Summer Discovery is a no-cost program that lets students explore their interests and engage in community projects while giving parents the flexibility to continue working when school lets out for the year. There are 44 Summer Discovery sites located throughout our district, and there are still slots open for enrollment. Give your child a summer filled with learning and fun. With no-cost Summer Discovery programming, students will receive high-quality learning opportunities that they will love, including field trips, creative art projects, and sports. Meals are provided, as well as transportation at some sites. To learn more, visit SummerDiscoveryMI.org.
Stay Protected at the Gas Pump
Right now, Michigan drivers are paying an average of $71 for a full tank of gas, as the Iran war has disrupted global oil markets. According to the AAA, Michigan drivers are paying 70 cents more per gallon of gas than a month ago and $1.66 more per gallon of gas compared to this time last year.
Below are some consumer protection resources to ensure you are filling up with quality, more affordable gas:
- The Michigan Dept. of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is a useful resource for staying safe at the pump. If you have concerns about fuel quality or received a short/incorrect measure, you may file a complaint online or call the motor fuels quality hotline at 800-632-3835.
- If you suspect or have information about potential unfair gasoline pricing practices, please call the Attorney General’s Office at 877-765-8388 or file a gasoline price gouging complaint online.
- To find cheaper gas in their area, Michiganders can use popular tools from AAA and GasBuddy. For additional resources, call 211 or visit Michigan Association of United Ways.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
June 15 is World Eder Abuse Awareness Day. This day is aimed at providing an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect.
Michigan is home to more than 1.7 million residents aged 60 and older — and while many enjoy safe and fulfilling lives, far too many faces abuse, neglect, or exploitation. In response, the Michigan Elder Abuse Task Force (EATF), launched in 2019 by Attorney General Dana Nessel, continues to lead a statewide effort to protect our most vulnerable residents. I am a proud member of this task force.
Emergency Weather Preparedness
With the warming of weather, the increase in potential severe storms comes. It is important to remember that severe thunderstorms and tornadoes can develop quickly and without much warning. Preparing ahead of time and knowing what to do during and after a storm can make all the difference in keeping you and your loved ones safe. Here are some tips to staying safe:
Stay Informed
Monitor weather alerts from trusted sources like the National Weather Service (NWS) or local emergency management.
Create a Family Emergency Plan and Designate a Safe Room
Designate a safe room, preferably a basement or interior room without windows. Keep an emergency kit in the designated safe room.
Build an Emergency Kit
Make sure your emergency kits include:
- Water (1 gallon per person per day for 3 days)
- Non-perishable food
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Medications
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Important documents (ID, insurance, medical info)
- Warm clothing and blankets
- Sanitation supplies
- Pet food and supplies
Thunderstorm vs. Tornado Warnings
- For thunderstorm warnings: Take shelter in doors away from any windows, avoid using electrical appliances, and unplug electronics to prevent damages from water surges. Please note thatthunderstorm warnings can quickly escalate into tornado warnings.
- For tornado warnings: Go to your designated safe room. If you find yourself in a vehicle drive to shelter, if possible. If not, keep your seat belt fastened and cover your head. If you are outdoors, lie in a flat low-lying area and cover your head. Avoid overpasses.
After the Storm Stay Cautious
After the storm, things may not be as they were before. Avoid and report downed powerlines and flood water, check for injuries and property damage, and continue to listen to local authorities for updates and instructions.
‘Three Free’ Weekend June 13-14 Means Free Fishing, ORVing and State Park Entry
The Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages everyone to take advantage of “Three Free” Weekend, coming up Saturday, June 13, and Sunday, June 14.
It’s two full days when Michigan residents and out-of-state visitors can grab a fishing rod, ride the off-road trails and visit state parks, boating access sites and other outdoor locations — all free of charge.
“This season, we’re encouraging newcomers to discover the outdoors and inviting longtime outdoor explorers to dust off their gear and get out there,” said DNR Director Scott Bowen. “Whether you want to cast a line, hit the ORV trails or relax in Michigan’s award-winning state parks, ‘Three Free’ Weekend checks all the boxes.”
The DNR’s “Three Free” Weekend includes:
- Free ORV Weekend: Legally ride 4,000 miles of state-designated routes and trails and the state’s six scramble areas without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit. Visit Michigan.gov/ORVinfo for the latest ORV trail, safety, and closure information.
- Free Fishing Weekend: Fish for all in-season species, all weekend long, without a license. All other fishing regulations apply. Visit Michigan.gov/FreeFishing for more information.
- Free entry to state parks: To encourage people to pursue free fishing and other outdoor fun, the DNR Recreation Passport that grants vehicle access to Michigan’s 103 state parks, 1,000-plus state-managed boating access sites and many other outdoor spaces is waived for the weekend. Learn more about Passport benefits at Michigan.gov/RecreationPassport.
Stay Safe, Protect Nature
For the best outdoor experiences, the DNR urges everyone to protect our natural resources and put safety first when enjoying Michigan’s woods, water, and trails.
- When off-road riding, please remember to Ride Right to make it home safe to family and friends. Ride at a safe speed, ride sober, and ride on the right side of the trail. For all trail users, keep trail etiquette top of mind.
- Boaters can help prevent the spread of invasive species by removing mud and debris from all surfaces, draining water from all bilges, wells and tanks, and drying all equipment before transporting boats over land.
- Trail users can do their part for invasive species prevention by removing dirt and debris from shoes, gear, and vehicles before heading to the next location.
- Helpful safety tips — for ORV, boating, beach, fire, and other topics — are available at Michigan.gov/DNREducation in the safety information section at the bottom of the webpage.
Juneteenth Events in our District
Juneteenth, which is celebrated on June 19th, marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. This year, the communities in our district are hosting a variety of events to commemorate this significant day. I have included the information below.
Detroit
The Liberation Link Up: Artistically Black Presented in partnership with Black Leaders Detroit, this upscale networking celebration will convene entrepreneurs in the arts, professionals, and community leaders for an evening of live music, curated experiences, and an innovative grant competition awarding $5,000 to Detroit-based businesses of African descent — decided by the attendees themselves. Part of the proceeds go towards the community grant. Liberation Link Up will be held on June 19th from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the Marygrove Conservatory (8425 W. McNichols, Detroit).
Tickets start at $17.85 per person. To purchase, click here.
Jubilee on the Block: Join us for Family Day in the Dexter Corridor, a vibrant community celebration presented in partnership with the Dexter Business Emergence Community Association (DBECA) and Mighty Together Entertainment. Enjoy live entertainment, local vendors, community resources, engaging conversations, and a Taste of Freedom Bake Off spotlighting food entrepreneurs of African descent and advancing health equity in our community. Come out, connect, and celebrate culture, wellness, and collective progress together.
The event will be held on Saturday, June 20th from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. at 12305 Dexter Ave., Detroit. Registration is free here.
Sterling Heights
Sterling Heights’ fifth annual Juneteenth Celebration returns to Dodge Park on Thursday, June 18 from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. This family-friendly event celebrates the rich culture of the African American community and the nearly 10,000 African American residents who call Sterling Heights home.
This free community celebration will feature nearly 30 Black-owned vendors, community information booths, and food vendors. The celebration continues from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Patios ‘n’ Pints Beer Garden with brews from Black-owned Black Calder Brewing, welcome remarks, a live DJ, special performances and more next to the Upton House Museum. To cap off the night, reggae band Lazo and Exodus will perform at 7:00 p.m. on the Dodge Park Amphitheatre Stage, followed by a Movie in the Park featuring “Goat,” produced by Stephen Curry at 9:00 p.m. Learn more here.