Dear Friends:
In the first six months of the 2021 legislative session of the Michigan Senate, we have witnessed historic changes with the introduction of the COVID-19 vaccine. As Michigan’s businesses and economy begin to restart, we have been able to address other relevant issues on women’s health, education, elder abuse, water quality, and this year’s budget. We’ve begun these efforts, and I am proud to have introduced the following bills related to these priorities:
Senate Bill 7 – Prohibits invasive body exams without consent Senate Bills 50 & 51 – Targets individuals who abuse animals/pets
Senate Bill 320 – Allocates $500 million in funds from the MI Clean Water Plan for water infrastructure investment
Senate Bill 506 – Creates additional protections for seniors from elder abuse by those who abuse guardianship laws
Budget – The legislature has continued work on the state budget with the recent signing of the
2022 school aid bill providing $17.1 billion for our schools. While the Senate, House and administration budgets may look different, one thing is clear: we cannot afford to do nothing, and people across
our district said they agree. When I started in the Senate, residents asked me to address our toughest challenges. To tackle these challenges and move opportunities forward, our state needs a budget that ensures we clean up our drinking water, fix our roads, invest in education to reduce class sizes, and protect access to affordable health care and lifesaving prescriptions. I will continue to fight for plans that put issues like these and the people of our state first.
Again, thank you for the opportunity to represent you, and I look forward to working with you on these and other important issues this year. If you would like to share your ideas or need assistance regarding state government, please feel free to contact my office:
Warmest regards,
Paul Wojno
State Senator
9th District
Email: SenPWojno@senate.michigan.gov
Website: SenatorWojno.com
Toll-free: (855) DIST009 or (855) 347-8009
Constituent CORNER
It was a pleasure to present a special birthday tribute to Macomb Community College Trustee and Warren Community Outreach Coordinator Joan Flynn.
Cruisin’ Gratiot 2021 got off to a great start by recognizing the 100th Anniversary of the Eastpointe Fire Department. I was joined by Deputy Fire Chief Nick Sage, Grand Marshall Charlie Langton, and Suzanne Pixley in paying tribute to 100 years of service and honoring past and present members of the City of Eastpointe Fire Department.
It was an honor to host our military men and women from across the state at the Senate’s annual Memorial Day ceremony. I was joined by Warren native Charles Debczak, who recently graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and his family.
A special tribute was presented to Madeline Zamora and Becky Hetchler of the Warren Historical Society at a dedication ceremony to commemorate the history of the property located at the Warren Community Center. The site was the former home of Murthum School built in 1926 and home of Warren High School from the 1940s to 1990s.
Senator Wojno recognized the Official Democratic Black Caucus of Macomb County on their 10th Anniversary with President Joel Rutherford and founding member Jackie Kelly.
NEW RESOLUTIONS & LEGISLATION
Sponsored by Sen. Wojno
- Senate Resolution 65: Protects Social Security
- Senate Resolution 62: Recognizes June 15th as Elder Abuse Awareness Day in the State of Michigan
Co-sponsored by Sen. Wojno
- Senate Bill 74: Designates “Juneteenth” as an official state holiday to be observed on June 19th each year
- Senate Resolution 63: Recognizes June 12 as Women’s Veteran’s Day
- Senate Resolution 60: Recognizes June 2021 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month in Michigan
- Senate Resolution 30: Honors Asian American Heritage Month, Combatting Hate Crimes
ELDER ABUSE TASK FORCE LEGISLATION
Addresses guardianship protections, establishes June 15 as Elder Abuse Awareness Day
As your State Senator, it has been an honor and privilege to be a member of the Elder Abuse Task Force created by Attorney General Dana Nessel. Recommendations from the workgroup has resulted in a four-bill reform package that was introduced in the Michigan Senate. I am proud to be involved in sponsoring one of these legislative initiatives that would make several changes to Michigan’s Guardianship and Conservator laws, including:
Attorney General Dana Nessel and Sen. Paul Wojno
- Limiting the number of incapacitated individuals supervised by a guardian or conservator.
- Requiring the court to obtain a physician/mental health assessment prior to appointing a guardian.
- Requiring a vulnerable adult to be present at the guardianship hearing unless incapacitated.
- Requiring the court to appoint an individual with priority as guardian or conservator, and to indicate in a finding on the record if that individual has been determined unsuitable to serve as a guardian or conservator before appointing a professional guardian or conservator instead.
I introduced and sponsored Senate Resolution 62, establishing June 15th as Elder Abuse Awareness Day in the State of Michigan. It was unanimously passed by the Senate.
We need to ensure that our vulnerable adults are receiving the care and protection they deserve.
-Sen. Wojno
MyCare HEALTH CENTER
I recently had the opportunity to visit with MyCare Health Center on 10 Mile Road in Center Line. MyCare Health Center is a valuable health care provider in our community that delivers many health services including dental, behavioral, and primary care.
Karen Wood of MyCare Health Center discussed the important role the center plays in providing health care services to individuals of all ages. The facility is supported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and serves all members of the community.
I praised them for providing more than 10,000 in-person and over 5,000 telehealth visits this past year. In addition, MyCare staff tested more than 5,000 patients for COVID-19 in 2020. My thanks to the team for their hard work and dedication in providing essential services during the pandemic.
(Pictured from left to right) Dr. Lauren Rush (Dentist),
Senator Paul Wojno, Nashua Choudhury (Director of Operations),
and Karen Wood (CEO).
To learn more about MyCare Health Center and the services they offer, please visit MyCareHealthCenter.org.
KEEPING OUR PETS AND ANIMALS SAFE
Bill takes aim at those who abuse animals
Animal cruelty cases have risen in Macomb County and throughout our state.
In response, county officials have created what is believed to be the first multi- jurisdictional animal abuse prevention task force in Michigan, that they’ve named the Protecting Animal Welfare & Safety Task Force or PAWS.
These bills are a good step toward addressing this disturbing trend. Additionally, I’m working to make sure state laws are stronger for those who abuse animals. I recently introduced Senate Bill 51, that would create sentencing guidelines aimed at keeping animals safe. We owe it to be humane and to do everything we can to protect animals from fighting rings and being used by those who intend to do them harm.
If you witness or suspect an animal is being abused or neglected, please call the P.A.W.S. Task Force at (586) 469-6701.
BILL FOR PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE AND WASTEWATER PROTECTION
COVID-19 has magnified the need to ensure all Michiganders have access to clean, safe, and affordable water. This starts with healthy surface and groundwater, and clean discharges of wastewater into our rivers and lakes.
I’m proud to be a part of a bipartisan, two-bill package that will budget approximately $500 million dollars under the MI Clean Water Plan to:
- Address sewer overflows
- Increase green infrastructure
- Provide relief for failing septic systems
- Assist with contamination reduction and Water Asset Management Grants
- Support the Lead Service Line Replacement Program
- Fund infrastructure grants
An additional $3 million will be granted to locals for stormwater and wastewater projects.
BILL TO PROVIDE PATIENT PROTECTIONS
Invasive body examinations on an anesthetized or unconscious patient have been a growing concern as they are sometimes utilized in the health profession training program of medical students. My legislation would prohibit this practice without patient consent prior to their surgical procedure or diagnostic examination. It is imperative that the dignity of a patient be protected while receiving any type of treatment while they are anesthetized or unconscious.
Additionally, I have been proud to co-sponsor additional initiatives that relate to women’s health and safety that include:
Senate Bill 153
Eliminates the Use Tax on feminine hygiene products
Senate Bill 252
Provides postpartum Medicaid extension for 12 months beginning the day pregnancy ends and includes the remaining days in the current month