Dear Neighbor,\u00a0<\/p>\n
October was another incredibly busy month in Senate District 6! We have been all around the district listening to your concerns and meeting with community members to better serve you.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I am proud of the work we are doing in Lansing to better the lives of residents, and I will never stop fighting for you.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Featured in this newsletter:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In service,\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_margin=”-17px|auto||auto||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” type=”1_2″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/cavanagh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2023\/02\/Cavanagh_Mary_Signature.png” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” alt=”Signature” title_text=”Cavanagh_Mary_Signature” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” type=”1_2″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_margin=”-7px|auto||auto||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″] Mary Cavanagh<\/b> <\/p>\n Redford Drinking Water Public Advisory\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n I have been in contact with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) regarding the Lead Action Level exceedance found during routine testing of tap water in the Charter Township of Redford.\u00a0<\/p>\n In accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Redford Township Water Department tested 31 homes with known lead service lines. Of the homes tested, four homes showed levels exceeding the Lead Action Level, triggering a public awareness and education campaign.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I am continuing to work with both EGLE and Redford Township to ensure residents have the most up-to-date information and are able to take steps to ensure the safety of their drinking water.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Residents who receive water from Redford Township Water Department are eligible for a filter at no cost if they live in a home where a Medicaid-enrolled child under age 19 or a Medicaid-enrolled pregnant person resides.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n From Tuesday, October 31 to Friday, November 3, 2023, water filters (PUR and BRITA) will be distributed to eligible Redford Township residents from 2:00 \u2013 7:00 p.m. at the Redford Township Community Center, 12121 Hemingway (north of Plymouth Rd, west of Beech Daly Rd.) Redford, MI 48239. There will also be a mobile health unit provided by the Wayne County Health Department onsite to conduct lead blood testing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Eligible residents who are unable to attend the onsite lead filter distribution can pick up a faucet water filter beginning on November 6, 2023, at the Leo Snage Public Services Building at 12200 Beech Daly Road, Redford, MI 48239 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. \u2013 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Additional resources for Redford residents:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Please join me at my upcoming Community Conversation on Friday, November 3. I will give updates on the work I\u2019ve been doing in Lansing, discuss important issues in our community and much more.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n We hope to see you there!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n WHEN: <\/b>Friday, November 3, 2023, from 4:30-5:30 p.m.<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Legislative Update\u00a0<\/b><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_margin=”-16px|auto||auto||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” type=”1_2″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/cavanagh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2023\/11\/Cavanagh-Whitmer_Bill-Signing.png” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Cavanagh-&-Whitmer_Bill-Signing” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” type=”1_2″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/cavanagh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2023\/11\/Cavanagh_Bill-Signing_With_Gov.png” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Cavanagh_Bill-Signing_With_Gov” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_margin=”-12px|auto||auto||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″] Affordable Care Act Codification\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n A bicameral package, HB 4619<\/a>–4623<\/a> and SB 356<\/a>–358<\/a>, codifies the Affordable Care Act in Michigan law that would prohibit discrimination (i.e. gender, age, location, disability); prohibits the denial of coverage based on preexisting conditions; requires that dependents qualify for health insurance until the age of 26; and many other important aspects of the ACA. I was honored to sponsor a bill in this package prohibiting insurance companies from rescinding coverage based on unexpected life-saving procedures.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n These bills were signed into law in October 2023.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Veteran\u2019s Property Tax Exemptions\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n A bipartisan package, SBs 330<\/a>, 364<\/a> and 176<\/a>, eliminates the requirement for 100% disabled veterans to file an annual property tax exemptions, starting in the 2025 tax year. I was honored to sponsor a bill in this legislation to alleviate a burden faced by those who have given so much to our state and country. In addition, given the hardships facing the entire veteran\u2019s family, for the first time in Michigan, this package also extends the exemption to surviving spouses.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n This package was signed into law in October 2023.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Clean Energy\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n SBs 271<\/a>, 273<\/a> and 502<\/a> would set clean and renewable energy standards, increase efficiency targets and expand the role of the Michigan Public Service Commission to prioritize Michigan residents. The legislation creates benchmarks and metrics, including establishing a 100% clean energy standard set to be achieved by 2040 and requiring electric utilities to achieve a minimum of 1.5% annual electric energy efficiency savings.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The package also includes SB 519<\/a>, which would create the Community and Worker Economic Transition Office within the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to assist workers and communities during the state\u2019s renewable energy transition, supporting job growth and helping the state\u2019s economy evolve.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Prop 2: Election Expansion & Protection\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n With the passage of an overwhelmingly supported ballot initiative in 2022, legislation to implement Proposal 2 passed the Michigan Senate this fall. These bills set up a minimum of 9-days early voting, 1 time filling and pre-paid postage for absentee ballots and expansion on ballot drop boxes for registered voters.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I was proud to sponsor both SB 590<\/a> and 591<\/a>, which would create a standard legal structure for presidential and vice presidential candidates who wish to contest the results of an election without delaying the federal timeline or certification of the election process.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Lead Testing for Children<\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/p>\n SB 31<\/a> requires all children to be tested for lead poisoning at 1 and 2 years old, again at 4 years old if they live in an area with a high lead poisoning risk, and at least once between 2-6 years old if the child has never been tested before.\u00a0<\/p>\n This bill was signed into law in October 2023.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n MSHDA Bond Cap Increase\u00a0\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n SB 397<\/a> amends the State Housing Development Authority Act to increase MSHDA\u2019s outstanding bonds and notes limit. I am proud to have sponsored this bill that will allow MSHDA to continue providing affordable housing opportunities to all Michiganders.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This bill was signed into law in October 2023.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Auto No-Fault Reform\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n I, alongside my colleagues Sens. Anthony and Moss, have introduced SBs 530<\/a>, 531<\/a> and 575<\/a>, which seek to address the unintended consequences of the 2019 Auto No-Fault reforms that stifled access to care for survivors of auto accidents.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The legislation addresses the three most urgent components that have directly impacted survivors and those providing specialized care. (1) Modifying reimbursements to develop a more consistent rate among those providing services to accident survivors, (2) establishing rates for specialized services needed that are not currently defined, ensuring care remains available to survivors, and (3) extending support to families and loved ones who make the decision to care for survivors.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Make It In Michigan<\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Partnering with my colleague, Sen. McMorrow, to reform Michigan\u2019s economic development tool that maintains competitiveness, SBs 559<\/a>–562<\/a>, and 569<\/a> refocus business incentives on the prosperity it will bring to communities, workers, residents and the future of Michigan. This package modifies clawbacks, timelines, transparency and the criteria considered for companies wanting to develop in our beautiful state that reflect your democratic values: bringing residents out of poverty, supporting diversity and equity within our state and prioritizing lasting benefits in our workforce, environment, communities and families.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n HIRE MI\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n SBs 579<\/a>–581 <\/a>create the High-Income Regional Employment in Michigan (HIRE MI) Program that would allow a tax capture for businesses that create new jobs in this state within a defined timeline. I introduced this legislation alongside my colleague Sen. Singh with the aim of reshaping an economic development tool that would support current and future businesses in creating high-wage, permanent jobs in Michigan. I was honored to lead these efforts in reimagining Michigan\u2019s economic future and success.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Language Access\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n Sen. Stephanie Chang and I have introduced Senate Bills 382<\/a> and 383<\/a>, which would ensure that state departments and agencies make accommodations to provide equal language access in its services and resources, such as oral language services and translation of vital documents. Michigan\u2019s communities are a mosaic of diversity, and limited English proficiency should not be a barrier to receiving important information and resources from the state.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Prescription Drug Affordability\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n SB 483<\/a>–485<\/a>, introduced by Sens. Camilleri, Klinefelt and McDonald Rivet, would create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board that would advise the state on acceptable prescription drug costs in Michigan and set upper payment limits for drugs with rapidly increasing costs, burdening our residents who need it most.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n
State Senator
District 6<\/p>\n\n
<\/b>WHERE: <\/b>Farmington Community Library, 23500 Liberty St, Farmington, MI 48335\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n