Dear Neighbor,
I hope your summer is going well so far. Below you’ll find a brief update on what I have been up to in recent weeks at the Capitol and in the community.
As always, please feel free to reach out to share your thoughts or seek assistance with any challenges you may be facing with state departments. You can email me at SenSMcCann@senate.michigan.gov or call 517-373-5100.
Sincerely,
Sean McCann
State Senator
District 19
My Legislation in the Capitol
Bolstering Penalties for Natural Gas Safety Violations
I was happy to see Gov. Whitmer sign my pipeline fine violator legislation that authorizes the Michigan Public Service Commission to establish and enforce gas safety standards and to increase the fines for violations of gas safety standards prescribed by the act.
Protecting Public Safety
On June 24, 2025, my Vulnerable Roadway User legislation passed in the Senate with strong bipartisan support. I am proud to have worked across the aisle with Sen. Albert to advance this commonsense priority to protect cyclists, pedestrians, and others on the road. You can read more here.
Memorial Highway Naming
On July 1, 2025, my legislation to rename a portion of US-131 as the “Master Sergeant Gregory T. Kuhse Memorial Highway” passed in the Michigan Senate with unanimous bipartisan support. This legislation was brought to our office to honor a former constituent who lost his life during his service in Afghanistan. I look forward to this legislation advancing within the Michigan House. You can track the bill progress here.
Open Meetings Act
My Open Meetings Act (OMA) legislation (Senate Bill 129) to establish remote meeting participation of certain public body members with disabilities has been voted out of the Senate as of April 17, 2025. I am hopeful that this legislation will advance in the Michigan House. You can track the bill movement here.
WKZO Monthly Recap
On Monday, July 7, I was happy to chat with Ken Lanpher on WKZO to discuss my monthly legislative update, something I do on the first Monday of every month. You can listen to my most recent visit here.
Curious about my work in Lansing? You can check out my sponsored and co-sponsored legislation here.
Interns with Team McCann
In January, my office welcomed two legislative interns to work with our team. We were lucky to have them!
Gov. Whitmer’s State of the State
On February 26, I attended Gov. Whitmer’s State of the State address to hear about Michigan’s future. It was an honor to be joined by my guest Arlandar Washington from the LiUNA Michigan Local 335.
Coffee with Constituents
In February, I had a wonderful time connecting with community members at a coffee hour at Happy Days Café in Mattawan.
Testimony on Open Meetings Act
On March 18, I was proud to testify in support of my legislation, Senate Bill 129, alongside Teri Langley from the Disability Network of Michigan. This bill would address the barriers that people with disabilities face when trying to serve on appointed boards by allowing them to participate remotely.
New FAFSA Sweepstakes
I was happy to join Gov. Whitmer in announcing an exciting contest for students who complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the first time. The new Ticket to Tuition sweepstakes encouraged Michigan residents enrolling in college for the first time, especially high school seniors, to complete the FAFSA and lower the cost of college. By filling out the FAFSA, students can gain access to valuable financial aid opportunities, such as the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and Community College Guarantee, programs that I’ve helped champion in the state Legislature. The contest closed in May and winners are waiting to be announced.
Higher Ed Budget
On April 30, I was happy to report out my budget recommendations for the Universities and Community Colleges for the 2026 fiscal year.
Stryker Tour
It was a pleasure to tour the Stryker building in Portage with some of my legislative colleagues to discuss important issues relating to health care in Michigan.
Senate Memorial Day Service
It was an honor to have Master Sergeant Torri Kuhse as my guest for the Michigan Senate Memorial Day ceremony. Her husband, Master Sergeant Gregory Kuhse, a Kalamazoo native, lost his life in 2015 in Afghanistan while he served our country.
Community Conversation in Plymouth
It was great to have my most recent community conversation at Milestone Senior Services in Kalamazoo on May 30.
Protect Yourself from Heat-Related Illness
Summer is well underway, with temperatures reaching uncomfortably high levels in recent weeks. When it’s very hot, there’s an increased risk of heat-related illness, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can worsen and cause heat stroke or even death.
To stay healthy during these record high temperatures, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Drink more fluids and avoid liquids with large amounts of sugar or alcohol.
- Limit outdoor activities to when it’s coolest in the morning and evening.
- Spend time indoors with air conditioning.
- Check to make sure your air conditioner filters are clean, and the unit is working properly.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- Wear sunscreen, as sunburn affects the body’s ability to cool down.
- Check on your neighbors and relatives.
- Never leave children or pets unattended in cars, even with the windows cracked.