[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/mccann\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/04\/Screen-Shot-2023-04-06-at-2.10.03-PM.png” title_text=”Screen Shot 2023-04-06 at 2.10.03 PM” url=”http:\/\/www.senatedems.com\/mccann\/” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Dear Friend,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Thank you for reading my e-newsletter. It\u2019s an honor to serve as your State Senator and represent Kalamazoo County and Antwerp Township of Van Buren County.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Featured in this newsletter:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As always, please feel free to contact my office<\/span><\/a> and let me know your thoughts, concerns and how I and my staff can be of service to you.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Sincerely,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-18px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/mccann\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/04\/Screen-Shot-2023-04-06-at-2.11.23-PM.png” title_text=”Screen Shot 2023-04-06 at 2.11.23 PM” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Sean McCann<\/span><\/b>\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n HISTORIC FY 2023-24 BUDGET PASSAGE AND HIGHLIGHTS<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Last week, I was proud to join my colleagues in the Michigan Legislature in passing historic budgets for the FY 23-24 Fiscal year. I am hopeful the Governor will sign them into law soon. The overall budget will make investments in our schools, local communities, roads and infrastructure, health, public safety and more:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Additionally, as Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I have worked hard during the budget process to bring back state resources to our community. I am especially proud to help secure funds towards the completion of the U.S. 131 Interchange, a project I have been passionate about for decades and hope will be transformational for our community. I was also pleased to work closely with Rep. Christine Morse and Rep. Julie M. Rogers to help bring investments to the phenomenal higher education institutions in our community: Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo Valley Community College.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In working with my House colleagues, Representatives Morse and Rogers, the following projects and funding for our community are included in the budget sent to Governor Whitmer:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n LEGISLATIVE UPDATES<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Repealing Michigan\u2019s \u201cNo Stricter than Federal\u201d Law<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For my first sponsored bill in the 102<\/span>nd<\/span> Michigan Legislature, I re-introduced legislation to repeal Michigan\u2019s \u201cNo Stricter than Federal\u201d law. The bill would repeal Public Act 602 of 2018, which prohibits the state from setting standards that exceed federal rules and allows Michigan to implement the best science and practices to safeguard Michigan\u2019s natural resources. Federal regulations are often set at the lowest common denominator, which prohibits stronger action, backed up by well-established data, that is unique to a given state.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The existing law currently requires state officials to spend time and taxpayer dollars building a case for better protections any time they exceed the national standard. This causes delays or eliminates the adoption of best practices, leaving residents and our environment vulnerable. My legislation, for instance, would ensure Michigan can adopt safer standards to protect Michigan\u2019s drinking, subsurface and surface water more quickly.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n My legislation, <\/span>Senate Bill 14<\/span><\/a>, was passed in the Michigan Legislature on June 28, 2023. I look forward to Governor Whitmer signing this vital legislation that will allow Michigan to be able to better protect our natural resources.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Allowing Alcohol at Intercollegiate Athletic Events<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n My bill, <\/span>Senate Bill 247<\/span><\/a>, which would allow for the licensing and serving of alcoholic beverages at a limited number of intercollegiate athletic events at Michigan colleges and universities, is on its way to the Governor\u2019s desk as of June 27. It would allow colleges and universities to apply for liquor licenses for not more than five locations where they would be eligible to sell alcoholic beverages during intercollegiate athletic events. I am proud to have received bipartisan support from my colleagues in passing this bill. This legislation provides parity between the suite holders and regular patrons who enjoy the athletic competition at our amazing colleges and universities. I look forward to Governor Whitmer signing this legislation into law.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Kalamazoo River Sediment Damage-Inspired Legislation<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n On June 21, I was proud to reintroduce legislation with Rep. Rogers that would strengthen the authority of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to protect Michigan\u2019s water and natural resources from damage by dam operators and other polluters. This legislation is in response to environmental damage and continuing non-remediation from a release of choking sediment from a Kalamazoo-area dam\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span>In 2019, STS Hydropower, operators of the Morrow Dam located on the banks of the Kalamazoo River in Comstock Township, lowered water levels around their dam in order to make repairs deemed necessary by federal regulators. When they did so, they unleashed 400,000 cubic yards of sediment downstream into the river, where it remains, causing ongoing damage to the river\u2019s ecosystem of fish, wildlife and vegetation.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In March 2022, Attorney General Dana Nessel filed a lawsuit that is still pending against STS Hydropower following the mismanagement of dam repairs of the Kalamazoo River. Despite multiple attempts made by the State of Michigan and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to establish measures that would curtail drawdowns with environmental impacts, these demands have not been met.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n One of the first lessons you learn in life is to clean up after yourself. This situation has been devastating for the Kalamazoo River and for our community. Rep. Rogers and I have sent letters to STS Hydropower demanding action, and our entire community has been pleading for them to clean up their mess. Our requests have been ignored or outright refused. It is crucial that our laws are updated to give EGLE mechanisms to protect our inland lakes and streams, and their ecosystems. I look forward to seeing this important legislation advance in the Michigan Legislature.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The \u201cBottle Bill\u201d<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n On June 29, I was proud to introduce legislation with Rep. Morse to update and modernize Michigan\u2019s recycling system by expanding Michigan\u2019s \u201cBottle Bill\u201d law. Senate Bill 453 and House Bill 4904 would extend Michigan\u2019s current 10-cent deposit on certain soft drinks, beer and other carbonated beverages to all other non-carbonated beverages, except for milk containers.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Over 40 years ago, Michigan became a pioneer with its historic \u2018Bottle Bill\u2019 to promote recycling and prevent littering. To this day, it is our state\u2019s most widely used and accepted state conservation program. With this legislation, we have an opportunity to expand upon the success of the iconic legislation from the 1970s. We must act to protect our future by expanding our beverage container recycling system to keep bottles and cans out of landfills now.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Among other reforms, the bills would:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span>I look forward to this legislation being considered further in the Michigan Legislature.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n DISTRICT ACTIVITES<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Kalamazoo Pride\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n June was Pride Month, and I was honored to have the opportunity to have a table at Kalamazoo\u2019s OutFront Pride Celebration. This is an event I look forward to every year. I am proud today and every day to be an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-24px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/mccann\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/07\/Sen.-McCann-Kalamazoo-Pride.png” title_text=”Sen. McCann Kalamazoo Pride” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-14px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Comstock Community Learning Center Event\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n On June 19, I was thrilled to join the Comstock Community Learning Center to discuss my role in government with the pre-school and school-aged Summer Fun kids.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-20px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/mccann\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/07\/Comstock-Learning-Center.png” title_text=”Comstock Learning Center” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-17px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n VIRTUAL COFFEE HOUR\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n I\u2019m inviting you to join me for a virtual coffee hour on Tuesday, July 18, 2023. Join me to learn about what\u2019s going on in Lansing and to share your thoughts and opinions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-23px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/mccann\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/07\/Coffee-Hour-1.png” title_text=”Coffee Hour” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n WHEN: <\/b>Tuesday, July 18, at 11am<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n STAY IN TOUCH\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Visiting the Michigan Capitol?\u202fIf you plan to visit Lansing for a conference or to advocate for an issue important to you, please\u202fcontact\u202fmy office so we can set up a time to meet you<\/a>.\u202f\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Paying tribute?\u202fIt is my pleasure to produce official legislative tributes honoring Kalamazoo County residents for milestone birthdays, anniversaries, retirements, and special accomplishments. If you would like a tribute from state officials, please\u202flet me know\u202fand we would be glad to assist<\/a>.\u202f\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n PUBLICATIONS\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n A resource my office has to offer, but many may not know about, are constituent publications! The Michigan Legislature produces several publications full of useful information for constituents to use, and my office can provide them.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Some of our most popular publications are our Constituent\u2019s Guide, the US and Michigan Constitutions, Services for Seniors, and Veterans Benefits. Many of these publications include how-to guides for forms and services that can be very helpful.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n
<\/span>State Senator<\/span>\u00a0
<\/span>District 19<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n
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<\/b>WHERE:\u202f<\/b>Via Zoom, click here for more details<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n