[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _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” alt=”Senator McCann Email Banner” title_text=”Screen Shot 2023-04-06 at 2.10.03 PM” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-14px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Dear Neighbor,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In Lansing, we\u2019re hard at work advancing policy legislation and developing the best budget possible for Michigan residents for 2024-25.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This e-newsletter will inform you of all the exciting things happening in the Legislature and throughout District 19, including my next in-person coffee hour.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As always, if you or someone you know would like to provide feedback about what\u2019s happening in Lansing or needs assistance, feel free to contact my office. You can email me at <\/span>sensmccann@senate.michigan.gov<\/span><\/a> or call 517-373-5100.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Sincerely,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-11px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/mccann\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/02\/mccannsignature.png” alt=”Senator McCann Signature” title_text=”mccannsignature” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Sean McCann \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n District 19 Emergency Resources<\/em>\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n To see resources that may be valuable to you following the recent severe weather events in Kalamazoo County and West Michigan, I have linked my recent District 19 Emergency Resources Newsletter <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you have any questions or need additional assistance, please contact my office. We want to do our best to help you during this difficult time. You can email me at <\/span>sensmccann@senate.michigan.gov<\/span><\/a> or call 517-373-5100.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n May Coffee Hour\u00a0<\/b><\/em>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I\u2019m inviting you to meet me at the Comstock Charter Township Hall for an in-person coffee hour on May 17. Come learn about what is going on in Lansing and share your thoughts and opinions with me.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/mccann\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/05\/McCann_CoffeeHour_Website.png” alt=”Clean Energy Future” title_text=”McCann_CoffeeHour_Website” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n WHAT:<\/span><\/b> Meet with McCann Coffee Hour<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0 <\/p>\n Legislative Updates<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Delivering a Fiscally Responsible State Budget<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Crafting next year’s state budget for the Fiscal Year 2024-25 (starting October 1, 2024) is a collaborative effort involving negotiations between both legislative branches and the governor, resulting in a new state budget being signed into law each year to distribute funding to residents, schools, communities, businesses, local governments and more.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Currently, we\u2019re in the midst of our annual budget process and my colleagues and I are engaging with members of the House and Governor\u2019s office to deliver critical investments in our local communities. As we work to enact a budget on time or early, I encourage you to learn more about the process and the investments we\u2019re looking to make to support communities across Michigan \u2014 read more <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Protecting Vulnerable Road Users<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n On May 2, 2024, I testified on <\/span>Senate Bill 617<\/span><\/a>, my legislation to expand the statutory provision that provides enhanced penalties for a moving violation that causes injury to a “vulnerable roadway user.” This legislation is part of a bipartisan bill package with Sen. Klinefelt (Macomb), Rep. Rogers (Kalamazoo), and Rep. Schutte (Midland). Senate Bills 617-618 and House Bills 5223-5224 would expand protections afforded to vulnerable roadway users including pedestrians, bicyclists, individuals using a wheelchair, or an individual riding or operating a vulnerable transportation device.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/mccann\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/05\/Screen-Shot-2024-05-14-at-4.43.17-PM.png” alt=”New Abortion Laws” title_text=”Screen Shot 2024-05-14 at 4.43.17 PM” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n This legislation outlines safe interactions between motorists and vulnerable roadway users. Michigan law should ensure that road users face consequences for reckless behavior that results in injury or death of another person. Under these bills, law enforcement and prosecutors would be afforded another tool to fill the gap between basic traffic infractions and more serious crimes.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I want to thank Paul Runnels and Jennifer Johnson, survivors of the 2016 bike tragedy in Kalamazoo, for sharing their personal testimony in support of the legislation.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/mccann\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/05\/Screen-Shot-2024-05-14-at-4.43.25-PM.png” alt=”New Gun Safety Laws” title_text=”Screen Shot 2024-05-14 at 4.43.25 PM” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Preliminary data released by the Governors Highway Safety Association showed that 7,508 pedestrians were killed on U.S. roadways in 2022, the highest number since 1981 with an average of 20 deaths every day. I hope that Vulnerable Road User laws will serve as a deterrent for reckless driving habits that endanger pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users in our communities.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Legislation to Defend Higher Education Institutions from Cyber-Attacks<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n On March 1, 2024, I introduced <\/span>Senate Bill 737<\/span><\/a>, which establishes a 24\/7 security operation center (SOC) for Michigan\u2019s higher education institutions. SOCs provide cybersecurity threat detection, prevention and response capabilities for organizations.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The implementation for the Michigan cybersecurity defense organization and security operations center aims to help public universities address the rapidly evolving threats that can damage and interrupt critical operations in Michigan. Following initial implementation costs, the SOC operational costs are expected to be funded with dues from participating members.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n I am grateful to have worked closely with the Michigan Association for State Universities (MASU) on the development of this critical bill. More and more, we are seeing institutions deal with escalating cyber-threats that could cause costly, dangerous and exploitative damage to the critical operations of our higher education institutions and the sensitive information they maintain. This bill will create a constant hub to prevent, defend and respond to cyber-attacks on our public universities.<\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Legislation to Allow Participation in Public Bodies by People with Disabilities<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n On May 9<\/span>th<\/span>, 2024, I introduced <\/span>Senate Bill 870<\/span><\/a>, legislation that would amend Michigan\u2019s Open Meetings Act to allow for remote participation for persons with disabilities who request accommodation to participate and<\/span> vote<\/span> in public bodies.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This legislation recognizes the physical and communication barriers that currently exist for members of our communities that have disabilities. Too often arranging critical needs like adequate and appropriate transportation can put an unfair burden on a person with a disability and may prevent them from attending and participating in a public body in-person \u2013 a fundamental right that our democracy is based on. My bill allows for reasonable accommodation to ensure Michigan residents with disabilities have the same accessible opportunities to participate in public bodies as everyone else.<\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Legislation to allow 19-year-olds to work within the Marijuana Industry\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n On March 9<\/span>th<\/span>, 2024, I introduced <\/span>Senate Bill 807<\/span><\/a>, to amend sections of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act that provide for the minimum age of an individual who is performing certain actions and tasks involving marijuana. Currently the minimum age is 21 years old. My bill would lower that age threshold to 19 years old if the individual is an agent acting on behalf of a marijuana establishment.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This bill will help with workforce concerns and allow our younger people to work in a lucrative and growing industry \u2013 particularly as several Michigan universities begin offering programs related to marijuana and have noted the benefits that working in the industry could have for students in these programs.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Valuable Information<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n EPA\u2019s Solar for All Program<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The future is solar-powered, and all communities deserve to join! The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded the State of Michigan $156 million to lower the cost of community and rooftop solar for thousands of low-income and disadvantaged community households across the state, saving eligible households 20% on their utility bills and providing additional meaningful benefits.\u202f\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n These federal funds along with the monumental state renewable energy policy reform accomplished last year by the Legislature and Governor will be a powerful one-two punch in the fight against climate change. This money will enable us to ensure a cleaner, brighter future for Michigan while addressing the needs of our state and its people right now to support the transition to renewable energy.<\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Free Gun Locks Now Available at MDHHS Offices<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Gun violence is the leading cause of death for Michigan children and teens, and in recent years, unintentional shootings by children <\/span>are rising<\/span><\/a>. To promote responsible gun ownership and help keep families safe from the devastating effects of gun violence, my colleagues and I took bold action last year to deliver a slate of gun violence prevention legislation that Michigan residents have waited years for.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Among the legislation passed, <\/span>Public Act 17 of 2023<\/span><\/a> requires firearms to be locked and unloaded when unattended, particularly if minors are likely to be present. Failure to comply results in penalties, including misdemeanors and felonies, if minors gain access to improperly stored firearms.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n To help minimize the cost of purchasing firearm safety devices, the Michigan State Police (MSP) and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) are partnering together to offer free gun locks to the public at MDHHS county offices and some local health departments.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n To request a free gun lock while supplies last, you can visit your local <\/span>MDHHS office<\/span><\/a> or check with your <\/span>local health department<\/span><\/a>, some of which will have gun locks available. Free firearm safety devices can also be obtained through <\/span>Project ChildSafe police partners across the state<\/span><\/a>. These cable-style gun locks are made possible due to funding secured in the 2024 State Police Budget passed by the Legislature last year.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/strong><\/span>State Senator
19th District<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span>WHEN:<\/span><\/b> May 17\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0
<\/span>TIME: <\/span><\/b>Noon to 1 p.m.<\/span>
<\/span>WHERE:<\/span><\/b>\u202fComstock Charter Township Hall, <\/span>5858 King Highway, Kalamazoo, MI 49048<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n