{"id":7289,"date":"2024-09-05T11:45:15","date_gmt":"2024-09-05T15:45:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/mcmorrow\/?p=7289"},"modified":"2024-09-05T11:45:17","modified_gmt":"2024-09-05T15:45:17","slug":"investing-in-our-children","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/mcmorrow\/2024\/09\/05\/investing-in-our-children\/","title":{"rendered":"Investing in Our Children"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/mcmorrow\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2024\/09\/BacktoSchoolInvesting.png” title_text=”BacktoSchoolInvesting” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

And just like that, it\u2019s time to head back to school! I hope you had a safe and enjoyable summer and that you and your family are energized and ready for a great school year. As your state Senator and a mom myself, one of my top priorities is helping ensure all our kids are set up to succeed.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In this newsletter you can learn about our work to make that reality possible: from universal free meals for all Michigan kids to information on safe, clean drinking water in all schools and childcare centers; additional support in the classroom and programs to help make college and postsecondary skills training accessible to all.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, read about the historic work we\u2019re doing to expand affordable housing, including one exciting project right here in our district.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If there\u2019s anything I can do to help you and your family, never hesitate to reach out. Our team is here for you!\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You can contact me toll-free at (855) DIST008 (855-347-8008), by email at SenMMcMorrow@senate.michigan.gov or through my website online at SenatorMcMorrow.com.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I look forward to hearing from you!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sincerely,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/mcmorrow\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2024\/02\/mcmorrow2.png” title_text=”mcmorrow2″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

Mallory McMorrow<\/span><\/b>\u00a0
<\/span>State Senator<\/span>\u202f\u202f<\/span>\u00a0
<\/span>District 8<\/span>\u202f\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/mcmorrow\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2024\/09\/teenvoterpreregistration.png” title_text=”teenvoterpreregistration” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

In the 2022 election, <\/span>young voters turned out at a higher rate than anywhere else in the country!<\/span> But even with <\/span>record<\/span>-setting turnout<\/span> (37% in Michigan versus only 23% nationally)<\/span>,<\/span> <\/span>more than 50% of voters <\/span>aged <\/span>18-29 did not vote. <\/span>We\u2019ve<\/span> heard cou<\/span>ntless stories from young voters and their parents that many young voters miss their first election simply because they were away from home or off at college when they turned 18<\/span> <\/span>and<\/span> <\/span>missed their chance to get registered<\/span> back at their home address. But <\/span>now <\/span><\/span>\u2014<\/span><\/span> <\/span>thanks to <\/span>legislation<\/span> we passed that was signed into law by Governor Whitmer <\/span><\/span>\u2014<\/span><\/span> <\/span>16-<\/span> and <\/span>17-year-olds<\/span> can now pre-register to vote<\/span>. This way, when they turn 18, their registration will automatically become active! This process will be done whenever a young p<\/span>ers<\/span>on first gets their driver\u2019s license or Michigan ID, unless <\/span>they choose to opt out<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span>By granting young Michiganders this <\/span>option<\/span> \u2014 particularly as <\/span>they\u2019re<\/span> learning about democracy and civic engagement in school \u2014 we are mitigating barriers to ballot access and helping more residents become engaged, lifelong voters<\/span>.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

Ensuring All Kids Have Safe Drinking Water at School, Child Care<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Staying hydrated is part of good nutrition, which is crucial for student success during the academic year. Our Filter First legislation (Senate Bills 88 and 89) that passed into law in 2023 requires all Michigan schools and childcare centers to implement a Drinking Water Management Plan, including installing and testing filtered bottle-filling stations or filtered faucets on outlets designated for drinking water. By the end of the 2025-2026 school year, all Michigan schools will have approved water filters on all fixtures used for students\u2019 drinking water.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This legislation has widespread support from health and environmental experts. No parent should have to worry about their child being exposed to lead poisoning at school or daycare, just as no student should have to worry about the quality of water coming out of their drinking fountain.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/mcmorrow\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2024\/09\/FAFSA2_FAFSA2.jpg” title_text=”FAFSA2_FAFSA2″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

Filling out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can save you thousands of dollars a year off the cost of community, public, or private college. You can unlock grants, scholarships, and other assistance to put you on the path to higher education right here in Michigan.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the new ways you can save money is through the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, a bipartisan scholarship established to lower the cost of community, public, or private college by thousands of dollars a year \u2014 up to $27,500 over five years \u2014 for most graduating seniors.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

All you need to do to qualify for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship is fill out your FAFSA \u2014 that’s it. Visit fafsa.gov to fill out your information.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition to filling out your FAFSA, students can apply for grants and scholarships through the MI Student Aid website.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Visit Michigan.gov\/mistudentaid\/missg<\/a> to access your MI Student Aid Portal.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ensuring Access to Free School Meals<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In 2023, Michigan became one of eight states nationwide to guarantee free meals for kids in schools. Since implementing this program, we\u2019ve heard overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents on not only the cost savings \u2013 but the amount of time they\u2019ve saved knowing their kids have meals available for them at school. We know that kids learn better when they can focus on learning and not whether or not they\u2019re hungry; that’s why we secured $160 million in the Fiscal Year 2024 state budget to provide a year of free breakfasts and lunches to all Michigan public school students.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Senate Bill 500 would make this provision permanent. This bill passed out of the Senate Committee on Education and awaits further deliberation on the Senate floor.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/mcmorrow\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2024\/09\/Screen-Shot-2024-09-04-at-12.41.16-PM.png” title_text=”Screen Shot 2024-09-04 at 12.41.16 PM” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

I worked hard alongside my Senate colleagues to pass our \u201cBuilding Up Michigan<\/a>\u201d 2025 state budget. The budget includes substantial funding to address Michigan\u2019s housing shortage and lower high costs, including:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n