[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/polehanki\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2023\/02\/Screen-Shot-2023-02-15-at-5.27.13-PM.png” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” alt=”Senator Polehanki District 5″ title_text=”Screen Shot 2023-02-15 at 5.27.13 PM” url=”www.senatedems.com\/polehanki\/” 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=”-13px|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″]<\/p>\n
Dear Neighbor,\u00a0<\/p>\n
I hope you’re keeping warm as December brings colder weather to Michigan. With the holiday season here, I extend my best wishes to you and your loved ones. May you find time to unwind, relax and enjoy the festivities and celebrations.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Reflecting on the Senate Majority’s achievements this year, it is clear that our success stems from genuine conversations and active listening to constituents. The work accomplished puts Michigan on track for a brighter future. I am eager to continue this impactful work for the people and communities of District 5 in the coming year.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As always, if you or someone you know would like to provide any feedback about what\u2019s happening in Lansing or needs assistance of any sort, please feel free to reach out to my office. You can email us at SenDPolehanki@senate.michigan.gov<\/a> or call (517) 373-7350.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Featured in this newsletter:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Working for you,\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_margin=”-18px|auto||auto||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/polehanki\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2023\/02\/Polehanki_sig.jpeg” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Polehanki_sig” 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=”-28px|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″]<\/p>\n Dayna Polehanki <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Community Update\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n EGLE Seeks Community Input on the Justice40 Program\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is asking for community input to develop a Justice40 technical assistance program to assist community-based organizations in Michigan\u2019s disadvantaged communities to build capacity and secure more funding for climate and energy projects and to help implement the MI Healthy Climate Plan<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n EGLE is seeking input on the Justice40 Program’s initial design and the operator selection process. Billions in federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) are available for climate and energy projects. The Justice40 commitment mandates that at least 40% of benefits reach disadvantaged communities in Michigan.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Responses must be received by December 31, 2023, at 5:00 PM. Written responses must be submitted via one of the following:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Food Access News Story\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n In the state of Michigan, many communities are struggling to access food on a daily basis. In fact, according to the 2022 Food Security Council final report<\/a>, food insecurity increased to approximately 1.9 million people in Michigan at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, including 552,000 children. Throughout the holiday season, the issue of food insecurity is often exacerbated, and many families go without a holiday dinner. However, local food banks and food centers serve as vital resources and aid in reducing the food insecurity gap during the holiday season and beyond. To learn more, click here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n MI Dept. of Agriculture and Rural Development Invites Feedback on Grant Programs Implementing MI Healthy Climate Plan\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) launched a \u20182024 Industry Input Survey\u2019 and is now asking for feedback for its upcoming grant programs next year. The results will help shape program priorities that better reflect the needs of Michigan\u2019s food and agriculture industry.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n from the United States Department of Agriculture\u2019s Agricultural Marketing Service through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program and $1.8 million in state dollars for supporting Michigan\u2019s food and agriculture supply chains.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Additionally, MDARD received $2.9 million for a new program aimed at helping minority-owned food and agriculture ventures in the Governor\u2019s Fiscal Year 2024 budget. The department is working to build out this new program to support and expand minority food and agriculture businesses throughout Michigan. The survey closes on December 20, 2023. For more information, click here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential\u202fOfficially Launches\u00a0\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n On December 1, Governor Gretchen Whitmer officially launched the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential, or MiLEAP. The new department, established by executive order in July, is tasked with improving outcomes from preschool through postsecondary so anyone can \u2018Make it in Michigan\u2019 with a solid education and a path to a good-paying job.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The new department will take over several early learning, higher education and education partnership responsibilities from other state departments. Over 300 staff members will join MiLEAP in the same roles they had in their previous department. For more information, click here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Michigan Achievement Scholarship\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n The Michigan Achievement Scholarship was first included in FY 2022-23 and provides last dollar scholarship awards to Michigan undergraduate students at public and private 2-year and 4-year institutions. The budget included a net increase of $50 million deposit into the Postsecondary Scholarship Fund, which is a 20% increase. This is the funding source for Michigan Achievement Scholarships.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The scholarships are awarded to eligible in-state students that graduate high school or achieve an equivalency certificate in 2023 or after and attend an eligible Michigan public university, community college, tribal college or independent nonprofit college or university full-time. Total funding for Michigan Achievement Scholarships for FY 2023-24 will be $300 million restricted. For more information, click here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Legislative Updates\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_margin=”-18px|auto||auto||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/polehanki\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2023\/12\/Juvenile-Justice-Reform-scaled.jpg” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Juvenile Justice Reform” 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=”-13px|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″]<\/p>\n Senate Bills 418<\/a>, 421<\/a>, 425<\/a>, 426<\/a>, 428<\/a>, 429<\/a> and 435<\/a> \u2014 sponsored by Sens. Santana, Klinefelt, Shink, Wojno, Change, Irwin and Polehanki and signed into law by Gov. Whitmer this week \u2014 reform Michigan\u2019s juvenile justice system and serve to fulfill many of the recommendations from the Michigan Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform.\u00a0<\/p>\n The expansion of the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission reflects a commitment to providing comprehensive defense standards for youth. Prioritizing rehabilitation and addressing outcome disparities not only leads to positive outcomes for the youth in the justice system but also contributes to safer communities across Michigan.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Drug Immunity Repealed in Michigan\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n This month, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Senate Bill 410<\/a>, repealing drug immunity in the state of Michigan. Sponsored by Sen. Jeff Irwin, the new law eliminates legal provisions that shielded pharmaceutical companies from certain lawsuits brought by consumers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In 1995, Michigan passed legislation that made the state the only one in the nation that protected drug manufacturers and sellers from liability stemming from the safety and efficacy of their products. The 1995 legislation left the state of Michigan and its residents unable to address the conduct of certain companies in the context of the opioid epidemic and recovery of taxpayer dollars paid out from the Medicaid program due to fraud.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Now with this legislation repealed, Michigan and its residents are now on an even playing field with the rest of the country in terms of drug industry liability.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Financial Disclosure, Improving Transparency\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n For a long time, Michigan was one of only two states where lawmakers did not have to file any type of public report about their personal finances. After extensive input from stakeholders and lawmakers, bipartisan financial disclosure Senate Bills 613<\/a>–616<\/a>, sponsored by Sen. Jeremy Moss and Sen. Sam Singh, passed the Senate nearly unanimously and are now one step closer to helping improve government transparency and codify Proposal 1 of 2022 \u2014 which was supported by 2.8 million Michigan voters just last year.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Per Proposal 1 of 2022, and going beyond it, the legislation passed will ensure that starting next year on April 15, each lawmaker must disclose:\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The Senate bills also extend this disclosure to candidates for office so that voters can vet these potential conflicts as they decide on who they want to represent them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n Resources\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n Safety History of Michigan School Buses is Easy to Access\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n The Michigan State Police (MSP) Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division (CVED) is reminding parents and guardians that checking the safety record of your child\u2019s school bus is as simple as scanning a QR code.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Under the School Bus Inspection Program, all vehicles transporting children to or from school events must undergo annual inspection by MSP CVED members. Once inspected, a bright green sticker showing the MSP shield and school calendar year is placed on the front windshield.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Inspection results are available to anyone by scanning the QR code displayed on the bus service door where students enter the bus.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Pets as a Gift Added to List of Scams to Watch Out For\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and the Humane Society of the United States are urging Michiganders to be wary of puppy scams when looking to adopt or purchase dogs this holiday season.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Remember to stay hyper-vigilant and use these best practices to avoid puppy scams:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Michigan consumers who believe they have been a victim of a puppy scam can file a complaint with the Attorney General\u2019s Consumer Protection team online<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n One Week Left! Get Your Health Plan Coverage Now<\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Michigan’s Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) urges residents to secure health insurance by purchasing a Health Insurance Marketplace plan before December 15, 2023, for coverage starting on January 1, 2024. Although enrollment continues until January 15, 2024, plans selected after December 15 won’t be effective until February 1, 2024. Even if you\u2019re happy with your current plan, updating the HealthCare.gov application may help increase your savings.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Open enrollment for 2024 health insurance began on November 1, 2023, and runs through January 15, 2024. Consumers can access free local enrollment help at LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov<\/a>, shop on the Health Insurance Marketplace<\/a> or call 800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Protects Against New Variants\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recommends all Michiganders 6 months and older receive the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine which is designed to provide protection against severe COVID-19 disease from currently circulating variants.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Most Michigan residents can still get a COVID-19 vaccine for free. For people with health insurance, most plans will cover COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to you. Michigan residents who do not have health insurance or have health plans that do not cover the cost can reach out to a health care provider or local pharmacy participating in the CDC\u2019s Bridge Access Program<\/a>, their health department or visit Vaccines.gov<\/a> for additional information on ways to obtain a free vaccine. For more information, click here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n
<\/b>State Senator
<\/span>District 5<\/span><\/p>\n\n
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<\/span>Executive Office, Office of Climate and Energy\u00a0
<\/span>P.O. Box 30473, Lansing, MI 48909-7973\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/ul>\n\n
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