[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\/2024\/04\/polehanki1.jpeg” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” alt=”Senator Polehanki Email Banner” title_text=”polehanki1″ 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=”-27px|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 this newsletter finds you and your loved ones in good health and high spirits as we kick off the month of April. I also hope you had a wonderful spring break with your family, creating lasting memories and enjoying some well-deserved relaxation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Remember, the deadline to file state and federal taxes is this Monday, April 15. If you have questions about filing your taxes or want to check your refund status, view account information and more, click here. If you are a qualified recipient and believe there was an issue with getting your check, the Michigan Tax Help Center may be able to provide additional help.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As always, I hope this newsletter informs you of all the exciting things happening in the Legislature and District 5.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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 517-373-735.<\/p>\n Sincerely,<\/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=”-16px|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\/2024\/04\/polehanki2.jpeg” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” alt=”Senator Polehanki Signature” title_text=”polehanki2″ 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”][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 Featured in This Newsletter<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n In Recent News<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n AG Nessel Warns Renters, Homebuyers of Fraudulent Real Estate Ads, Zillow Scams in New Alert\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n Spurred by recent reports, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has issued a new consumer alert, Real Estate Scams \u2013 How to Avoid Being Taken in by Fake Listings<\/a>, to educate renters and homebuyers on how to avoid property scams. Fraudulent real estate listings often advertise properties that don’t exist, are not for sale or rent, or are not what they appear to be.\u00a0<\/p>\n Nessel\u2019s alert cites Zillow’s advice<\/a> on the red flags homebuyers should look out for:\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n You can also file a complaint with the Department of Attorney General\u2019s Consumer Protection Team:<\/p>\n Consumer Protection Team <\/p>\n Legislative Updates\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n Senate Democrats Pass the Fertility Health Care Act\u00a0\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n Just weeks after the shocking Alabama court ruling that declared that frozen embryos have equal legal rights as children, jeopardizing fertility treatments such as IVF, Michigan Senate Democrats voted on the final passage of House Bills 5207<\/a>–5215<\/a>, which eliminate barriers to parentage in fertility health care and allows Michiganders more ways to grow their families. Gov. Whitmer signed those bills into law on April 1.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Before this legislation, children born in Michigan through assisted reproduction, such as IVF and surrogacy, had no clear legal link to their parents. Additionally, Michigan was the only state that criminalized paid surrogacy which left many children in Michigan born through assisted reproduction or surrogacy without clear legal protection and vulnerable uncertainty regarding their legal status. This legislation addresses these concerns to help keep families together, including same sex couples and those who choose IVF or surrogacy.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n While reproductive rights face threats across the country, Michigan Senate Democrats are committed to dismantling barriers to ensure that those who want to start a family can.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Recapping Senate Democrats\u2019 Work to Safeguard Michiganders\u2019 Wellness During Public Health Week\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n With the new opportunity to better address these needs, our Majority for the People has worked to pass comprehensive, evidence-based policies to expand access to healthcare and improve the health of Michigan residents. As we observe Michigan Public Health Week, Senate Democrats recognize the invaluable contributions of those who safeguard the health of our communities and recommit to supporting their efforts as we work collectively to promote the well-being of our state.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n During our first year-plus in office, we have wasted no time in enacting meaningful policies and securing investments to achieve a brighter, healthier Michigan for future generations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Some legislative highlights include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In addition to passing a slate of legislation to safeguard Michigander\u2019s wellbeing, Senate Democrats also made transformational investments in public health in our 2024 state budget. Some highlights include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n By expanding access to healthcare, investing in public health initiatives, and leading\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>on clean energy, Senate Democrats have laid a foundation for a healthier and more equitable future and will continue working towards further progress. To read more about the work our Majority for the People is doing to promote better health outcomes, click here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Resources\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Get Ready for Fishing Season!\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n With spring upon us in the Great Lakes State, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding anglers to purchase a new license for the 2024 fishing season.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The new fishing license and regulation season kicked off on Monday, April 1. The new 2024 fishing licenses will be valid through March 31, 2025. Licenses can be purchased at Michigan.gov\/DNRLicenses or on the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app, which you can download on your smartphone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Here\u2019s a rundown of key dates to remember this fishing season:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For additional information about 2024 fishing license, contact DNR eLicense at MDNR-E-License@Michigan.gov<\/a> or call 517-284-6057.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The DNR is also providing helpful tips for Michigan anglers to help combat the spread<\/a> of invasive species.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Financial Literacy Month\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n Talking about all things money related can be nothing short of stressful, but with the right tools in your toolbox, it doesn\u2019t have to be. And with the Senate passing Senate Resolution 102 recognizing April as Financial Literacy Month<\/a>, there is no better time for us to share some important tips on things you can do to start building a brighter financial future.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n One piece of advice emphasized by the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is just how important it is for Michiganders to establish a relationship with a financial institution. By having an account with a bank or credit union, you can save money by avoiding fees related to check cashing, money orders and more. Thanks to the Michigan Open Account Coalition<\/a> formed in 2022, low- or no-cost accounts \u2014 with no surprise fees \u2014 are available at participating banks and credit unions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Attorney General Dana Nessel also offers up some additional financial education best practices this month by re-issuing her Overdraft Fee Rules<\/a> alert. This is a great resource to help consumers become more informed on your bank\u2019s overdraft policy, potentially avoiding the accumulation of large fees in your accounts without understanding how they get there.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Virtual Resource Fair for Families of Children with Special Health Care Needs\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n The Family Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs, Michigan Family to Family, and Michigan Family Voices are teaming up for a Virtual Resource Fair on May 7, 2024, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Microsoft Teams.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This event is meant to inform individuals with disabilities and their families, caregivers, youth, providers, and community support about the variety of services and resources available in Michigan for children and youth with disabilities and special health care needs, and their families.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/b>State Senator
<\/span>District 5<\/span><\/p>\n\n
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<\/a>P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form<\/a><\/p>\n\n
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