{"id":6794,"date":"2024-07-03T17:42:23","date_gmt":"2024-07-03T21:42:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/polehanki\/?p=6794"},"modified":"2024-07-03T17:42:25","modified_gmt":"2024-07-03T21:42:25","slug":"district-5-community-updates-resources","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/polehanki\/2024\/07\/03\/district-5-community-updates-resources\/","title":{"rendered":"District 5 Community Updates & Resources"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/polehanki\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2024\/04\/polehanki1.jpeg” alt=”Senator Polehanki Email Banner” title_text=”polehanki1″ url=”http:\/\/www.senatedems.com\/polehanki\/” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _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=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-24px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

Dear Neighbor,\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Last week, the Senate successfully finished negotiations with the House on the 2025 State Budget. My Democratic colleagues and I have diligently worked to design a budget that builds up our vibrant communities and supports our residents. Now, the budget is on its way to the governor\u2019s desk to be signed into law. <\/span>Find more information below on how our budget will build up Michigan.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This week is just as exciting with the commemoration of the Fourth of July! I hope you <\/span>enjoy<\/span> a fun and safe holiday filled with friends and family! Remember, given the recent extreme heat, it\u2019s important to always stay hydrated and wear sunscreen to protect yourself from heat exposure and sunburn. Additionally, in high-heat conditions, the risk of fire increases. Be sure to keep any firework shells or boxes outside overnight before disposing of them and consider hosing them down to prevent accidental fires.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\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 <\/span>SenDPolehanki@senate.michigan.gov<\/span><\/a> or call 517-373-7350.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sincerely,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-17px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/polehanki\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2023\/02\/Polehanki_sig.jpeg” alt=”Senator Polehanki signature” title_text=”Polehanki_sig” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _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=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-31px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

Dayna Polehanki
<\/b>State Senator
<\/span>District 5<\/span><\/p>\n

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H<\/span>appy Fourth of July from the Senate Democratic Majority<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-16px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/polehanki\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2024\/07\/4thofJuly-Banner-scaled.jpg” alt=”70th anniversary Brown vs Board graphic” title_text=”4thofJuly-Banner” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-12px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

The Fourth of July celebrates the signing of our Declaration of Independence and the beginning of our great American experiment. The United States was founded on the belief that our nation should be a democracy where individual voices are not only heard but represented and respected in government and where every citizen can live freely and confidently.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

My Democratic colleagues and I are celebrating this Fourth of July while continuing to uphold America\u2019s democratic foundations and principles. From expanding civil rights protections for the <\/span>LGBTQ+ community<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>natural hairstyles<\/span><\/a> to implementing <\/span>commonsense gun laws,<\/span><\/a> expanding access to the ballot box,<\/span><\/a> and enshrining basic healthcare rights, <\/span>such as abortion,<\/span><\/a> in the state constitution, Senate Democrats are committed to the pursuit of a more just, equitable, and democratic state and nation.<\/span>\u00a0
<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Senate Democrats Pass State Budget Dedicated to Building Up Michigan<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-18px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/polehanki\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2024\/06\/budget_Facebook-budget.jpg” alt=”Mental Health Awareness Month” title_text=”budget_Facebook-budget” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-12px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

Last year marked a <\/span>significant milestone for Michigan Democrats as we capitalized on their first trifecta in 40 years to spearhead a transformative budget<\/span><\/a> \u2014 directing vital resources into historically neglected sectors like infrastructure, education, and local communities.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Last week, Senate Democrats successfully finished negotiations with the House on state budget. The Fiscal Year 2025 State Budget builds on last year\u2019s transformative budget by continuing to invest in children and families, students and workers, public safety, community development, and more.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This Democratic majority views the state budget as both a values statement and a financial plan. Our cornerstones for the 2025 budget \u2014 transformational, innovative, equitable, and intentional \u2014 reflect the priorities established last year. Read more <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Vision OPEN Challenge to Help Small Businesses and Start-ups Unlock $150 Million in Federal Funding<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Michigan Infrastructure Office has announced $10 million for the Vision OPEN Challenge, funded through the Make It in Michigan Competitiveness Fund, to help start-ups and small businesses secure funding from the federal Dept. of Energy\u2019s (DOE) ARPA-E Vision OPEN 2024 grant. This challenge will provide matching grants to bring advanced clean energy and innovative technologies from the lab to the market. The DOE is offering up to $150 million in federal grants, with the Vision OPEN Challenge covering half of the required 10% match.<\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Initial applications to the Competitiveness Fund are due by July 15, 2024, to meet the DOE\u2019s concept paper deadline of July 16, 2024.<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These grants support the implementation of the MI Healthy Climate Plan and position Michigan as a leader in clean energy innovation and research. The investments will not only grow Michigan’s clean energy job sector, which added over 5,400 jobs in 2022 and now employs 123,983 people, but also have the potential to significantly boost the state’s economy. The World Resource Institute projects that by 2040, Michigan could create 41,000 new jobs in electric vehicle manufacturing and renewable energy, offering a promising future for the state’s workforce.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For more information, visit the <\/span>Make It in Michigan Competitiveness Fund website<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Senate Passes Legislation to Expand Freedom of Information Act to Include Governor, Legislature<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Senate took a historic vote in support of <\/span>bipartisan legislation to expand the application of the Freedom of Information Act<\/span><\/a> (FOIA) to the Michigan Legislature and the governor\u2019s office, a significant step forward to increase transparency within state government. Senate Bills <\/span>669<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>670<\/span><\/a> each passed with a 36-2 vote.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Enacted in 1976, Michigan\u2019s FOIA law is one of the few in the nation that exempts state lawmakers and the governor\u2019s office from records requests. This significant gap in the law contributed to Michigan receiving an F in government integrity from the national Center for Public Integrity\u2019s <\/span>2015 report<\/span><\/a>, where the state ranked last overall, failing in 10 out of 13 categories, including public access to information, executive accountability, and legislative accountability.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The bills now move to the House.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tips to Help Protect Your Animals in the Heat<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As we experienced during last week\u2019s heat wave, summer can be an especially dangerous time for not only our families and communities, but also our pets and animals. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has coordinated helpful tips to help keep your pets safe and cool over the warm summer months:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Provide unlimited, cool, clean, fresh water:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n