{"id":1338,"date":"2024-07-31T11:19:50","date_gmt":"2024-07-31T15:19:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/?p=1338"},"modified":"2024-08-01T11:20:33","modified_gmt":"2024-08-01T15:20:33","slug":"community-updates-events-and-resources-8","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2024\/07\/31\/community-updates-events-and-resources-8\/","title":{"rendered":"Community Updates, Events and 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\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/03\/shink1-2.png” alt=”Senator Sue Shink Email Banner” title_text=”shink1″ url=”http:\/\/www.senatedems.com\/shink\/” _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” 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,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As we ease into August, I hope you are continuing to soak in all that summertime in Michigan has to offer \u2014 beautiful lakes, <\/span>scenic parks and trails<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>abundant, fresh produce<\/span><\/a> for your picnics and grilling. For me, just being able to sit outside for a bit in the morning sun before it gets hot is a pleasure I know I won\u2019t be enjoying in November!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Grab a coffee or cold beverage and read on to learn about the many things our team has been working on both in Lansing and District 14.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u202f\u202f<\/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, please feel free to reach out to my office. You <\/span>can email us at\u00a0 <\/span>sensshink@senate.michigan.gov<\/span><\/a> or call (517) 373-2426. And don\u2019t forget to visit my official <\/span>Facebook page<\/span><\/a> for the latest updates.<\/span>\u00a0<\/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=”-19px|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\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/03\/shinksignature.png” alt=”Senator Shink Signature” title_text=”shinksignature” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|264px||||” 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” 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″]

Sue Shink\u00a0<\/span><\/b>
<\/span>State Senator<\/span>
<\/span>District 14<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Legislative Updates<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

State Budget Dollars Coming to Washtenaw and Jackson Counties<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In my last newsletter, you learned about the Fiscal Year 2025 State Budget that will build on last year\u2019s transformative budget by continuing to invest in children and families, students and workers, public safety, community development, and more.\u202fI\u2019m also proud the budget includes money for several projects in the district that will positively impact families and communities. Below are a few notable examples:<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-20px|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\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/08\/Shink-Washtenaw-Border-to-Border-Trail.png” alt=”National County Government Month” title_text=”Shink-Washtenaw-Border-to-Border-Trail” _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=”-14px|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″]

Under the leadership of Rep. Jennifer Conlin (HD-48) and a coalition of Washtenaw County-based legislators, we secured a $3 million appropriation for the <\/span>Huron Waterloo Pathways Initiative (HWPI) to support development of the Washtenaw County-wide Border to Border Trail (B2B Trail). The B2B Trail is something I\u2019ve been working toward for many years, and I am grateful to be able to continue to contribute to its success.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The B2B Trail is a 45-mile non-motorized trail that connects communities and nature areas across Washtenaw County, connecting to trail networks in Jackson and Ingham Counties to the west and Wayne County to the east. Although only about 10 miles remain to complete this regional trail, expensive projects still need doing. The budget appropriation will play a significant part in completing the B2B Trail, creating an unparalleled community recreation asset for residents and visitors in Washtenaw County and beyond as the trail connects to the statewide Iron Belle Trail.<\/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=”-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\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/08\/Shink-Hayes-Hotel.png” alt=”Work Zone Awareness” title_text=”Shink-Hayes-Hotel” _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=”-15px|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″]

I also worked with Jackson Mayor Daniel Mahoney to get $4.5 million in funding for the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) to revitalize the historic Hayes Hotel in Jackson. This allocation will support the $40-million restoration project, transforming the 10-story building into 84 apartments and event, retail, and restaurant spaces.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After years of efforts by the Jackson community to redevelop the vacant Hayes Hotel, I am excited to have secured funding to support the transformation of this vacant building into housing and commercial space. This investment will reinvigorate the Hayes Hotel from a vacant structure into a vibrant anchor in Jackson\u2019s energetic downtown area. I appreciate the collaboration with Mayor Daniel Mahoney, the Jackson Chamber of Commerce and Consumers Energy to achieve this victory for Jackson.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u202fIn addition, Rep. Conlin and I were successful in winning $2 million in appropriations for development of the waterfront park on the western shore of Whitmore Lake. This is another project that the community has been working on for many years and it\u2019s great to be part of its success.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other local budget wins include a sound wall along M-14, eviction diversion in Washtenaw County, funding for teenagers supporting mental health in Dexter, a sidewalk in Brooklyn so kids can safely walk to school, funding for a community center in Jackson, Jackson County district court security improvements, an election center in Ann Arbor and road improvements and a firetruck in Scio Township.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Creating an Environment Where Workers and Businesses Can Thrive<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Recently, <\/span>CNBC ranked Michigan as No. 9 on their list of America\u2019s Top States for Business<\/span><\/a> in 2024 list. This marks the third time since the list was launched that Michigan has cracked the top 10. This announcement comes after Michigan\u2019s unemployment rate fell below the national average, remaining at 3.9% for the fourth consecutive month in May. With all this news, the message to workers and businesses is clear: whether you\u2019re looking for a good-paying job or a place to start a successful small business, Michigan is a state where you can thrive.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Since taking office, our Majority for the People has championed legislation to make this reality possible. Here\u2019s just a few of our legislative highlights:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n