{"id":1684,"date":"2025-01-31T17:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-01-31T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/?p=1684"},"modified":"2025-01-31T13:51:37","modified_gmt":"2025-01-31T18:51:37","slug":"focusing-on-accountability-and-affordability-other-updates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2025\/01\/31\/focusing-on-accountability-and-affordability-other-updates\/","title":{"rendered":"Focusing on Accountability and Affordability + Other Updates"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/03\/shink1-2.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Senator Sue Shink Email Banner&#8221; title_text=&#8221;shink1&#8243; force_fullwidth=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Dear Neighbor,<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:-20,&quot;335559737&quot;:-20,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:-20,&quot;335559737&quot;:-20,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Michigan\u2019s real winter weather is here! As temperatures drop, I hope you are staying safe and warm. Be sure to take extra care when going outside or traveling in these conditions: bundle up, watch out for ice, and pay attention to the changing weather. If you, a loved one, or a neighbor need a place to escape the frigid temperatures, you can find a list of warming centers across South-Central Michigan <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/unitedforscmi.org\/warming-centers-for-winter-weather\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">here<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">. You can also find a Jackson-specific list <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mlive.com\/news\/jackson\/2025\/01\/need-shelter-from-the-winter-weather-heres-where-to-turn-to-in-jackson.html\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">here<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Below, you\u2019ll find updates on how my colleagues and I have hit the ground running during the first weeks of Michigan\u2019s 103rd Legislature. I\u2019m excited about what the new year holds and am committed to serving our community by working on the issues that matter most to you.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you or anyone you know would like to provide feedback about what\u2019s happening in Lansing, or needs any assistance, please feel free to reach out to my office. You can contact me by sending an email to <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">sensshink@senate.michigan.gov<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> or calling (517) 373-2426. Also, please visit my official <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/SenSueShink\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Facebook page<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> for the latest updates.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:-20,&quot;335559737&quot;:-20,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Sincerely,\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:-20,&quot;335559737&quot;:-20,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/03\/shinksignature.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Senator Shink Signature&#8221; title_text=&#8221;shinksignature&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width=&#8221;55%&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Sue Shink\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<br \/><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">State Senator<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<br \/><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">14th Senate District<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/10\/EnewsHeaders_Recent-Highlights.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;If you&#8217;re in a rush \u2014 Recent Highlights&#8221; title_text=&#8221;EnewsHeaders_Recent Highlights&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"19\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">As we began Michigan&#8217;s 103rd Legislature earlier this month, my colleagues and I wasted no time in introducing legislation to increase government transparency, improve access to affordable health care, and support working families.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"19\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">With freezing temperatures and dangerous wind chills, make sure you take proper safety precautions such as limiting your time outdoors on colder days, checking on others, and preparing for travel emergencies.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/10\/EnewsHeaders_Legislative-Updates.png&#8221; title_text=&#8221;EnewsHeaders_Legislative Updates&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" lang=\"EN-US\" class=\"TextRun MacChromeBold SCXW244514972 BCX0\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW244514972 BCX0\">2024 Year in Review<\/span><\/span><\/strong><span class=\"EOP SCXW244514972 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/01\/Year-in-Review-2024.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;2024 Year in Review &#8221; title_text=&#8221;Year in Review 2024&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I\u2019m proud of what I accomplished in 2024 for the residents of District 14 and all Michiganders. Thank you to my many partners in the community and the legislature who helped to make good things happen. Let\u2019s do even more in 2025!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. Through Action<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/01\/MLK.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. Through Action &#8221; title_text=&#8221;MLK&#8221; force_fullwidth=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">I\u2019ve been working hard alongside you to make Michigan a state where you and your loved ones can live the lives you choose, no matter the color of your skin, your zip code, who you love, or the amount of money in your wallet. The policies we put in place and budget decisions we make here in the legislature <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">should <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">support all of us being treated with dignity.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">I\u2019ve been joining our community to remember and pay respect to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. whose courage, tenacity, and leadership, along with the efforts of many others, resulted in changed laws that required that all people be treated more fairly.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">From <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/anthony\/2023\/12\/19\/anthony-recognized-for-championing-crown-act\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">banning race-based hair discrimination<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/moss\/2023\/03\/02\/elliott-larsen-civil-rights\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">expanding historic protections for our LGBTQ+ community<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> to passing legislation <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/blog\/2024\/03\/20\/hate-crimes-legislation\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">combating hate crimes<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/geiss\/2024\/12\/04\/black-leadership-advisory-council\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">permanently establishing Michigan\u2019s Black Leadership Advisory Council<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I have been focused on work inspired by Dr. King\u2019s legacy. This year, we remain committed to championing legislation and investments to continue that work.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Michigan\u2019s 103rd Legislature Kicks Off with Focus on Accountability and Affordability<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">As we began Michigan&#8217;s 103rd Legislature earlier this month, my colleagues and I wasted no time in introducing legislation to address the issues important to you. These bills would increase government transparency, improve access to affordable health care, and support working families.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"20\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Senate Bills 1 and 2 would <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/blog\/2025\/01\/08\/foia-expansion\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">expand the state\u2019s Freedom of Information Act<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> to include the Michigan Legislature and governor. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/moss\/2024\/06\/26\/foia\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Similar legislation passed by the Senate in the 102nd Legislature<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> garnered widespread and bipartisan support. I anticipate voting on these bills soon.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"20\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Senate Bills 3-5 aim to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/blog\/2025\/01\/08\/michigan-senate-democrats-make-lowering-costs-increasing-access-to-affordable-health-care-a-top-priority-in-2025\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board in Michigan<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> \u2014 an independent body designed to lower prescription drug costs and hold Big Pharma accountable. These bills build on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/blog\/2023\/10\/03\/drug-affordability-board\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Michigan Senate Democrats\u2019 efforts during the 102nd Legislature<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> to lower costs for working families here in Michigan. I am pleased to sponsor one of the bills in this package.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"20\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Senate Bills 6-8 and 15 focus on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/blog\/2025\/01\/08\/making-workers-a-priority\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">strengthening protections for Michigan workers<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">. These bills would raise the state&#8217;s minimum wage, protect service workers\u2019 tips, require employers to offer paid sick leave, and crack down on illegal wage theft.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Throughout this legislative term, Senate Democrats are committed to building on previous successes and delivering real, lasting benefits for families across the state.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/10\/EnewsHeaders_Community-Connections.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Community Connections&#8221; title_text=&#8221;EnewsHeaders_Community Connections&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" lang=\"EN-US\" class=\"TextRun MacChromeBold SCXW119601123 BCX0\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW119601123 BCX0\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\" data-ccp-charstyle-defn=\"{&quot;ObjectId&quot;:&quot;7bb451df-b32e-4800-bdc7-9fe16ede7341|17&quot;,&quot;ClassId&quot;:1073872969,&quot;Properties&quot;:[201342446,&quot;1&quot;,201342447,&quot;5&quot;,201342448,&quot;3&quot;,201342449,&quot;1&quot;,469777841,&quot;Aptos&quot;,469777842,&quot;Arial&quot;,469777843,&quot;\uff2d\uff33 \u660e\u671d&quot;,469777844,&quot;Aptos&quot;,201341986,&quot;1&quot;,469769226,&quot;Aptos,Arial,\uff2d\uff33 \u660e\u671d&quot;,268442635,&quot;22&quot;,469775450,&quot;normaltextrun&quot;,201340122,&quot;1&quot;,134233614,&quot;true&quot;,469778129,&quot;normaltextrun&quot;,335572020,&quot;1&quot;,469778324,&quot;Default Paragraph Font&quot;]}\">Waterloo Rec Area Public Hearing<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/01\/Waterloo-1.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Waterloo 1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; alt=&#8221;Waterloo Rec Area Public Hearing &#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/01\/Community-Conversation.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Community-Conversation&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; alt=&#8221;Waterloo Rec Area Public Hearing &#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Planning for the future of Waterloo Recreation Area is ongoing. Nancy, B, and I attended a public input meeting where I listened and spoke up for constituents who&#8217;ve contacted me with their concerns about a proposed new horse campground. The Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources committed to further conversations on that. I also appreciated talking afterward with so many people who share a love for Waterloo, the largest state park in the Lower Peninsula! You can review the draft plan and give your own feedback online <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.research.net\/r\/NX5XCW8\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">here<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">MLK Day Events<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">On January 20, we honored Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a leader whose dream inspires us to fight for fairness, unity, and opportunity for all. During MLK weekend, I had the privilege of participating in several events around our district to remember and celebrate Dr. King.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;2_5,3_5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;2_5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/01\/MLK-1.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;MLK 1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; alt=&#8221;MLK Day Events &#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;3_5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/01\/MLK-2.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;MLK Day Events &#8221; title_text=&#8221;MLK 2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"none\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" lang=\"EN-US\" class=\"TextRun SCXW126508309 BCX0\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW126508309 BCX0\">The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce hos<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW126508309 BCX0\">ted an inspiring 2025 MLK Diversity Breakfast. I loved connecting with community members, business leaders<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW126508309 BCX0\">,<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW126508309 BCX0\"> and students. It was wonderful to celebrate Dr. King&#8217;s legacy together!<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW126508309 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/01\/MLK-3.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;Food Gatherers &#8221; title_text=&#8221;MLK 3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/01\/MLK-4.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;Food Gatherers &#8221; title_text=&#8221;MLK 4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Jackson College hosted a Saturday night MLK Dinner Celebration. The Men of Merit and Sisters of Strength were recognized for their accomplishments, and Jackson\u2019s own Antonio Bass inspired us with his speech on the Power in Unity.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/01\/MLK-5.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;Border 2 Border Trail Tour &#8221; title_text=&#8221;MLK 5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"none\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" lang=\"EN-US\" class=\"TextRun SCXW126353791 BCX0\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW126353791 BCX0\">The University of Michigan People and Provost\u2019s <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW126353791 BCX0\">B<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW126353791 BCX0\">reakfast honored Dr. King\u2019s birthday. Then I soaked in more inspiration at the Ministers\u2019 Alliance service. It was wonderful to be with so many who believe in justice and <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW126353791 BCX0\">are doing real work <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW126353791 BCX0\">to increase access to housing, legal representation, <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW126353791 BCX0\">education<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW126353791 BCX0\">,<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW126353791 BCX0\"> and health-justice.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW126353791 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/01\/MLK-6.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;4-H Leaders at the Capitol &#8221; title_text=&#8221;MLK 6&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width=&#8221;85%&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Eastern Michigan University\u2019s MLK Jr. President\u2019s Luncheon brought inspiration from Dr. Mary Frances Berry, as well as Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Ruth Mella, Rev. Moshod Evans Sr., Sherry Young, Sasha Greer, and Chuck Stokes. It felt great to gather with people with whom I have been working for the betterment of our community for many years.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Washtenaw County Conservation District Awards<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/01\/WCCD-Awards.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;Many Hands Lifesharing Community &#8221; title_text=&#8221;WCCD Awards&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">It was great to join WCCD\u2019s many supporters for a dinner and celebration. Congratulations to Slow Farm and Kim Bayer for receiving the 2024 Small\/Beginning Conservation Farmer of the Year Award! Other honorees included Megan DeLeeuw, Maren Sande, Terry and Sheila Calhoun, and the Henes Family. We enjoyed a keynote presentation on permaculture by Bridget O\u2019Brien of Gateway Farm.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Chelsea Housing Solutions Conference<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/01\/Chelsea-Housing-1.jpg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; alt=&#8221;Chelsea Housing Solutions Conference &#8221; title_text=&#8221;Chelsea Housing 1&#8243; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/01\/Chelsea-Housing-2.jpg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; alt=&#8221;Chelsea Housing Solutions Conference &#8221; title_text=&#8221;Chelsea Housing 2&#8243; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Thank you, Chelsea Mayor Jane Pacheco, for hosting the Western Washtenaw Housing Solutions Town Hall and thanks to special guest, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. I\u2019m excited and energized looking at the future of housing accessibility in Washtenaw County!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Agroecosystem Research Summit<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; column_structure=&#8221;2_5,3_5&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;2_5&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/01\/Agroecosystem-1.jpg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Agroecosystem 1&#8243; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;3_5&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/01\/Agroecosystem-2.jpg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Agroecosystem 2&#8243; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"none\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" lang=\"EN-US\" class=\"TextRun SCXW181238122 BCX0\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW181238122 BCX0\">MSU Kellogg Biological Station <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW181238122 BCX0\">is part of a<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW181238122 BCX0\"> Long-term Agroecosystem Research <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW181238122 BCX0\">Network<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW181238122 BCX0\">. It is about creating <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW181238122 BCX0\">a <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW181238122 BCX0\">mean<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW181238122 BCX0\">s of agricultural production that improves the environment and helps farmers to prosper. My Chief<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW181238122 BCX0\"> of Staff<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW181238122 BCX0\">, Jeffrey Hillman,<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW181238122 BCX0\"> was <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW181238122 BCX0\">there <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW181238122 BCX0\">to<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW181238122 BCX0\"> learn about the latest advances in this area of research.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW181238122 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/10\/EnewsHeaders_News-Resources.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Helpful news and resources&#8221; title_text=&#8221;EnewsHeaders_News &#038; Resources&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Save the Date! 2025 State of the State Address<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will be delivering the 2025 State of the State Address on the evening of Wednesday, Feb. 26. In the speech, the governor will address members of the Legislature as well as Michiganders across the state as she lays out plans for the year ahead to create good-paying jobs, fix our roads, invest in our students, and more.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Over the past two years, we\u2019ve had a strong partner in Governor Whitmer as we worked to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/blog\/2024\/12\/31\/buildingopportunity\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">lower costs, drive change, and create opportunities<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> for the people of our state. As we dive deeper into a new legislative session with new colleagues in the Michigan House, I look forward to another productive term and seeing all that we can accomplish together for the people of Michigan.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">On February 26 you can watch the address on your local TV channel, online <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/whitmer\/news\/state-of-the-state\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">here<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/GovGretchenWhitmer\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, and <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">YouTube.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Cold Weather Safety Tips<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">With<\/span> <span data-contrast=\"auto\">sub-zero temperatures, dangerous wind chills, and ice in the forecast, the Michigan State Police is urging residents and visitors to take the below precautions to stay safe.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"23\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Limit time outdoors<\/span><\/i><\/b><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> If you must go outside, wear several layers of warm clothing and watch for signs of frostbite or hypothermia.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><b><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><\/span><\/i><\/b><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"23\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.<\/span><\/i><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Use generators and grills only outdoors and away from windows. Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"23\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Avoid overexertion. <\/span><\/i><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Shoveling snow can put extra strain on your heart, so take it easy and avoid sudden bursts of activity.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"23\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Check on others. <\/span><\/i><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Older adults, young children, and pets are especially vulnerable to extreme cold and should be checked on regularly. Keep pets indoors.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"23\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Prepare for travel emergencies.<\/span><\/i><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> If you must drive, ensure your gas tank is full and your vehicle is stocked with an emergency kit, including warm clothing, blankets, gloves, hats, and a phone charger.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">To find warming centers across Michigan, please <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/empoweringmichigan.com\/michigan-warming-centers\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">visit this website<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Play It N<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">ice<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and Safe Around Ice This Winter<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">With cold temperatures becoming more consistent throughout the state, more people are enjoying ice fishing, skating, hockey, and other outdoor adventures. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/dnr\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> urges everyone to have fun but always use caution when venturing onto or near ice. We don\u2019t want to lose you!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Ice is often unstable around river mouths and near lake and river currents. Reservoirs with changing water levels also require great caution. Frozen bodies of water should be checked very carefully before braving the ice. While there is no perfectly reliable method to determine if ice is safe, you can use a spud, needle bar or auger to test the thickness and quality of ice.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Additional ice safety tips include:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"24\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If there\u2019s ice on the lake but water around the shoreline, use extra caution.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"24\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you are visiting a new area, ask locals at bait shops, restaurants, or stores about ice conditions, but always check conditions for yourself before going onto the ice.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"24\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you\u2019re walking on the ice, wear a pair of ice cleats to help with traction.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"24\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Wear bright colors to increase your visibility. White clothing and gear are difficult to see.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"24\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Use the buddy system and tell someone who is staying on shore where you will be and when you plan to return.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"24\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u00b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you\u2019re operating a snowmobile or off-road vehicle, ride in a staggered line. This makes it easier to maneuver in case a rider ahead of you breaks through the ice.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For more information, visit<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/links-1.govdelivery.com\/CL0\/https:\/www.michigan.gov\/dnr\/education\/safety-info\/ice\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Michigan.gov\/IceSafety<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">. <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For snowmobile safety tips, go to<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/links-1.govdelivery.com\/CL0\/https:\/www.michigan.gov\/dnr\/education\/safety-info\/ride-right\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Michigan.gov\/RideRight<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dear Neighbor,\u00a0\u00a0 Michigan\u2019s real winter weather is here! As temperatures drop, I hope you are staying safe and warm. Be sure to take extra care when going outside or traveling [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":1697,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1684","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-email"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.4 (Yoast SEO v26.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Focusing on Accountability and Affordability + Other Updates - Senator Sue Shink<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2025\/01\/31\/focusing-on-accountability-and-affordability-other-updates\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Focusing on Accountability and Affordability + Other Updates\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Dear Neighbor,\u00a0\u00a0 Michigan\u2019s real winter weather is here! As temperatures drop, I hope you are staying safe and warm. Be sure to take extra care when going outside or traveling [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2025\/01\/31\/focusing-on-accountability-and-affordability-other-updates\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Senator Sue Shink\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-01-31T22:00:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/01\/MLK-5.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"600\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"448\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"jlindsay\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"jlindsay\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"13 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2025\/01\/31\/focusing-on-accountability-and-affordability-other-updates\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2025\/01\/31\/focusing-on-accountability-and-affordability-other-updates\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"jlindsay\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/#\/schema\/person\/45d5eb060d7edbcdc7627afd6f26c534\"},\"headline\":\"Focusing on Accountability and Affordability + Other Updates\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-01-31T22:00:00+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2025\/01\/31\/focusing-on-accountability-and-affordability-other-updates\/\"},\"wordCount\":4255,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2025\/01\/31\/focusing-on-accountability-and-affordability-other-updates\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/01\/MLK-5.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Email\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2025\/01\/31\/focusing-on-accountability-and-affordability-other-updates\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2025\/01\/31\/focusing-on-accountability-and-affordability-other-updates\/\",\"name\":\"Focusing on Accountability and Affordability + Other Updates - Senator Sue Shink\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2025\/01\/31\/focusing-on-accountability-and-affordability-other-updates\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2025\/01\/31\/focusing-on-accountability-and-affordability-other-updates\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/01\/MLK-5.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-01-31T22:00:00+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/#\/schema\/person\/45d5eb060d7edbcdc7627afd6f26c534\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2025\/01\/31\/focusing-on-accountability-and-affordability-other-updates\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2025\/01\/31\/focusing-on-accountability-and-affordability-other-updates\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2025\/01\/31\/focusing-on-accountability-and-affordability-other-updates\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/01\/MLK-5.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/01\/MLK-5.jpg\",\"width\":600,\"height\":448,\"caption\":\"MLK Senator Shink\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2025\/01\/31\/focusing-on-accountability-and-affordability-other-updates\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Focusing on Accountability and Affordability + Other Updates\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/\",\"name\":\"Senator Sue Shink\",\"description\":\"Michigan Senate Democrats\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/#\/schema\/person\/45d5eb060d7edbcdc7627afd6f26c534\",\"name\":\"jlindsay\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/80b5c9b8370739af8018d04b8c23e9d262ea73bcd1387d0fa969c4a4a97561c4?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/80b5c9b8370739af8018d04b8c23e9d262ea73bcd1387d0fa969c4a4a97561c4?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"jlindsay\"},\"url\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/author\/jlindsay\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Focusing on Accountability and Affordability + Other Updates - Senator Sue Shink","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2025\/01\/31\/focusing-on-accountability-and-affordability-other-updates\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Focusing on Accountability and Affordability + Other Updates","og_description":"Dear Neighbor,\u00a0\u00a0 Michigan\u2019s real winter weather is here! As temperatures drop, I hope you are staying safe and warm. Be sure to take extra care when going outside or traveling [&hellip;]","og_url":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2025\/01\/31\/focusing-on-accountability-and-affordability-other-updates\/","og_site_name":"Senator Sue Shink","article_published_time":"2025-01-31T22:00:00+00:00","og_image":[{"width":600,"height":448,"url":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/01\/MLK-5.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"jlindsay","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"jlindsay","Est. reading time":"13 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2025\/01\/31\/focusing-on-accountability-and-affordability-other-updates\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2025\/01\/31\/focusing-on-accountability-and-affordability-other-updates\/"},"author":{"name":"jlindsay","@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/#\/schema\/person\/45d5eb060d7edbcdc7627afd6f26c534"},"headline":"Focusing on Accountability and Affordability + Other Updates","datePublished":"2025-01-31T22:00:00+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2025\/01\/31\/focusing-on-accountability-and-affordability-other-updates\/"},"wordCount":4255,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2025\/01\/31\/focusing-on-accountability-and-affordability-other-updates\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/01\/MLK-5.jpg","articleSection":["Email"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2025\/01\/31\/focusing-on-accountability-and-affordability-other-updates\/","url":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2025\/01\/31\/focusing-on-accountability-and-affordability-other-updates\/","name":"Focusing on Accountability and Affordability + Other Updates - Senator Sue Shink","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2025\/01\/31\/focusing-on-accountability-and-affordability-other-updates\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2025\/01\/31\/focusing-on-accountability-and-affordability-other-updates\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/01\/MLK-5.jpg","datePublished":"2025-01-31T22:00:00+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/#\/schema\/person\/45d5eb060d7edbcdc7627afd6f26c534"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2025\/01\/31\/focusing-on-accountability-and-affordability-other-updates\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2025\/01\/31\/focusing-on-accountability-and-affordability-other-updates\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2025\/01\/31\/focusing-on-accountability-and-affordability-other-updates\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/01\/MLK-5.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/01\/MLK-5.jpg","width":600,"height":448,"caption":"MLK Senator Shink"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2025\/01\/31\/focusing-on-accountability-and-affordability-other-updates\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Focusing on Accountability and Affordability + Other Updates"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/#website","url":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/","name":"Senator Sue Shink","description":"Michigan Senate Democrats","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/#\/schema\/person\/45d5eb060d7edbcdc7627afd6f26c534","name":"jlindsay","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/80b5c9b8370739af8018d04b8c23e9d262ea73bcd1387d0fa969c4a4a97561c4?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/80b5c9b8370739af8018d04b8c23e9d262ea73bcd1387d0fa969c4a4a97561c4?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"jlindsay"},"url":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/author\/jlindsay\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1684","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1684"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1684\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1704,"href":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1684\/revisions\/1704"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1697"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1684"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1684"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1684"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}