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Dear Friends,
Welcome to the latest edition of my monthly e-newsletter. As always, I hope you find the news and information below helpful. Please feel free to share this newsletter with anyone who may be interested.
My staff and I are available should you have any thoughts or concerns about state government. Please feel free to contact my office at SenKDaley@senate.michigan.gov or at 517-373-1777.
Sincerely,
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Kevin Daley
State Senator
26th District
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Senate Republicans introduce legislation to help Michigan students
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Senate Republicans have introduced legislation to reverse Michigan’s academic decline and refocus on student success.
Michigan now ranks 44th in the nation for fourth grade reading scores, falling 12 spots since 2019, according to the Nation’s Report Card.
The National Assessment of Educational Progress report found that three out of four Michigan students are not proficient in reading at grade level. It also showed that 63% of fourth graders and 76% of eighth graders are not proficient in math.
The Republican plan would:
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Allow third graders to be retained if they are not reading at a proficient level (Senate Bill 376). |
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Add alternatives to the Michigan Merit Curriculum by allowing career technical education, computer science or dual enrollment classes to count toward some math credits and require K-5 teacher training in the science of reading (SB 377). |
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Restore the A-F grading scale to make it easier for parents to understand how their child’s school is performing (SB 378). |
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Require student progress to be part of every teacher’s evaluation process (SBs 379 and 380). |
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Empower school leaders to make the best decisions for their students (SB 381). |
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Wildlife habitat license plate
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In 1983, the Michigan Nongame Fish and Wildlife Fund was established to help restore endangered and threatened species through management and protection. Since then, species such as the Kirtland’s warbler, trumpeter swan and osprey have seen a dramatic recovery in their populations.
To support the fund, the wildlife habitat license plate was introduced in 2006. A portion of each plate registration fee goes directly to the fund. Since its creation, the plate has raised more than $4.8 million. The original design featured a common loon. Today, the plate features the Kirtland’s warbler.
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June is National Internet Safety Month
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While the internet can be a valuable tool, it can also expose us to online crimes. As technology evolves, it’s important to keep your devices secure.
Internet Safety Month is a good time to review and update your internet safety habits. Resources for Michigan residents and businesses are available at Michigan.gov/cybersecurity and ProtectMiChild.com.
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Bat populations across the Northeast have been devastated by white-nose syndrome, a white fungus that sometimes develops on the muzzles of affected bats. Some populations have seen losses of more than 90%. While Michigan’s population is slowly stabilizing, scientists are working hard to better understand the basic biology and ecology of bats and are asking for your help.
The Michigan Bat Roost Monitoring Program is asking residents to report roosting activity on their property or on public land. Bats entering and exiting a structure around sunrise or sunset may be using a roost site and should be reported.
Reports take less than three minutes and contribute to statewide conservation efforts. Learn more at Michigan.gov/bats.
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Explore Michigan with new free field guides
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A new partnership between the Library of Michigan and the Department of Natural Resources offers free, mobile-friendly field guides that offer insights into local wildlife, native plants and outdoor adventures. The guides include detailed information on flora, fauna, geology and other natural features. Users can also find information on identifying native birds or various ecosystems.
Field guides are available for instant use at ReadMichigan.org through the Library of Michigan. The site offers access to Michigan-based e-books and educational materials with no wait list or holds to all Michigan residents or visitors anywhere within the state.
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June is National Dairy Month
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It’s National Dairy Month! Michigan’s dairy industry provides nutritious foods produced and processed locally while making a significant economic impact on communities across the state. Did you know that dairy products are Michigan’s No. 1 agricultural commodity?
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Davison Festival of Flags parade
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I enjoyed participating in this year’s Davison Festival of Flags parade alongside my staff and state Rep. David Martin. What a great annual community event!
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This month, I had the pleasure of meeting with representatives from Big I Michigan to discuss the state’s insurance industry.
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Thomas Daley Memorial 5K, kids 1-mile run/walk
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Run the Farm! This year’s Thomas Daley Memorial 5K and kids 1-mile run/walk will take place at 9 a.m. on June 28 and is coming up quickly. Please consider joining us for a fun day on the farm.
This year’s event will benefit the nonprofit AgrAbility, which empowers farmers, ranchers and agricultural workers by providing specialized resources, assistive technologies and personalized support services to help them maintain independence and thrive in their agricultural careers.
Visit DALEY5K.com for more information or to sign up.
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Celebrating a special occasion?
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My office is happy to offer legislative tributes in honor of noteworthy events such as retirement, anniversaries of businesses in our community, awards and public recognitions.
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