Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Welcome to the latest edition of my e-newsletter.

Below, you’ll find an update on what’s happening in your state Capitol and some additional resources I hope you find helpful. For more frequent updates on what's happening in Michigan and the state Legislature, please visit my Facebook or Instagram pages.

Thank you for allowing me to represent you in the Michigan Senate. I am grateful each and every day to work for the people of the 34th Senate District.

Sincerely,

Roger Hauck
State Senator
34th Senate District

The governor recently signed a spending plan for the 2025 fiscal year that significantly increases the size of government, increases state debt, and relies on a permanent tax increase for Michigan taxpayers.

Throughout the budget process, Senate Republicans offered amendments to end corporate subsidies and return that money to taxpayers, repair crumbling bridges, help keep fentanyl out of our communities, and pay down debt. Unfortunately, these amendments were not included in the finalized budget by the Democrat majority.

Public Act 120 of 2024 is a school aid omnibus budget bill providing funding for the state’s K-12 schools, public universities and local community colleges. Public Act 121 of 2024 is a general omnibus budget bill funding all non-education segments of state government.

These fiscally irresponsible budget bills included:

The Michigan Supreme Court recently handed down a decision regarding the state’s paid sick leave and minimum wage laws that will have a significant negative effect on Michigan’s small businesses and the state’s tipped workers.

Businesses are already struggling with inflation and increased costs. The court’s “adopt and amend” decision will only further drive up operating expenses — forcing businesses to cut back on retirement or disability benefits they provide their workers, lay off employees, or close their doors altogether.

Business owners across the state have stated their inability to absorb the cost of these mandates without a significant impact on their businesses or employees. Tipped workers have also overwhelmingly stated their preference for the current system — many of whom face a reduction in their take-home pay under this change, especially if costs go up, or worse yet, their employer has to close their doors.

We’ve seen how these mandates play out in other states — the result has been layoffs and businesses closing. Many are still barely surviving from the pandemic lockdowns and this decision from the court is another devastating blow that I fear will cause our state to lose even more of its small businesses.

I’d like to see the Legislature return sooner than later to work toward an agreeable solution that doesn’t put one of our state’s most important industries at risk.

On July 1, the Michigan Uniform Power of Attorney Act went into effect, making power of attorney agreements more effective for Michigan residents.

A power of attorney is a notarized document that allows a person to grant someone else the legal authority to act on their behalf. A durable power of attorney grants that authority after the person has become incapacitated. Public Act 187 of 2023 brings Michigan law into alignment with more than 30 other states that have adopted similar laws. Uniform laws across states allow families to better plan for the future and ensure the documents they prepare are consistent and enforceable.

In the past, power of attorney agreements in Michigan were regulated through a combination of laws. PA 187 of 2023 more clearly outlines the responsibilities of both parties in an agreement and places protections for individuals financially harmed by the execution of an agreement.

Existing power of attorney agreements signed before July 1 do not need to be redrafted. However, for an agreement to remain effective if you become incapacitated, it must explicitly state this intent. If you are unsure about your current agreement or wish to have one drafted, it is best to contact an attorney.

On July 11, the Natural Resources Commission met to review and adopt scheduled deer hunting regulations. While most of the updates will not go into effect until after the 2024 season has ended, some notable updates for the current fall season were adopted, including an expansion of antlerless deer hunting opportunities in parts of the Lower Peninsula. The commission also approved the use of any legal firearm in the northern half of the lower peninsula during muzzleloader season, an early antlerless season in September and a later season in December for the lower peninsula, and expanded hunting opportunities in January.

Regulations that remain in place for the 2024 season include:

A full summary of the updates that apply to the fall 2024 hunting season can be found here.

Early voting for the Aug. 6 Primary Election began on July 27 and runs through Sunday, Aug. 4. Registered Michigan voters across the state can find their local sites and hours at Michigan.gov/EarlyVoting.

Voters who have requested and received absentee ballots can bring their completed ballot to their early voting sites or hand-deliver them to local clerks’ offices or secure drop boxes. Absentee ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Remember, Election Day is Tuesday, Aug. 6, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. To learn more about voting and elections in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/Vote.

OK2SAY is Michigan’s nationally recognized prevention-based student safety reporting system. The program allows students to confidentially report threatening behavior and empowers students to prevent violence and make their schools safer.

According to the OK2SAY 2023 Annual Report, more than 50,000 tips have been reported since the program was launched in 2014. In 2023, a total of 9,686 tips were reported involving such issues as bullying, threats of suicide, drugs, and sexual assault or misconduct.

Anyone can report tips on criminal activities or potential harm directed at students, school employees, or schools. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by phone, text, email or through the OK2SAY mobile app. Tips can be reported by:

More information is available online, including resources for schools, age-appropriate presentations, and resources for students who need additional support.