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Dear Friends,

Hello and welcome to the latest edition of my monthly e-newsletter. This past month has been filled with exciting opportunities to serve the constituents of the 31st Senate District. I’ve been able to take your concerns directly to Lansing, and I am proud to continue to do so.

I want to emphasize that my door is always open. I look forward to visitors and the opportunity to speak with the constituents I proudly represent. I welcome any input from residents as it is my number one priority to make sure your voices are heard. If I can ever be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me or my office. I am honored to be able to serve you.

Sincerely,

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Kevin Daley
State Senator
31st District

Senate passes resolution urging Congress to ratify trade deal

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On Oct. 16, I joined my Senate colleagues in passing Senate Resolution 73, which urges Congress to ratify the recently negotiated United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

Michigan is a top agriculture-producing state, containing roughly 50,000 farms averaging 195 acres. Michigan farmers produce more than 300 agricultural products, making our state one of the most agriculturally diverse in the nation. While Michigan food and agriculture contribute more than $104.7 billion to the state's economy, Michigan’s agriculture economy is inextricably tied to trade. Soybeans are the largest valued agricultural product exported from the state with a more than $2.4 billion value over the last three years alone.

We are hopeful that the current negotiations with China will bring resolution to the trade issues at large, including an end to the tariffs that will open the market again for Michigan producers and other affected parties.

Daley backs autism awareness legislation

I recently supported bipartisan legislation to help bridge the communications gap between law enforcement and people on the autism spectrum. The legislation will help officers improve their interaction with drivers with autism during a traffic stop or similar interaction.

Senate Bill 278 would allow a vehicle owner to choose to put a “Communication Impediment” designation on their vehicle registration, driver’s license or both through the Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) system if they or a family member is on the autism spectrum, is deaf or has hearing loss. This voluntary designation would let law enforcement know that the owner or a family member who may be in the car has autism or a hearing issue. Police officers often access the LEIN system during traffic stops; it is not available to members of the public. SB 279 would apply to a driver’s enhanced driver’s license or state ID card.

The bills have been sent to the House for consideration.

HEARTSafe schools named

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Recently, 154 schools earned the MI HEARTSafe School designation for the 2018-19 school year.
Schools within our district that have earned the MI HEARTSafe designation include North Muskegon, Holton, Montague and Big Rapids.

To receive this designation, schools must be prepared to respond to cardiac emergencies by having:
• A written medical emergency response plan and team;
• Current CPR/AED (automated external defibrillator) certification of 10% of staff and 50% of coaches, including all head varsity coaches and physical education staff;
• Accessible and maintained AEDs;
• Annual cardiac emergency response drills; and
• Pre-participation sports screening of all student athletes.

Currently, 490 schools are designated as MI HEARTSafe Schools. For more information about the program, including a list of participating schools, visit www.Migrc.org/miheartsafe.

Daley cosponsors bill that would return control to local school districts

This past month, I co-sponsored Senate Bill 600. The bill will amend the Michigan Merit Curriculum to give more flexibility to our local school districts, giving them more control over their own graduation requirements.

We should be supporting students in their efforts to pursue an education and career that fits them best. This bill allows students to focus more on courses that interest them, giving them the ability to tailor their education to best suit their post-high school plans. A student could choose to focus more heavily on a technical education, preparing them for a skilled trade position immediately after high school.

“Raise the Age” bills headed to governor

Michigan recently joined 47 other states in raising the age of legal adulthood in the state’s court system.

I voted in support of a package of bills that would treat 17-year-olds as minors for criminal offenses within the state’s court system. These youthful offenders will now be held accountable for their actions in the juvenile justice system, where there are more age-appropriate services to help rehabilitate them and get them on the right track. States that have enacted similar raise-the-age laws have experienced a significant decrease in juvenile court referrals and recidivism. The new law will still allow for 17-year-olds to be treated as adults in violent criminal offenses.

The bills were signed by the governor on Thurs. Oct. 31 and will take effect Oct. 1, 2021.

Hunting safety reminder

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As fall hunting season takes center stage, it’s time to focus on hunter safety. Many people don’t realize that the majority of deer hunting injuries and deaths involve tree stand falls.

The DNR encourages extra precautions when hunting from a tree stand. Find general safety reminders and safety tips on tree stands, firearm use and hunter orange at www.michigan.gov/huntingsafety. Check the 2019 Michigan Hunting Digest for the rules and regulations on hunting from raised platforms and tree stands.

Monthly district office hours

In order for me to best represent you in Lansing, I think it is important to sit down face to face and hear the needs of the residents of the 31st Senate District.

I plan to hold office hours once a month where anyone can come and discuss what’s on their mind. I will be available to answer questions, discuss current legislation and take suggestions on issues affecting communities throughout the district.

Feel free to stop in anytime, as no appointment is necessary. I look forward to hearing from you!

For updates on future office hours, please visit my website at www.SenatorKevinDaley.com and click “Office Hours” under the “Resources” tab.

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Constituent connections

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I enjoyed the recent opportunity to welcome the Rev. Jose Cabrera to the Michigan Capitol. Father Cabrera made the trip to Lansing from All Saints Catholic Parish in Bay City and delivered the invocation before Senate session.

It was a pleasure to welcome Father Cabrera to the Senate chamber and he did a tremendous job leading members in prayer prior to the day’s business.

Video of his invocation is available here or on my website. Click “Video” under the “In the News” tab.

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I had a great time volunteering as a server at the Tuscola Pink Ladies Night Out fundraiser. Thank you to Joey Kreeger for organizing the fundraiser and Sherwood on the Hills in Gagetown for being our host for the event.

200 ladies enjoyed a successful evening raising dollars for cancer research.

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I had the opportunity to attend the 29th annual Bay County Sports Hall of Fame Banquet.

It was a wonderful chance to honor the inductees and recognize the Bay County Sports Hall of Fame on their 29th year of operation!

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Congratulations to Tristan Brenner and Blake and Luke Hendler on earning the rank of Eagle Scout!

Since the inception of the award in 1912, only 2.01% of scouts earn this prestigious honor.

Well done, gentlemen.

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I recently had the pleasure of speaking with the Farm Bureau Agriculture Careers Conference students.

We discussed different careers in agriculture as well as advocacy jobs here in Lansing.

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As chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, it was great to see so many youths interested in the future and importance of the Michigan farming industry!

Visiting Lansing?

My priority is always serving the people of my district. If you plan to visit Lansing for a conference or meeting, please contact my office in advance so I can make every effort to meet with you while you are in town.

Celebrating a special occasion?

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.

State government resources

• Michigan Senate website: www.senate.michigan.gov
• Michigan House of Representatives website: www.house.mi.gov
• Michigan Legislative website: www.legislature.mi.gov

Michigan's 31st Senate District

The 31th state Senate District includes all of Bay, Lapeer, and Tuscola counties.

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StAY IN touch

 
Senator Kevin Daley
5200 Connie B. Binsfeld Office Building
P.O. Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536

Phone: 517-373-1777
FAX: 517-373-5871

E-Mail: [email protected]
 
Visit my website at: SenatorKevinDaley.com

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