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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
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Daley supports legislation to update state’s agricultural disaster relief program
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Last spring and fall, farms across the state suffered tremendous losses due to unpredictable weather. The agricultural industry is a vital part of Michigan’s economy, and it’s important we do everything we can to support our local farmers. That’s why I recently supported legislation to update the state’s agricultural disaster relief program to enable farmers to apply for low-interest qualified loans.
Senate Bill 693 would update the Agricultural Disaster Loan Origination Program to reflect the specific needs of the 2019 season and allow lenders to begin issuing loans to farmers who qualify. The program is a partnership between farmers and processors, private lenders, and the state to support the agriculture industry through loss of crops due to weather-related disasters.
Updating this program will give farmers the peace of mind that they can take out a loan based on their qualified losses to cover their everyday expenses — including machinery, land and infrastructure payments — rather than sell the family farm.
The bill has been sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.
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Daley, Mitchell testify against legislation that would strip local control for gravel mining
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Last month, the Senate Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure heard from residents along with state and federal lawmakers on legislation that would limit the ability of local governments to deny permits for gravel mines.
What this boils down to is an issue of local control. This legislation has been debated in our district, especially Metamora, for a long time. As a former township supervisor, I understand the frustrations our local officials and the Metamora community are facing with this bill. These folks live, work and raise their families here. They know what’s best for our community and we should not take away their right to have a say in matters like these.
I was joined by U.S. Representative Paul Mitchell and several constituents from Metamora in opposition to Senate Bill 431.
The committee will continue to take testimony on the legislation in the coming weeks.
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Daley encourages area schools to participate in March is Reading Month activities
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I will once again be visiting schools throughout the 31st District during the month of March and encouraging students to participate in March is Reading Month activities.
I will be available throughout the district on Mondays and Fridays to read to interested classrooms.
If you are interested, you can submit your request by visiting www.SenatorKevinDaley.com/march-is-reading-month/ and filling out the form. Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis, but I will make an effort to visit your school at a later date if there are too many requests to accommodate during the month of March.
If you have any questions, please call my office at 517-373-1777 or at [email protected].
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Recreation Passport fee increasing to $12 starting March 1
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The Michigan Department of Natural Resources recently announced that the regular Recreation Passport vehicle entry fee for residents will increase from $11 to $12 as of March 1, 2020. This $1 increase is the first Recreation Passport price increase since 2013.
Michigan residents who purchase a Recreation Passport can enjoy vehicle access to more than 100 state parks and recreation areas, 140 state forest campgrounds, hundreds of miles of state trails, historic sites, family-friendly events, hundreds of boating access sites, and more.
To learn more about how the Recreation Passport supports, protects and provides easy, affordable access to Michigan’s great outdoors, visit www.Michigan.gov/RecreationPassport.
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Bay City receives economic development grant for road repairs
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The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is awarding a state Transportation Economic Development Fund (TEDF) grant of $375,000 to Bay City to improve Marquette Avenue.
Marquette Avenue is an important shipping route that keeps commerce in our area moving. The high volume of trucks and other commercial traffic has deteriorated the road surface and it is in great need of repair. The total cost of construction is $630,304, including $375,000 from the state and $255,304 from Bay City.
It is important that we get this fixed quickly, so we return to business as usual. I both applaud and thank MDOT for choosing Bay City as a grant recipient and look forward to this money as an economic boost to our area.
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Daley applauds MEDC grant for Caro
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Recently, the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) approved grant funding that will assist the city of Caro in making improvements to the city’s downtown area.
The city of Caro has received $57,281 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for the Caro Facades Project and an additional $17,000 for a CDBG certified grant administrator to assist with the project.
The update is set to include the renovation of two storefronts, and the facade restoration project is expected to be a catalyst for other projects and investment in downtown Caro. The project is also expected to have a substantial impact along North State Street. This money will help support local businesses and continue the economic growth occurring in downtown Caro. I applaud the city for working closely with state officials and ensuring they had everything lined up to get this done.
This is great news for the community. This funding will help revitalize the downtown area and make Caro a more enjoyable place to live, work and visit. I appreciate the MSF’s continued support of Michigan’s rural communities.
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Daley earns perfect voting record in 2019
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The Michigan Senate recorded 370 roll call votes in 2019, and I was in attendance to cast a vote on every one of them. I am honored that the people across the 31st Senate District placed their trust in me to represent their voice in the state Capitol. Nothing gets done if you don’t show up to work. I was one of 24 senators and 76 representatives who did not miss any votes in 2019.
It was a difficult year, especially for our district. We faced some tough hurdles along the way, but I was sure to be in Lansing fighting to lower auto insurance rates and keep the Caro Center where it belongs, while also working to stop the governor’s proposed tax increases. Millions of people across the state are expected to be at work every day and we as elected officials are expected to do the same.
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Daley reminds schools of federal school safety grant application deadline
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Schools must be a safe place for students to learn and grow. The fiscal year 2019 Student, Teachers, and Officers Preventing (STOP) School Violence Grant Program is designed to improve school security by providing students and teachers with the tools they need to recognize, respond quickly to, and help protect against acts of violence. Entities that are eligible to apply are public agencies (including school districts and individual schools), private schools and federally recognized Indian tribes.
Applications for the STOP School Violence Grant Program are due on Tuesday, March 3. Find more information, including applications and instructions, at www.bja.ojp.gov (click on the “Available Funding” box).
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Carbon monoxide poisoning prevention
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When winter temperatures plummet and home heating systems are running for hours, the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning increases. Approximately 50,000 people in the U.S. visit the emergency room each year due to accidental CO poisoning. CO is an odorless, colorless gas that can kill without warning, but there are steps you can take to keep your family safe.
Installing battery-operated or battery backup CO detectors near every sleeping area in your home, having your furnace professionally inspected every year and never using a generator inside your home are a few easy ways to help keep your family safe from CO poisoning.
For more information on carbon monoxide, including signs of CO poisoning and additional tips on way to prevent CO poisoning, visit www.cdc.gov/co.
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Daley supported bills restoring many of the governor’s budget cuts
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Last October, the governor vetoed nearly $1 billion from the budget, cutting critical funding for law enforcement, hospitals, local governments, college students, children in charter and rural schools, and more. The governor also used a rarely used administrative board to transfer an additional $625 million in funding.
These cuts hurt Michigan families and communities across the state, which is why I supported legislation to restore much of the critical funding that was vetoed or transferred by the governor.
Senate Bills 152 and 154 restored a total of $573.5 million of the governor’s nearly $950 million in vetoed funding and $625 million in administrative transfer funding.
Additionally, in the wake of the governor’s cuts and funding transfers, I supported legislation to make important reforms to the budget process that will preserve reliability and oversight and restore balance in the funding transfer process.
These bills were signed by the governor on Dec. 31 with immediate effect.
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Be alert for new scam using fake tax debt letters
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Scam artists are constantly coming up with new ways to disguise who they are and trick people into giving them money. The latest scheme uses fake government-looking letters about overdue state taxes.
According to the Michigan Department of Treasury, taxpayers are told in the fake letter to immediately contact a toll-free number to resolve a state tax debt. The letter contains publicly available information about the person’s real tax debt to trick them into believing the letter is real. It then aggressively threatens to seize a taxpayer’s assets ― including property and Social Security benefits ― if the debt is not settled.
The state does mail official letters to taxpayers, but they outline taxpayer rights and provide several options for people to resolve outstanding debts. If you get a letter that threatens to seize your property unless you pay immediately over the phone, it’s a scam.
Taxpayers who have received the fake letter or have questions about their state debts can call Treasury’s Collections Service Center at 517-636-5265.
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Prepare for state tax filing season
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Michigan’s individual income tax season is here! Taxpayers who have not yet started can view and download the state 2019 tax year forms and instructions at www.michigan.gov/taxes.
Taxpayers can e-file their state returns at www.mifastfile.org. The Department of Treasury reports that 85% of all Michigan taxpayers choose to e-file. Tax officials also note that commonly used paper forms will continue to be available at Treasury offices and most public libraries.
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Pure Michigan Travel Guide now online
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The Pure Michigan Winter Travel Guide highlights cold weather fun and adventure, including snowmobiling, skiing and Houghton’s lively winter carnival. There’s even a feature on capturing Michigan’s scenic beauty in great outdoor photos!
The travel guide also contains shopping and culinary destinations and memorable spots for indoor and outdoor family activities. Check the digital magazine at www.michigan.org and start planning your winter getaway.
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With the winter heating season in full swing, some households may need help with their heating bills. Energy assistance programs to help prevent shut-offs include:
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Winter protection plans for senior citizens and low-income customers;
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State emergency relief;
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Medical emergency shut-off protection; and
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Shut-off protection for active duty military personnel.
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Monthly district office hours
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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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Congratulations to Quality Roasting LLC in Gilford Township on the ribbon cutting at their new bean processing plant in Tuscola County!
The 31st District welcomes you and looks forward to the value your operation will add to the state’s agriculture industry.
This will be a tremendous public-private partnership and welcomed economic boost to Tuscola County.
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Congratulations to Craig Bellew on his retirement from Hills and Dales Hospital in Cass City.
Thank you for your many years of service to the community!
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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.
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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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State government resources
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Michigan's 31st Senate District
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The 31th state Senate District includes all of Bay, Lapeer, and Tuscola counties.
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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]
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Visit my website at: SenatorKevinDaley.com
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Thank you for subscribing to my electronic newsletter! Please feel free to forward this on to others who may be interested in receiving the 31st District E-news. You may sign up for it at my website.
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