The state Legislature has sent the final pieces of the state budget to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, which she signed on Wednesday, completing the fiscal year 2022 budget.

In addition to voting for a responsible budget that keeps spending within our means, I worked to ensure local projects in the 31st District received funding.

Bay County would be granted $2.5 million for a road repair project on Three Mile Road, from Midland Road to M-84/Westside Saginaw Road in Monitor and Frankenlust townships.

The 2.5-mile section of two-lane roadway parallels a large county drain, and portions of both the east and west lanes are currently falling into the drain. Daley was able to secure funding to move a majority of the drain away from Three Mile Road, which will allow the road commission to stabilize both lanes of traffic.

Bay County also received $300,000 to enhance the Bay Veterans Foundation Workshop and Learning Center, which when opened, will offer opportunities to learn vital trade skills, give back to the community, and connect with other veterans’ services agencies and available resources.

Tuscola County would also receive funding for economic development projects meant to bring more specialized manufacturing jobs to the area.

Walbro LLC, which was founded in Michigan in 1950, manufactures carburetors, fuel tanks, fuel systems, ignition systems, fuel pumps, and more for the lawn and garden, recreational and marine, construction, agriculture and outdoor power equipment markets.

Funding in the new budget would build on a recent economic development grant the company received from the state to help them grow their operations in Michigan.

Several local bridge repairs throughout the area are also included in the budget that was signed by the governor.

I recently announced that I will hold office hours with constituents on Friday, Oct. 15.

I will be available to answer questions and provide information and assistance, as well as take suggestions on issues affecting communities and businesses in the district. No appointment is necessary.

My upcoming office hours will take place at the following date, times and locations:

Friday, Oct. 15
9 – 10 a.m.
Merritt Township Hall – With State Rep. Timothy Beson
48 E. Munger Road
Munger

1 – 2 p.m.
Village of Reese Administrative Building
2073 Gates St.
Reese

3 – 4 p.m.
Mayfield Township Hall
1900 N. Saginaw St.
Lapeer

For more information or to contact my office, please visit SenatorKevinDaley.com or call 517-373-1777.

The Michigan Teacher of the Year program has recognized outstanding teachers in our state since 1952. Michigan’s Teacher of the Year serves as a representative and advocate for Michigan's more than 90,000 teachers and works with nine fellow regional teachers of the year to make up the Michigan Teacher Leadership Advisory Council. Each Regional Teacher of the Year brings recognition to the district he or she represents and has additional opportunities for professional development and opportunities to share their experience and expertise. The Michigan Teacher of the Year also attends the State Board of Education meetings as a non-voting member and serves as Michigan’s applicant for National Teacher of the Year.

For more information about the Michigan Teacher of the Year program, click here. Nominations are now open and can be made using the online form.

The state of Michigan currently has personal protective equipment available at no cost for schools and ISDs in Michigan. Items are designated for use in protecting against COVID-19 and will be disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis. Available items include:

For questions or to request additional PPE, please email the Department of Technology, Management and Budget with quantities desired at [email protected].

I recently had the unique honor to present Grace Episcopal Church with a State of Michigan Tribute in honor of their 140th anniversary!

This is a milestone accomplishment and I commend them for being a place to gather and worship for generation after generation.

It was a pleasure to join Rep. Timmy Beson and Bay County Sheriff Deputy Dustin Box at the 9/11 Memorial at our state’s Capitol. It’s always a somber day as we remember those who gave their all to help others reach safety. I want to thank Deputy Box for making the trip to Lansing and honoring the heroes from that fateful day in 2001.

Recently I spent some time with Steve and Sue Francis, owners of the Country Smokehouse in Almont. If you have ever driven down M-53, it is hard to miss the giant steer announcing your arrival. Once inside, the selection is incredible and so is the service.

The smokehouse suffered a terrible fire in late 2019, but the Francis’ were determined to rebuild and even expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic last year. Their hard work is evident in their success. I want to thank Steve and Sue for taking time out of your busy schedules and showing me how all of the wonderful meats are made.

Video of my visit is available below or on my website.

Congratulations to Tyler Keit on the official ribbon cutting for his new greenhouse, Rooted by Keits. Tyler and his soon-to-be wife, Lindsay, have been very busy expanding and it was a pleasure to join the Bay Area Chamber in celebrating their accomplishments with family, friends. I also had the pleasure to present them with a State of Michigan Tribute.

I had the privilege of presenting a congratulatory tribute to Joan Sattelberg, honoring her years of dedicated service on the Elmwood Township Board. Joan has served the community for 42 years. I want to join everyone in wishing her the best in this next chapter of her life!

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.

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