I will be holding office hours across the district on Monday, Feb. 28.

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. Please come for an opportunity to discuss issues important to you!

No appointment is necessary, feel free to drop in!

For more information, visit my website SenatorKevinDaley.com or call my office at 517-373-1777.

The office hours meetings will take place at the following times and locations:

Monday, Feb. 28
9 – 10 a.m.
Millington Village Hall
8569 State Road
Millington

11 a.m. – noon
Bay City City Hall, Room 306
301 Washington Ave.
Bay City

1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Deerfield Inn Restaurant and Catering
5836 N. Lapeer Road
North Branch

Many Michigan families are struggling to make ends meet. The issue is being especially compounded by supply shortages and out-of-control inflation.

I co-sponsored legislation recently approved by the Senate that would provide much-needed relief to Michigan families, seniors and businesses.

Senate Bill 768 would lower the state’s personal and business income tax rates to 3.9% from 4.25% and 6%, respectively, and provide families with a $500 per child tax credit. The legislation also aids Michigan seniors by increasing the tax exemption for all retirement income to $30,000 for individuals and $60,000 for couples.

The most important thing for us as lawmakers to remember is every dime we have comes from the people. Families are struggling to pay their bills and fill their gas tanks and businesses are struggling to keep their doors open as they continue battling the long-lasting effects of the pandemic and government shutdowns.

This plan, simply put, would allow folks to keep more of their hard-earned money.

I have always been in favor of lowering the tax burden on families and businesses and this is a commonsense plan that was easy to support. I hope the governor’s newfound support for tax relief is genuine and she promptly signs this into law when it hits her desk.

I recently introduced legislation that would help grow alternative fuel production in Michigan and provide cleaner, more affordable options at the pump for Michigan drivers.

The bill would establish tax credits for retailers that choose to sell alternative fuels, with the goal of providing a cleaner, more affordable option for consumers.

The legislation would also help Michigan farmers and corn producers, who have been dramatically affected by the pandemic, by providing another revenue stream to help them get back on their feet.

Folks are facing extreme costs in nearly every part of their daily lives. Their pocketbooks are hurting, and this bill would provide some relief when refueling their vehicles, while also promoting Michigan biofuel production, creating jobs, and providing cleaner and cheaper fuel that is locally grown and produced.

The legislation is currently before the Senate Committee on Agriculture, of which I serve as the chairman.

I was proud to participate in National School Choice Week and stand for the right of Michigan parents to have control over their children’s education, including where they go to school.

I also supported legislation that would have created an optional scholarship fund that would have helped Michigan families with school-related expenses, both inside and outside the classroom.

The plan prioritized scholarships for children receiving free and reduced lunch, children in foster care and students with disabilities, but like other efforts to help Michigan families, it was vetoed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

I was proud to receive the Legislator of the Year award from the Michigan Association of Fairs and Exhibitions.

I have and will continue to support the work they do on behalf of Michigan’s agriculture and rural communities and am grateful for this recognition.

It was an honor to recognize Dave Kolacz and present him with a tribute commemorating his years of service to Thumb Insurance Group. Dave has been a staple of our community for years, and his retirement is well earned. Please join me in wishing him many happy and peaceful years to come!

It is that time of year again. Tax season is once again here, and as residents of the 31st District are preparing to file their taxes, many are curious about what to do or about changes that may have taken place over the past year.

I am happy to offer a free taxpayer’s guide for folks who are interested in some additional guidance this tax season.

The Michigan Taxpayer’s Guide is a reference for the 2021 tax year and is designed to help residents prepare their state tax returns. The booklet contains information on Michigan’s income tax, property taxes and tax credits. Included is a year-long listing of important property tax dates and deadlines as well as copies of the most commonly used tax forms. It also features addresses, phone numbers and email information for obtaining state agency tax assistance.

These booklets provide a great deal of information and can assist you and your family in preparing your taxes. If you or someone you know would like a copy, please contact my office at 517-373-1777 and my office will get one mailed out to you right away. You can also find a free, digital version on my website under the “Publications” tab.

Michigan’s annual Winter Free Fishing Weekend is this month. On Feb. 19-20, all fishing license fees will be waived, and vehicles will be able to enter state parks and use boating sites without a recreation passport.

Residents and out-of-state visitors may enjoy fishing on both inland lakes and the Great Lakes for all species of fish, but all fishing regulations still apply.

Visit Michigan.gov/freefishing for information on special events and activities. A state Recreation Passport will not be required at any state park or recreation area during the free fishing weekend.

Remember that ice fishing can be dangerous if people do not follow safety procedures or head out on the ice unprepared. Click here for additional information on ice fishing.

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.