Serving the people of Macomb County is very important to me, and I encourage you to contact me with any state issue. You may email [email protected] or call toll-free at 1-517-373-7315. Also, please check out my Facebook page. Let me know if I can assist you in any way or if you have an idea to help move our state forward.

Working for you,

Michael D. MacDonald
State Senator

Michigan drivers pay the highest auto insurance rates in the country — 83% higher than the national average. It’s a burden on many households and one of the most common issues I hear about from Macomb County families.

I recently supported legislation to reduce car insurance rates by providing drivers with more coverage choices, cracking down on fraud and lawsuit abuse and addressing medical costs — while ensuring accident victims receive the medical care they need.

Currently, Michigan drivers must carry unlimited, one-size-fits-all personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Senate Bill 1 would require auto insurers to offer drivers at least three new PIP options, including the ability of drivers with qualified medical coverage — such as health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid — to opt out of PIP coverage since they already have medical coverage for injuries.

The current system is failing Michigan families — many struggle to pay outrageous car insurance rates and many simply cannot afford insurance and risk driving to work without it. By giving drivers the ability to choose the coverage that best fits them, we can provide substantial savings for all Michigan drivers and reduce the number of uninsured motorists.

SB 1 would also reduce fraud and conflicts of interest in the auto insurance system and reduce the announced $220 annual Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA) fee by 80%. People already receiving care through the MCCA will continue to get lifetime care under their current unlimited benefit policy as promised.

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death in America and is the nation’s top cause of disability, yet many people cannot name any of the signs of a stroke or know if they are at risk of having a stroke.

The Senate recently passed my resolution recognizing May 2019 as Stroke Awareness Month. Senate Resolution 18 highlights the F.A.S.T. warning signs and symptoms of a stroke, which include face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, and time to call 911.

We also need to raise public understanding of the steps people can take to reduce their chances for a stroke, such as managing blood pressure, controlling cholesterol, reducing blood sugar, getting active, eating better, losing weight, and stopping smoking.

Thank you to all the volunteers from the American Heart Association for their work on this important issue and for visiting the Capitol to hear my remarks on the resolution.

We owe so much to the men and women who answered our nation’s call of duty and protected our lives at the cost of their own. For the 25th consecutive year, the Senate will hold a special ceremony to pay tribute to the Michigan service members who lost their lives defending liberty here and around the world.

I am proud and humbled to be leading this year’s solemn event. The ceremony will be held Thursday, May 23 at 10 a.m. and residents can watch it streaming live online by clicking here or by visiting www.senate.michigan.gov to access Senate TV. The service and sacrifice of our fallen heroes must never be taken for granted or forgotten.

This weekend will mark the 100-year anniversary of the Michigan state parks system. On May 12, 1919, the Michigan Legislature established the Michigan State Park Commission to acquire and maintain public lands for state parks.

A century later, Michigan’s 103 state parks continue to provide fantastic recreation opportunities for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Special events are planned throughout the year to celebrate the parks. Visit www.michigan.gov/stateparks100 for more information.