Dear Friends,

Welcome to the most recent edition of my monthly e-newsletter.

Below you’ll find news out of our state capital and the 31st Senate District that I hope you find helpful and interesting.

As always, my staff and I are here for you. My priority is to listen and understand the issues facing the individuals and families across the state. Please continue to share your thoughts with me at [email protected] or at 517-373-1777.

Thank you for allowing me to represent you in the Michigan Senate. I am grateful each and every day to work for the people of the 31st Senate District.

Sincerely,

Kevin Daley
State Senator
31st District

As work continues on the upcoming fiscal year budget, I voted in favor of a plan that recognizes the impact local governments have on communities across the state. I’ve held many roles within local government and I know how important the work these folks do is to area families and businesses.

I voted in favor of a plan that raises funding for schools, road repairs and other priorities, but also focuses on making sure local governments have the resources they need to improve their community and benefit those who live and work there.

This budget features a 10% increase in revenue sharing for cities, townships, and villages to help local officials address local needs. The measure I supported also features nearly $2 billion for cities, villages and local road commissions to make upgrades or repairs and continue our work toward building a better Michigan —and does so without raising taxes or increasing debt.

It was an honor to be presented as this year’s Legislator of the Year by the Michigan Hunting Dog Federation.

The award is the federation’s top recognition for a member of the Legislature and signifies a recipient’s consistent support of the state’s hunting industry.

I’ve long been an advocate for Michigan’s great outdoors and for those who enjoy them! I am proud of this recognition and will continue supporting efforts that improve recreation activities for those who enjoy getting out and enjoying nature.

The Senate Committee on Judiciary heard public comments on my legislation to improve safety measures in state prisons.

Senate Bill 630 would clearly outline prohibited items in statute to provide clear guidelines under the law. The bill would expand the definition of contraband in state prisons to include dangerous tools, electronics, and escape materials, all of which can pose a threat in the hands of prisoners. A violation would be a felony punishable by up to five years in prison, a maximum fine of $1,000, or both.

The goal of this legislation is to make sure everyone stays safe and that our corrections officers get home safely. This is a commonsense tool that will help keep dangerous items out of our prisons and allow corrections officers to more effectively do their jobs.

The Michigan Senate passed a fiscal year 2023 state budget that includes funding to help Michigan veterans.

The bill includes aid with college tuition and other post-service opportunities, but more importantly, includes funding to protect the mental health of those who bravely served this nation.

Included is $1.2 million for the Michigan Veteran Affairs Agency to launch a suicide prevention program that focuses on outreach and other preventative measures and an increase in funding for the state’s three veteran homes

No veteran who needs medical attention should be turned away or receive inadequate care. We need to protect our veterans and help them in any way that we can!

Morel mushroom hunting is a favorite spring pastime for many. Morels begin to emerge in the spring when warmer weather arrives, normally after rain.

It is important to know how to properly identify morels. Look for their pitted, bumpy profiles near hilly areas with hardwood trees and around burn scars where a wildfire or prescribed burn has happened. While morels are safe to eat, some wild mushrooms can make you seriously ill. All wild mushrooms should be cleaned and fully cooked before enjoying.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources morel website provides the basics of morel identification and hunting. Visit Michigan.gov/MiMorels for information and tips including proper identification, maps of forage locations and how to prep and cook morels.

Now that spring has arrived in Michigan, it is time to get outdoors and hit the trails. Michigan ORV licenses and trail permits are valid for one year, beginning April 1 through March 31 of the following year.

An ORV license is not required to operate on private lands, but a license will gain you access to ride on eligible county roads, frozen surfaces of public waters, state forest roads (open to ORV use) and eligible national forest roads. The cost of an ORV license is $26.

An ORV trail permit is required when operating on state-designated ORV trails and scramble areas. ORV trail permits are not valid as a stand-alone license; an ORV license must also be purchased. ORV licenses and trail permits can be purchased online through eLicense (sent through the U.S. mail and will take approximately 7-10 business days) or in person at a number of DNR license agents and dealers.

May is National Stroke Awareness Month. Anyone can have a stroke at any age, but almost three-quarters of all strokes happen in people over age 65. Because early treatment is crucial to help minimize the lasting effects of a stroke, knowing the signs or symptoms is important.

A stroke is treatable if you act F.A.S.T.! The warning signs of a stroke are Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty and Time to call 911. By being aware of these signs, you can help save a life.

The American Heart Association urges people to lower their risk of heart disease and stroke by taking steps to manage blood pressure, control cholesterol, reduce blood sugar, get active, eat better, lose weight and stop smoking.

May is Military Appreciation Month! This month we show our appreciation for the sacrifices and successes of the brave men and women of our nation’s armed forces.

To those who are serving, or have served in our armed forces, thank you. I appreciate and value all the sacrifices you have made to protect our freedoms.

Mark your calendar to celebrate Michigan State Parks' 102 birthday on May 12, 2022! The formation of the Michigan State Park Commission was voted on by the state Legislature on May 12, 1919. Stop by your local state park and enjoy Michigan’s beautiful parks system!

Whether you enjoy warm weather fun on the water, in the woods or at the golf course, Michigan has it all!

The 2022 Pure Michigan Spring/Summer Travel Guide features lighthouses, tiny towns, national forests and Great Lakes shore experiences as well as craft beer, casino and urban destinations. The publication also includes a seasonal calendar of festival events. Please call or email my office for a print copy or find the digital version at Michigan.org!

I recently welcomed Alan and Rosemary Golden to the Capitol as my personal guests for the day. It is always a pleasure to host people from the 31st District here in Lansing so they can not only get a better look at their state government, but also experience the history and beauty of our state Capitol.

On Friday, May 6, I met with local leaders the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce to discuss several key legislative issues affecting the Bay Area and how we can keep moving Michigan forward.

Photo courtesty Bay Area Chamber of Commerce

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.

Michigan Senate website: www.senate.michigan.gov
Michigan House of Representatives website: www.house.michigan.gov
Michigan Legislature website: www.legislature.mi.gov
Michigan Citizen’s Guide: Citizen’s Guide to State Government, 101st Legislature