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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 26th 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 SenKDaley@senate.michigan.gov 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 26th Senate District.
Sincerely,
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Kevin Daley
State Senator
26th District
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Michigan’s constitution requires that the Legislature meet “on the second Wednesday in January of each year at twelve o’clock noon” to begin a new legislative session. On Jan. 8, the Michigan Senate met to begin the 2025 regular session.
The Michigan Senate consists of 38 members who are elected by the residents of each district. Senate districts are made up of approximately 250,000 residents and are elected at the same time as the governor to serve four-year terms concurrent with the governor’s term of office.
Visit the Michigan Senate website for 2025 session dates and committee schedules, links to current legislation, and information about visiting the state Capitol.
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Michigan Republicans make tipped credit fix a top priority
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Before the 2025-26 legislative session had even begun, Republicans in both chambers of the Michigan Legislature had made finding a solution to the elimination of the tipped credit system a top priority.
In July, the Michigan Supreme Court issued a ruling that mandated changes to the state’s minimum wage laws and would eliminate the tipped credit system used by thousands of hospitality industry employees. Without legislative action, these changes are set to go into effect on Feb. 21. The effects on small business owners and their employees would be devastating.
Servers from Michigan have visited the state Capitol many times over the last several months to urge the Legislature to act. Without changes, businesses face the difficult decision of raising prices or closing their doors, leaving as many as 50,000 Michigan residents without a job. Industry surveys indicate two-thirds of restaurant operators expect they’ll have to lay off staff, 94% say they’d have to raise menu prices and one in five full-service restaurants will likely be forced to close permanently.
The newly elected Republican majority in the Michigan House has formed a special committee to address proposed reforms to the tipped wage credit and earned sick leave changes.
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Debate over green energy intensifies
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The state of Michigan made national headlines when it was reported that the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is pursuing leasing 420 acres of state forestland for a solar farm, some of which would need to be cleared for the solar array. The plan comes as part of an effort by the DNR to find ways to use state-owned land for renewable energy development.
In 2023, Lansing Democrats passed sweeping and troublesome energy reforms that removed decision-making authority from local governments for wind and solar developments and gave that authority to unelected bureaucrats. The new laws are part of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s plan to mandate 100% Green New Deal-style energy changes by 2040. Experts believe if this goal is to be reached, Michigan will need to dedicate an additional 209,000 acres of land to wind and solar installations.
The DNR released a public notice of its plans to lease the land for solar development, opening up three months of public comment.
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With temperatures dropping and heating costs on the rise, many in Michigan may find themselves in need of help. Michigan 211 is part of a national system of organizations that connect residents with services in their local area.
At Michigan 211, highly trained specialists are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Residents can contact one of the seven regional contact centers across the state by dialing 211 or texting the zip code where help is needed to 898211. The website also has a chat feature and search options to allow residents to find service providers in their area.
Last year, Michigan 211 helped more than 500,000 people connect with more than 40,000 services, including utility assistance, emergency housing or shelter, food, legal services, health care, substance abuse, mental health assistance, and more. For more information, visit Michigan 211.
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January is National Blood Donor Month
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The month of January is designated as National Blood Donor Month to highlight the importance of blood donation during the winter, a time when donations often decline and shortages occur.
Each year, an estimated 6.8 million people in the U.S. donate 13.6 million units of whole blood and red blood cells, providing lifesaving resources to patients in need.
This month, consider scheduling a blood donation to ensure that hospitals and clinics have the necessary resources to save lives. Find a location to give blood and schedule your appointment today.
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I recently had the privilege of touring Freedom Lake Veterans Home — a remarkable nonprofit in the 26th District that is dedicated to providing housing and support for homeless veterans.
Thank you to the staff and volunteers for the vital work you do! I look forward to supporting your mission and efforts in the future to ensure our veterans receive the care and stability they deserve.
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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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