Dear Friends,

Welcome to the latest edition of my monthly e-newsletter. As always, I hope you find the news and information below helpful. Please feel free to share this newsletter with anyone you feel may be interested.

My staff and I are available should you have any thoughts or concerns about state government. Please feel free to contact my office at [email protected] or at 517-373-1777.

Sincerely,

Kevin Daley
State Senator
26th District

When Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her annual State of the State address, she painted a picture of the state that is completely out of touch with the reality most Michiganders are facing. While many Michigan residents are struggling, she made it clear she has no real understanding of what it is like to worry about the price of groceries, the cost of heating her home in the winter, or that kids are behind in school.

Michigan’s unemployment rate and median household income are among the worst in the nation. For most families, any increase in pay has been wiped out by inflation. Thousands of our friends and neighbors continue to seek better jobs, better schools, and better opportunities elsewhere. Michigan now ranks 46th out of 50 for population growth in the United States.

Republicans believe hardworking taxpayers know how to spend their money better than the government does. While the Democrats in Lansing want to raise taxes, water down education standards, and make energy more expensive and less reliable, my Republican colleagues and I have a different plan. We have a vision for Michigan that puts families, communities, and students ahead of bigger state government and special interests.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, but there is a lot we can do to change that. By making a few small changes and doing more to take care of ourselves, we can lower that statistic.

February is American Heart Month. During the month of February, accept the challenge and try making a few small changes for a healthier heart:

Michigan’s annual winter Free Fishing Weekend is Feb. 17-18. All fishing license fees are waived, and vehicles can enter state parks and use boating sites without a Recreation Passport.

Winter Free Fishing weekend is a great time to try ice fishing. With at least 150 species of fish that can be caught through the ice, you don’t have to wait for summer to give fishing a try. Ice fishing can be an affordable, safe, and family-friendly activity to get everyone outdoors.

Residents and out-of-state visitors can enjoy fishing on both inland lakes and the Great Lakes for all species of fish. All fishing regulations still apply. Visit Michigan.gov/freefishing for information on special events and activities.

With temperatures falling and inflation rates rising, 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. You can contact one of the seven regional contact centers across the state by dialing 211 from a phone or by texting the zip code where help is needed to 898211. The Michigan 211 website also has a chat feature and search options to allow residents to search for 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, healthcare, substance abuse, mental health assistance, and more. For more information, visit Michigan 211.

With more than 40 ski areas across the state, you are always within a two-hour drive of the thrills of skiing and snowboarding. Michigan ranks second in the U.S. for the number of places to enjoy this exciting, family-friendly winter sport.

The Cold is Cool Passport allows fourth and fifth graders to ski for free in Michigan when accompanied by a paying adult. It is a great opportunity to get kids out on the slopes and try a new sport. The passport, sponsored by the Michigan Snowsports Industries Association, allows families to receive up to three lift tickets at 29 participating ski hills. Other discounts are also available.

For more information or to register for the passport, visit the Cold is Cool Passport site.

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. 10, the Michigan Senate met to begin the 2024 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 the 2024 session dates and committee schedules, links to current legislation, and information about visiting the state capitol.

Unfortunately, 2023 was one of the most partisan years on record. Gov. Whitmer and Democrats in Lansing showed no interest in working across the aisle. Instead, they rammed through many of the same failed policies that led to Michigan’s Lost Decade.

In 2024, Senate Republicans will continue to fight Gov. Whitmer’s efforts to make Michigan more like California. My colleagues and I understand that our constituents expect us to work together and find common ground, without compromising our values, to improve our state.

Our 2024 priorities include:

Jan. 12-22 was Snowmobile Safety Awareness Week. Michigan is home to 6,500 miles of state-designated snowmobile trails. A 2023-24 trail permit can be purchased online through eLicense or the Michigan Snowmobile & ORV Association website or in person at several DNR license agents and dealers.

Permits are good through March 31 and enable riders to access state-designated trails and thousands of miles of public roads.

The spring turkey application period ends on Feb. 1. Applications can be purchased for $5 online at eLicense, over the counter or in the DNR Hunt Fish app. Spring turkey hunting regulations, application information, and area quotas are available in the Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations Summary.

On Jan. 24, Michigan State Trooper Joel Popp paid the ultimate price as he worked to keep our community safe. He was a graduating member of the 137th Trooper Recruit School and began serving our state in January 2020 out of the Tri-City post in Freeland. You can view the Senate’s moment of silence to honor Trooper Popp by clicking here or on the image below.

This month, state Rep. Gregory Alexander and I had the privilege of attending the North Branch Assisted Living grand opening and ribbon cutting! This transformative project turned the old Wesleyan Academy in Lapeer County into a haven for seniors. Congratulations to the North Branch Assisted Living team for their vision and hard work in creating a warm and caring space.

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, 102nd Legislature