I recently had the opportunity to congratulate Chuck Tezlaff for being named Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Michigan Volunteer of the Year. Thanks for all of your work! I also spent time with the Midland County Habitat for Humanity team as they were honored as Affiliate of the Year. Way to go!

The Great Lakes are critical to our state and our economy. I was recently able to join the Michigan Department of Natural Resources out on Lake Huron to research fish populations. It is always great to talk with Michigan workers who are working hard to improve our state and maintain our way of life.

The Michigan Milk Producers Association recently stopped by in Lansing to share what they are doing. It gave me the opportunity to meet up and see Russ Tolan, Ron Lucas, Jeremy Worth and Corby Worth. They are all doing a great job helping keep Michigan families healthy.

Breast Cancer Awareness license plate available
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among Michigan women.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and a good time to remind motorists that the Breast Cancer Awareness license plate is one of several special fundraising plates offered by the state of Michigan.

The plate features the Pink Ribbon logo and the message “Early Detection Saves Lives.” Proceeds from sales of the plate help provide low-income women access to lifesaving cancer screening services and follow-up care, including cancer treatment if needed. Click here for more information.

Improving Michigan’s specialty courts
Michigan has 185 “problem-solving” courts, programs that aim to improve outcomes for offenders and reduce the rate of recidivism. These specialty courts — including drug treatment, mental health and veterans treatment courts — focus on treatment and other services to address an offender’s underlying problems to help them turn their lives around.

I recently supported Senate legislation to improve this system by requiring the specialty courts to follow the same procedures and standards. Under Senate Bills 435-438, the courts would have to be certified by the State Court Administrators Office. Certification would help ensure more consistent outcomes and increase the effectiveness of the courts.

Pure Michigan Fall Travel Guide now available
Autumn in Michigan is a special season! Our state’s waters and woodlands offer postcard-perfect views and countless opportunities for outdoor adventure.

From scenic drives and hikes to weekend getaways to culinary destinations, the 2017 Pure Michigan Fall Travel Guide highlights places to go and sights to see across our great state. Access the digital version and sign up for weekly fall color updates at www.michigan.org or contact my office to receive a free print copy.

Bill would improve state’s Safe Delivery of Newborns law
Sometimes parents are unable or unwilling to care for a new baby. Since 2001, Michigan’s Safe Delivery of Newborns law has provided parents with an option to safely surrender their newborn — within three days of birth — to an emergency service provider.

The law offers an anonymous alternative to abandonment and allows for a baby to be placed in a loving, adoptive home.

Earlier this year, the Senate passed legislation to further ensure confidentiality of the surrendering parents. Senate Bill 215 would clarify that the names of the parents can be excluded from the birth certificates of infants surrendered under the law.

Link to all things Michigan
om job openings to traffic news to hunting information and more, the free MiPage app allows users to search for multiple services all in one place. You can even check out upcoming events in your city! Learn more at www.michigan.gov/mipage.