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.

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,

Kevin Daley
State Senator
26th District

I will be holding office hours across the 26th Senate District on Monday, June 26.

I will be available to answer questions and provide information and assistance, as well as take suggestions on issues affecting communities and businesses in the district. Please come for an opportunity to discuss issues important to you!

No appointment is necessary, feel free to drop in! For more information, visit my website SenatorKevinDaley.com or call my office at 517-373-1777.

I was honored to welcome Afghanistan combat veteran Adam Vansickle and his wife Jade to the Capitol for the Michigan Senate’s 28th Annual Memorial Day Service on May 25.

VanSickle is a veteran of the U.S. Army. He enlisted in the Army in January 2010, serving two years in Afghanistan before being medically discharged in July 2016. It was a pleasure to host Adam and his wife Jade as we remembered the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we could continue to live with the freedoms we have today.

On June 6, I had the pleasure of hosting the Lapeer Strike Zone Robotics Team in Lansing to commemorate its accomplishment of first place in the Daly Division and overall runner up champions at the 2023 First World Championship! This talented group of students and coaches are a prime example of the importance of STEM programs in schools. Their determination and hard work certainly paid off. I am looking forward to the great things the future holds for the Strike Zone Robotics team!

The Fostering Futures scholarship is a fantastic way for students to continue their education beyond high school. Young adults who have experienced foster care on or after age 13 are eligible to apply for a Fostering Futures scholarship.

The application period for the 2023-24 academic year is currently available, and the priority deadline is Aug. 1. Eligible students enrolled at a Michigan degree-granting college or university may now apply to receive scholarship funds for tuition, fees, room, board, books and supplies.

Find more information at the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Cross Complete of Michigan have partnered with United Dairy Industry of Michigan again this year to address food and nutrition insecurity with an exciting grant opportunity for food pantries across the state.

The Food Pantry Grant Program provides equipment and resources to support an increase in distribution of dairy and other nutrient-rich fresh food options to clients. Food pantries may apply for a refrigeration unit, valued up to $7,000, to improve pantry infrastructure in support of the distribution of dairy foods and fresh produce and receive $250 in dairy match funding to purchase additional dairy foods for their clients.

Please feel free to share this information with any food pantries in your district. Grant applications for the 2023 calendar year are due July 14, 2023.

Applications must be submitted using the online application. Visit the Food Pantry Grant Program webpage for further details.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services began notifying Medicaid beneficiaries last month that the federally prescribed eligibility renewal process would begin again in June. The renewal process had been paused during the federally declared COVID-19 public health emergency to allow Medicaid members to keep their health care coverage. Federal legislation ended that provision in April.

Medicaid beneficiaries undergo renewal checks once every 12 months to determine whether their eligibility should be extended an additional year. Renewals can be done automatically by the department for individuals who have been cleared to continue to qualify.

Those who have question about their eligibility or the renewal process may contact the Beneficiary Helpline at 1-800-642-3195 (TTY: 1-866-501-5656) between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday or learn more at Michigan.gov/2023benefitchanges.

If your summer plans include visiting one of Michigan’s state parks, be sure to review the Department of Natural Resources’ updated beach flag warning system.

A new DNR land order makes it illegal to enter the water when there is a risk to human health and safety. Risks can include hazardous waves and/or dangerous water conditions, active rescue or recovery efforts and environmental hazards. These rules do not apply to surfers using wind-powered or self-propelled wave-riding boards.

The Great Lakes flag warning system is in place at state-designated swim beaches to advise visitors of current water conditions or environmental warnings. The updated system now includes:

Visit Michigan.gov/BeachSafety to check current swim risk, learn about designated swim areas or for more information about the Great Lakes beach flag warning system.

As part of the fiscal year 2023 budget, the Michigan Legislature appropriated $12 million to establish and operate the MI Fire Equipment Grant Program.

Grant awards of up to $10,000 are available to eligible fire departments in cities, villages, townships or tribal governments or commissions. The application period is now open. Applications are accepted through the Michigan Department of Treasury through July 10.

Additional information, answers to FAQs, program guidelines, and application materials are available at Michigan.gov/MIFireEquipmentGrant.

June is National Dairy Month! This month we show our appreciation to one of Michigan’s largest agricultural industries. As a former dairy farmer, I know how important the dairy industry is to our state. Check out these great Michigan Dairy facts!

This summer, several state parks across the state will be receiving much needed upgrades. Visitors will enjoy new and upgraded camping amenities, park roads, electrical and water distribution systems, and toilet and shower buildings, as well as visitor center enhancements and historic preservation work.

Before you head out, be sure to visit Michigan.gov/DNRClosures to check for closures due to these planned improvement projects, other repairs or weather-related events.

There is no better way to end a summer day than a campfire with friends to roast marshmallows, make smores, and enjoy a crisp Michigan night.

But a campfire that is not closely monitored and thoroughly extinguished can quickly become dangerous. To keep your family, guests, and the environment around you safe, please keep these campfire safety tips in mind:

With 103 state parks and recreation areas and endless miles of shorelines that come from our thousands of rivers, streams, and lakes, it could not be easier to celebrate Great Outdoors Month in Michigan. This month-long celebration reminds us all just how beneficial spending time outdoors can be to our physical and mental health.

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

The 2023 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!

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