We need to demand the Senate immediately take up and pass Senate Bills 165-167 to allow our corrections officers to participate in the state police pension fund. We do not need any lip service paid to the challenges faced by our corrections officers – we need action.

Since my first visit to the Kinross Correctional Facility, and in the numerous meetings there since, and in talks with dozens of prison employees, I have never seen a more frustrated and demoralized workforce – and rightfully so.

The problem is simple – without additional pay and benefits, our prisons are not able to hire or retain enough officers. That means forced overtime for those who do actually work – usually without notice and in a terribly difficult work environment.

Everyone has told me that giving access to the state police pension fund is a big part of the solution. That’s why I’ve been working with the bill sponsor to get this legislation moving now. There are a lot of politicians saying they are concerned for our corrections officers. But it’s up to all of us to make sure they don’t get away with just talk – that they’ll actually do what it takes to fix the problem. Please join me in calling for the Senate leadership to bring Senate Bills 165-167 up for a vote the day we are back in session. And let’s make sure all legislators are prepared to vote YES on these important bills.

In July, I spent some time on Sugar Island with leaders from the Neebish Island, Sugar Island, and Drummond Island communities. We had a very good and productive discussion about ferry service to the three islands. We talked further about the recent Neebish Island Ferry schedule revision, the current fares across all three islands for residents and visitors, and how all three island communities rely on reliable service to and from the mainland.

It is my responsibility and privilege to work with local governments to find solutions to critical issues such as these. Simply sending a letter isn’t enough; we all should expect our elected leaders to roll up their sleeves and get to work for their constituents, which is exactly what I have done and will continue to do for these three amazing communities.

On July 11, the Natural Resources Commission met to review and adopt scheduled deer hunting regulations. While most of the updates will not go into effect until after the 2024 season has ended, some notable updates for the current fall season were adopted, including an expansion of antlerless deer hunting opportunities in parts of the Lower Peninsula. The commission also approved the use of any legal firearm in the northern half of the lower peninsula during muzzleloader season, an early antlerless season in September and a later season in December for the lower peninsula, and expanded hunting opportunities in January.

Regulations that remain unchanged and in place for the 2024 season include:

A full summary of the updates that apply to the fall 2024 hunting season can be found here.

With summer moving along, and the cooler months of fall approaching, it may be worth your time to follow the link below to see if you qualify for this year’s home heating credit. This program is designed by the state of Michigan to help low-income families pay some of their heating expenses. This could apply to both homeowners and renters.

You can complete the Home Heating Credit Claim MI-1040CR-7 to see if you qualify for the credit. The deadline for submitting this form is Sept. 30, 2024.

Learn more here: Home Heating Credit Information (michigan.gov)

OK2SAY is Michigan’s nationally recognized prevention-based student safety reporting system. The program allows students to confidentially report threatening behavior and empowers students to prevent violence and make their schools safer.

According to the OK2SAY 2023 Annual Report, more than 50,000 tips have been reported since the program was launched in 2014. In 2023, a total of 9,686 tips were reported involving such issues as bullying, threats of suicide, drugs, and sexual assault or misconduct.

Anyone can report tips on criminal activities or potential harm directed at students, school employees, or schools. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by phone, text, email or through the OK2SAY mobile app. Tips can be reported by:

More information is available online, including resources for schools, age-appropriate presentations, and resources for students who need additional support.

Michigan’s 37th Senate District includes Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Leelanau counties and portions of Mackinac and Chippewa counties.