| | | Dear Friends,
Hello and welcome to the latest edition of my monthly e-newsletter. This past month has been filled with exciting opportunities to serve the constituents of the 31st Senate District. I’ve been able to take your concerns directly to Lansing, and I am proud to continue to do so.
I want to emphasize that my door is always open. I look forward to visitors and the opportunity to speak with the constituents I proudly represent. I welcome any input from residents as it is my number one priority to make sure your voices are heard. If I can ever be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me or my office. I am honored to be able to serve you.
Sincerely,
| | Kevin Daley
State Senator
31st District
| Daley joins Caro 4 Michigan Coalition at Capitol rally | | This past week, I was joined by state Rep. Phil Green, local elected officials and volunteers from the Caro 4 Michigan Coalition at the state Capitol to show our continued support for the Caro Center.
The event drew support from other state lawmakers as well.
I have been vocal in supporting the Caro Center renovations moving forward as previously promised. We made our voices heard on the Capitol steps as we continue to fight for a new Caro Center. Thank you to all those who spoke and attended the rally.
| Senate approves Daley legislation honoring Blue Star Families | | Last week, the Senate unanimously approved my legislation that would create a special recognition license plate honoring Michigan families who have a member serving in the U.S. military.
The men and women of our military and their families have made sacrifices that most of us cannot even imagine. Blue Star Families is a terrific organization that provides support and resources to help those who are giving their all for this country.
Senate Bill 118 would require the secretary of state to develop and issue a special recognition license plate recognizing Blue Star Families. Under the bill, residents who are currently serving in the U.S. armed forces — or members of their immediate family — would be able to apply for the special recognition plate.
The plate would include the Blue Star Families insignia and the words “Blue Star Family” under the registration numbers.
I know it is quite minimal when compared to the sacrifices their families have made, but I hope this will serve as a small token of our gratitude and a way for us to recognize those who fought for our freedoms. SB 118 is now in the Michigan House of Representatives for further consideration.
| Daley co-chairs special joint agriculture committee meeting at MSU |  | On Aug. 13, I joined other lawmakers and key stakeholders in the agriculture industry at Michigan State University to discuss difficulties the industry has faced during this challenging growing season.
Agriculture is one of Michigan’s largest and most important industries. Michigan farmers suffered tremendous losses this season, losses that have far-reaching effects on numerous industries. This hearing gave folks a chance to discuss available resources, along with potential short-and long-term solutions to this season’s difficult conditions.
The joint hearing developed out of concern for Michigan’s farmers due to the wet spring, a widespread inability to plant crops, and other factors making agricultural operations difficult.
Michigan’s farmers faced a record rainfall this spring, which dramatically hindered planting. Of the more than 4.5 million acres of corn and soy planted in 2018, approximately 17% were unable to be planted this year.
The industry has also faced global economic pressures and financial stress.
|  | As Michigan children head back to the classroom, I would like to update you on action the Legislature has taken to better protect our students’ health and safety.
One of the new measures enacted into law late last year as part of Michigan’s comprehensive school safety plan was Public Act 550 of 2018. The law allows OK2SAY, the successful school safety hotline program, to continue operating. Students, teachers and others can confidentially report information they feel threatens their safety or the safety of others. Tips can be submitted 24/7 by telephone at 855-565-2729, text message at 652729 (OK2SAY), e-mail at [email protected] or online at OK2SAY.com. Since the program launched in 2014, nearly 21,000 tips have been submitted. Most tips involved bullying, self-harm, drugs or suicide threats.
Other new laws impacting the health and safety of our kids ban the sale of e-cigarettes and alternative vapor products to minors and prohibit minors from possessing and using them. Unfortunately, in spite of the health risks associated with these products, the number of teens using e-cigarettes continues to climb. Public Act 17 of 2019 and Public Act 18 of 2019 take effect Sept. 2.
| Feds require REAL ID beginning Oct. 1, 2020 | Travelers are reminded that in a little over a year, the federally mandated REAL ID law goes into effect. Starting Oct. 1, 2020, if you travel by air — even on domestic flights — this law will apply to you.
REAL ID is the post-9/11 federal requirement that sets higher security standards for identification. A REAL ID can be a U.S. passport (unexpired) or a Michigan Enhanced Driver’s License, or you can turn your standard driver’s license into a REAL ID at the secretary of state’s office. This new license features a star in a gold circle printed on your license or ID card to show compliance. Visit www.michigan.gov/REALID to learn more about the law and what information you need to provide.
| State parks centennial celebration continues | This year marks the 100-year anniversary of the Michigan state parks system. Many families have enjoyed centennial events in the parks throughout the spring and summer months.
There are plenty of events ahead to enjoy as we step into fall, one of Michigan’s most beautiful seasons. From running, hiking and triathlon events to fall harvest festivals, families can celebrate the parks and enjoy time together in Michigan’s great outdoors. Visit www.michigan.gov/stateparks100 for more information, including activities, historical stories, a memory map and more. There’s even an album — Pure Sounds of Michigan — available to stream and download for free with sounds of nature captured from Michigan state parks!
| Monthly district office hours | | In order for me to best represent you in Lansing, I think it is important to sit down face to face and hear the needs of the residents of the 31st Senate District.
I plan to hold office hours once a month where anyone can come and discuss what’s on their mind. I will be available to answer questions, discuss current legislation and take suggestions on issues affecting communities throughout the district.
Feel free to stop in anytime, as no appointment is necessary. I look forward to hearing from you!
For updates on future office hours, please visit my website at www.SenatorKevinDaley.com and click "Office Hours" under the "Resources" tab.
| | | | | | I recently had the opportunity to present a tribute honoring the dedication of the new Vassar Township Park with Rep. Phil Green.
The Vassar Township Parks and Recreation Committee has been working on this project since 2017. The park features a pavilion, a paved pathway and picnic tables for patrons to enjoy.
| | | | | | | This past month, I was able to tour Sklarczyk Seed Farm in Johannesburg and see the cutting-edge technology used in potato production. This business is one of many great agricultural assets we have right here in Michigan.
| Last month I was able to present a state of Michigan tribute to Williams Township in honor of Connie Hoverman and her dedication to the children of the community. The new additions to their park are wonderful. It was a pleasure to be joined at the event by Bay County Commissioners Michael Duranczyk and Vaughn Begick as well as Williams Township Supervisor Paul Wasek.
| | My priority is always serving the people of my district. If you plan to visit Lansing for a conference or meeting, please contact my office in advance so I can make every effort to meet with you while you are in town.
| Celebrating a special occasion? | | 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.
| State government resources | Michigan's 31st Senate District
| | The 31th state Senate District includes all of Bay, Lapeer, and Tuscola counties.
| | | | | | | Thank you for subscribing to my electronic newsletter! Please feel free to forward this on to others who may be interested in receiving the 31st District E-news. You may sign up for it at my website.
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