Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Welcome to the latest edition of my e-newsletter.

Below you’ll find an update on what’s happening in your state Capitol and some additional resources I hope you find helpful.

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 34th Senate District.

Sincerely,

Roger Hauck
State Senator
34th Senate District

Joe Biden’s disastrous open border policies have led to a migrant crisis like nothing our country has ever experienced. Both small communities and major U.S. cities are being overwhelmed beyond their capacities, and fentanyl continues to flood into our communities with tragic consequences.

In 2023, more than 27,000 pounds of fentanyl was seized at the border — an 860% increase compared to 2019. Drug overdose deaths reached a new high in 2023 and are now the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-45. Approximately 3,000 Michiganders die each year due to overdoses — tragedies in which fentanyl often plays a critical role.

Self-declared sanctuary cities are now being overwhelmed by illegal immigrants that they do not have the space or resources to accommodate. In December, the U.S. Border Patrol recorded more than 250,000 encounters with migrants at the Mexico border — a new all-time high. This marked the tenth time encounters have eclipsed 200,000 in a month since 2021.

This unprecedented influx of migrants is not limited to the southern border. So-called “sanctuary cities” like Denver, Chicago, and New York City have been overwhelmed by tens of thousands of migrant arrivals, pushing community and state resources to the breaking point. With several municipalities and counties in Michigan having either declared themselves sanctuaries or otherwise made it clear they will not enforce immigration laws, it is reasonable to presume our state could also become a destination for the kind of mass migration other communities are struggling with if we don’t do something now.

My Republican colleagues and I have introduced the Strong Borders, Safer Communities plan. The plan includes increased penalties for the creation, manufacturing, delivery, or possession of fentanyl and requires every Michigan community to enforce state and federal immigration laws, ending the practice of so-called “sanctuary cities.”

I also joined Sen. Lana Theis in sending a letter to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer calling on her to shed light on the impact of this crisis in Michigan. Her administration has shared little information about how many migrants have arrived or whether sanctuary city policies have opened the door for a larger influx like other states are seeing.

We must protect Michigan communities by enforcing our immigration laws and prioritizing the safety of residents. This starts with our governor being honest, open and transparent with residents about how the crisis has affected our state and how, or if, it is being handled.

In 2019, Senate Republicans introduced bipartisan legislation to create the MI Reconnect Grant Act. The MI Reconnect program aims to close the skills gap and make post-secondary education more accessible to adults in Michigan seeking an associate degree or professional certificate.

The program was launched in February 2021, and since then, more than 150,000 Michiganders have benefited from the opportunity to achieve additional education or earn a professional certification. More than 32,000 Reconnect students have enrolled at a community or tribal college and more than 4,400 have earned credentials, putting them on the path to in-demand, higher-paying jobs in Michigan.

To learn more about the MI Reconnect or to apply, visit the program’s website.

The Michigan Department of Education has announced dates for two upcoming virtual job fairs.

Virtual job fairs are open to those who are looking for a job or looking to hire teachers, substitute teachers, bus drivers, custodians, paraprofessionals, secretaries, administrators and other education-related positions. The events will occur on Tuesday, March 19, and Wednesday, May 8. There is no cost to participate.

Job seekers will have the opportunity to connect with school districts across the state. Interested applicants can complete a profile and upload their resume before the event. Educational employers, including local education agencies, intermediate school districts, public school academies and staffing agencies, are able to host a virtual booth at no cost. Prior to the events, employers can view resumes and send chat invitations to eligible candidates.

Visit the MDE’s Education Workforce Job Fairs site for more information or to register for one of the events.

Michigan’s Run for the Trees: Happy Little (virtual) 5K event has expanded to nine other states! The event, which was inspired by Bob Ross’s love of the outdoors, supports tree planting and forest protection efforts in state parks. Runners can now choose which participating states will receive their donation.

Runners, walkers and hikers can complete their 5K anywhere outdoors anytime between April 22-26. Each registration includes a keepsake Happy Little T-shirt, commemorative bib number, finisher medal and Happy Little Trees sticker.