| | | 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 disappointed in Caro Center evaluation findings | | The findings of a study commissioned by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on how to proceed with the Caro Center project were released to the public yesterday afternoon. It is not the news many of us had hoped for.
The existing facility at Caro provides jobs for the people in the communities I represent and critical services for our entire state. I have been a tireless advocate for investing in a new structure because I recognize the value in bringing more jobs to our region and enhancing services for those in need.
I am disappointed the governor did not support a new facility, but that will not stop me from fighting for our district.
The entire Michigan Department of Health and Human Services press release regarding the Caro Center can be found here.
| Daley backs bill to help farmers |  | The wet, cool weather is causing big problems for many Michigan farmers. According to MSU Extension, many producers have not been able to plant their field crops because of poor conditions.
I recently supported an effort that would help farmers cover their expenses and help mitigate the loss of revenue. The legislation, which was recently signed by the governor and is now Public Act 45 of 2019, will provide $15 million for the Agricultural Disaster Loan Origination Program. The low-interest loan program is a partnership between qualified farmers and agricultural processors, private lenders and the state to support the agriculture industry through loss of crops due to weather-related disasters.
Michigan farmers had just 3.5 days with the right conditions for field work as of mid June, which has continued to cause problems throughout the summer. The state Department of Agriculture and Rural Development recently launched an informational website to help farmers find the help they need this year.
The website — www.michigan.gov/cropdisaster — includes resources from Michigan State University Extension and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The list will be updated as more information is identified.
| Senate recognizes the role of wildlife management | Millions of residents and visitors enjoy Michigan’s abundant wildlife and natural beauty. Science-based wildlife management and conservation practices help balance our use of natural resources with the needs of Michigan’s wildlife.
As a result of these efforts, Michigan populations of elk, wild turkey, white-tailed deer, lake sturgeon and many other species have rebounded from near extinction. Many people don’t realize that hunters and anglers — among the first conservationists — provide funding for wildlife management projects across the country through the purchase of hunting and fishing equipment. In fact, hunting and fishing licenses, not state taxes, provide tens of millions of dollars each year for wildlife conservation.
The Senate recently adopted Senate Resolution 64 to recognize July 2019 as Michigan Wildlife Conservation Month and highlight the important role hunting and fishing play in conserving, managing and protecting Michigan’s wildlife for future generations.
| Daley supports new laws in the fight against opioid abuse | | The opioid crisis continues to impact families and communities. In 2017, there were more deaths from drug overdoses than car accidents in Michigan. Over 70% of these deaths were opioid-related.
I recently supported legislation — now law — to allow governmental agencies to possess and administer what’s called an opioid antagonist to someone suspected of suffering an opioid overdose. The drug reverses the effects of an overdose and can help save lives, especially if it is available before emergency medical help arrives. The new laws will allow employees in public places, such as libraries and universities, to be properly trained and granted civil immunity to administer anti-overdose drugs in good faith.
More information for families and individuals about the opioid crisis is available at www.michigan.gov/opioids. The site features information on finding and getting help, including maps showing the location of licensed treatment centers and takeback sites for disposing of unneeded medication.
| Fishing is a great way for families to spend a summer day!
The third annual Take an Adult Fishing day is this upcoming weekend on Saturday, Aug. 3. Kids and parents are encouraged to plan a fishing trip for time together in Michigan’s great outdoors. Visit www.michigan.gov/fishing to find fishing locations by searching the Family Friendly Fishing Waters website or check out the state parks that offer the Hook, Line and Sinker program. These classes teach casting and fishing basics free of charge; young anglers under 17 do not need a fishing license.
| The Michigan Activity Pass (MAP) offers library card holders free or discounted access to more than 450 Michigan destinations, including state parks and recreation areas, historic sites and cultural attractions. Cardholders can print one-day admission passes, either at home or their local library.
Visit www.MichiganActivityPass.info for more information, including a step-by-step tutorial on how to “check out” a MAP pass and online-brochures with links to destination websites. Or go to www.facebook.com/MIActivityPass/ to learn about events across Michigan.
| | Hunters can prepare for the fall hunting season by completing a hunter safety education course this summer. Courses are available in a traditional classroom setting or as a self-paced, online course (with a required field day). For more information on hunter education, go to www.michigan.gov/hunting. To find a class near you and to register, visit www.michigan.gov/recreationalsafety.
| Although no human cases of West Nile virus have been detected so far this summer in Michigan, several birds and mosquito pools have tested positive for the infection. West Nile is transmitted to people, horses and other animals through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus. Outbreaks of West Nile virus have occurred every summer in Michigan since 2002.
While most people who become infected will not develop clinical symptoms of illness or will have a mild illness with fever, a small number of people may become more severely ill. In 2018, there were 104 serious illnesses and nine deaths related to West Nile virus in the state. For more information, including signs and symptoms, treatment and prevention, visit www.michigan.gov/westnile. The site also features a weekly summary of West Nile virus activity in the state.
| | | | | | This past month, Rep. Brian Elder and I had the opportunity to present a tribute to Mallory Rivard for her achievement of winning the Miss Michigan 2019 scholarship program.
We were graciously hosted by the Sage Public Library in Bay City, where Mallory often visits as part of her “Read to Succeed” platform.
We wish her good luck and good fortune as she goes on to participate in the 2019 Miss America competition.
| It was an honor to attend the Caro Exchange Club summer picnic last month to present a tribute honoring their ninety years of service to the Caro community.
Tuscola County Sheriff Glen Skrent and local club member June Kennedy were awarded Merit Awards for their service to the club.
Congratulations to the award winners and to the club for all that they do in the community!
| | | | | | In early July, I presented McLaren Lapeer Regional Hospital with a tribute for being a recipient of the 2019 Governor’s Award of Excellence.
This award showcases their commitment to improving healthcare quality and patient safety in the greater Lapeer community.
| | 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.
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