Happy spring! As we see the weather warming up, I wanted to provide you with an update on all that is going on in Lansing, as well as what I’m working on to help make a difference for families in our community.

As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office if there is ever anything I can do to help!

In your service,

Senator Jim Runestad
Serving the 15th State Senate District

I’m continuing my work on Senate Bill 77, which would allow residents of nursing homes and their families to install a camera in their room if they would like one. Nursing homes can currently prevent their residents from installing a camera. With the rise of elder abuse, cameras would act as a deterrent to the bad actors who are preying on our most vulnerable in nursing homes.

Under my bill, all roommates in a room would have to consent to a camera, signs letting the public know about the cameras would have to be posted, and additional provisions would allow for the curtaining of cameras during sensitive medical procedures and other times.

It’s about time we did something to push back on the growing problem of elder abuse in our state and country. We owe it to our loved ones to do whatever we can to make sure they are safe. Learn more about this effort here.

My family and I love what the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) brings to our community. It is a cultural centerpiece and major tourism driver for our region.

But every organization that receives taxpayer dollars should be transparent and accountable to the people who pay for it. That’s why I’ve introduced legislation that would make the DIA accessible to the public via the Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act.

This legislation would help bring the DIA’s operations into the light, which is necessary to continue that organization’s success so that families like yours and mine can continue to enjoy this world-class museum for years to come.

Thank you to everyone who came out for a meeting of the Senate Finance Committee on February 24. As chairman of the committee, I conducted a special informational hearing on property tax issues at the Novi Civic Center. We were all able to hear expert testimony on property taxes, the tax assessment process and how to effectively appeal your assessments when errors have occurred.

Students who start reading in elementary school are readers for life. I kicked off the March is Reading Month celebration with a visit to Doherty Elementary in West Bloomfield. I always enjoy my visits to classrooms, and I look forward to visiting more classrooms and students throughout the rest of the month!

On Friday, March 27 I will be hosting office hours in the district. I will be at White Lake Township Library from 10 to 11 a.m. and at Bakers of Milford Restaurant from noon to 1 p.m. These are times for me to hear directly from you about the issues that matter to you most. I hope to see you there!

Are you interested in learning more about the legislative process? If so, we’re offering internships on a rolling basis in my office. If you are interested, or know a student who would be, visit my website to learn more. Then contact my office to apply and learn the legislative process firsthand!