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

My office recently sent a letter to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer encouraging her to consider candidates from Mount Pleasant or surrounding local communities for the open trustee seats on the Central Michigan University Board of Trustees. The university currently has two open seats, which are filled by appointments from the governor.

Candidates who live in Mount Pleasant or surrounding communities will have a deeper understanding of the university’s needs and the ability to weigh decisions with both the CMU and the region’s best interests in mind.

Having trustees who understand CMU’s unique culture, values and traditions can be invaluable in addressing the university’s current challenges and setting a course for its future success. I believe having a local connection would provide insight into the university’s immediate needs and challenges, while fostering stronger ties between the board, the student body, and the community.

I feel this is especially important because trustees serve eight-year terms, and their decisions will have a tremendous impact on the future trajectory of one of Michigan’s critical higher education institutions.

Currently, in stark contrast to other schools around the state, half of CMU’s current trustees do not appear to have a direct connection to the university and none of them live within a two-hour drive of the main campus. I think this creates a harmful disconnect, and I encourage the governor to take these concerns seriously when choosing replacements for the open seats.

It’s critically important that Gov. Whitmer select individuals who not only understand CMU’s challenges but are also deeply invested in the university’s success.

Michigan law requires at least nine days of early voting, beginning two Saturdays before Election Day and ending the Sunday before Election Day. Statewide early voting for the upcoming Nov. 5 election began on Oct. 26 and will continue through Sunday, Nov. 3. The law also allows communities to offer up to 28 days of early voting. Voters can check their early voting location, dates and times for their municipality here.

Residents can verify their registration status online. If there are 15 or more days before an election, you can register to vote online at Michigan.gov/vote. Within 14 days of an election and on Election Day, registration is available at your local clerk’s office in person with proof of residency documentation.

Many areas across Michigan’s Lower Peninsula are experiencing high deer populations in both urban and suburban areas. This increase can lead to a higher risk of vehicle collisions, damage to crops and gardens and the spread of diseases among deer.

To mitigate these concerns and increase the antlerless deer harvest, the Michigan Natural Resources Commission and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources have implemented several regulatory changes, including:

For more information, including regulation changes specific to the Upper Peninsula, visit Michigan.gov/Deer or review the Deer Hunting Regulations Summary.

Last week, I joined the entire Senate Republican caucus in sending a letter to Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Elizabeth Hertel urging her to end the agency’s effort to disband the Opioid Advisory Commission.

Public Act 84 of 2022 created the Opioid Advisory Commission within the Legislative Council to review local, state, and federal initiatives related to education, prevention, treatment, and services for people and families affected by substance use disorders and make funding recommendations to the Legislature.

The commission, which includes both Republican and Democrat appointees, was created to oversee the state’s portion of the nationwide opioid settlement and ensure that the funds are allocated effectively. The goal of the commission was to keep politics out of the equation and instead focus on how best to use the funds to address an addiction crisis that continues to devastate families across Michigan.

However, a plan by state Democrats to eliminate the commission has been in the works for months, according to an internal email to MDHHS officials obtained by Bridge Michigan through a Freedom of Information Act request.

Michigan is set to receive $1.6 billion over 18 years from certain opioid manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies — with half of those funds going to local communities and half being administered by the state.

The letter to Hertel states: “This critical funding belongs to the people of Michigan, who rightfully expect these dollars to be spent responsibly for their intended purpose. Disbanding the commission would remove a prudent check and balance between the Legislature and executive administration in ensuring transparency and accountability — protecting these funds against dubious deals made in the dark behind closed doors.”

Fall colors and cooler days are a sure sign that winter is right around the corner. Before the first flakes begin to fall, many head outdoors to prepare their yards for winter hibernation. While there are benefits to cutting branches before they are weighed down with snow and ice, there are also benefits to waiting until spring to fully clear out all the leaves. Here are a few things to consider as you begin your fall yard cleanup:

Tree-killing insects and diseases cannot move far on their own — but they can hide in or on wood. Moving infected wood can spread invasive pests or diseases like the spotted lanternfly and beech leaf disease. As many as 140 different pests and diseases can be moved with firewood. To prevent the spread, buy or collect firewood where you plan on burning it.

While managing your finances and planning for the future can be overwhelming, developing a solid financial plan can ensure safety and security in the years ahead.

A good first step is to assess your current finances and set retirement goals. The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services offers educational resources covering checking and savings accounts, mortgages, insurance, social security, estate planning, and more. Visit their website for detailed guidance.