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Dear Friends,
Welcome to the latest edition of my monthly e-newsletter. As always, I hope you find the news and information below helpful. Please feel free to share this newsletter with anyone who may be interested.
My staff and I are available should you have any thoughts or concerns about state government. Please feel free to contact my office at SenKDaley@senate.michigan.gov or 517-373-1777.
Sincerely,
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Kevin Daley
State Senator
26th District
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Organ donation bill passes Senate
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The Michigan Senate approved my legislation to allow doctors to provide patients with information about organ donation.
Organ, tissue and eye donation can provide families who are tragically confronted by the death of a loved one with the comfort of knowing the gift of donated organs and tissues provides another person with renewed hope for a healthy life. My son Thomas passed away over 15 years ago. Thanks to organ donation, his heart, liver and kidneys, and his legacy, have lived on in the lives of others.
Senate Bill 205 would allow physicians to ask about a patient’s interest in becoming a bone marrow, organ or tissue donor and provide information about how to register.
We previously passed legislation to give folks an opportunity to register as a donor when acquiring or renewing a driver’s license or state ID card at a Secretary of State branch office. However, with more people renewing these items online, there are fewer face-to-face discussions about the organ donor registry. This bill would offer another avenue for residents to have a conversation about becoming a life-saving organ donor.
Over the past decade, more than 9,000 Michigan patients have received organ transplants, while more than 2,700 remain on a waiting list. The bill aims to increase awareness and expand participation. For more information on organ donation, or to sign up, visit Gift of Life Michigan.
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Lansing Democrats pass another wasteful budget
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After wasting a $9 billion surplus, Lansing Democrats now want to raid the state’s emergency savings to keep growing the size of government.
Just three short years ago, when Democrats had total control of state government, they inherited a $9 billion surplus. Having blown through that surplus, their latest budget plan raids the state’s emergency savings fund to balance the budget. Their “emergency” spending spree includes:
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A $25 million park at the state Capitol. |
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A cannabis social equity program. |
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Green energy projects that are costly and unreliable. |
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739 more state employees. |
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Republicans offered dozens of amendments to improve Democrats’ budget, including proposals to lower property taxes, eliminate taxes on necessities for babies and kids, and remove sales tax on grocery store household goods. Nearly all were rejected along party lines.
House Republicans passed a budget that provides relief to families, cuts wasteful spending and invests in the services people rely on most — without growing government.
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Senate Democrats fail to deliver Selfridge funding
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The budget bills passed by Senate Democrats did not include timely funding needed for Selfridge Air National Guard Base to secure the new fighter mission announced last year by President Donald Trump.
In April, the Michigan House approved $152 million for runway upgrades at Selfridge to support a brand-new F-15EX Eagle II fighter mission to replace its aging A-10 Thunderbolt II squadron.
The base contributes an estimated $850 million to Michigan’s economy, supporting 30,000 jobs statewide and over 5,000 members of the Air and Army National Guard and Reserve components.
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Michigan’s elk season application period opened May 1, with updates for the 2026 and 2027 seasons:
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The first elk hunt period will take place Sept. 23-Oct. 4. |
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A second hunt period will take place Dec. 1-15. |
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Successful elk hunters must present the elk head or entire animal for registration within 72 hours. |
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Following recent flooding and severe weather, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is urging residents to “know before you go” by checking conditions before visiting state-managed sites.
DNR crews are working around the clock to assess damage and determine which sites are safe to reopen. Some state park sites and trails, boating access sites and state forest campgrounds may be limited due to flooding and other damage.
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Pure Michigan Hunt winners announced
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The 2026 Pure Michigan Hunt winners have been announced. Each winner is awarded an incredible prize package that includes every 2026 limited-license hunt offered by the DNR, along with hunting gear and other outdoor items.
A total of 93,380 entries were purchased for a chance to win one of three packages. The $5 entry fee supports Michigan’s wildlife habitat restoration and management efforts.
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May is Military Appreciation Month
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Michigan is home to more than 400,000 veterans. National Military Appreciation Month recognizes their service and the sacrifices of their families.
The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency provides support services, including employment assistance, mental health resources and help accessing medical benefits.
Veterans can learn more online or by calling 800-MICH-VET (800-642-4838).
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Celebrating a special occasion?
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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.
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