| | | 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 backs legislation to reverse deer baiting ban | | I recently supported legislation that would enhance hunting activities in the state. House Bill 4687 would reverse the Natural Resources Commission ban on baiting and feeding deer in the entire Lower Peninsula.
The ban doesn’t help prevent the spread of diseases, and it harms our hunting industry and the economy. In the late 1990’s, almost 800,000 people were hunting deer in Michigan. Twenty years later, that number has dropped by around 25%. That is one reason why I supported this legislation.
HB 4687 now heads to the governor for final consideration.
| Car insurance fee to drop by 55% for some, be eliminated for others | Earlier this year, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 1. The bill reformed Michigan’s auto insurance law, seeking to reduce our highest-in-the-nation rates.
As a result of this new law, the annual Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA) fee of $220 will be reduced to $100 in 2020 for drivers selecting unlimited, lifetime coverage. Drivers who choose other levels of coverage will pay no annual fee at all.
SB 1 will for the first time allow Michigan drivers to determine the appropriate amount of coverage they need and will require lower rates for drivers who select limited coverage.
| Livestock law rewrite finalized | | Earlier this year, I sponsored Senate Bill 174, which has been signed into law and is now Public Act 132 of 2019.
This bill initiated a much-needed update to the Animal Industries Act. The updates largely reflect agreements between industry stakeholders and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
The new law lines up state and federal requirements and outlines a clear and consistent process for animal movement and identification to help better prevent the spread of disease. The sooner we can identify and mitigate an animal health issue, the better we can protect our families, businesses, and communities from the spread of diseases and food contamination.
| House committee holds hearing on Blue Star Families legislation |  | This past month, the House Committee on Military, Veterans, and Homeland Security heard testimony on legislation that would create a special recognition license plate honoring Michigan families who have a member serving in the U.S. military.
The men and women of our military and their families have made sacrifices that most of us cannot even imagine. Blue Star Families is a terrific organization that provides support and resources to help those who are giving their all for this country.
Senate Bill 118, which I sponsored, would require the secretary of state to develop and issue a special recognition license plate recognizing Blue Star Families. Under the bill, residents who are currently serving in the U.S. armed forces — or members of their immediate family — would be able to apply for the special recognition plate. The plate would include a Blue Star Families insignia and the words “Blue Star Family” under the registration numbers.
I know it is quite minimal when compared to the sacrifices their families have made, but I hope this will serve as a small token of our gratitude and a way for us to recognize those who fought for our freedoms.
| Pure Michigan Travel Guide now online | The Pure Michigan Winter Travel Guide highlights cold weather fun and adventure, including snowmobiling, skiing and Houghton’s lively winter carnival. There’s even a feature on capturing Michigan’s scenic beauty in great outdoor photos!
The travel guide also contains shopping and culinary destinations and memorable spots for indoor and outdoor family activities. Check the digital magazine at www.michigan.org and start planning your winter getaway.
| | With the winter heating season in full swing, some households may need help with their heating bills. Energy assistance programs to help prevent shut-offs include:
| | ▪ | Winter protection plans for senior citizens and low-income customers; | | ▪ | Medical emergency shut-off protection; and | | ▪ | Shut-off protection for active duty military personnel. | | | | | | | | | This past month, I had the honor of presenting a tribute to McDonald's for the 40th anniversary of the McDonald's happy meal.
It was truly an honor to be a part of this celebration!
| | | | | | Last month, the Unionville-Sebewaing Area Schools 2019 Division 4 state champion softball team visited the Capitol to be recognized for their victory.
Congratulations to the girls and Coach Gainforth on this amazing accomplishment!
| Congratulations to the Bay County Prevention Network on 30 years of service to their community!
It was my pleasure to join area legislators in honoring the organization’s commitment to combating substance abuse in Bay County with a legislative tribute!
| Congratulations to Web Centre on their 10th anniversary!
And how do they choose to celebrate this milestone? By donating $5,000 to Child Advocacy Center and $5,000 to the United Way!
Thank you, Robert and Alicia Norcross for giving back to the community, and above all thank you for being the best at what you do!
You guys are a tremendous asset to the 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.
| | | | | | | | Senator Kevin Daley
5200 Connie B. Binsfeld Office Building
P.O. Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536
Phone: 517-373-1777
FAX: 517-373-5871
E-Mail: [email protected]
| | | | Visit my website at: SenatorKevinDaley.com | | | | | | | Thank you for subscribing to my electronic newsletter! Please feel free to forward this on to others who may be interested in receiving the 31st District E-news. You may sign up for it at my website.
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