Dear Friends,

Welcome to the last edition of my monthly e-newsletter for 2022.

My Senate district will look slightly different come Jan. 1. My current seat for the 31st Senate District encompasses Bay, Lapeer and Tuscola counties. However, beginning in 2023, I will be representing the 26th District under the new legislative maps. My new district contains parts of Lapeer, Tuscola, Genesee and Saginaw counties. A digital map outlining each of the new Senate districts can be found here.

As always, I hope you find the news and information below helpful. Please feel free to share this newsletter with anyone you feel 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 [email protected] or at 517-373-1777.

Thank you for allowing me to represent you in the Michigan Senate. I am grateful each and every day that the people of the 31st Senate District placed their trust in me. While I unfortunately no longer represent Bay County in the state Senate, I will remember the many friends I have made and the lasting relationships that were created.

I look forward to serving and building new relationships in the new 26th Senate District.

Sincerely,

Kevin Daley
State Senator
31st District

It’s been a pleasure representing the various communities throughout the Bay region over the past four years — and we accomplished a lot together. As we move toward the new year and the new legislative term, I will no longer be the state senator for Bay County.

One of the most important aspects of my job is keeping in touch with constituents and always keeping a pulse on the issues that are affecting families, business owners, local officials and workers. On my drives to Lansing and throughout the district, I spend most of the time calling constituents and touching base with people. I have also attended events and presented over 60 legislative tributes to a wide range of Bay County residents. I truly enjoyed those experiences because it allowed me to get to know people on a more personal level and join them in celebrating a milestone or accomplishment in their life.

One of my greatest accomplishments this term was securing $2.5 million for a Bay City Road Commission road repair project. The project included repairs on Three Mile Road from Midland Road to M-84/Westside Saginaw Road in Monitor and Frankenlust townships. This funding helped stabilize both lanes of traffic, which were in danger of falling into the nearby drain. I was also able to secure $100,000 for the Special Needs Vision Clinic, which has been in operation for nearly four decades and is the only one of its kind in Michigan. The clinic operates as a nonprofit vision clinic and is specifically dedicated to the care of developmentally disabled and handicapped patients. This funding ensured that this deserving population could continue to receive appropriate care that meets their unique needs.

Finally, Bay County also received $300,000 to enhance the Bay Veterans Foundation Workshop and Learning Center, which when opened, will offer opportunities to learn vital trade skills, give back to the community, and connect with other veteran service agencies and available resources. Bay County is home to one of the highest concentrations of veterans per capita in Michigan’s 83 counties. There are several terrific organizations in the area that work hard to give back to those who served our country, and the new veterans center will allow them to come together and pool resources to better help area veterans.

Along with my colleague Rep. Timothy Beson, who represents Bay County in the House of Representatives, I attended countless meetings and met many wonderful people during my time in the Senate. I know many of those I have worked with from Bay County will continue to be lifelong friends. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you for being patient and teaching me about the things that are important to this community.

Most importantly, I am thankful you put your trust in me to serve you to the best of my abilities. I did my best to reflect this trust and made sure that I did not miss a single vote throughout the 2018 to 2022 term. Every day, people show up to work and they expect the same commitment from their elected officials — especially when making decisions that affect the livelihoods of residents across the state.

It has truly been an honor and privilege to represent Bay County over the last four years. I’ve made friends, forged relationships and worked hard to ensure the trust that residents placed in me to get the job done was not misplaced. Whether it was at coffee hours in the district, in meetings, or in Lansing on the Senate floor, it was a humbling experience from start to finish.

The state of Michigan offers several energy assistance programs to help eligible senior and low-income households keep utilities in service or have service restored. Immediate relief may be available through a network of nonprofit organizations and other financial assistance programs.

Hunting has been a tradition for many Michigan families for generations. Our state offers vast opportunities for hunters, who play an important role in wildlife conservation and management while contributing roughly $11 billion to the state’s economy and supporting 171,000 of Michigan jobs. In 2021, nearly 540,000 deer hunters harvested almost 400,000 deer.

New deer harvest reporting regulations are in effect for the 2022 deer firearm season. A deer harvest must be reported online within 72 hours at Michigan.gov/DNRHarvestReport. Hunters who are unable to do so can have a family member help or call 517-284-9453 for assistance. There are also several locations around the state where hunters can go for in-person assistance from the DNR. The 2022 edition of the Michigan Hunting Digest from the Department of Natural Resources features all current state rules and regulations, and is one of several digests available online and that can be downloaded to a smartphone or other personal device for use in the field.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is once again hosting its Bob Ross-inspired Run For The Trees: Happy Little 5K. This very popular event has helped generate a stable source of funding for Michigan state parks.

Race proceeds support tree planting and forest protection efforts — such as invasive plant and forest pest management and early detection surveys — in Michigan state parks and recreation areas. Many of these locations have been affected by tree pests and diseases like emerald ash borer and oak wilt.

Runners, walkers and hikers can complete their 5K anywhere outdoors anytime between April 22-28. For $34 per person, each participant will receive a keepsake Happy Little T-shirt, a commemorative bib number and a finisher’s medal. Registration is now open.

Between 2016 to 2020, the Michigan State Police reported 202,232 crashes resulting in 370 fatalities, due to winter driving conditions. Before heading out on icy roads, drivers should double check to see that their vehicle is in good working order, check the forecast and road conditions, and prepare an emergency kit to keep in the vehicle.

The DNR is seeking interested candidates to serve on the Snowmobile Advisory Workgroup, which assists the Michigan Trails Advisory Council in providing the DNR advice on the creation, development, operation and maintenance of the designated snowmobile trail system. Members will serve a four-year term and are expected to participate in four meetings a year.

Complete an online application or contact Anna Centofanti by email at [email protected] or by phone 517-331-6219 with questions or for more information.

The 2022 Pure Michigan Fall/Winter Travel Guide highlights stunning sights to see, exciting places to go and fun activities to experience for visitors and residents alike.

You can call my office at 517-373-1777 or email [email protected] to request a free copy of the 2022 Pure Michigan Fall/Winter Travel Guide.

My team and I are dedicated to providing residents of the 31st District the best possible service. Whether you are in need of assistance when dealing with a state department, have an idea for legislation, or want to share your thoughts and concerns with us about a particular bill, we are here for you.

My staff and I strive to answer each and every question that comes into the office as quickly and efficiently as possible. I personally call business owners and local leaders daily to hear first-hand how legislation has affected or will affect folks back home, and how the Senate can best advocate for better laws and policies.

From Jan. 1 – Dec. 15, my team and I:

From my family to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

My priority is always serving the people of my district. If you plan to visit Lansing for a conference, meeting, or just for fun, please contact my office in advance so I can make every effort to meet with you while you are in town.

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.

Michigan Senate website: www.senate.michigan.gov
Michigan House of Representatives website: www.house.michigan.gov
Michigan Legislature website: www.legislature.mi.gov
Michigan Citizen’s Guide: Citizen’s Guide to State Government, 101st Legislature