| | | 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
| Governor Whitmer vetoes vital spending items | | Over the last few weeks, the state Legislature negotiated and gave final approval to the fiscal year 2020 budget plan, only for the governor to cut significant portions out days later.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer cut a number of items that would benefit rural communities across Michigan.
Included in Whitmer’s vetoes was funding for public charter schools; funding for PFAS research and remediation and private well testing; funding that would help ensure veterans receive the services they deserve; money devoted to rural health care and hospitals; grants for autism programs; and measures specifically aimed at helping Michigan’s rural and farming communities. However, funding for a new 100-bed facility in Caro was left untouched after residents and lawmakers pushed back on the administration’s original plan to close the Caro Center.
I also fail to comprehend the governor’s reasoning behind eliminating nearly $400 million dedicated to fixing local roads and bridges.
I am proud of the budget we sent to the governor. It was a responsible plan that used existing revenue to reach record funding for roads and schools, while also funding countless other important programs and services that people rely on. While there were items of agreement, I am overall disappointed with the direction this budget has turned.
I encourage folks to contact the governor’s office and share their concerns about her veto choices and how they will affect those of us in farming or rural communities.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s constituent services line can be reached at (517) 335-7858.
| Whitmer signs Daley legislation honoring fallen Bay City soldier | Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently signed Senate Bill 169 into law this past week which names a portion of State Highway M-15 in Bay County after U.S. Army Sgt. First Class Michael Cathcart of Bay City. We all owe the Cathcart family an incredible debt for Sgt. Cathcart’s bravery. I hope this memorial serves as a reminder of his service and sacrifice, and every day more people realize what a true hero he really was.
Under SB 169, now Public Act 51 of 2019, Army Sgt. First Class Michael Cathcart Memorial Highway will range from Cass Avenue in Portsmouth Charter Township north to the intersection of State Highway M-15 and Ridge Road in Bay City. Cathcart was killed in November of 2014 during an operation in Afghanistan. His service awards include a Silver Star medal, four Bronze Star medals, two Purple Heart medals and four Army Commendation medals.
| Senate adopts Patriot Week resolution | The Senate recently approved a special resolution recognizing Sept. 11 through Sept. 17 as Michigan Patriot Week. The designation symbolically began as we honored the nearly 3,000 lives lost on 9/11 and concluded on the anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution.
Senate Resolution 74 aims to ensure we understand the founding ideals of our great nation and America’s first principles as fundamental to the survival of our republic as a free people.
| Mosquito-borne EEE virus update | Michigan is experiencing its worst Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) outbreak in more than a decade. The virus attacks the nervous system. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development reports that people, horses and birds can contract the disease from a mosquito bite.
There are at least eight confirmed human cases of EEE in Michigan with several fatalities. Signs of the virus include the sudden onset of fever and chills; body and joint aches that can progress to a severe encephalitis; headaches; seizures; and paralysis. Health officials urge state residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites by applying insect repellents that contain DEET, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors and emptying water from mosquito breeding sites, such as buckets, flower pots, old tires and bird baths.
Find more information about mosquito-borne diseases at www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases.
| Pure Michigan Fall Travel Guide now available | Autumn is spectacular in Michigan! From fall getaways and scenic drives to culinary delights, the Pure Michigan Fall Travel Guide covers it all.
This award-winning publication highlights places to go and sights to see across our great state and features articles on family trips, Isle Royale, pet-friendly travel, outdoor sports destinations and more. Access the digital version and sign up for weekly fall color updates at www.michigan.org or contact my office to receive a free print copy.
| Monthly district office hours | | In order for me to best represent you in Lansing, I think it is important to sit down face to face and hear the needs of the residents of the 31st Senate District.
I plan to hold office hours once a month where anyone can come and discuss what’s on their mind. I will be available to answer questions, discuss current legislation and take suggestions on issues affecting communities throughout the district.
Feel free to stop in anytime, as no appointment is necessary. I look forward to hearing from you!
For updates on future office hours, please visit my website at www.SenatorKevinDaley.com and click “Office Hours” under the “Resources” tab.
| | | | | | On Thursday, Sept. 12, I was able to meet with students from Immanuel Lutheran School in Bay City.
They had the opportunity to come into the Senate Chambers during their tour of the Capitol and see what it's like.
It is always a pleasure getting to see constituents from my district in Lansing!
| | | | | | | I recently had the opportunity to meet with employee volunteers from Charter Communications at their Spectrum Housing Assistance Program home refurbish in Bay City.
About 30 volunteers kept busy painting, deck building and landscaping as they helped refurbish the home of Charlie Simmons, a local hometown hero.
| Last month, I attended the Michigan Fire Inspectors Society Legislative Reception where I was able to meet fire department members from Bay, Lapeer, and Tuscola counties.
We are fortunate to have citizens of such high caliber who are willing to make sacrifices for the benefit of our community.
| | The city of Lapeer Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has received a Plant MI Green Community Landscape Beautification Award for its new Ed LaClair Lapeer Rotary Pocket Park.
Congratulations to all who worked hard on this project. I was pleased to join Lapeer city Mayor Glenn Alverson, DDA Director James Alt, and Pete McCreedy from McCreedy Farms Landscaping and Lawn Care.
| This past month, the Michigan State University research farm in Tuscola County had the honor to host Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, U.S. Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall, and Michigan Farm Bureau President Carl Bednarski.
The group had great questions for Secretary Perdue and all attendees.
| Congratulations to Pastor Daniel Hester of the Peoples Baptist Church of Bay City on 25 years of service to his congregation.
My office had the privilege of presenting him with a state tribute honoring his commitment and service.
| | 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.
| | | | | | | 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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