Two days after the Board of State Canvassers certified the Unlock Michigan signatures, the Senate voted to pass the measure.

Unlock Michigan is a citizen-led petition drive to repeal the 1945 Emergency Powers of the Governor Act, which allowed a governor to declare a state of emergency and keep it in place without input from the Legislature. The group was formed in the early days of the pandemic in response to the governor’s decision to use unilateral power to impose lockdowns. Last October, the Michigan Supreme Court said Gov. Whitmer's actions were illegal and declared the 1945 law as unconstitutional. By approving the initiative, we can repeal that law and ensure it will never be abused again to deny the people a say in their government.

The Unlock Michigan petition was subsequently approved by the House of Representatives. With approval from both chambers of the Legislature, the 1945 law is repealed. This action cannot be vetoed by the governor.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently signed into law legislation I sponsored that would allow pharmacists to dispense insulin under certain emergency circumstances.

Senate Bill 155, now Public Act 36 of 2021, would allow pharmacists to dispense up to a 30-day supply of insulin to an individual if the individual has no current refills on file, but they have a preexisting relationship with that pharmacy, and the pharmacist cannot get ahold of the original prescriber.

SB 156, now PA 37 of 2021, would amend the Insurance Code so an emergency refill dispensed in this situation would be covered by an individual’s health insurance.

I am happy to see this legislation reach the finish line and being formally signed into law. Countless Michiganders rely on this medication, and they should never be placed in a situation where they can’t get it.

I would like to thank Tammy Martin, who is a constituent of mine from Lapeer, and Jill Verdier for bringing this issue to my attention. Tammy has worked tirelessly with my office on this legislation, and I am glad we were able to work together and help make a difference.

The legislation was signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on July 1 and took effect upon being signed. Similar legislation has been approved by several other states.

The 2021 edition of the Michigan Hunting Digest is now available. This annual publication, made available by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, contains everything hunters need to know including the latest rules and regulations pertaining to hunting and trapping, as well as species-specific information.

Hunters can use the hunting digest to find license information, hunting zones and hours, rules, regulations and more.

The 2021 Hunting Digest is available online by clicking here and can be downloaded to a smartphone or other personal device for use in the field.

Did you know? Michigan blueberries are grown, harvested and processed by 575 family farms across the state, with more than 20,000 acres devoted entirely to blueberries.

Michigan ranks third in growing blueberries, producing an average of 92 million pounds, with more than 30 different varieties. Michigan blueberry production contributes nearly $132 million to the state’s economy.

Fresh Michigan blueberries are available from July to September.

I want to thank the Lapeer County township clerks for allowing me to attend their meeting last week. It is always great to get feedback on proposed legislation as well as hear the ideas from folks back home!

I recently had the opportunity to attend a meeting with local officials from Bay City. We discussed several local and state issues and recent legislative news out of our state’s Capitol. I always enjoy the opportunity to not only share what is going on in the Senate but to also hear from local leaders.

It was great to stop by North Branch High School and speak to teachers last month!

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.

The 31th state Senate District includes all of Bay, Lapeer, and Tuscola counties.