Dear Friends,

Welcome to the most recent edition of my monthly e-newsletter.

Below you’ll find news out of our state capital and the 26th Senate District that I hope you find helpful and interesting.

As always, my staff and I are here for you. My priority is to listen and understand the issues facing the individuals and families across the state. Please continue to share your thoughts with me at SenKDaley@senate.michigan.gov or at 517-373-1777.

Thank you for allowing me to represent you in the Michigan Senate. I am grateful each and every day to work for the people of the 26th Senate District.

Sincerely,

Kevin Daley
State Senator
26th District

In July, the governor signed the 2025 fiscal year spending plan that not only continued wasteful government spending, but also cut student mental health and school safety funding by 92%.

Republicans introduced legislation to fully restore the funding in time for the new fiscal year, but Democrats refused to take up the bill. Instead, they passed a bill that only restores half of the funding. While more than $1 billion was allocated for corporate handouts in the budget, Democrats claim there are not enough resources to give schools the funds they need to protect children’s physical and mental well-being.

Senate Republicans are again raising concerns about the deal between the state of Michigan and Gotion Inc., a CCP-linked electric vehicle battery manufacturer seeking to build a taxpayer-funded facility just 88 miles from Camp Grayling.

The Detroit News recently reported that federal prosecutors have charged five Chinese nationals with crimes related to spying on the Camp Grayling training facility during a 2023 training exercise between the U.S. National Guard and members of the Taiwanese military. The five, who were University of Michigan students at the time, were found with cameras taking pictures near military equipment and vehicles and later lied to federal investigators about their actions.

Senate Republicans are demanding that the Legislature take action as soon as possible to:

There’s no better way to share the love of hunting with the next generation than by taking kids out into the field to enjoy nature and learn about the important role hunting plays in managing and preserving Michigan’s natural resources.

The Mentored Youth Hunting Program offers families the opportunity to purchase a “package” license for children ages 9 and under for just $7.50. This license allows young hunters under the age of 10 to hunt turkey, deer and small game, and fish for all species.

Children ages 10 and older can join the apprentice hunting program by purchasing a base apprentice license. This allows them to hunt with an adult 21 years of age or older who possesses a regular current-year hunting license for the same game they will be hunting. The accompanying hunter must be your parent, guardian or someone designated by your parent or guardian if you are 10-16 years of age. The base apprentice license can be purchased for two years before needing to successfully complete a hunter safety course, allowing the holder to hunt small game and purchase licenses to hunt other species like deer and turkey.

Due to an extended period with no rain this fall, burn permits for brush and yard debris will not be issued in the western Upper Peninsula. Fire danger is also elevated in the eastern U.P. and parts of the northern Lower Peninsula.

Residents should check the burn permit website to see if burning is allowed before starting a fire. Burn permits in these areas will not be issued until significant rainfall has occurred. Southern Michigan residents should check with their local municipality or fire department.

While campfires or warming fires do not require a permit, bowhunters at deer camp or other outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to keep water, a rake or a shovel nearby to extinguish fires and remember to never leave a fire unattended.

October is National Apple Month! Michigan is home to more than 14.9 million commercial apple trees that are expected to produce an estimated 30.5 million bushels of apples this season.

With 775 family-run farms spread across 34,500 acres, Michigan’s apple industry is the largest and most valuable fruit crop in the state.

October is the perfect time to visit an apple farm or a cider mill in your area and share this cherished Michigan tradition with friends and family.

I had a fantastic time touring D&W Windows and Sunrooms with the Davison Area Chamber of Commerce! Thank you to the entire team at D&W for showing me around and for everything you do to support jobs and sustainable building solutions.

It was great to see friends from Lapeer’s Harmony Hall Clubhouse in Lansing for the Walk a Mile in My Shoes rally!

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.mi.gov
Michigan Legislature website: www.legislature.mi.gov
Michigan Citizen’s Guide: Citizen’s Guide to State Government, 102nd Legislature