Dear Neighbors,

Welcome to this month’s edition of my e-newsletter. I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to tackle the tough issues that will help lower the cost of living, help families get ahead, and build a brighter future for all who call Michigan home.

As always, I welcome your feedback on current issues facing Michigan or the Greater Rochester Area, Troy, Sterling Heights and Utica communities. Constituent feedback is vital as I represent our communities in Lansing. If you are experiencing a problem with one of our state government agencies, my office is always available to assist with finding a solution. I respect your opinion and will always do my best to make myself available and accessible to you.

Please take a moment to visit my website, like my official Facebook page, send me an email or call my office at 517-373-0994. If you have any questions, concerns or opinions on what is happening, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Michael Webber
State Senator
9th District

Rather than setting aside partisanship to work with Republicans and address the problems facing Michigan families, Lansing Democrats have adjourned the Legislature historically early. Lawmakers have a responsibility to work together to improve the quality of life for the hardworking people of our state. I voted no on House Concurrent Resolution 10 to end legislative work early.

I introduced a resolution that could shift the state’s full-time Legislature to part-time if the effort wins support in Lansing and, ultimately, with Michigan voters.

The Michigan Legislature can get their work done under a part-time Legislature. States with part-time legislatures move with a sense of urgency, prepare legislation for introduction during the legislative timeframe, and largely avoid work on frivolous legislation that doesn’t make the state better.

The state’s Democratic-controlled Legislature adjourned sine die on Nov. 14. The last time the Legislature adjourned before December was 1968.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, Michigan is one of 10 states considered to have a full-time Legislature, while 14 are identified as part-time and the remaining are listed as hybrids.

Senate Joint Resolution H would amend the state constitution to prohibit the Legislature from meeting for more than 90 consecutive days beginning in 2025, allowing exceptions for “extraordinary occasions.” I introduced similar legislation in 2017 as a member of the state House.

Michigan lawmakers generally meet for session on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, while Mondays and Fridays are reserved for working inside local districts.

I believe we can be more effective public servants by spending more time directly connecting with constituents in our local neighborhoods and listening about the issues that are important to them. By condensing the legislative calendar, we will become better stewards of our limited state resources and have the ability to better serve our local communities.

Residents seeking relief from noisy highways would have easier access to sound barrier funding through the Michigan Department of Transportation under legislation I introduced.

I was able to secure a $10 million appropriation in the state’s 2024 fiscal year budget for two sections of sound walls to be built along I-75 in Troy after residents raised concerns about increased noise pollution following upgrades to the interstate that were completed in 2015.

The current process of residents appealing to their state legislator to advocate for sound wall funding within the annual state budget isn’t practical or sustainable — a formal funding model is needed. It is my understanding from MDOT that federal dollars are historically used to build sound walls and that this project would not have qualified for federal funding because the original I-75 corridor project was already completed. My bill would fix this situation in the future.

Senate Bill 643 is modeled off a Minnesota law as it is the only other state with a mechanism set up to fund sound wall construction from the state level and not just from federal dollars. My legislation would create a fund within the Department of Treasury to be administered by MDOT in order to support qualifying noise abatement projects where sound walls currently are not located.

On Nov. 11, our nation paused to pay tribute to all American veterans and offer our gratitude to those who served their country honorably during war or peacetime.

In 1918, during World War I, an armistice ending hostilities on the Western Front was declared between the Allies and Germany on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Armistice Day was commemorated in many countries the following year and declared a federal holiday in the U.S. in 1938. In the years following World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became known as Veterans Day.

My staff and I are truly grateful to each person who has chosen to protect our freedoms through serving in our military. I am pleased to offer a publication, Veterans Benefits and Services, to anyone who requests it. This useful booklet explains how to obtain veteran benefits and services from federal, state and local agencies. Subjects range from acquiring a home mortgage, education, employment, insurance for medical treatments and death benefits. Please contact my office if you wish to have a print copy mailed to you.

The Michigan Senate recently adopted my resolution to recognize the historic, cultural, and religious significance of the festival of Diwali, which began on Nov. 12 this year.

Diwali’s message of tolerance, compassion, and acceptance resonates with the ideals of the American spirit. It was an honor to help recognize this wonderful festival in the Michigan Senate as so many of our neighbors prepare to celebrate Diwali in their homes.

I was joined by members of Metro Detroit’s Indian community who visited the state Capitol for the special recognition. Senate Resolution 79 was adopted unanimously by a voice vote.

Diwali is a five-day festival celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists — totaling more than one billion people around the world. The festival is celebrated during the Hindu lunisolar month Kartika.

A shortened version of a Sanskrit word meaning “row of lamps,” Diwali is often translated into English as “festival of lights.” It is a time marked by qualities of togetherness, family, community, charitable giving and selfless service.

This wonderful reminder that light triumphs over darkness — that good triumphs over evil — is a theme celebrated within many of our individual faith traditions. Hope is something we all share. Hope is a force of universal good.