Dear Neighbor,
Over the past weeks and months, my colleagues and I have been working hard to craft a fiscally responsible state budget to ensure that while chaos and confusion come from Washington, our communities can find security at the state level. Full of people-first investments, our budget will help strengthen local communities, protect vital services, and expand opportunities for every Michigander.
In this newsletter, read more about how our budget will support you and your family, as well as catch up on the other actions we’ve taken to support Michigan veterans and seniors.
As always, please feel free to reach out to share your thoughts or seek assistance with any challenges you may be facing with state departments. You can email me at sensshink@senate.michigan.gov or call (517) 373-2426. Also, please visit my official Facebook page for the latest updates.
Sincerely,
Sue Shink
State Senator
14th Senate District
- The Senate hosted our annual Memorial Day ceremony, and we paired our celebrations with legislative action and support for Michigan’s veterans and their families. Read on to learn more.
- Lyme disease is on the rise in Michigan with cases increasing by 168% over the past five years. Read on for helpful tips to protect you and your loved ones from tick bites and disease this spring and summer.
- Read on for details about the next Washtenaw Community Town Hall hosted by Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. All Washtenaw County senators and representatives will participate in the discussion at Dexter High School on June 16, at 6:00 PM.
Honoring Memorial Day with Support for Michigan Veterans & Their Families
The Michigan Senate hosted our annual Memorial Day ceremony to recognize the brave servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our nation and our freedoms. Thank you to my special guest, Chester Flesczer, a World War II veteran, who watched from home while his daughter and grandson joined me on the Senate floor for this special ceremony (see more in the Community Connections section).
Senate Democrats paired our Memorial Day commemorations with action to make life a bit easier for Michigan veterans and their families — because their sacrifice and service deserve to be met with adequate support and care. Through targeted legislation and budget investments, we’ve made it a top priority to increase support for our brave veterans and active-duty service members by:
- Lowering costs for families of disabled veterans by cutting red tape and ensuring spouses can maintain property tax exemptions;
- Protecting the homes of active-duty military members by reducing the likelihood of their properties going unclaimed and reverting to state ownership while they are serving our country;
- Expanding tuition assistance eligibility for spouses and dependents of National Guard members, helping more military families access higher education;
- Strengthening protections for active-duty service members’ credit union accounts during deployment;
- Creating a special registration plate for women veterans, raising recognition of their contributions to our nation;
- Expanding eligibility for the Disabled Veteran registration plate to partially disabled veterans, making it easier for veterans to receive the recognition they deserve while also providing them with free access to Michigan state parks;
- Investing in veteran mental health services, Michigan’s three veteran homes, grants for nonprofits who provide housing for homeless veterans and their families, and suicide prevention programs for those who have served; and
- Providing booklets with information on veteran services. If you or your organization would like booklets at no charge, please contact my office.
Michigan Senate Passes 2026 Budget to Support All Michiganders
Efforts to finalize our state budget for next year are moving along! The Senate recently passed our proposal for the 2026 State Budget. Crafted through months of collaboration with constituents, community leaders, and key stakeholders, this proposal invests in the people, places, and projects that make our state extraordinary.
Together, our budget proposal:
- Puts students, teachers, and parents first;
- Makes government work for you;
- Builds stronger local and state infrastructures;
- Makes our communities safer and backs our first responders; and
- Lowers costs and invests in people.
Our budget bills have been sent to the House of Representatives for further consideration. Learn more here.
Town Hall Discussion with Congresswoman Dingell
Come hear the latest updates from U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, as well as your state senators and representatives about what’s happening in Washington, Lansing, and around the district.
WHEN: Monday, June 16, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Dexter High School, 2200 N. Parker Rd., Dexter, MI
Please RSVP in advance for a smooth check-in process here.
DNR Walk-Talk at Waterloo Recreation Area
We had a blast at my 2nd annual Walk & Talk event, where I walked alongside 25 community members (and three dogs) on a beautiful rainy evening on the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail. We stopped to look at trees and wildflowers, learned their importance to the ecosystem, and discussed ideas for legislation to safeguard Michigan’s parks and environment. Thank you to the amazing DNR staff for your help!
Honoring Memorial Day
The Michigan Senate honored service members who served and some who died for our nation. Chester Flesczer, a World War II veteran, participated from home as his daughter and grandson represented him on the Senate floor.
I was grateful to be part of a beautiful Memorial Day ceremony in Chelsea. Our precious freedoms rest on the shoulders of all those who have served and died, including members of my family. Thank you, Mayor Jane Pacheco.
Ozone House Fundraiser
Washtenaw County came together to support Ozone House, which is there for kids when they need it most, providing counseling and emergency shelter. With Republican Trump administration cuts, it is even more important that the community step up for them.
Grass Lake Hardware Grand Opening
Congratulations, Grass Lake, on your new hardware store! It’s got a whole bunch of things we need. Thank you, Jim and Dianne Byrum and the Grass Lake Chamber, for a wonderful opening day celebration!
Made in Michigan!
It was amazing to talk with so many awesome small business owners and employees at the Made in Michigan Trade Show. These businesses are the backbone of our economy. I will continue to support you in the Michigan Senate.
Community Clean Up
My team was glad to join volunteers to pitch in for Jackson’s MLK Corridor Improvement Authority Community Clean Up.
Corrections Officers at the Capitol
Corrections Officers came to Lansing to demand that Representative Matt Hall and House Republicans fulfill their sworn oath to uphold the Constitution of Michigan. The officers need their pension bill sent to the governor for her signature. My Senate colleagues and I continue to fight for our Corrections Officers and their families.
Take Action to Tackle Tick-Borne Diseases
Lyme disease is on the rise in Michigan, increasing by 168% over the past five years. In 2024, the state recorded 1,215 cases of Lyme disease compared to only 452 cases in 2020. As summer approaches and more Michiganders begin venturing into the great outdoors, it’s important to take steps to avoid tick bites and prevent tick-borne diseases. This is a personal challenge for me and for many of us.
Symptoms of tick-borne disease typically start one to two weeks after a bite, often after time spent in wooded, brushy areas. Early symptoms include fever, chills, rash, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. To protect yourself against Lyme disease, be sure to follow these tips from the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services:
- Avoid tick-infested areas, including overgrown, grassy, brushy, wooded spaces;
- Talk with your veterinarian about tick prevention products for your cats and dogs;
- Use an EPA-registered insect repellent on exposed skin;
- Check yourself and your animals for ticks after being outdoors, even in your own yard;
- Remove any attached ticks carefully with tweezers by grasping the tick firmly and as closely to the skin as possible. With steady, even pressure, pull the tick’s body upward and away from the skin. Cleanse the area with an antiseptic; and
- Bathe or shower as soon as possible after coming indoors.
Check for Unclaimed Property
Michigan Unclaimed Property, within the Michigan Dep.t of Treasury, is the custodian of millions of dollars in lost or forgotten assets, including dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, stock certificates, and valuables left in abandoned safe deposit boxes. These properties are turned over to the state once they are determined to be lost or abandoned, as required by law.
You can visit this website to find out if Treasury is holding any unclaimed funds abandoned by you or your business. Submit your claim through the website, then Michigan Unclaimed Property will work with you to return the property.
Michigan Unclaimed Property returned more than $150 million to rightful owners or their heirs last fiscal year. Who knows what you might find!
Call 8-1-1 Before Breaking Ground
As your spring outdoor projects get underway, please put safety first. Michiganders should call 8-1-1, a free service, to mark underground pipes and wires before putting a shovel into the ground.
State law requires Michigan residents to contact MISS DIG 811 before digging by calling 8-1-1 or visit MISSDIG811.org to have underground facilities marked. MISS DIG is a free service that will contact utility companies to have underground lines marked with stakes, flags, or paint.
Residents should call 8-1-1 at least three days in advance to give utility owners time to mark underground lines. People should call for any project that involves digging, including, but not limited to:
- Digging fence posts
- Installing a deck
- Planting a tree or shrubs
- Replacing a mailbox post
SRSLY Chelsea New Health Resource
SRSLY Chelsea’s mission is connecting youth with support for mental health and substance use prevention through action, education, and advocacy.
For the third consecutive year, SRSLY Chelsea celebrated Mental Health month with the launch of its latest Resource Access Roadmap. The coalition previously developed roadmaps to support youth, families, school staff, and community members in navigating the urgent topics of mental health, substance abuse, and coping among youth. This year’s Roadmap is dedicated to eating disorders.
Anyone can access the newest Resource Access Roadmap online by visiting this website and clicking the green “Eating Disorder Resource Roadmap” button.
The series provides readers with a simple flowchart “roadmap” that guides them to the appropriate level of support for their need and current situation with simple yes or no questions. On the flip side of the resource, readers are given DSM-5 sourced signs and symptoms to support them in determining what level of care they should seek, who they should call, and if it’s an emergency.
Thanks to Chelsea Update for the information.