District 14 Legislative & Community Updates

Jul 29, 2025 | Email

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Dear Neighbor,

As the summer season continues to inch forward, I hope you’ve gotten the opportunity to enjoy some of the perks of summertime in beautiful Michigan, whether that’s time on a hiking trail, a Tigers baseball game at Comerica Park, or soaking up the sun on our freshwater coast.

And the benefits of living in Michigan certainly don’t stop there — we’ve also earned national recognition as one of the top 10 states for business in the country! I’m proud of the work my Senate colleagues and I have done to help make Michigan one of the best states to do business, work, live, and play.

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,

Senator Shink Signature

Sue Shink 
State Senator
14th Senate District 

If you're in a rush — Recent Highlights
  • Please mark your calendar for two events in Jackson this week! First, I’ll host an Ice Cream Social at the MLK Recreation Center pavilion on Thursday, July 31, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Then, on the next day, I hope you can attend my annual Senior Summit at the Crouch Senior Center, Friday, August 1, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
  • Thanks to a $4.5 million investment Senate Democrats secured in last year’s state budget, nearly 210,000 Michiganders in communities across our state have had their medical debts forgiven. And we’re not done yet! Learn more below.
  • Nearly 48,000 Michiganders are receiving retroactive unemployment payments thanks to a new law championed by Senate Democrats that raised the maximum weekly benefit amount along with making other long overdue changes to strengthen benefits for Michigan workers.
Enews Headers Legislative Updates

Tax Changes for Michiganders Under Trump’s Big, Beautiful Bad Bill
Earlier this month, in the wee hours of the night, Republicans in Washington paved the way for passage of Trump’s budget mega-bill. Signed into law on July 4, this massive spending bill continues to add to the chaos and concern spurred by federal actions since January of this year. Touted as Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” — this legislation will certainly have a big impact, but that impact looks to be anything but beautiful.

Along with stripping health care and food assistance away from millions of Americans, ballooning our national debt, adding several billion dollars for unchecked deportation efforts, and restricting opportunities for student loan borrowers, this new federal budget bill notoriously marks the largest transfer of wealth from the poorest to the richest in our nation’s history.

By making the 2017 Trump tax cuts permanent, this new Republican-backed law hands out trillions of dollars in tax cuts to the country’s wealthiest individuals, businesses, and corporations while leaving millions of low-income and working families nationwide to foot the bill.

In recognition of Lakes Appreciation Month this July, let’s break down how Trump’s big, bad bill impacts Michiganders with different incomes and their ability to take a summertime trip to one of our state’s Great Lakes. For Michigan taxpayers, here’s what the average tax cut looks like for the…

  • Bottom 20% who make up to $21,900 a year: $20 — enough to fill about one-third of a tank of gas for a trip to the beach.
  • Second 20% who make up to $48,100 a year: $550 — enough to pay for weekend accommodations near one of our shorelines.
  • Top 1% who make $715,800 and above: nearly $50,000 — enough to afford a yearly mortgage for a house on Lake Michigan. That’s 2,500 times the size of the average tax cut for those Michiganders who are struggling the most.

Find the full breakdown by income group here. And, keep in mind that for everyday Michiganders, these figures do not reflect resource losses from cuts to vital social safety programs or price increases linked to Trump’s tariff policies.

While Republicans in Washington have clearly shown who they’re working for, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I remain committed to putting YOU — the hard-working people of Michigan — first.  From including funds to protect Michiganders from rash federal actions in our own state budget proposal to calling on Michigan’s congressional delegation to reject this dangerous federal budget bill, the Michigan Senate Democrats have done whatever we can to fight back against Trump and used every tool at our disposal to safeguard Michigan residents — and we will keep doing so every step of the way.

Eliminating Medical Debt for Michiganders
Health care is a human right. No one should be forced into a cycle of debt and poverty just for seeking the medical care they need and deserve. That’s why Michigan Senate Democrats have remained committed to providing economic relief for Michiganders who have been saddled by medical debt.

Announced earlier this month, nearly 210,000 Michiganders in communities across our state have had their medical debts forgiven thanks to the $4.5 million we secured in last year’s state budget under Sen. Sarah Anthony’s leadership.

And, while attacks at the federal level attempt to amplify the burden shouldered by those with medical debt, our work here at the state Capitol is far from over. Building off last year’s progress, Senate Democrats proposed an additional $5 million for debt forgiveness in the 2026 state budget along with reintroducing bipartisan legislation last month to continue tackling this growing issue. Championed again by Sen. Anthony, this new legislation would establish clear guidelines for hospitals to offer financial assistance programs and strengthen consumer protections for patients struggling with medical expenses.

Celebrating & Protecting Michigan’s Greatest Natural Treasure: Our Great Lakes

The Great Lakes boast more than their scenic sandy shorelines and unmatched recreational opportunities. Containing more than 20% of the world’s freshwater, the Great Lakes region is used as the primary water source for more than 40 million people. These iconic water bodies form a vital component of our state’s natural ecosystem, providing a home to a diverse range of wildlife while also serving as crucial shipping routes and energy sources. In short, they’re vital to our state and national economy, environment, and day-to-day way of life.

And, as the Great Lakes state and home to 11,000 more inland lakes and tens of thousands of miles of rivers and streams, I can’t think of a better place to celebrate Lakes Appreciation Month than right here in Michigan. For all the reasons mentioned above and more, it’s absolutely critical that we work to protect our lakes and waterways as much as we seek to enjoy them.

Committed to safeguarding our lakes and water bodies for future generations to come, Senate Democrats have worked to:

Some Ways to Celebrate Lakes Appreciation Month in the Great Lakes State

Learn more about ways to explore the Great Lakes here, and read on about further efforts my Senate Democratic colleagues and I have championed to protect Michigan’s freshwater ecosystem here.

Upcoming Events

Jackson Ice Cream Social
I’m excited to host an Ice Cream Social and Community Conversation on Thursday evening, July 31, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center in Jackson. Follow the path around to the back of the King Center, and I’ll be at the pavilion, along with the RJ’s Metropolitan ice cream truck. I look forward to seeing you there and hearing your thoughts!

WHEN: Thursday, July 31, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center – Pavilion, 1107 Adrian St., Jackson, MI 49203

Jackson Senior Summit
I’m hosting my annual Senior Summit and Resource Fair at the Senior Center in Jackson! I hope you’ll attend to learn about services available for seniors, plus safety tips for identity protection and avoiding scams. There will be several state agencies and local organizations on hand to answer your questions and offer resources.

WHEN: Friday, August 1, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: Crouch Senior Center, 1715 Lansing Ave., #672, Jackson, MI 49202

Community Connections

Gun Violence Listening Session

Gun violence affects many in our district. Listening leads to effective solutions. I sat with several residents of Washtenaw and Jackson Counties to hear their stories. Thank you for spending time with me and sharing your thoughts.

Farmer Listening Session

Farmers feed and power Michigan! I’m listening to farmers. At my farmer and agriculture listening session in Jackson County, our discussion included wildlife control, low-input dairying, and recent staff cuts to the USDA.

New Affordable Housing in Ann Arbor

Congratulations, Avalon Housing! “The Grove at Veridian” is ready for new residents. Truly affordable housing, the work on this neighborhood started before I was a county commissioner. I worked on it as a commissioner, along with my colleagues, our legislators, Sen. Jeff Irwin and Rep. Felicia Brabec, and now it is ready for our people! So many people and organizations made this happen. What an exciting day!

Electric School Bus Showcase 

Jackson Public Schools has 21 new electric school buses! It’s a win for clean air, and the thousands of dollars saved on gas and oil will be directed to teachers and kids in the classroom. My team enjoyed a showcase event that demonstrated how EV buses can be used during emergencies for backup power and cooling centers.

Chelsea Main Street Park

Congratulations, Chelsea Main Street Alliance on breaking ground! As a commissioner and a legislator, I’ve been excited to support this work to renovate the old Federal Screw Works property into a community park for Chelsea. I can’t wait to spend time there when it’s finished!

Swain Park Ribbon Cutting

I was honored to attend the official opening of the new playground at Swain Park in Brooklyn. Led by Kiwanis, the community came together to revitalize the park so that people of all ages and ability levels can enjoy this incredible space. Rep. Carrie Rheingans and I supported this work by bringing tax dollars back to the community to help fund this effort.

Speaking with Jackson Residents

My team and I were out talking to residents in Jackson recently. It was great to speak with many of you and hear your thoughts!

E-news Headers

Michiganders Feeling Economic Relief from New Unemployment Law
Nearly 48,000 Michiganders are receiving retroactive unemployment payments thanks to legislation my Senate Democratic colleagues and I secured last legislative session to strengthen our state’s benefits for workers trying to make ends meet. Signed into law in December, this new law raised the maximum weekly unemployment benefit from $362 to $466 starting on April 1 of this year and is set to continue incremental increases up to $614 in Jan. 2027. Our comprehensive bill package also restored the maximum number of weeks claimants could access benefits from 20 to 26, among other long overdue benefit changes.

Totaling $34 million, the back payments were issued after a thorough review by the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA). Claimants should check their Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM) account for a Monetary Redetermination Letter; they will also receive a copy of the letter mailed to the address listed on their account. Learn more here.

Summer Weather Preparedness
Summer weather in Michigan is usually amazing. But sometimes it can get challenging with the onset of severe thunderstorms or extreme heatwaves. I recently received these tips for staying safe in summer weather from Consumers Energy, and they are worth sharing.

Storm Safety Tips

  • When severe weather is predicted, monitor local media and NOAA weather sites. If a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning is announced, seek shelter.
  • Keep cell phones charged so you can monitor weather news if you’re sheltering.
  • Safe shelters are at the lowest level of the building, away from windows and doors.
  • If traveling, pull over and stay in your car until the storm passes.
  • Stay at least 25 feet away from downed power lines and report unguarded downed lines by calling 9-1-1 and Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050.
  • Never use a generator in an attached garage, basement, enclosed patio or near any air intakes. Doing so could cause a generator to produce hazardous levels of carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless, and deadly gas. Read more guidance on safe generator use here.
  • Be alert to crews working along roads. Drivers should slow down or stop and wait for oncoming traffic to clear so they can go past workers safely.

High Temperature Tips

  • Make sure to drink lots of water on days leading up to hot weather. Always have fresh water with you while working and playing and avoid drinks with high sugar or caffeine. Being hydrated helps prevent heat-related illness as well as strains and sprains. 
  • Wear loose-fitting, light-colored, breathable clothing that covers exposed skin.
  • When it’s hot, it’s never safe to leave children or pets in a vehicle while it’s parked — even with a window open. Vehicles can reach dangerously hot temperatures very quickly. To be cautious, always check to make sure no one is in the car when you leave it.
  • If you have to be outside, try to find areas of shade to keep yourself cool from the sun. As a general rule of thumb, it’s better to be outside in the morning and evening times when it’s coolest.
  • If your home is uncomfortably hot due to no air conditioning, there are public places you can stay cool such as local libraries, shopping malls, and community centers. There may even be public cooling centers near you. To find them, visit  mi211.org and search “cooling centers” with your zip code.

Tick Safety Tips
Summer means Michiganders spend time outdoors, so the Michigan Dept. of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding residents to stay vigilant against ticks — tiny pests that can pose serious health risks to both people and animals.

“Keeping ticks out of your yard and pasture is a simple but powerful way to protect yourself, your family and your animals,” says MDARD Director Tim Boring.

Michigan is home to more than 20 tick species, some of which can carry dangerous pathogens such as the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. While not every tick is infected, bites from pathogen-carrying ticks can lead to severe health issues for both people and animals if not promptly diagnosed and treated.

Simple integrated pest management practices can help minimize ticks on your property:

  • Trim back tall grasses and brush around homes, barns/sheds and along lawn and pasture edges.
  • Create a 3-foot barrier of wood chips or gravel between property and wooded areas to limit tick movement.
  • Keep lawns and pastures mowed and regularly remove leaf litter.
  • Stack firewood neatly in a dry area to deter rodents, which are common tick hosts.
  • Place patios, decks and playsets in sunny, dry areas, away from wooded edges, shrubbery, and tall grasses and weeds.

If you choose to use insect repellents or other pesticides to further protect against ticks, MDARD urges residents to do so responsibly:

  • Always follow label directions and wear personal protective equipment or clothing when specified by the label.
  • Store all pesticides in original, labeled containers out of reach of children and pets.
  • Use only the recommended amount — more is not better and may pose health risks.
  • Wash your hands and clothes thoroughly after use.
  • Use the Environmental Protection Agency website to help choose an insect repellent.
  • If hiring a professional, find a licensed pesticide applicator at Michigan.gov/MDARDPABL.

Preventing tick bites is the best way to prevent tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease. Make sure you perform thorough tick checks after being outdoors, and if you find a tick attached to your body, promptly remove it. Monitor your health and, if you experience fever, rash, muscle or joint aches or other symptoms, or if you suspect a tick has been attached for more than 24 hours, consult with your medical provider.

In addition to these strategies, animal owners should contact their veterinarian about tick preventatives and other treatments to keep their animals safe and healthy. Performing regular tick checks on pets, companion animals, and livestock is also important. Look around your animals’ eyes, ears, limbs, tail and feet for any ticks. If a tick is found, safely remove it as quickly as possible.

For more information about tick identification, removal and tick-borne illnesses, visit Michigan.gov/Lyme or Michigan’s Emerging Diseases webpage.

Watch how to perform a tick check and how to protect your pets from ticks.