Dear Neighbor,
Spring is well underway now, and I hope you’ve taken some time to enjoy Michigan’s warmer weather and brighter blue skies. Our state has so much to offer during the spring season, from the beautiful blooms at the Holland Tulip Time Festival to the enjoyment of America’s national pastime at Comerica Park. Closer to home, the peonies will be blooming in the University of Michigan Arboretum. You can check on their progress here: Peony Season 2025. I hope you’ll be able to join me and my team outside at the “Walk and Talk” on Wednesday, May 28 at the Waterloo Portage Lake Campground.
And while spring is certainly bringing some much-needed joy after a long winter, just know that you are not alone if you’re feeling confused or anxious about the chaos that the Trump Administration continues to unleash upon us. We’re all in this together, and we’ll continue to support one another in these trying and unprecedented times.
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
- Please join me for my next DNR Walk & Talk event on Wednesday, May 28th, 5:30 p.m., at the Waterloo Portage Lake Campground, 11500 Seymour Rd., Grass Lake.
- The Senate passed a responsible education budget proposal that prioritizes Michigan students, invests in safe and healthy learning environments, and strengthens public schools!
- With recent reports of rising measles cases across the U.S., including right here in Michigan, it’s important for you and your families to stay informed about the ongoing outbreak. Please continue reading for more information regarding measles, vaccinations, and updates on the outbreak.
Bill to Create Prescription Drug Affordability Board Passes Michigan Senate!
In April, Michigan Senate and House Democrats acted on their commitment to lower prescription drug costs for Michigan families by taking bold steps to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB).
The Senate passed powerful legislation aimed at making life-saving medications more accessible and affordable. House Democrats announced plans to introduce companion legislation to move the effort forward in their chamber.
Too many Michiganders are being forced to choose between skipping life-saving heart medication or taking a half dose of insulin just to make it to their next paycheck or be able to afford groceries that week. Our bodies don’t care where we live or who represents us — when you need medicine, you need it. Right now, too many residents can’t afford it, and a PDAB would change that.
As pharmaceutical companies continue to post record-breaking profits, many Michiganders are being forced to choose between necessities like rent and groceries and essential medications like insulin. Nearly a third of Michigan residents stopped taking their prescriptions because of cost and 60% of older adults reported concerns over not being able to afford their essential medications. That’s why Democratic lawmakers from both chambers are working together to rein in skyrocketing prices and restore fairness to Michigan’s health care system.
Michigan Senate Advances Bold New Education Budget Proposal Focused on Putting Students and Teachers First
The Senate committee that oversees the PreK-12 education budget has passed a record education budget proposal that prioritizes Michigan students, invests in safe and healthy learning environments, and strengthens public schools.
With federal funding for education facing unprecedented uncertainty, Senate Democrats stepped up to deliver a bold, future-focused plan for the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. In addition to raising per-pupil funding to $10,008, the proposal includes $2.5 billion in investments for student mental health, critical upgrades to school infrastructure — including clean and functional HVAC systems — and a continued commitment to free breakfast and lunch for every Michigan public school student.
The budget proposal is part of Senate Democrats’ ongoing commitment to ensuring every child, regardless of zip code, has access to a safe school, a strong support system, and the opportunities they need to thrive.
The full Senate passed the budget bills. Next step will be negotiations between the Senate, House and Governor.
Honoring Mental Health Awareness Month with Action
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote understanding and compassion for folks struggling with their mental health. My Senate colleagues and I have worked hard to help address the mental health crisis here in Michigan by:
- Expanding access to mental health care coverage – Last spring, Senate Bill 27, championed by Sen. Sarah Anthony, was signed into law, requiring insurance companies to cover treatments for mental health and substance use disorders at the same level as physical health services.
- Preventing suicide through commonsense gun safety legislation – Firearms account for over half of all suicide deaths, and 90% of suicide attempts with firearms are successful. That’s why my colleagues and I passed an 11-bill gun violence prevention package in 2023, including a “red flag” law that helps temporarily remove firearms from the homes of people who pose an immediate threat to themselves or others. In the first year since this law took effect, 30% of the Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) filed mentioned threats of self-harm or suicide.
- Investing in mental health care and suicide prevention – The state budget is an impactful tool for lawmakers to support the mental health needs of our communities. In the 2025 budget, we secured:
- $48.2 million to support substance use disorder treatment and prevention efforts;
- $30 million to increase access to 24-hour crisis services, outpatient behavioral health care, and psychiatric rehabilitation;
- $9.4 million to provide statewide coverage for 9-8-8, the suicide and mental health crisis line;
- $1.2 million to support suicide prevention programs for veterans and their families;
- $750,000 to provide resources for community-based suicide prevention efforts to meet the needs of veterans, service members, and their families; and
- $250,000 to support Six Feet Over’s suicide loss survivor program, a nonprofit that provides mental health education and support to individuals with lived experiences of suicide.
Walk & Talk with DNR at Waterloo Recreation Area
Come to my next Walk & Talk event with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to hear about what’s happening in Michigan’s natural spaces as well as the latest news from Lansing and around the state.
WHEN: Wednesday, May 28, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Waterloo Portage Lake Campground, 11500 Seymour Rd., Grass Lake, MI 49240
Farmer & Agriculture Listening Event
Agriculture is one of our most important industries and I want to do everything I can to support Michigan farmers. I held a listening session in Washtenaw County to hear directly from farmers and processors so that we can work together to get the right things done.
Jackson Youth Forum
Young people want to make a difference and be engaged in their government. Jackson City Youth Council hosted a forum for kids to start conversations about what they need in their schools and communities. My team enjoyed participating in this important and fun event!
Jackson Symphony Orchestra
Together with Nancy Smith, I enjoyed celebrating the Jackson Symphony Orchestra’s 75th anniversary. The symphony orchestras in both Jackson and Ann Arbor are true gems, elevating arts and culture in their communities. I proudly supported this year’s Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity budget item to provide 41 orchestras with Symphony Economic Recovery grants, amounting to over $92,000 each to the Jackson and Ann Arbor symphony orchestras.
Oxford High School Student Advocates
A visit from students who survived the Oxford school shooting brought home the terror and sadness of firearm violence. Students for Firearm Safety spent time with me sharing their stories. Thank you, Mohammed Sheikh-Khalil, Nolan Cinato and Madia Adnan. We are in this fight for safety together.
Talking to Neighbors
My team spent a spring afternoon knocking on doors in Jackson, checking in on folks and hearing about issues most pressing to them! We will be out in the community on upcoming Fridays throughout my district. Say “hi” if you see us around!
Top Teacher Awards
Teachers do the most amazing work! My team was proud to be part of honoring the 2025 Top Teachers of Jackson County and providing legislative tributes to the awardees. Congratulations to these outstanding educators and thank you for working to give kids a bright future!
What You Need to Know About Measles: Symptoms and Vaccination Information
With recent reports of rising measles cases across the U.S., it’s important for you and your families to stay informed about the ongoing outbreak. Find more information below regarding measles, vaccinations, and updates on the outbreak.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads via direct person-to-person contact and through the air. It’s also preventable through vaccination.
Measles Symptoms
Symptoms usually appear 7–14 days after exposure but may take up to 21 days. Symptoms can include:
- High fever (can exceed 104°F)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots)
- Red, blotchy rash starting on the face and spreading to the body
Measles can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person coughs or sneezes. Awareness and timely vaccination are key to preventing further spread. If you have not received a second dose or if you are unsure of your vaccination status, we encourage you to contact your health care provider. If you or someone you know may have been exposed or is experiencing symptoms like a high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, or a rash, please contact your health care provider right away.
For more information about measles, visit the state’s webpage.
Help with Health Insurance Issues
If you are struggling with your health insurance company, having trouble with a claim or getting answers about coverage, my office has resources to help. Please call (517) 373-2426 or email SenSShink@senate.michigan.gov and let us know how we can help.
Safe Disposal of Old Medicines
It’s time for spring cleaning, and don’t forget your medicine cabinet! If you have old, expired, or unused medicines in your home, the safest way to dispose of them is at an approved kiosk site.
MyOldMeds is a non-profit that provides a searchable database to identify free and secure disposal locations within a 5 to 50-mile radius, including pharmacies and law enforcement offices. They also offer a Michigan resource page with guidance on managing household medicines safely, information on talking to your loved ones about secure medicine disposal, and a directory of the 640 disposal options throughout the state.
In addition, on March 31 new federal regulations took effect ensuring that free, prepaid mail-back envelopes will be available when you pick up your opioid analgesic prescription at a pharmacy. This partnership with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Postal Service aims to reduce accidental use and exposure to opioid medications and to help prevent opioid use disorder.
Prepare for Upcoming Road Closures
Over 55 road projects across the state have recently kicked off, requiring closures on several major roadways, according to the Michigan Dept. of Transportation (MDOT). Drivers should be aware of closures on U.S. 127 in Ingham, Gratiot, and Isabella counties, U.S. 131 in Kalamazoo County, I-75 in Wayne County, U.S. 23 in Genessee County, and M-58 in Saginaw County.
MDOT encourages drivers to remain vigilant, minimize distractions, slow down, and follow posted signage in work zones. For more information on work zone safety, click here. To view an online map of ongoing road projects, click here.