Dear Neighbor,
With August well underway and the beginning of a new school year approaching, I hope you’re soaking in the remainder of summertime here in our beautiful state. I’ve enjoyed getting out and about in our district this summer, hearing directly from our neighbors about the issues that matter most to our community. I’ll continue using this important input to guide my work in the Capitol and deliver on your priorities.
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 or my Website for the latest updates.
Sincerely,
Sue Shink
State Senator
14th Senate District
- I hope you can attend my Ann Arbor Senior Summit at the Peace Neighborhood Center on Monday, August 18, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Michigan Senate Democrats are working to build on the historic $450 million we’ve secured for school safety and mental health improvements, while House Republicans continue to stall the budget process. Learn more below.
- Thanks to state funding secured by Senate Democrats, Michigan’s PreK for All program is ranked number one in the nation and is serving more families than ever before! Read on to find high-quality, no-cost preschool in your community.
Ann Arbor Senior Summit
You’re invited to join me on Monday in Ann Arbor for my annual Senior Summit to learn about your legal rights, services available to seniors, how to avoid scams, and how to protect your identity, among other topics from various local agencies and organizations. The summit will take place at the Peace Neighborhood Center from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
WHEN: Monday, August 18, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: Peace Neighborhood Center, 1111 N. Maple Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Fighting for School Safety and Mental Health Resources
Michigan State Police’s Recent Report Highlights Critical Need for Support
OK2SAY, Michigan’s confidential student safety tipline, reported a 20% surge in tip volume in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to the program’s most recent report compiled by the Michigan State Police. With an unprecedented 11,671 tips received, the program has reached its highest reporting level since its inception in 2014, underscoring the vital role it plays in safeguarding our youngest Michiganders.
My colleagues and I recognize this and the responsibility we have to invest in our children and in their safety, well-being, and success. That’s why we’ve invested a historic $450 million in school safety and mental health over the last few budget cycles. These dollars have gone into supporting the OK2SAY program, modernizing school security systems, as well as hiring more counselors, social workers, and school resource officers.
But, as we see our kids carrying heavier burdens and facing greater threats than ever before, our work is far from over. In our 2026 State Budget proposal, Senate Democrats put another $350 million behind these efforts to ensure every child feels safe and is safe while in the classroom. Unfortunately, as back-to-school season rapidly approaches, House Republicans are continuing to stall the budget process, keeping this funding for school safety out of reach for districts to use.
In the Senate, my colleagues and I remain at the negotiating table, ready to reach a final budget agreement that truly supports our students and their families. To keep up to date on the latest developments and learn more about our budget proposal, click here.
Rx Kids: A Prescription for Improving Families’ Physical and Economic Health
Rx Kids is a first-of-its-kind program to improve health and security for babies in the United States, initially launched in Flint in 2024, before expanding to seven other communities across the state in early 2025 — thanks in part to funding secured by Senate Democrats. Now, we’re working to pass legislation to expand this successful program statewide to reach more families around Michigan. Rx Kids supports parents and babies by providing all pregnant moms, regardless of income, with a no-strings-attached cash allowance of $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 each month throughout the baby’s first year. Research shows that this direct, cash support for new parents helps improve housing security, access to nutritious food, and maternal and child health.
This week, the Senate Housing and Human Services Committee held a hearing on this legislation, exploring the far-reaching benefits of Rx Kids and how its expansion would continue improving maternal and child health outcomes throughout the state. To watch the committee hearing, click here.
In addition to our proposal to expand Rx Kids, Michigan Senate Democrats have introduced bold, transformative legislation to lower costs for working families and make sure kids in Michigan have the best start possible — including through a Working Parents Tax Cut and expanded access to child care. Learn more about this “Building Blocks” package here.
Supporting Michigan Mothers and Their Babies
Every year, the first week of August is recognized as World Breastfeeding Week, a time where public health advocates come together to highlight the importance of breastfeeding and share resources to encourage one of the most effective methods of improving maternal and infant health.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding up to age two, as breastmilk provides countless benefits to infants, including preventing diseases such as respiratory and ear infections, asthma, and diabetes. According to the World Health Organization, optimal breastfeeding is so critical that it could save the lives of more than 820,000 children under the age of five each year.
Because of the power of breastfeeding, our caucus has worked to champion legislation to expand Michigan’s Public Breastfeeding Nondiscrimination Act to ensure parents are protected from discrimination for pumping breastmilk in public, which is often necessary when parents are away from their breastfeeding baby for several hours. This legislation, Senate Bill 351 of 2023, was signed into law last year and now provides Michigan mothers with the legal protections they need to promote the health and safety of themselves and their babies.
To learn more about the importance of breastfeeding and access support, visit this resource page from the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services here.
Ice Cream Time
A warm summer night was perfect for an ice cream social at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center in Jackson! Thank you to the many residents who came out to ask questions and speak your concerns. It’s my honor to serve you!
Speaking with Ann Arbor Neighbors
A few thunderstorms didn’t stop us from connecting with constituents in Ann Arbor. Thanks to the generous help of Sen. Rosemary Bayer’s team and others, we reached 750 constituents that day!
Successful Senior Summit in Jackson
My second annual Jackson Senior Summit was amazing! Thank you to the Crouch Senior Center in Jackson County, and to the local and state organizations on hand to serve the many seniors who came.
Celebrating Second Missionary Baptist
Congratulations to Second Missionary Baptist Church on 160 years of serving the community! Thank you for welcoming me to your joyful celebration. I was thrilled to present a tribute alongside Kelli Higgins, who is interning in my office and is a member of the church!
Vet Fest
I attended Vet Fest at Washtenaw Community College. After talking with numerous veteran organizations, veterans, and services providers, I left with my heart full and a hefty “to do” list.
Southside Summer Fest
My team and I enjoyed a great day at Jackson’s Southside Summer Fest!
disAbility Connections Celebrates 100 years
Congratulations to disAbility Connections on 100 years of working to advance independence, inclusion, and opportunity for people with disabilities in Jackson, Lenawee, and Hillsdale counties. I was glad to provide a tribute recognizing their contributions to the community.
Family Fun in Whitmore Lake at Hamilton Health Center and at the Northfield Township National Night Out
Family Fun Fest at the Whitmore Lake Hamilton Community Health Center, where anyone can receive medical care regardless of insurance or ability to pay, was about Kona Ice, a bounce house, balloon animals, and plenty of fun! Rep. Jennifer Conlin and I are proud of our work helping to bring this amazing health center to the community. We also attended the Northfield Township National Night Out put on by Northfield Township’s Fire and Police Departments.
Smiles on Wheels
Smiles on Wheels is a great organization that partners with the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services to bring mobile oral health care to schools and senior centers. Thank you to Delta Dental and to Jackson City Councilperson Freddie Dancy for the warm welcome at the Boos Center!
Village Market in the Gardens
Village Southside Market at YPOP Gardens featured community partners Residents in Action, MSU Cooperative Extension, Black Food Sovereignty, True Community C.U., Consumers Energy, and more. Thanks to Diane Washington for hosting and for inviting me to your beautiful gardens!
PreK For All: Improving Outcomes for Michigan Families & Kids
August means the back-to-school season is approaching, so what better time to spread the word about the best PreK for All program in the nation? Last year, Senate Democrats worked across the aisle to secure state funding that helped expand access to no-cost, high quality preschool — and our work is paying off, giving kids the tools they need for successful futures, helping tackle the childcare crisis, allowing parents to stay in the workforce, and saving Michigan families about $10,000 per child.
Michigan’s PreK for All program is available to all children who are four years old by Dec. 1, and enrollment is now open for the upcoming school year. To learn more or find options for no-cost Pre-K in your community, visit MiPreKforAll.org.
School Bus Safety Reminders
The new school year is just around the corner, which means school buses will soon be back on the roads. When driving, treat school buses like traffic signals:
- When overhead lights are flashing yellow: Prepare to stop.
- When overhead lights are flashing red: Stop.
- When hazard warning lights are flashing: Proceed with caution.
Courtesy of Michigan Dept. of Transportation (MDOT)
August is National Immunization Awareness Month
With summer in full swing and flu season just around the corner, we recognize National Immunization Awareness Month to highlight the importance of routine vaccination for Michiganders of all ages. Vaccines are the best way for you to protect yourself from preventable diseases and avoid spreading those diseases to others in your community.
To locate a health department nearest you and get up to date on your vaccines, click here. And to learn more about the vaccines you and your family members may need to stay healthy, visit the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services website here.