Boosting Business for Local Honey and Maple Syrup Producers — Senate Bill 93
This year, I’ve reintroduced legislation to increase the annual sales cap for honey and maple syrup producers from $15,000 to $25,000, matching the limit under the Cottage Food Law. Now over to the House for consideration after unanimously passing the Senate floor last week, this bipartisan legislation will break down a critical barrier for these producers and allow them to grow their business beyond what has so far been possible.
Making State Boards & Commissions More Accessible — Senate Bill 129
Last week, Senate Democrats advanced legislation to make participating in public bodies more inclusive. Sponsored by Sen. McCann, Senate Bill 129 would ensure that people with disabilities who request accommodation to participate and vote in public bodies, such as state boards, are able to do so. This bill also passed the Senate last week and awaits the House’s consideration.
Improving Health Outcomes for Michigan Moms & Babies — Senate Bills 29–34 & 36–39
All expectant parents deserve a health care system that truly hears, sees, and meets their needs. Unfortunately, too often for Black mothers and other moms of color, that hasn’t been the case. That’s why my fellow Senators have introduced the comprehensive “Momnibus” bill package this year — to enhance prenatal and maternal care for Black moms, helping ensure all our moms and kiddos have a safe and healthy birthing experience and are effectively cared for in the days surrounding. This legislation was advanced out of the Senate last week and is over to the House.
Michigan Senate Passes Legislation to Protect Seniors and Vulnerable Adults
Elderly individuals and vulnerable adults are at high risk of being subject to abuse and exploitation at the hands of family members, friends, or other close associates. According to the Michigan Dept. of Attorney General, more than 73,000 older adults in the state are victims of these crimes, which can lead to serious physical and psychological effects such as depression, increased hospitalization, and premature death.
To protect older and vulnerable Michiganders from these threats, I joined my colleagues this week to pass Senate Bills 111–114, which would increase protections by:
- Creating an elder and vulnerable adult personal protection order (PPO).
- Increasing the amount of time prosecutors have to recover property in embezzlement cases where criminals have taken advantage of vulnerable adults.
- Protecting vulnerable adults even after death, treating those offenses the same as if the exploitation had occurred during the victim’s lifetime.
- Taking an all-in approach to preventing, intervening, investigating, and prosecuting abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of older and vulnerable adults by bringing together local teams of experts.
This legislation now heads to the Michigan House for their consideration. Read more about this legislation here.
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