Whether you’re at home, grocery shopping, driving to work, or taking a walk in the park — every Michigander deserves to feel safe. With our budget proposal for the Michigan State Police (MSP), we’re building on the investments made last year to equip the agency with the resources necessary to build a modern police force, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our communities. Among the priorities included in the MSP budget is funding to:
- Allow the MSP to graduate 50 troopers from the recruit school.
- Reduce violent crime by providing police departments with grants to recruit, train, integrate and retain licensed law enforcement officers.
- Provide law enforcement personnel with training to better communicate with hard-of-hearing Michiganders and limited English-speaking communities.
Additionally, to further support our state police officers and honor their service, I introduced this week Senate Bill 834 which would double their survivor benefits. Currently under the Public Safety Officers Benefit Act, if a public safety officer dies or is permanently disabled in the line of duty, the officer’s surviving spouse and dependents are eligible for a one-time payment of $25,000. This legislation would increase that amount to $50,000 to ensure adequate support for the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, providing them with the financial stability and recognition they deserve for their loved one’s service.
Helpful Resources
Get Ready for Fishing Season!
With spring upon us in the Great Lakes State and Lake St. Clair in arms reach, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding anglers to purchase a new license for the 2024 fishing season.
The new fishing license and regulation season kicked off on Monday, April 1. The new 2024 fishing licenses will be valid through March 31, 2025. Licenses can be purchased at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or on the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app, which you can download on your smartphone.
Here’s a rundown of key dates to remember this fishing season:
- Saturday, April 27: Statewide trout and Lower Peninsula inland walleye and northern pike seasons open.
- Monday, May 15: Upper Peninsula walleye and northern pike seasons open.
- Saturday, May 25: Season opens for largemouth and smallmouth bass possession, except for Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair and Detroit rivers, which open Saturday, June 15. (Note: Catch-and-immediate-release for bass is open all year on most waters. Check the 2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations for specifics).
- Saturday, June 1: Season opens for muskellunge possession on all Great Lakes, inland waters, the St. Mary’s River, Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair and Detroit rivers. (Note: Catch-and-release fishing for muskellunge is open all year).
For additional information about 2024 fishing licenses, contact DNR eLicense at [email protected] or call 517-284-6057.
The DNR is also providing helpful tips for Michigan anglers to help combat the spread of invasive species.
- Start with a clean boat and clean gear.
- End by draining live wells and bilges.
- End by cleaning debris and plant material from boats.
- Decontaminate waders and gear with safe chemical disinfectants after each use.
- Dispose of leftover bait in the trash to prevent the spread of fish diseases.
Tips to Help You Safely Navigate Road Construction
With the warmer weather finally here, that means our unofficial state flower — the beloved traffic cone — will be popping up across Michigan. Between state, county and local projects, there will be several work zones throughout our community this year. The Macomb County Department of Roads urges drivers to remain alert and practice caution to keep themselves and road workers free from harm. To help keep the roads as safe as possible, make sure to practice these driving tips:
- Plan ahead | Expect delays, plan for them, and leave early to reach your destination on time. When you can, avoid work zones altogether by using alternate routes.
- Obey road crews and signs | When approaching a work zone, watch for cones, barrels, signs, large vehicles, or workers in bright-colored vests to warn you and direct you where to go.
- Slow down | Look for signs indicating the speed limit through the work zone. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you and follow the posted speed limit.
- Move over | Most state move-over laws apply when passing work crews and official vehicles parked on the shoulder with flashing warning lights.
- Avoid distractions | Keep your eyes on the road and off your phone at all times.
- Watch for sudden stoppages | Don’t make sudden lane changes in front of trucks that are trying to slow down.
Upcoming Events
It is one of my top goals as your State Senator to have myself and my office be as accessible to you as possible. To share your thoughts on legislation or seek assistance with an issue, please join me at one of our upcoming district events:
Coffee and Conversation
WHEN: Friday, April 19 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
WHERE: District Office, 28800 Harper, Saint Clair Shores, MI 48081
Voting and Elections Town Hall with Michigan Secretary of State Joceyln Benson
