Legislative Services
U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, introduced Fire Grants and Safety Act (S.559), which would extend federal programs that help support local fire departments across the country.
The bill would reauthorize the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program, the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, and the United States Fire Administration (USFA). The programs are set to expire in the coming years and are used by local fire departments to address staffing needs, purchase equipment, develop fire training and education programs, and improve emergency medical services.
In 2021, Michigan fire departments received more than $10.8 million from the AFG program and more than $8 million from the SAFER grant program. Peters introduced similar legislation that advanced in the Senate last Congress.
“Brave and courageous firefighters depend on critical federal programs to safeguard Michiganders and people across the nation from fires and other emergencies,” said Senator Peters. “By extending these important programs, this bipartisan legislation will help the federal government ensure dedicated first responders have the resources they need to safely fight fires and effectively protect communities.”
The Fire Grants and Safety Act reauthorizes SAFER, AFG, and the USFA until 2030. It authorizes $95 million for USFA – a nearly $20 million increase from current levels, and maintains currently authorized levels of funding for the SAFER and AFG programs.
Applications are closing soon for current FEMA fire department grants:
Apply by March 17, 2023 for Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants.
Apply by March 31, 2023 for Fire Prevention and Safety Grants
Click here to request a Grant Letter of Support from Senator Gary Peters. Local departments are encouraged to contact Eric Keller at Senator Peters' office for assistance in the grant application process at
Click here for more information on the Fire Grants and Safety Act legislation.
Karoub Associates released the Michigan Government Directory for the 102nd Legislature (2023-2024), which features contact information for the Governor's office, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Legislature and State Department Directors. The directory also lists legislative committee members and subcommitee members.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced several changes in leadership for various State Departments. The governor also announced promotions for staff in the executive office.
The governor has selected Dan Eichinger as acting director of the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE); Michelle Lange as director of the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB); Adam Hollier as director of the Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA); Brian Hanna as executive director of the Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA); Brad Wieferich as acting director of the Department of Transportation (MDOT); Kathy Angerer as acting director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD); and Shannon Lott as acting director of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Below are the bios of those appointed:
Dan Eichinger, Acting Director of EGLE
Dan Eichinger will serve as the acting director of EGLE. Dan is currently the director at the Department of Natural Resources, where he has served since 2019. Before entering the administration, Dan was the executive director of Michigan United Conservation Clubs, where he helped re-establish MUCC as a driving force for conserving Michigan’s natural resources and outdoor heritage. Eichinger earned a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Science in fisheries and wildlife from Michigan State University. He also obtained a Master of Public Administration from Central Michigan University.
Under Liesl Clark's leadership, EGLE played a lead role in the state's response to historic floods and high waterlevels; effectively managed record-breaking, bipartisan investments in water infrastructure; established the state’s first drinking water standards for PFAS; guided the City of Flint in establishing a backup water supply; and supported the City of Benton Harbor as it replaced its lead service lines in less than one year. Clark also helped develop and launch the MI Healthy Climate Plan to create jobs, lower energy costs, and advance equity while putting Michigan on the path to carbon-neutrality.
Approaching Veterans Day, U.S. Senator Gary Peters has been spreading the word about new Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) resources available to Michigan veterans.
"Many of our nation’s heroes are suffering as a result of being exposed to harmful substances like Agent Orange or toxic burn pits during their service," Peters wrote in an email to constituents. "That’s why I was proud to help pass the Honoring Our PACT Act into law to finally ensure these veterans, along with their survivors, can obtain their long-overdue health care and benefits through the VA."
Peters traveled across Michigan to meet with local veterans and their families to raise awareness about these new benefits.
The VA is expected to begin processing claims under this new law in January, however, veterans can now file claims and apply for PACT Act-related benefits by calling the Veterans Administration (VA) at (800) 698-2411 or filing a claim online for disability benefits and/or VA health care.
Please click here for Peters' press release about the PACT Act.
Click here for a Q & A and more PACT Act details.
For further assistance navigating the new benefits, contact Sen. Peters office toll free at (844) 506-7420.
In a historic election, Democrats not only retained the office of Michigan Governor, Attorney General and Secretary
of State, according to unofficial election results, but also took control of the State Senate and House of Representatives.
As reported in the November 2022 Karoub Report, Democrats won the Senate majority for the first time since 1984, with a 20-18 majority, based on unofficial Nov. 8 election results. Controlled by a Republican majority since 2010, Democrats also flipped control of the House of Representatives with unofficial results of a 56-54 majority.
Three ballot proposals amending the Michigan Constitution have also passed, acccording to preliminary election results.
For more election coverage details, please click here for the November 2022 Karoub Report.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed several bipartisan bills including legislation to protect public safety and municipal retirees, improve mental health standards, increase polling locations, and explore further clean energy production.
“These bipartisan bills deliver on a range of kitchen-table issues and are proof of what’s possible when we work across the aisle to put Michiganders first,” Whitmer said. “Together, we are increasing the number of corrections officers, immediately establishing stronger standards for mental health transport for involuntary hospitalizations, increasing the number of polling places available to voters, and conducting a study to determine the feasibility of nuclear energy in Michigan. Let’s keep getting it done and move Michigan forward.”
Bills signed into law which impact public safety and municipal employees include:
- HB 5765: Allows retired corrections officers to work as needed under certain circumstances without losing retirement allowance.
- HB 4414: Relieves the burden on counties and sheriffs by immediately allowing them to contract with a private entity to transport a person taken into protective custody by an officer to get a mental health screening or treatment.
- SB 1041: Updates the administrative procedures act to ensure it does not conflict with the municipal employees retirement act.
- SB 1042: Provides retirees the option for a hearing to address a grievance in Municipal Employees Retirement System.
Please click here for more details on the recent legislation signed into law.
U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) – a U.S. veteran and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee – helped the Senate pass historic bipartisan legislation, the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, to deliver health care and benefits earned by all toxic-exposed veterans for the first time in our nation’s history.
“When veterans are exposed to harmful substances in service to our nation, we must ensure they receive the VA benefits and medical care that they’ve earned,” said Senator Peters, a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve and the son of a World War II veteran. “It’s simply unacceptable that veterans have faced years and even decades of inaction to get this necessary care. I was proud to help pass this landmark bipartisan package which will finally ensure all veterans in Michigan and across the country can obtain their long-overdue health care benefits.”
The legislative package – led by U.S. Senators John Tester (D-MT) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) – will ensure veterans exposed to toxic substances can access essential services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and a bipartisan coalition of 53 attorneys general are urging Congress to pass The Public Safety Officer Support Act of 2022. The Act addresses gaps in support for public safety officers who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) associated with the high-risk nature of their jobs.
In a letter signed by the attorneys general, they praise the work of public safety officers including police, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians who respond to stressful and potentially traumatic situations. Public safety officers are 25.6 times more likely to develop PTSD than members of the general public and research shows those suffering from PTSD are at increased risk of suicide.
“This legislation provides vital support for officers and their families suffering from trauma experienced in the line of duty,” Nessel said. “Those who protect and serve deserve to know help is available. I’m proud to join this bipartisan letter with my colleagues around the country.”
The legislation supports public safety officers suffering from PTSD by:
- Designating work-related PTSD as a “line-of duty” injury for eligible officers and those disabled from attempted suicide.
- Allowing families of officers who die by trauma-linked suicide to apply for death benefits.
This legislation is also endorsed by the American Psychological Association, the Fraternal Order of Police, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, National Association of Police Organizations, Sergeants benevolent Association, National Sheriffs Association, Blue H.E.L.P, the National Border Patrol Council, and the United States Capitol Police Labor Committee.
The Michigan House of Representatives and Senate, as well as the Governor, Secretary of State, and Attorney General and all 13 of Michigan’s congressional races will be on the ballot this year. While many groups have initiated court challenges, the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission 
(MICRC) is moving forward with approved maps for all three elected positions that involve districts. Candidates have until April 19th to file for office. With redistricting changing the congressional maps drastically, some colleagues will potentially be running against each other in primaries. Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence has announced her retirement, leading Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib to run in the redrawn 12th House District. There are four scheduled special elections to replace former-Rep. Mark Huizenga (now Senator Huizenga), former-Rep. Doug Wozniak (now Senator Wozniak), former-Rep. Andrea Schroeder (deceased), and former-Rep. Abdullah Hammoud (now Mayor of Dearborn). The primary is March 1st and the General Election is May 3rd, with the terms going until the end of this calendar year. The potential new districts have led to a greater number of competitive elections in the Michigan House than any time in our state’s history. According to Gongwer News Service, 36 of the seats are solid/likely Democratic, while 43 are solid/likely Republican, leaving 31 competitive seats. Several members of the state Senate have been drawn into the same district. Senators Adam Hollier and Stephanie Chang will run in the primary for the 3rd Senate District as well as Senators Mallory McMorrow and Marshall Bullock for the 8th. State Rep. Darrin Camilleri announced he's running for the 4th Senate District and the downriver seat leans democratic for the General Election. State Senator Mike MacDonald saw his current district change and the new maps could potentially entice numerous candidates to join the race. Governor Gretchen Whitmer is entering the election year from a position of strength, with no announced primary opponent and over $10 million in her campaign account. With 12 announced candidates on the Republican side, there are only three or four with any chance being competitive in the General Election. For Attorney General and Secretary of State, the Democratic candidates are incumbents Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Attorney General Dana Nessel. On the Republican side, former-President Donald Trump has endorsed community college professor Kristina Karamo for Secretary of State. The other serious Republican contender is state Rep. Beau LaFave.
For more details, click here for the full Karoub Associates 2022 Election Report.
Legislation to help protect the health and safety of firefighters, emergency responders and communities was advanced in the U.S. Senate.
Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) reintroduced the Protecting Firefighters from Adverse Substances (PFAS) Act, which directs federal agencies to develop best practices, training and educational programs to reduce and prevent exposure to PFAS. PFAS are known as 'forever chemicals' since they do not breakdown naturally.
