Dear Neighbor,
As Halloween festivities come to a close, I hope you and your loved ones had a chance to enjoy all that Michigan has to offer in the beautiful month of October. Here in the Senate, we’ve stayed busy delivering on the priorities that matter most to you, from advancing legislation to protect families struggling with debt to strengthening child labor laws.
Election Day is next week, and over a million Michiganders have already cast their ballot early! Make your voice heard this election and ensure you have a voting plan in place before Tuesday, Nov. 5. You can find more information on ways to vote down below or click the video for a special message to our local clerks!
If you or someone you know would like to provide any feedback about what’s happening in Lansing, or needs assistance of any sort, please feel free to reach out to my office. You can contact me by sending an email to SenSAnthony@senate.michigan.gov or by calling (517) 373-6960.
In Service,
Sarah Anthony
State Senator
District 21
- Senate Democrats’ bills to protect families struggling with debt, strengthen child labor laws, improve maternal health care for communities of color, bolster protections for vulnerable adults, and more advance in the Senate.
- Join me for an upcoming Community Conversation at Sophia’s Pancakes in Grand Ledge on Thursday, November 14, from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
- Election Day is next Tuesday, Nov. 5. Learn what’s on your ballot, where to find your polling place, and more at mi.gov/vote.
Legislative Packages to Protect Michigan’s Kids, Families, & Seniors Advance in the Senate
Senate Democrats recently moved forward several pieces of legislation to protect Michiganders from their younger years to their older ones.
Protecting Michigan families struggling with debt: On Oct. 23, the Michigan Senate Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection voted to pass Senate Bills 408 and 409, which will bring greater equity to the state’s bankruptcy and debt garnishment systems. This data-driven legislation ensures that vulnerable Michiganders can pay off their debts without losing their homes, vehicles, or ability to work. The bills now head to the Senate floor for further consideration.
Safeguarding seniors and vulnerable adults from abuse: To combat the scams, fraud, and theft that too often target Michigan’s seniors and vulnerable residents, I was proud to sponsor Senate Bills 922–925. These bills would ensure Michigan’s growing population of aging adults can enjoy the dignity, safety, and quality of life they deserve. This legislation passed in the Senate earlier this month and will now be taken up for consideration by the House.
Strengthening Michigan’s child labor laws: Senate Bills 963–965 would increase penalties and fines for businesses found employing minors illegally or subjecting them to unsafe working conditions. These bills were passed out of the Senate Committee on Labor earlier this month and will now move to the Senate floor for consideration by the full chamber.
Improving maternal health care services: The Momnibus bill package — Senate Bills 818–823, 825 and House Bill 5826 — focuses on amplifying the voices of Black and Brown birthing people, ensuring that their needs are prioritized and addressed. This package is also on its way to the full Senate chamber for consideration after passing through the Senate Committee on Housing and Human Services recently. As the lead sponsor of Senate Bill 822, I’m excited to see the bill package advancing and hopeful it will maintain its momentum as it moves through the House and toward the governor’s desk.
2025 State Budget Funds New Reproductive Health, Family Planning Program
In June, under my leadership as the Senate Appropriations Chair, the Senate Democrats passed the bipartisan 2025 State Budget, securing a $5.6 million investment to expand access to contraceptives and family planning services for Michiganders. Thanks to this allocation, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services are launching Take Control of your Birth Control, a new program to ensure Michigan families have access to free contraception and family planning resources beginning in November.
Community partners and federally qualified health centers will distribute emergency contraceptives, condoms, and over-the-counter oral contraceptives to the general public for free, as supplies last. Starting in November, visit Michigan.gov/takecontrol to locate participating organizations near you and learn more about these essential resources.
Construction Loss Reimbursement Grants
I’m proud to have introduced Senate Bill 1053 to support our local businesses facing revenue losses due to unexpected, prolonged construction projects. Many small businesses are heavily impacted when street closures and delays divert customers to alternate routes, causing significant financial strain.
This bill would provide much-needed financial relief through grants, helping businesses recover revenue lost from these disruptions. Small businesses are the backbone of our community and economy, and this legislation is designed to ensure they have the support needed to stay strong during challenging times.
Grand Ledge Nov. 14 Community Conversation
I’m looking forward to seeing you at Sophia’s House of Pancakes for our next Community Conversation on Thursday, November 14!
These conversations are a wonderful opportunity for us to connect and discuss what’s happening in our community. It’s also a chance for me to provide updates from the Capitol and, most importantly, to hear directly from you about the issues that matter most.
When: Thursday, November 14 from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Where: Sophia’s House of Pancakes, 1010 Charlevoix Dr., Grand Ledge, MI 48837
City of Lansing Trick or Treat on the Trail
Team Anthony had a fantastic time at Lansing’s Trick or Treat on the Trail! It was such a treat to see all the creative costumes and hand out candy to our community. We hope everyone had a spooktacular time!
Voting is BOO-tiful! What You Need to Know
It’s not just spooky season; it’s election season! In addition to fighting for your rights at the ballot box, Senate Democrats want to make sure you have all the information you need to elevate your voice in our democracy. Election Day is next Tuesday, Nov. 5, but early in-person voting is already underway — avoid the lines by voting early in-person at your designated early voting site indicated by your municipality.
To learn more about early in-person voting, voting on Election Day, where to find your clerk’s office or polling place, what’s on the ballot, and more, visit mi.gov/vote.
Need to register? If you’ve recently moved or changed your name since the last election, you’ll need to update your voter registration. Now that we’re within 14 days of the election, you may only register in person at your local clerk’s office with documentation showing proof of residency. You can register to vote and vote in person up until and on Election Day. You must be in your city or township clerk’s office by 8 p.m. on Election Day in order to register and vote in the general election.