Dear Neighbor,
With the first month of the year already over, we’re one step closer to the end of winter and the start of spring! But before the snow melts and the ice thaws for the year, make sure you don’t miss out on the beauty and fun of a pure Michigan winter — from ice skating and fishing to snowboarding and tubing, there’s no shortage of frozen fun to be had!
Our work in the Legislature is well underway for the year, and I’m honored to continue serving you and our community in the Senate. Read on to learn more about the progress we’re working to deliver for District 21 residents and our entire state.
If you or someone you know would like to provide any feedback about what’s happening in Lansing, or if you need assistance of any sort, please connect with 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
- February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements and heritages of African Americans. My colleagues and I have worked to make Michigan a place where everyone can thrive, from centering equity in our state budget investments to banning race-based hair discrimination.
- Join me for our next Community Conversation at the University of Olivet in the Cutler Student Center Community Room on Monday, Feb. 10, from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
- During the 50th anniversary of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), my colleagues and I want to lift up how our game-changing expansion of Michigan’s EITC has impacted communities across the state, putting more money in the pockets of workers and families to better afford gas, groceries, child care and more. To determine eligibility and find tax preparation resources, click here.
Celebrating Black History This Month and Beyond
February is Black History Month, a designated time to honor and appreciate the contributions, cultures, histories, and achievements of African Americans. Michigan has long been home to a diverse range of Black historical figures whose legacies have left an indelible mark on the world, from abolitionist Sojourner Truth and civil rights activist Malcom X to the “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin and the “mother of the freedom movement” Rosa Parks — whose birthday is annually celebrated on Feb. 4.
Last year, I had the incredible honor of unveiling my portrait in the state Capitol as the first Black woman Appropriations Chair — a moment that was about so much more than just me. It was a testament to the progress we’ve made and the work still ahead to ensure everyone, regardless of their background, has a seat at the table. Throughout my tenure as Senate Appropriations Chair, I’ve been committed to making our state budget a tool for equity — investing in historically overlooked and marginalized communities to create real opportunity. And as the first Vice Chair of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus, I’m proud to stand alongside my colleagues in pushing for policies that break down barriers and uplift Black Michiganders.
In the state Senate, we’ve fought hard to ensure Michigan is a state where anyone has an equitable opportunity to succeed, no matter their background or the color of their skin. From banning race-based hair discrimination and combating hate crimes to making Juneteenth an official state holiday and centering equity in our state budget investments, my Democratic colleagues and I are committed to uplifting communities that have been historically marginalized.
Want to get involved this Black History Month? Check out local events and some ways to celebrate here.
Supporting Moms & Workers: Updates from the First Month of the New Session
With the first month of 2025 over, I’m excited to share about the progress my colleagues and I have made so far on behalf of you and Michiganders around the state. In the past few weeks, in addition to introducing legislation to lower prescription drug costs and strengthen protections for workers, we:
- Voted to expand the state’s Freedom of Information Act to include the Michigan Legislature and governor. This legislation, Senate Bills 1 and 2, are now over to the House for consideration.
- We reintroduced bills — which I’m proud a sponsor of — to improve accountability and tackle racial and ethnic disparities in Michigan’s maternal health care system.
- Heard testimony from workers on several bills that were passed by both the House and Senate last session but are now being held up unconstitutionally by new Republican House leadership. The legislation they spoke in favor of last week would boost retirement benefits for state corrections and conservation officers as well as lower health care costs for firefighters, teachers, and other public sector employees. Read on for more information.
Senate Democrats Stand Strong for Michigan Teachers, First Responders, & Corrections Officers
On Dec. 20, 2024, House Bills 4177 and 4665–4667 of 2023 and House Bills 4900–4901, 5817–5818, and 6058 of 2024 were passed by the Senate and returned to the House for presentation to the governor. Republican Speaker of the House Matt Hall took illegal action to block these nine bills — which lower health care costs for teachers and first responders and improve retirement benefits for corrections officers — from being presented to the governor.
We will not let the constitution go ignored, and we will not let the needs of hardworking public servants go unmet — which is why Senate Majority Leader Brinks filed a lawsuit against House Republicans for failing to abide by the constitution and rightfully sending this critical legislation, which was passed by both chambers, to the governor. We won’t stop fighting to protect the sanctity of our constitution and stand strong for Michigan workers.
Investing in Michigan — Updates on the 2026 State Budget
This week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer presented her recommendations for our next state budget. At this stage in the process, we’ve heard her priorities, and I’m pleased to see that we share many of the same goals — strengthening education, lowering costs for hardworking families, and driving job growth to boost our economy.
Crafting the budget is no small task, but as I have in previous years, I will approach this work with integrity and a commitment to delivering for every Michigander. I look forward to working with Gov. Whitmer, House Appropriations Chair Bollin, and the State Budget Office as we build the 2026 state budget. You can read the governor’s recommendations for our 2026 state budget, here.
Sen. Sarah Anthony, Chair of the Senate Appropriation Committee, and her fellow Legislators at the 2026 Executive Recommendation Budget Presentation
I’ll continue to provide updates as the budget takes shape, so stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks!
See You There! Feb. 10 Community Conversation
I’m hosting a Community Conversation next week, Monday, Feb. 10 at the University of Olivet in the Cutler Student Center Community Room.
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: Monday, Feb. 10, from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Where: University of Olivet – Cutler Student Center Community Room, 200 Cottage St., Olivet, MI 49076
I hope to see you there!
Free Tax Help – United Way VITA Mobile Unit
A new, rolling tax preparation office will make it a little easier for eligible households in Lansing and beyond to get their tax returns done this year.
The United Way Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is a free, tax service provided to households that make less than $64,000 per year. Their team of volunteers, supported by full-time staff, are IRS trained and certified and will provide you with the highest quality return possible.
The Free Tax Prep Mobile includes three meeting spaces where taxpayers can meet privately with volunteer preparers.
To schedule an appointment, go to https://parksonline.lansingmi.gov/. Then, under the ‘Activity’ tab look for activity #150020 or #150021 or call (517) 483-6685.
The United Way VITA mobile under will be available from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at these locations:
- February 11 – Letts Community Center
- February 18 – Gier Community Center
- February 25 – Schmidt Community Center
- March 11 – Letts Community Center
- March 18 – Gier Community Center
- March 25 – Schmidt Community Center
- April 8 – Letts Community Center
- April 15 – Gier Community Center
EITC: Lowering Costs for Michiganders for 50 Years
For 50 years now, the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) has been instrumental in lifting families and workers out of poverty, reducing racial disparities, and providing critical support to small businesses and local economies.
Especially at a time when so many Michiganders are facing challenges affording the essentials, from gas to groceries, I’m proud to have worked with my Senate Democratic colleagues to pass policy that helps offset these prices and even allow some folks to save or pay off debts. I’m referring to when we quintupled Michigan’s match of the federal EITC from 6% to 30%, securing the largest increase to the credit in state history.
This game-changing expansion helps 700,000 Michiganders struggling to make ends meet save an average of $750 more per year, resulting in $3,150 in total savings with the federal and state EITCs combined. Here in District 21, over 20,700 families benefit, boosting incomes of working folks from $145 to over $700 on average. Our small businesses reap the benefits too, with over $15 million now being returned to our local economy.
But — Michiganders must make sure to claim the credit if they are eligible! To determine eligibility and find tax preparation resources, click here.
Save the Date! 2025 State of the State Address
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will be delivering the 2025 State of the State Address on the evening of Wednesday, Feb. 26. In the speech, the governor will address members of the Legislature as well as Michiganders across the state as she lays out plans for the year ahead to create good-paying jobs, fix our roads, invest in our students, and more.
Over the past two years, we’ve had a strong partner in Governor Whitmer as we worked to lower costs, drive change, and create opportunities for the people of our state. As we dive deeper into a new legislative session with new colleagues in the Michigan House, I look forward to another productive term and seeing all that we can accomplish together for the people of Michigan.
On February 26 you can watch the address on your local TV channel, online here, on Facebook, and on YouTube. What do you hope to see covered during the address?
World Cancer Day: Resources and Support
World Cancer Day is annually observed on Feb. 4, and it’s a great opportunity to raise awareness about cancer and prevention efforts. The detrimental effects of cancer are felt in every corner of the globe, so World Cancer Day is the perfect time to share resources and support for all those impacted:
- Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) cancer resources for diverse communities;
- MDHHS Keeping Michigan Healthy cancer webpage;
- WISEWOMAN Program helps participants understand their chronic disease risk factors through a free health screening.
- American Cancer Society Michigan local resources and events.