Dear Friend,
I hope you are staying warm in this cold Michigan weather! Be sure to take extra care when going outside or traveling this month. Bundle up and stay warm, watch out for ice, and pay attention to the changing conditions. Below, you’ll find updates on how to keep yourself safe from another dangerous foe during our notorious Michigan winters — influenza.
Yesterday marked our first day of session for the year, and I’m excited to continue fighting for our shared priorities, including expanding access to high-quality housing and affordable health care, and ensuring everyone has a pathway to financial success. Stay tuned for more updates as we begin advancing our legislative priorities for 2026!
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 don’t hesitate to reach out. 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
- In the final days of 2025, the governor signed 36 bills into law, including my bill to improve women’s health care, and legislation from other Senate Democrats to lower costs, cut red tape, protect Michigan kids, help address the housing crisis, support family farms, and much more.
- I hope you’ll join me for my first community conversation of the year happening on Monday, Jan. 26, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Union Missionary Baptist Church (500 S Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Lansing, MI 48915).
- Flu season is officially here, so it’s important for you and your loved ones to take the proper precautions to stay healthy and safe. Read on for more information.
Signed, Sealed, Delivered! Slew of Legislation Championed by Senate Democrats Signed into Law
On Dec. 23, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed 36 bills into state law, including my legislation, Senate Bill 136, to improve breast cancer detection standards. By aligning Michigan’s breast density notification standards with federal guidelines, this new law will help women make better-informed decisions about their health, including navigating any necessary follow-up screenings and treatment options.
Other legislation signed into law last month included bills to:
Lower costs and cut red tape:
- Senate Bill 158 (Sen. Cavanagh), which lowers the cost of online event tickets by prohibiting bot scammers from purchasing tickets in bulk and inflating the price in unfair resale markets
- Senate Bill 25 (Sen. Cherry), which cuts red tape for auto repair businesses
- Senate Bill 93 (Sen. Singh), which enables honey and maple syrup producers to better grow their businesses and boost our agricultural economy
- Senate Bills 685 (Sen. Shink), 686 (Sen. Daley), 687 (Sen. Singh), 688 (Sen. Cherry), 689 (Sen. Lauwers), 690 (Sen. Victory), and 699 (Sen. Shink) which improve Michigan’s farmland preservation program and protect family farms
Tackle Michigan’s housing crisis:
- Senate Bill 23 (Sen. Hertel), which helps address the state’s housing shortage by increasing the number of buildable lots on parcels of land
Improve our education system:
- Senate Bill 349 (Sen. Polehanki), which allows eleventh-graders to opt out of the work skills standardized test, giving parents and students more flexibility in their educational journey
We were proud to work across the aisle to get these bills passed and signed into law in 2025, and we’ll continue fighting to craft and advance more meaningful legislation in 2026.
Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment Ends TODAY
As you’ve probably heard or seen by now, health care costs are going up, so it’s important to review your options and find the coverage that meets your needs. The Michigan Dept. of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is encouraging residents to take advantage of all the benefits and savings you may qualify for before the 2026 open enrollment period on the Health Insurance Marketplace closes TODAY, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026.
Marketplace consumers who missed the Dec. 18 deadline for coverage to begin on Jan. 1 may qualify for a special enrollment period if they have experienced a qualifying life event, such as birth, job loss, or divorce.
If you have questions or need assistance, contact DIFS by calling (877) 999-6442 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. For a list of other state and federal agencies that may be able to help with your health coverage questions, click here.
Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Influence
As your state Senator, I am determined to ensure Michigan is a place where everyone’s voice is heard and respected, and a state where everyone is guaranteed a safe and successful future. As elected officials, our actions — not only our words, but the policies we put in place and the programs that serve our people — should emphasize and expand equity and opportunity for all Michiganders. Everyone is entitled to justice, no matter their race, gender, sexual orientation, income, or any other identity that may shape us.
Next week and throughout the month of January, we recognize the life and work of Martin Luther King, Jr. — whose unwavering leadership, bravery, and persistence instilled a more just future for the United States. His inspiring work and collaboration with other civil rights activists helped create a progressive foundation for our nation that we aspire to expand upon today.
From introducing policy that tackles racial and ethnic health disparities, expanding the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, investing in our youngest Michiganders, strengthening voting rights and access, and more, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I are dedicated to Dr. King’s work towards justice for all. We remain focused on advancing purposeful legislation and investments to uplift Michigan residents and communities, especially for those who have been historically marginalized and underrepresented.
Protecting Yourself During Flu Season
As you may have noticed in our community, flu season has hit Michigan at full force. The Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDDHS) recommends these steps in order to protect you and your loved ones from this serious illness:
- Take time to get the flu vaccine — the most effective way to prevent flu is to get vaccinated every year!
- Take everyday preventative actions, such as:
- Avoiding close contact with other people who are sick;
- Staying home when you are sick;
- Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing;
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth;
- And practicing other good health habits, like getting plenty of sleep, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, and eating nutritious foods.
- Take flu antiviral drugs to combat illness if your doctor recommends them.
For more information and resources about flu season, click here.
Michigan Arts & Culture Council Grant Applications Are Now Open
Sen. Anthony and staff join local arts and culture leaders for the signing of the FY 26 budget.
Recognizing all of the benefits they provide our communities, my colleagues and I fought hard to protect funding for arts and culture funding in this year’s budget. I’m excited to share that the window to apply for grants with the Michigan Arts and Culture Council (MACC) is officially open!
Michigan arts and culture nonprofits, municipalities, tribal entities, PreK-12 schools, colleges, universities, and others are encouraged to begin preparing to apply for a 2026 MACC grant. These grant programs help fund professional development, equipment and facility upgrades, arts education, and more. The deadline to apply is Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Learn more and start your application here.
Join me for my first community conversation event of 2026! Conversations like these 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. Stay tuned for additional details!
When: Monday, Jan. 26, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Where: Union Missionary Baptist Church, 500 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Lansing, MI 48915