Dear Neighbor,
Happy Women’s History Month. This March, join me in recognizing the struggles, triumphs, and resilience of the bold, brave women who have paved the way for progress here in Michigan and nationwide. I’m proud to be a part of Michigan’s first female-majority legislative caucus, where we’re not just breaking barriers from within, but working hard to ensure all women across the state have the resources and opportunities they need to shatter glass ceilings and secure their own prosperous futures.
As always, please feel free to reach out to share your thoughts or seek assistance with any challenges you may be facing with state departments. You can contact me by sending an email to SenRBayer@senate.michigan.gov or calling (517) 373-2417.
Sincerely,
Rosemary Bayer
State Senator
District 13
- This week, March 2-8, is Consumer Protection Week. Read on to learn about how I’ve been working to strengthen consumer protections for Michigan residents across the state, from safeguarding personal data to empowering folks in their purchasing decisions.
- I love every chance I can get to be out and about in District 13. Most recently, I was thrilled to connect with community members at my February Coffee Hour in West Bloomfield Twp. and at Farmington Hills’ own Mitten and Boot Cafe.
- Don’t forget that Daylight Saving Time starts this weekend, with clocks springing forward one hour at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 9. Though you’ll lose an hour of sleep, on the positive side — you’ll gain an hour of daylight!
Protecting Michigan Consumers
Like so many other Michigan residents, my family and I have been personally affected by data breaches in recent years, and I fully understand the worry, frustration, and headaches that come along with it. That’s why I’ve been a staunch advocate for Michigan consumers, working tirelessly to ensure they are protected, whether from the harmful impacts of data breaches to the products they purchase at the store.
In recognition of Consumer Protection Week this week, I want to highlight some of the legislation I’ve been spearheading in the state Legislature to strengthen protections for Michigan consumers. While unfortunately the below bills did not make it across the finish line in the last legislative session, I remain committed to continue fighting for this legislation in this new term.
Safeguarding Michiganders’ Personal & Health Data
Passed unanimously by Senate Democrats last year, Senate Bills 659 and 888–892 would have established consumers’ rights related to the collection and use of personal data, expanded the definition of “personal data” to include health and biometric information, such as fingerprints and facial recognition, and provided consumers with legal recourse if a data breach has, or may have, occurred. Learn more about this legislation here.
Exposing Products with Unsafe Chemicals
From kitchen faucets to hose parts, it’s truly stunning how much lead is leeched into various products we purchase for day-to-day use, causing unsafe drinking water for Michigan families and their furry friends. That’s why I sponsored Senate Bill 884, which would better inform consumers as to the products they are purchasing by requiring the labeling of all plumping fixtures and pipes that do not meet the federal lead-free standards as “containing lead.”
Similarly, despite the state having more than 11,000 PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)-contaminated sites — the most in the United States — Michigan does not require manufacturers to list PFAS as an active ingredient in products. I introduced Senate Bill 735 last year to change that, which would protect Michigan consumers by requiring manufacturers to list PFAS as active and hazardous ingredients in any product they are in.
Along with the legislation I championed alongside fellow Senate Democrats last year to expand consumer protections, I’m excited to share that my colleague, Sen. Sam Singh, introduced legislation just this week to further bolster protections for Michigan consumers. His bill, Senate Bill 134, seeks to restore power to the Michigan Consumer Protection Act, equipping the Michigan Dept. of Attorney General with the authority to investigate, ensuring bad actors and harmful business practices can be held accountable under state law.
2025 State of the State Address
Last week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her annual State of the State address, outlining her priorities for the year ahead. She highlighted plans to make housing more affordable, lower costs for working families, and ensure every Michigander has the opportunity to build a secure future.
In her speech, I was thrilled to hear Gov. Whitmer highlight the benefits of the Rx Kids program and support for expansion of affordable child care, issues I have consistently supported during my time in the Legislature. I was glad to hear her acknowledge their importance, and I agree that we must do more to ensure Michigan’s children have what they need to thrive. I remain committed to fighting for families around the state and will continue working to ensure real progress on this issue.
One particularly special part of the night featured a tribute to former U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, when the governor announced that the state’s Constitution Hall in Lansing will be renamed in her honor.
As the legislative session continues, I look forward to working with the governor and my colleagues in the Legislature to pass policies that address these challenges and deliver meaningful solutions for Michiganders across the state. If you missed the address, you can watch the full recording here.
Sen. Bayer with her special guest, Eric McPherson from Sheet Metal Workers Local 80, at the 2025 State of the State on Wed., Feb. 26
Community and State Organizations Share Local Impact of Federal Funding Freeze on Michiganders
This week, the Senate Oversight Committee heard testimony from leaders of early childhood education programs, health and nutrition experts, disability advocates, and other nonprofits and institutions who have faced challenges providing crucial services to Michigan children, seniors, students, families and more as a result of the Trump administration’s January memo ordering a pause to funding for federal grants and loans.
Though the order was temporarily blocked by a federal judge, who also decided last week to extend the block, the effects of the administration’s initial announcement caused confusion and chaos in the days that followed and ongoing uncertainty. Those who came and testified shared how problematic the initial proposed funding freeze and the continuing confusion have been. Thousands of parents, patients, people with disabilities, and others rely on these and similar organizations in their communities and around the state. Reduced federal funding would put food, health, housing, transportation, and other vital services and support at risk.
Included in the group who testified were longtime friends of mine, Deb Brinson, Director of a Federally Qualified Health Center in Pontiac, and Phillip Bergquist, CEO of the Michigan Primary Care Association. You can watch their testimony here or to watch the video of the full hearing, click here.
Michigan Senate Democrats will continue to stand with the state’s families, community organizations, and local businesses to fight back against these dangerous decisions. Senate Oversight and other committees will continue to investigate the local consequences of President Trump’s federal actions.
Michigan Senate Wins Lawsuit, Upholding Integrity of Constitution & Securing Wins for Teachers, First Responders, & Corrections Officers
We won! Last week, Court of Claims Judge Sima Patel ruled in favor of Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks and the Michigan Senate in Michigan Senate v. Michigan House of Representatives, making it abundantly clear that the Michigan Constitution says every bill passed by the Legislature is required to be presented to the governor — and no one — especially an elected public servant in legislative leadership — is above the law.
The lawsuit was brought forth by Leader Brinks after House Speaker Matt Hall failed to present nine bills that passed both chambers to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The bills — House Bills 4177, 4665-4667, and 4900-4901 of 2023 and House Bills 5817-5818 and 6058 of 2024 — improve retirement benefits for state corrections and conservation officers as well as lower health care costs for firefighters, teachers, and other public sector employees.
February Coffee and Conversation
A huge thank you to everyone who joined me for my Coffee Hour at the West Bloomfield Township Public Library on February 21! It was wonderful connecting with you all, sharing great conversations about issues that matter to you, and enjoying a warm cup of coffee together. Your support and engagement mean so much — I look forward to seeing you at the next one!
West Bloomfield Black Expo
My staff had an excellent time at West Bloomfield’s Annual Black Expo on February 22! While I was unable to attend, our office collaborated with State Representative Noah Arbit’s team to distribute informational resources and engage with the community. My staff did some shopping, enjoyed some sweet treats, and recognized Black History Month alongside other attendees. This event is presented by the West Bloomfield Diversity Task Force, and it gets better every year!
Mitten and Boot Cafe
I recently visited the Mitten and Boot Cafe in Farmington Hills! Chef Mike and his mom serve up some classic and creative Italian fare. Eat in, pick up dinner to bring home, or cater an event! Thanks for the excellent visit!
Celebrating Free School Meals for Michigan Students
I’m proud that in the last two state budgets we passed, my colleagues and I were able to secure funding to provide free breakfast and lunch for all public school students, saving Michigan families approximately $850 a year on food costs, and keeping kids fed and focused in the classroom.
As one of only eight states that offers a statewide free meal program for all public school students, the Michigan Dept. of Education is recognizing this week, March 3-7, as National School Breakfast Week, an opportunity to highlight this widely popular and successful program. Since the start of Michigan School Meals in the 2023-24 school year, 31% more students are eating breakfast at school and 25% more are eating lunch there as well. And, the program doesn’t just benefit students and their families, but also provides a boost to local farmers and food producers. I’m glad to see Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has called for its continuation in the 2026 state budget — I’ll be fighting to make sure that happens!
Tick Tock, Time to Change the Clock!
Here’s your reminder that starting this weekend, be prepared to lose an hour of sleep and gain an extra hour of daylight in return! Yep, Daylight Saving Time is upon us. This Sunday, March 9, clocks will spring forward one hour at 2:00 a.m. and reset to 3:00 a.m. While cell phones will automatically reset themselves, make sure to change any manually controlled clocks ahead of time before heading to bed on Saturday night, March 8, to avoid any confusion or a last-minute morning scramble to get out the door.
That lost hour of sleep? Don’t worry — we’ll get it back on Nov. 3, 2025, when standard time resumes.
Stay Protected and Slam the Scam
With National Slam the Scam Day happening this Thursday, March 6, the Social Security Administration wants to spread awareness about Social Security-related scams and tips on how to stop scammers from stealing your money and personal information. Help protect yourself and your loved ones by:
- Learning about the most recent scams. Signs of a scam include:
- An unexpected problem or offer of a prize or benefit increase,
- Pressure to act immediately, and
- A request for an unusual payment like cryptocurrency, gift cards, gold bars, and wire transfers, potentially along with the promise of keeping your money “safe.”
- Reporting scams as soon as possible. Everyone is vulnerable — victims shouldn’t be embarrassed.
- Sharing their Scam Alert fact sheet and helping inform others on how to protect themselves.
Report Social Security-related scams to the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General.