Celebrating Black History Month

Dear Neighbor,   

Happy Black History Month! This February, I encourage you to join me in recognizing the diverse contributions and histories of African Americans in our state and nation. I am attending the West Bloomfield Black Expo on Saturday, Feb. 21st, and I would love to see everyone there! There are also other events and ways you can celebrate around the district and state: be sure to check those out here. Lastly, I want to also encourage folks to check out their local libraries, which have compiled great resources and books to commemorate this month.    

Our work in the legislature is well underway for the year, and as always, I’m honored to continue serving you and our community in the state Senate. Read on to learn more about the solutions we’re working to deliver for District 13 residents and our entire state.  

As always, if you need assistance of any sort, or have any questions or concerns you’d like to share, please feel free to reach out to my office. You can reach me and my team by calling (517) 373-2417 or emailing SenRBayer@senate.michigan.gov.    

Sincerely, 

Rosemary Bayer 
State Senator 
District 13 

• The official Black history commemoration effort turns 100-years-old in 2026! This Black History Month, join me in exploring the many historic, cultural, and economic contributions of African Americans in Michigan and beyond. 
• Join me for my upcoming community conversation event at the Novi Civic Center on Thursday, Feb. 26 at 6:30 p.m.  
• Need help accessing utility assistance this winter? Read on to learn more. 

Protecting Michiganders’ Personal Information  

Last week, Data Privacy Day was recognized on January 28. I recently spoke on the Senate floor on the importance of data privacy, and highlighted my legislation, Senate Bill 359. Though we passed it out of the Senate last term, unfortunately it didn’t make it to Governor Whitmer’s desk to be signed into law. After years of working in the technology and computer space, this issue is near and dear to my heart, and I’m hopeful to get it to the governor this year!  

100 Years of Celebrating Black History

This year, the official Black history commemoration effort turns 100-years-old! In 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson — a graduate of Harvard University and son of slaves — created Negro History Week to encourage the study of African American history and lives in public schools across the nation. In 1976, Michigan’s own President Gerald R. Ford expanded the commemoration to a full month to be observed every February.  

A century after the first official Black history celebration effort, Black History Month continues to serve as an annual celebration of the many cultural, historical, and economic contributions and sacrifices of African Americans. Our state has long been home to a diverse range of Black leaders and trailblazers whose legacies and accomplishments have changed our world for the better, from abolitionist Sojourner Truth and “mother of the freedom movement” Rosa Parks to Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Stevie Wonder and “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin.    

Senate Democrats have worked hard to ensure Michigan is a place where everyone has an equitable opportunity to thrive, no matter the color of their skin. Together, we’ve successfully:   

• Banned race-based hair discrimination; 
• Strengthened our laws against hate crimes; 
• Fought to mitigate racial and ethnic health disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes; 
• Designated Juneteenth as an official state holiday; 
• Ensured every voter can safely exercise their fundamental right to vote; and 
• Centered equity in our state budget investments.   

My Democratic colleagues and I will continue to uplift communities that have been historically marginalized and fight for justice and equality for all Michiganders. 

Michigan Senate Dems Urge Congress to Rein in ICE, DHS Brutality 

Left: Sen. Chang hears testimony on legislation she’s championing to increase transparency and accountability for federal immigration enforcement officers. Right: Sen. Bayer joining in protest with Plymouth residents to voice opposition to ICE raids and increased presence across the country. Additionally, my office participated in the national strike on Jan. 30th.  

In response to a disturbing uptick in unchecked, violent tactics used by federal immigration enforcement officers in Minnesota and across the nation, Michigan Senate Democrats passed Senate Resolution 92 with bipartisan support last week to urge Congress to restore and strengthen accountability in the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency and Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS). 

On Jan. 29th, Michiganders filled three rooms to listen to testimony in the Senate Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety on legislation to restrict the reckless tactics used by ICE and DHS officers. 

We’re also working to advance legislation (Senate Bills 508-510) that would better protect the safety of all Michiganders by reigning in the dangerous tactics used by ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officers and condoned by our federal administration. Discussed in a packed committee room this past week, these commonsense bills would ensure the safety and dignity of all those who call our state home by:  

• Protecting schools, hospitals, courthouses, places of worship, and other sensitive locations from immigration enforcement;  
• Prohibiting government entities from sharing personally identifying information for the purposes of immigration enforcement; and  
• Preventing law enforcement officers from wearing masks to conceal their identity. 

The brutality and corruption of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown is anti-American, and our nation’s leaders must demand greater transparency and oversight in ICE and DHS operations — because no one is above the law. 

Senate Democrats Champion Legislation to Protect Michiganders of All Ages 

In the first month of 2026, Senate Democrats have been busy working across the aisle to deliver solutions to the challenges facing Michiganders and keep them safe from a growing number of safety concerns, including human trafficking and telephone scammers. Included in the bills advanced is legislation to:   

• Reduce cell phone usage in schools: To address the growing issue of cell phone use in schools and protect kids’ uninterrupted learning environment, the Michigan Senate recently passed bipartisan legislation to ban cell phones during instruction time in Michigan’s K-12 public schools. These bills would help ensure our educators can teach, and our students can learn without distraction.
• Prevent human trafficking: In 2024, the National Human Trafficking Hotline received over 750 tips of human trafficking in Michigan, with 340 of them being confirmed cases. As Michigan shares an international border, Michiganders, especially children, are uniquely vulnerable to falling victim to this heinous crime. To help us protect our most vulnerable, my colleagues and I recently passed bipartisan legislation to increase criminal penalties, particularly for those who traffic minors.
• Crack down on scam calls and texts: As folks navigate the stressors of everyday life, the last thing you need is a constant stream of phone calls and texts harassing you and attempting to deceive you out of your hard-earned money. That’s why, last week, the Senate unanimously passed bipartisan legislation to tackle this issue head-on, ensuring both our residents and the Attorney General’s office have the tools they need to hold scammers accountable. 

New Year, New Legislation! Senate Dems Introduce Legislation to Tackle Rising Energy Costs 

With the new year here, my colleagues and I have hit the ground running to introduce new legislation. 

• Tackle rising energy costs: While the costs of everything from gas and groceries continue to put a squeeze on Michiganders, utility costs are only adding to the burden. To combat outrageous energy rates — which have gone up 11% since Jan. 2025 — legislation recently introduced by Senate Democrats would establish a multiyear rate plan to set utility prices for multiple years, preventing surprise spikes in monthly bills and improving financial planning and stability for families in the state.

Community Conversation in Novi 

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 26, from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.  
WHERE: Novi Civic Center, 45175 W. 10 Mile Rd., Novi, MI 48375 

Connecting with Constituents in Farmington Hills 

It was great to see all the constituents who braved the weather to attend my recent coffee hour at the Farmington Hills Library! We talked about so many of the issues that matter, from data centers and the federal issues that are weighing so heavy on our hearts and minds, to my bill to codify firearm suicide prevention measures (Senate Bill 539 — Donna’s Law). I’m looking forward to my next opportunity to chat about the issues impacting you on Feb. 26th in Novi! 

2026 State of the State Art and Writing Contests 

For the first time ever, Michigan K-12 students have the opportunity to be a part of the governor’s State of the State address!   

• Art Contest: K-12 students are encouraged to come up with a creative art design for the program cover on the theme of “Michigan’s Bright Future.” Answer the question of what our state’s future looks like, and submit designs here.
• Writing Contest: Students should write their best short story or essay on what they love most about Michigan. Submit your student’s writing here. 

Submissions for both contests are due no later than 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026. The governor’s State of the State address is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026. Learn more here. 

Utility Assistance Programs  

Winter can become stressful with high utility costs. Depending on your household income, you may qualify for assistance:     

• State Emergency Relief: State Emergency Relief is a crisis intervention program that provides assistance for energy-related expenses like heating fuel, electricity, and home repairs. Those who can demonstrate need are encouraged to apply online through MI Bridges.  
• Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP): The Michigan Public Service Commission administers the MEAP, helping establish and administer statewide programs that provide energy assistance and self-sufficiency services to eligible low-income households. To seek help, contact 2-1-1 or your utility company to find programs in your area.  
• Weatherization Assistance Program: The Weatherization Assistance Program provides free home energy-conservation services to low-income Michigan homeowners and renters. These services can reduce energy use and lower utility bills. Some of the services include insulation, air leakage reduction, smoke detectors, and dryer venting. You can contact your local Community Action Agency to start the application process.