Wins for Workers: Senate Democrats’ Pro-Worker Policies Are Building Up Michigan 

Marking the unofficial end of summer, the Labor Day holiday is a great time for Michiganders and folks across the country to gather with friends and family, whether getting together for a good grill-out, a last swim, or the chance to sit around a campfire and enjoy all that nature has to offer. Most importantly, this holiday is a time to reflect and uplift all the hardworking individuals who’ve built up our country, and those who continue to build up Michigan every day — from our educators to our home care workers, our skilled tradespeople to our first responders.  

Senate Democrats realize that workers are what makes our state go ‘round. Since being in the Majority for the first time in nearly 40 years, we have already passed a slew of pro-worker policies for Michiganders.

One game-changing piece of legislation we championed last year was the repeal of the state’s harmful anti-union law, which made Michigan the first state in nearly 60 years to reverse this type of harmful legislation, as noted by the Economic Policy Institute.  Restoring workers’ rights to collective bargaining marked a powerful step to address growing levels of income inequality and power imbalances in our state’s economy. 

Sen. John Cherry speaks on the floor of the Senate chamber in support of Senate Bill 34 — legislation to restore workers’ rights and empower them to advocate for better working conditions and wages. 

“The ability to speak up together with one voice for better pay and benefits and safer workplace conditions is a right that workers deserve,” said Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks. “By repealing anti-worker laws, we’re making our state a place where people want to come, work hard, and build a life knowing that they will be respected and able to earn a good living. It’s a new era in Lansing and we are taking this historic opportunity to restore workers’ freedom.” 

Also in 2023, Senate Democrats secured legislation to put more money in the pockets of workers and their families by reinstating prevailing wage on state construction projects, expanding the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) — securing the most significant increase to the credit in state history — and repealing the state pension income tax for retirees.

Our “Clean Energy Future” package signed into law last November not only combats climate change, but it will also create job opportunities and support our workers in the transition to clean energy production in the process.

Using the 2024 state budget, we took instrumental steps to build up the state’s workforce by investing $70 million in Michigan Reconnect, expanding eligibility so 350,000 more people can take advantage of a tuition-free path to an associate degree or skills training certificate.

The 2025 state budget passed last month continued that progress and secured even more critical wins and investments for workers across our state. This included $52 million in continued support for Michigan Reconnect scholarships and other innovative, impactful investments for the good of every Michigander and their families.

“As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on LEO, MEDC, LARA, and DIFS, I am proud to have secured transformative investments that foster economic development, protect consumers, lower costs, uplift local communities, and support our ongoing goal of creating a future for our state and its hardworking residents that invests in everyone,” said Sen. Mary Cavanagh. “From affordable housing to workforce development, this historic budget represents what’s made possible when leaders invest in the priorities most important to our communities.”

In addition, $2.5 million was secured to officially launch the Community and Worker Economic Transition Office. Created as part of our Clean Energy Future plan and established by the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity, this office will develop proactive strategies that help companies and Michiganders take full advantage of the high-tech, high-paying jobs coming to the state in the auto and energy sectors. 

Continuing last year’s momentum, Senate Democrats have introduced and passed several other bills to uplift our workers, some of which are highlighted below. 

• The Senate has passed the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (MIOSHA) maximum penalties package, Senate Bills 829–830, will enhance workplace safety by bringing Michigan’s maximum penalties for MIOSHA violations up to par with federal levels. 

• Senate Bills 790–791 would restore the right of 35,000 independent provider home care workers to have the choice to form a union, create access to training for caregivers, and more. This package was passed by the Senate in June. 

• A new set of bills to strengthen Michigan’s child labor laws was introduced this summer. Senate Bills 963–965 would increase penalties and fines for businesses found employing minors illegally or subjecting them to unsafe working conditions; transfer the authority to issue work permits for minors from the Michigan Dept. of Education to the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO); and establish a new Youth Employment Standards Act registration system under LEO for the employment of minors. 

And, officially signed into law last month, prevailing wage protections have been extended to essential wind and solar projects statewide through Senate Bill 571. This legislation ensures fair compensation and safeguards the skills and safety of our workforce. 

Michigan Senate Democrats walk the picket line in solidarity with striking workers. 

These bold actions underscore Senate Democrats’ commitment to restoring the rights and recognizing the dignity of our workers, the backbone of our state’s economy. While much progress has been made to support workers here in Michigan, there is still much left to do. By keeping our workers protected and uplifted, strengthening their rights in the workplace, and ensuring fair pay for their hard work, we are both bolstering our economy and building a better place for all Michiganders to call home.