Michigan Senate Democrats spent 2024 hard at work delivering solutions to the everyday challenges Michiganders face across the state. From passing a budget that builds up every resident by continuing universal free school meals, expanding access to higher education, and making robust investments in affordable housing and infrastructure, to passing legislation that strengthens protections against hate crimes, enhances government transparency, and safeguards reproductive health and maternal care, Senate Democrats worked tirelessly to ensure Michigan’s policies reflect the values and needs of its people.
The successes of 2024 were built on the strong foundation laid in 2023. From the very beginning of the 102nd Legislature, Michigan Senate Democrats tackled long-overdue issues head-on, including repealing the 1931 abortion ban, expanding the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to protect LGBTQ+ individuals, and enacting common-sense gun violence prevention measures. They provided relief to working families by expanding the state Earned Income Tax Credit and repealing the unpopular retirement tax. Senate Democrats also championed historic clean energy legislation, establishing Michigan as a national leader in renewable energy. By hitting the ground running in 2023, they set the stage for a productive 2024 and a strong conclusion to the 102nd Legislature.
In addition to writing and voting on hundreds of bills that have become law throughout this term, Michigan Senate Democrats also passed almost 250 bills addressing a wide range of priorities that did not receive a vote in the House of Representatives. These include bills protecting Michigan families and consumers, improving public safety, supporting expectant parents, expanding voter protections, and much more. While senators made every effort to push those efforts across the finish line, there is still work to be done and the caucus remains undeterred in their mission to see these bills all the way through to the governor’s desk.
Yet, even in the face of these challenges, Senate Democrats remained a steady and productive force. In the final days of the term, they passed dozens of bills that will improve the lives of all Michiganders and sent them to the governor for her signature, including legislation enabling schools to notify parents about the state’s new safe storage gun laws, improving maternal and infant health outcomes, and expanding insurance coverage for contraception to support reproductive freedom and family planning.
Michigan Senate Democrats take tremendous pride in the historic work accomplished over the past two years. By working across the aisle and engaging with diverse stakeholders, they addressed long–standing issues and delivered solutions for Michigan residents who had been overlooked for decades. Their efforts have transformed the state, laying the groundwork for a productive start to the new year and legislative session.
With 2024 behind us, Michigan Senate Democrats reflect on a year of remarkable progress and remain committed to fighting on behalf of every Michigander. While there is always more to be done, the progress made in the 102nd Legislature has set Michigan on a path to becoming stronger, more inclusive, and better equipped to meet the needs of its residents.
Read more from the Michigan Senate Democrats at SenateDems.com/press.