Dear Neighbor,
These are turbulent times in our country. People in our community are feeling the impact of the uncertainty that is coming out of Washington, D.C. — I have heard from federal employees who have been fired, nonprofit leaders who are facing funding shortages, and so many worried citizens who aren’t sure how they’ll make ends meet if tariffs and cuts are carried out.
As a state leader, my power does not extend to Washington, D.C. But I want to assure you that I remain committed to the same set of values that brought me to Lansing more than a decade ago. I believe politicians should be transparent and trustworthy. I believe government should make life more manageable for real people, particularly those whose basic needs don’t get met. I believe people’s rights should be protected. I believe we should treat one another with dignity. I won’t waver on those things, no matter who is in the White House or who holds the gavel.
We are a strong community. We care about one another’s challenges and uplift each other’s successes. I’m proud to represent you in Lansing and am always willing to hear from you. 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 SenWBrinks@senate.michigan.gov or calling 517-373-1801.
Sincerely,
Winnie Brinks
Senate Majority Leader
State Senator, District 29
- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her annual State of the State address, outlining her priorities for the year ahead, such as tackling the housing crisis, lowering costs for working families, and ensuring all Michiganders have what they need to thrive.
- Legal victory: Courts ruled that the House must follow the Constitution, and the bills uplifting teachers, first responders, and corrections officers must be sent to the Governor.
- Local organizations raise alarm about the impacts already being felt of the federal funding freeze on our community.
2025 State of the State Address
On Feb. 26, 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.
Gov. Whitmer made herself loud and clear that night: our collaborative efforts to drive Michigan forward are working. Since the onset of our Senate Democratic Majority, we’ve worked in tandem with the governor and House to forge a better future for our residents — from expanding civil rights protections and reproductive rights to delivering the largest tax relief plan in state history and making sure no Michigan student goes hungry at school. But our work is not done yet — we’ll continue fighting to lower costs, foster opportunity, and improve our quality of life. And we’ll remain open to working with anyone who puts the real needs of our residents first and foremost. We’re in your corner, and together, we’ll continue to prove to the rest of the country just how great it is being a Michigander.
If you missed the address, you can watch the full recording here.
Community and State Organizations Share Local Impact of Federal Funding Freeze on Michiganders
Last week, the Senate Oversight Committee heard testimony from leaders (including Kent County Head Start’s MaDonna Princer and Catherine’s Health Center’s Megan Erskine) 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. This has resulted in devastating consequences for organizations around the state and for the Michiganders who rely on them. This committee hearing was an opportunity to hear firsthand about the on-the-ground impact this directive has had here in Michigan.
To watch the hearing, you can find a recording on the Michigan Senate Democrats’ Facebook Page.
Michigan Senate Wins Lawsuit, Upholding Integrity of Constitution and Securing Wins for Teachers, First Responders, & Corrections Officers
We won! Last week, Court of Claims Judge Sima Patel ruled in our favor 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.
I brought this lawsuit forth 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.
Building a Better East Beltline Bridge
The Michigan Dept. of Transportation has been awarded a RAISE grant in the amount of $25 million to fund the construction for the replacement of the East Beltline Bridge over I-96 in Grand Rapids. The new bridge addresses the aging bridge’s safety and accessibility concerns, including three travel lanes in each direction, a path for bikes on one side and a sidewalk on the other, as well as much-needed ADA accessibility.
I was happy to help champion this project and join Congresswoman Scholten to make the announcement to the media about this important win for our community!
Honoring Black Veterans
My office was pleased to participate in honoring the legacy of Black veterans in February at a breakfast organized by the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute, the NAACP, and Hero’s Corner. An inspiring panel of local veterans shared their firsthand accounts of sacrifice and patriotism, and Director Brian Love of the Michigan Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs shared a keynote address. We are so grateful for the service of these brave men and women, and I am committed to working hard to ensure that they continue to receive the support they deserve.
Support for Federal Workers in Michigan Impacted by Federal Layoffs and Funding Cuts
To support federal workers who may have recently lost their jobs, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has compiled several resources to offer support. A new, comprehensive webpage, Michigan.gov/FederalWorkerHelp, provides impacted federal workers with easy access to unemployment, job search and community resources.
Additional Resources
Workers who recently lost their jobs through no fault of their own may be eligible to apply for temporary financial assistance through the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA).
UIA has resources in place to help any laid off federal worker, including:
- UIA Claimant Roadmap: An easy-to-follow, six-step guide to applying for and understanding unemployment benefits.
- Online Coaching Sessions: Web-based guidance from UIA staff who walk users through the steps needed to complete an application and qualify for payments.
- UIA Community Connect: This program partners with local groups to provide guidance for workers from underserved groups who have faced barriers when filing for jobless benefits.
- Schedule an Appointment: Schedule either an in-person, phone or virtual appointment to speak with a UIA Customer Service Agent.
- Looking for Work: Tips to understanding your responsibilities when it comes to conducting and documenting your successful work searches.
- Assistance with Setting Up an Account: Workers must create a MiLogin account before setting up a MiWAM account.
For additional assistance, workers can find FAQs, videos and other resources at Michigan.gov/UIA. To reach an agent or unlock a MiWAM or MiLogin account, they can call Customer Service at 866-500-0017.
In partnership with LEO’s Office of Employment and Training, Michigan Works! agencies are also available to assist affected federal workers. Services offered through Michigan Works! include:
- Basic Career Services, which are available to all workers seeking services.
- Individualized Career Services, which are designed for workers who are unable to obtain employment through basic career services alone.
- Training Services, which are necessary to equip workers with the skills needed to obtain and retain employment.
To connect with your local Michigan Works! service center, call 800-285-WORKS (9675) or visit Michigan.gov/MichiganWorks.
Additional helpful sites for workers:
- Pure Michigan Talent Connect
- Learn More, Earn More
- State of Michigan Job Vacancies
- Michigan Career Portal
- Michigan Reconnect
- Child Care Assistance
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 it 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!
Contact Us
The Office of Senate Majority Leader Brinks values input from all Michiganders but prioritizes District 29 constituent concerns. If you have questions or concerns but are not a resident of District 29, contact your local State Senator. Click here to find who represents you in the Senate.
Comment on Legislation: You can stay updated on legislative advancements through my e-newsletters or by clicking here. Given the high volume of messages my office receives daily, please note that it may take time for your inquiry to receive a response.
If You Need Help: If you have a problem dealing with any department of state government, such as accessing unemployment benefits, my office is available to help resolve it. While we usually cannot assist with local or federal issues, we will always do our best to help direct you to the appropriate person or organization for help.
You may always feel free to call my office at (517) 373-1801 or email me at SenWBrinks@senate.michigan.gov.
Helpful Links