Hello 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, my office is always available to answer your questions and provide any assistance that you may need. Please do not hesitate to contact us or call my office at 517-373-7918 if you are in need of help.
In Solidarity,
Darrin Camilleri
State Senator
District 4
- Earlier this week, during a press conference, Senate Democrats unveiled a bold, transformative proposal that would provide the “Building Blocks” Michigan needs to uplift working families and ensure they have a fair shot at a better quality of life for themselves and their children. To watch the press conference, visit the Michigan Senate Democrats’ Facebook Page.
- On Monday, April 7, I will be hosting a town hall event to discuss legislation that would create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) in Michigan. More information below.
- To support federal workers who may have recently lost their jobs, the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has compiled several resources to offer support. Find more information and resources below.
Senate Democrats Unveil the “Building Blocks” Needed to Cut Costs, Improve Child Care and Create Opportunity for Parents and Kids
Earlier this week, during a press conference, Senate Democrats unveiled a bold, transformative proposal that would provide the “Building Blocks” Michigan needs to uplift working families and ensure they have a fair shot at a better quality of life for themselves and their children.
The plan takes a multi-angled approach to cutting the cost of parenting by:
- Providing a significant income boost to working families through a targeted Working Parents Tax Credit;
- Expanding Rx Kids statewide, a first-of-its-kind program that provides cash payments to new mothers and their babies; and
- Tackling the child care crisis from both the demand and supply side.
To watch the press conference, visit the Michigan Senate Democrats’ Facebook Page.
Community and State Organizations Share Local Impact of Federal Funding Freeze on Michiganders
Last 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. 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, visit the Michigan Senate Democrats’ Facebook Page.
Happy Birthday! Welcoming Baby Laith to the World
Last month, my wife and I welcomed our first child, Laith Darrin Camilleri, into the world. We’re so grateful for the outpouring of support we’ve received as our family enters this new chapter of our lives. We want to especially thank our amazing doctors and nurses in the labor and delivery unit at Corewell Trenton who took such good care of us.
Thank you to everyone who has sent their warm wishes and blessings as we enjoy the first weeks of parenthood.
Prescription Drug Affordability Board Town Hall
The high cost of prescription drugs is a growing crisis for many residents in our community and across the state. Meanwhile, Big Pharma continues to rake in record profits with little accountability. That’s why, on April 7, I will be hosting a town hall event to discuss legislation that would create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) in Michigan. A PDAB would play a crucial role in reducing prescription drug costs for all consumers.
This event provides a great opportunity for you to learn more about a PDAB, ask questions you may have and give input on the legislation.
WHEN: Monday, April 7, from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Virtual. More details to come.
I will provide more information, like how to register for the virtual event, in the coming weeks.
Senior Summit
In May, I’m hosting a Senior Summit event at the Romulus Athletic Center. You can come anytime between 12:00 and 2:00 p.m. This event will be incredibly informative and a great way for you to ask questions and share your perspective on issues that are important to you.
We will also have light refreshments and a panel of speakers from various public offices, organizations, and agencies who will address issues important to seniors, including services available to you, how to protect yourself from identity theft, and how to avoid scams.
WHEN: Friday, May 16, from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: Romulus Athletic Center, 35765 Northline Rd., Romulus, MI 48174
I will provide you with updates and reminders about this event as it gets closer.
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, we’re proud so say that 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!