Dear Neighbor,
I hope you are staying warm in this cold Michigan weather! Be sure to take extra care when going outside or traveling this month. Bundle up and stay warm, watch out for ice, and pay attention to the changing conditions.
Below, you’ll find updates on how I’m continuing to advocate for the needs of our residents in the Michigan Senate. I’m excited about the road ahead and remain committed to serving our community by working on the issues that matter most to you. Stay tuned for more updates as we begin advancing our legislative priorities for 2026!
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 emailing SenMCavanagh@senate.michigan.gov or calling 517-373-7748.
Sincerely,
Mary Cavanagh
State Senator
District 6
- From working to keep kids safe online to tackling rising utility costs, Senate Democrats have started 2026 off strong by advancing legislation in recent weeks to protect Michigan kids and consumers. Learn more below.
- Our District Office is now open to serve you. Stay up to date on future office hours by following our Facebook Page.
- My bill to protect consumers from reselling ticket robots has now been signed into law by Gov. Whitmer!
“Taylor Swift Bills” Signed into Law!
I’m proud to share that my bill, Senate Bill (SB) 158, was signed into law by Gov. Whitmer late last year. SB 158, which we’re calling the “Taylor Swift Bill,” was part of a bipartisan package of bills to crack down on the use of bots that buy up large quantities of event tickets and resell them to consumers at a higher price, pricing many consumers out of being able to access their favorite live events. While legislative progress was slow last year, I’m excited that we were able to get this common-sense piece of legislation signed into law.
Protecting Michigan Kids & Consumers
Senate Democrats have hit the ground running this year, uplifting and advancing several pieces of legislation to safeguard Michigan kids and consumers, including bills to:
- Keep kids safe online — As we rapidly accelerate into the age of digital and AI advancements, our youth are bearing the brunt of the harmful consequences of Big Tech’s exploitive algorithms. That’s why Senate Democrats introduced legislation that would implement stronger safety measures that prevent social media companies and AI platforms from targeting and exploiting minors. Introduced last month and highlighted in a press conference this past week, this “Kids Over Clicks” package would protect kids from the dangers of unfettered online activity by holding Big Tech accountable.
- Ban cell phones in schools — To address the growing issue of cell phone use in schools, the Michigan Senate advanced bipartisan legislation earlier this week to ban cell phones during instruction in every grade in Michigan’s K-12 public schools. These bills would help teachers to teach and students to learn.
- 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 introduced by Senate Democrats last week 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.
Rx Kids Launching in Detroit
During her first days in office, Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield announced the highly effective Rx Kids program will launch within the first 100 days of her administration, offering medical cash prescriptions for Detroit’s new moms and babies!
Originally tailored to uplift the city of Flint, Rx Kids supports expectant and new mothers during the most critical time in an infant’s life. Created in partnership with Dr. Mona Hanna and Michigan State University, Rx Kids provides life-changing financial security that is universal and unconditional. Moms receive $1,500 during pregnancy, and babies receive $500 a month for six to 12 months after birth. Having championed Rx Kids since its inception, Senate Democrats further expanded Rx Kids in the 2026 budget and are helping ensure the game-changing program can reach more communities across the state.
With an estimated 8,000 babies born in Detroit every year, this historic expansion will set a standard for how cities and states show up for families when it matters most — and help support the newest Detroiters to have safe and healthy futures. Rx Kids is also now underway in Lake County and certain communities in Saginaw and Berrien counties.
To learn more about Rx Kids’ initiatives and when enrollment opens near you, click here.
Around the Community with Cavanagh
It was a privilege to join Redford leaders to celebrate the opening of a new wellness center! This facility is an important resource for helping our community stay active, healthy, and connected.
I had a great time attending many local community holiday parties around District 6!
Honored to have joined the Grandmont community for this year’s Winter Wonderland Ball! Events like these remind us how powerful community and local leadership really are.
Inspiring morning at the Detroit Parent Network Annual Breakfast Meeting! Grateful for the opportunity to connect with the parents, educators, and advocates who work every day to uplift our kids and strengthen Detroit’s future!
Grateful to have attended the UAW Region 1A Children’s Council Holiday Celebration! My family’s story is rooted in this movement, and I’m proud to carry that legacy forward at the Capitol. I will continue working to protect workers’ rights, expand opportunities, and ensure every Michigander can build a strong future.
I had an inspiring visit with the Detroit African Youth Development Organization (DAYDO), where we engaged with their youth STEM/NASA programming, adult workforce programs, and immigrant family services that are lifting up Brightmoor’simmigrant communities. We met with staff, youth, and adults in their programs, discussed district priorities, and identified ways legislative support can help strengthen and expand their impact. Thank you to the entire DAYDO team for the warm welcome and the incredible work you do!
Staying Warm in Frigid Temperatures
As temperatures continue to drop throughout this weekend, many community organizations have opened their doors to ensure that everyone can stay warm during the day. Please find below a list of warming centers that are open in or near Senate District 6. Hours may vary and change, so please call to verify the hours of operation for these warming centers. More information can be found here.
Michiganders Continue to Feel Relief from Senate Dems’ EITC Expansion
While the costs of housing, utilities, and everyday essentials remain sky-high, legislation that my Senate Democratic colleagues and I championed back in 2023 continues to deliver relief for Michiganders across the state today. As part of the largest tax relief initiative in Michigan history, we quintupled Michigan’s match of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) from 6% to 30% to help families who need it most.
With EITC Awareness Day around the corner, we’re uplifting the power of fair tax policy to help residents make ends meet. For the 2025 tax filing season, an average state EITC of $890 was delivered to approximately 665,000 recipients. When combined with the average federal EITC of $2,966, eligible families received a total average credit of $3,856. These are real dollars we are putting back in the pockets of hard-working Michiganders, helping alleviate the costs of rent, groceries, gas, and everything in between.
To learn more about this historic tax break and other ways we are lowering costs for you and your family, click here. To check if you qualify for the EITC, click here.
Protecting Yourself During Flu Season
As you may have noticed in your community, flu season has hit Michigan at full force. The Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDDHS) recommends these steps in order to protect you and your loved ones from this serious illness:
- Take time to get the flu vaccine — the most effective way to prevent flu is to get vaccinated every year!
- Take everyday preventative actions, such as:
- Avoiding close contact with other people who are sick;
- Staying home when you are sick;
- Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing;
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth;
- And practicing other good health habits, like getting plenty of sleep, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, and eating nutritious foods.
- Take flu antiviral drugs to combat illness if your doctor recommends them.
For more information and resources about flu season, click here.