Dear Neighbor,
As we enter March, the legislative and budget season is kicking into high gear. The governor recently delivered her final State of the State address and unveiled her recommendations for the 2027 state budget, officially setting the stage for the months ahead. In both presentations, she emphasized priorities I share including making life more affordable for Michiganders, investing in our students and schools, and lowering the cost of housing so more folks have the ability to build and raise their family here in Michigan. Read on to learn more.
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
- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently released her blueprint for the 2027 state budget, officially kicking off negotiations. Learn more about some of our shared priorities below.
- Join me for my upcoming Coffee Hour event on March 27th at 1:00 p.m. at our District 6 Office.
- In response to the recent uptick in reckless immigration enforcement actions here in Michigan and around the country, Attorney General Dana Nessel has launched a new form for residents to report alleged misconduct by federal immigration agents in their communities. Learn more below.
Budget Season Begins!
Last month, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer released her FY 2027 state budget blueprint, officially kicking off the start to the budget process here in the Senate and across the chamber. With Michiganders continuing to feel the pinch from ongoing inflation, rising health care costs, and other impacts of the reckless actions of our federal administration, the governor’s plan aims to mitigate the pressures residents across the state are facing while also addressing the $1.8 billion shortfall largely caused by those same actions.
From saving Michiganders money and setting our students up for success to growing the economy and improving public safety, I am encouraged to see that her spending plan reflects many of the Senate’s own priorities. Along with continuing to invest in proven programs we have long championed — universal school meals, targeted tax relief for working families and retirees, free pre-K, and more — I’m particularly thrilled to see her budget recommendation include:
- Property tax relief for about 335,000 seniors to help them age with dignity in their own homes;
- Significant investments to bolster literacy in Michigan;
- A $250 per-student boost to our per-pupil funding, for a total of $10,300 per student;
- Additional support for at-risk and special education students, student mental health and safety needs, before- and after-school programs;
- A new “back to school” tax holiday to help families save money on clothes, school supplies, and more;
- Expansion of the Michigan Reconnect program to include adult learners ages 21 and older; and
- Investments in Registered Apprenticeship and Workforce Development Programs around the state.
While this new revenue landscape presents some unique challenges this year, my commitment to delivering real solutions for the people of Michigan remains stronger than ever. My Senate Democratic colleagues and I are looking forward to collaborating with our colleagues both across the aisle and across the chamber to craft a balanced state budget that is passed on time and provides meaningful relief for those who need it most.
Putting Kids Over Clicks — Protecting Michigan’s Youth Online
Safer Internet Day was recognized across the globe last month, a campaign focused on transforming our digital spaces into positive, respectful places through responsible internet use and prioritized safety for our youngest internet users.
To create safer internet spaces and put a stop to the exploitative tactics of Big Tech and AI companies, Senate Democrats introduced Senate Bills 757–760, the Kids Over Clicks package. This commonsense legislation was crafted with parents, industry experts, and advocates to grant Michigan parents with more control and transparency over their children’s online activity while holding corporations accountable for the unethical, predatory practices that put our youth at risk and keep them addicted to their devices.
Senate Democrats are calling on Michiganders to join us in the fight for a better, safer digital world for our kids and families — because we can all play a part in this fight to better protect our kids online.
If you have children, we encourage you to take our survey and let us know your thoughts on how social media is impacting our youngest generation — your input can help shape what the final package looks like to ensure we meet the needs of Michigan families! To learn more and find out other ways you can take action, click here.
Honoring Michigan’s Workers and Union Legacies on White Shirt Day
We recognized White Shirt Day on Feb. 11, which marked the 89th anniversary of the end of the Flint sit-down strike, when Michigan UAW members won the right to be recognized by General Motors.
Entire communities participated in the strike, as family members and workers alike put their bodies on the line, forming a human shield around the plants to protect strikers from violence. Families even delivered food to the plants to support the cause. This precedent has continued through today’s labor negotiations, with union families sacrificing during strikes in support of better wages and benefits for the working class.
The UAW fought, and they won big! Within a year of the 1937 strike, the UAW grew from 30,000 to 500,000 members strong, and autoworker wages increased by as much as 300%. Now, the UAW has over 600 locals across the United States, protecting laborers of all regions and a variety of industries.
Last month and always, we honor the workers and families whose courageous actions paved the way for progress in Michigan and nationwide. My colleagues and I continue to fight for Michigan’s workers, whether that be through quintupling Michigan’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for working families or passing legislation to restore prevailing wages and allow our unions to better negotiate.
We are proud of Michigan’s role in continuously shaping the labor movement. No matter the color of your collar, job title, or industry — all workers are entitled to dignity.
Rx Kids Launches in Detroit
Rx Kids, the nation’s first-ever community-wide prenatal and infant cash prescription program, is now available in Detroit! Senate Democrats have championed Rx Kids since its inception to support moms and babies at their most vulnerable stage of life. Seeing its proven success, we further expanded this gamechanging program in the 2026 budget so that communities across the state can access these benefitshttps://rxkids.org/communities/detroit/. I’m thrilled to share that expectant mothers in Detroit and any babies born on Jan. 1, 2026 or after are now eligible to enroll. Learn more and apply here.
District Office Opening with Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib
District 1 Satellite Hours
Honoring Livonia Dems President Kate Shishkovsky
Meeting with Rev. Horace Sheffield III
Stories, Snacks, and Crafts at Livonia Greenmead
Oh, the fun you’ll have on a day off from school 10:30 a.m. to noon Monday, March 9. Get ready to step into the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss! We are celebrating his birthday with a morning filled with nonsense, laughter, and a whole lot of imagination. Whether your child is a “Thinker of Thinks” or a fan of the “Cat,” this event will spark creativity and a love of reading in kids ages 4-10. Advance registration is required for $10/child resident, $12/child non-resident.
This program is designed for children ages 4–10, and a parent or guardian must accompany each child. All children in attendance must be registered.
Weekly Office Hours
WHEN: Every Friday, from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: District 6 Office, 17360 Lahser Rd., Detroit, MI 48219
March Community Conversation
WHEN: Friday, March 27 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: District 6 Office, 17360 Lahser Rd., Detroit, MI 48219
New Tool to Report Immigration Enforcement in Michigan
Attorney General Dana Nessel has recently launched a new reporting form for Michiganders to report alleged misconduct by federal immigration agents in their communities. Crafted in response to concerns from residents across the state on the uptick of harmful enforcement tactics happening in Michigan and nationwide, this new tool provides Michiganders an avenue to document any concerning behavior they are witnessing at the hands of federal officers. The form allows residents to submit specific incident details, including descriptions of the actions witnessed, the number of individuals involved and their group or agency affiliations, tools and weapons observed, and the time and location of the incident. Learn more here, and click here to access the form.
Resources to Help Make for a Smooth Tax Filing Season
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently opened the 2026 tax filing season, with the deadline to file as Wednesday, April 15, 2026!
Senate Democrats have been focused on cutting taxes and making it easier to raise families here in Michigan. That’s why we worked to deliver the biggest tax break for working families in Michigan history, which cut taxes by $1 billion. Click here for a few quick tips to help you maximize your return this year!
During the last legislative session, we quintupled Michigan’s match of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) from 6% to 30% to help families save an average of $3,800 when combined with the federal credit. Check if you qualify for the federal EITC here.
Remember, do not share your tax documents or earnings statements via phone or social media. The IRS will only contact you via official U.S. Postal Service mail. View the IRS’ guide to stay safe from scams, and find free tax-filing resources and preparation near you here.