Dear Neighbor,
From calling on D.C. Republicans to lower skyrocketing energy prices, to tackling the child care crisis facing our parents, to taking on medical debt, my Senate colleagues and I have been working hard to advance legislation that would make life in Michigan more affordable. Learn more about these efforts below, including recent progress in the fight to keep our kids safe from Big Tech.
And, as the April 15 deadline to file your taxes gets closer and closer, read on for helpful information and resources on how you can keep more of your hard-earned paycheck.
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 calling on the Trump administration to lower soaring gas prices to advancing a slate of legislation that would provide real financial relief for Michigan families, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I have been working hard on your behalf in Lansing. Learn more below.
- Our office hosts office hours every Friday from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. More information can be found below.
- International Transgender Day of Visibility was recognized on Tuesday, March 31. Learn more below on how to commemorate the trans community with support and action.
Senate Democrats Vote to Lower Gas Prices, Every Republican Opposes
Last week, Michigan Senate Democrats passed Senate Resolution 104, calling on D.C. Republicans to reverse the Trump administration’s actions that have led to surging energy costs across the state and nation. Every Senate Republican in the chamber voted no.
During a time of economic instability, the Trump administration has continuously driven up energy prices for Michigan families by cancelling hundreds of renewable energy programs under the so-called “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” and forcing the inefficient, pollutive J.H. Campbell coal plant in West Michigan to stay open. Michigan ratepayers are footing the bill, and Trump’s war with Iran has indisputably caused a significant spike in fuel costs since the conflict began.
Senate Resolution 104, which has been sent to Congress and the White House, urges Washington Republicans to pursue every available means to tackle skyrocketing energy prices, restore proven-effective renewable energy programs, and put the priorities of the American people — especially lowering costs — first and foremost. My colleagues and I will continue fighting to hold the Trump administration accountable and provide real financial relief for our communities.
Senate Passes Bipartisan Legislation to Tackle Medical Debt Facing Michiganders
Medical debt is a burden that can follow someone around for the rest of their lives — hurting their ability to buy a home, forcing them to forgo essential expenses like groceries and rent, and oftentimes trapping them in a cycle of poverty that is nearly impossible to get out of. With about 700,000 Michiganders across the state burdened by this reality, my colleagues and I knew we had to take action.
That’s why the Michigan Senate passed a bipartisan set of bills to tackle this issue head-on. To provide support and safeguards for those struggling with medical expenses, the legislation would establish clear guidelines for hospitals to offer financial assistance programs and regulate how and when debt can be collected, such as by capping interest and late fees at 3% annually after a 90-day grace period. Learn more about this legislation here.
Kids Over Clicks Passes Michigan Senate Committee
To create safer internet spaces and put a stop to the exploitative tactics of Big Tech and Artificial Intelligence (AI) companies, Senate Democrats introduced our Kids Over Clicks bill 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.
Just last week, as Chair of the Senate Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection, I held a vote to move this package out of committee, sending it to the Senate floor for further consideration. As we continue to move these bills through the legislative process, please share your experiences navigating parenthood in the digital age and let us know your thoughts on how social media is impacting our youngest generation. To learn more and find other ways you can take action, click here.
Senate Committee Passes Bills to Combat Michigan’s Child Care Crisis
Michigan’s child care system demands too much of our families while offering too little to our workers. Combine that with the mountain of red tape facing providers, and the result? A growing care crisis facing families and employers across the state — a reality that many of us know all too well.
To deliver much-needed relief for our families and support for our providers, Senate Dems are taking a comprehensive approach to cut high child care costs and break burdensome barriers in which providers are forced to operate. Last week, I voted YES on legislation in the the Senate Housing and Human Services Committee advanced legislation that would:
- Codify the innovative bipartisan program, Tri-Share, that splits the cost of child care equally among employers, the state, and employees;
- Tie the Child Care Reimbursement Rate to inflation to provide certainty and consistency to providers; and
- Update licensing requirements for child care centers and remove bureaucratic barriers to open and operate them.
City of Detroit 11th Precinct Easter Egg Hunt
Prom Dress Giveaway
Rosedale-Grandmont Easter Egg Hunt
Coffee with a Doc
Motor City Makeover
To register, call 313-224-4415. Visit motorcitymakeover.org for more details.
Community Baby Shower Workshop
WHEN: Saturday, April 4, 2026, from 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
WHERE: All Things Women, 14750 St. Marys, Detroit, MI 48227
This is a free event for first time expectant moms, 21 years old and under only. This is an educational event to support and provide young expectant moms with education resources and baby supplies.
For more information, contact Perina Edmondson at 248-219-1807 or Shanayl Bennett at 313-358-5701. You must register to attend at eventeny.com/events/community-baby-shower-workshop-44-27957.
Plan Detroit District Meetings
Office Hours
WHEN: Every Friday from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: District 6 Office, 17346 Lahser Rd., Detroit, MI 48219
April Community Conversation
WHEN: Friday, April 24 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: District 6 Office, 17346 Lahser Rd., Detroit, MI 48219
Honoring International Transgender Day of Visibility
On Tuesday, March 31, we commemorated International Transgender Day of Visibility — celebrating the lives, histories, and accomplishments of the trans community, while also raising awareness on the disproportionate levels of violence, discrimination, and oppression perpetrated against trans people.
During a time of heightened attacks against the LGBTQ+ community, trans folks continue to face significant disparities in legal protections, access to equitable health care, socioeconomic opportunity, among other stigmas and systemic inequities.
Let’s honor the joy and resilience of trans folks everywhere by taking action — whether that’s fighting against the dangerous hatred and disinformation facing the community, understanding how to be a supportive, informed ally, or learning more about trans histories and lived experiences.
Here in Michigan, my colleagues and I are dedicated to protecting the rights of our vibrant LGBTQ+ community and standing against discrimination, from:
- Expanding the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act, ensuring legal protection against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity or express; and
- Banning conversion “therapy”, protecting our LGBTQ+ minors;
- To taking steps to protect same-sex marriage in Michigan amidst rising anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric.
To learn more about Transgender Day of Visibility, or to find resources for both trans folks and allies, visit the Human Rights Campaign’s website here.
Tax Credits & Services to Take Advantage Of
Taxes are due in a few weeks on Wednesday, April 15, 2026! If you haven’t filed yet, make sure to take advantage of all the credits and deductions available to you. Here are a few that you may be able to use this tax season to lower your tax bill or receive a refund:
- The Earned Income Tax Credit is a benefit for qualified Michigan families to help put more money in their pockets to afford the necessities. Last session, my colleagues and I quintupled this credit to help Michiganders keep up with rising costs. Learn more here.
- The Homestead Property Tax Credit is a benefit for qualified Michigan homeowners and renters, helping to pay some of the property taxes billed. This credit can be filed up to four years from the year it could be claimed, and the maximum credit amount may be adjusted annually. Learn more here.
- The Home Heating Credit is a tax benefit for qualified Michigan homeowners and renters with low to moderate income, helping to pay some of their heating expenses. The maximum credit a taxpayer can claim may change each year. For qualifications and guidance, click here.