Dear Neighbor,
The summer season is finally upon us! I hope you and your family are able to enjoy the sunshine and spend time taking advantage of all the fun summer activities our state offers.
My colleagues and I are hard at work at the Capitol. From protecting voting rights to guarding against price gouging during emergencies, we’ve been keeping busy to get things done for Michiganders. Keep reading for updates on our work in Lansing, as well as helpful resources and information so that you make the most of the summer months.
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 SenSChang@senate.michigan.gov or calling 313-922-6949.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Chang
State Senator
District 3
- From cracking down on deceptive corporate pricing practices to expanding the supply of affordable housing options for low-income Michiganders, my colleagues and I have made some exciting progress on our A Michigan You Can Afford agenda in recent weeks.
- Join me for my upcoming coffee and conversation event with Rep. Mike McFall at Corktown Health on Monday, June 22, at 3:00 p.m. Find more details below.
- With farmers market season officially here, it’s a great time to find out if and how you can take advantage of Michigan’s Double Up Food Bucks program to get your fresh fruits and veggies without breaking the bank. Click here or continue reading to learn more.
A Snapshot of Capitol Activity
My colleagues and I have also been working to address critical issues facing residents and communities across the state. This past week, I’m proud to report that we’ve made some progress advancing bills to:
Hold Price Gougers Accountable: This week, Sens. Jeremy Moss, Mary Cavanagh and I introduced a package of bills to combat price gouging during states of emergency. Specifically, the package aims to protect pricing of housing, essential supplies and goods, and energy products and services. No one should have to pay hundreds of dollars for food, water, first-aid supplies, or any other essentials during an emergency. Michiganders are unfortunately all too familiar with extreme weather events and unexpected emergencies. This legislation is a commonsense step to shield our residents from cruel business practices designed to profit at the expense of vulnerable people, especially when the cost of gas, groceries, and medications are already at a record high.
Protect Voting Rights: After months of reports detailing the Trump administration’s efforts to nationalize elections and restrict access to mail-in voting — the latest blow to election integrity came earlier this spring as the U.S. Supreme Court eviscerated key provisions of the 1965 federal Voting Rights Act. To fight back against these attacks, my colleagues and I passed legislation that would establish a state-level Voting Rights Act to ensure every eligible voter has access to the ballot box and to clearly prohibit voter denial and suppression. A strong, representative, democracy depends on every voter being able to access and understand the voting process. The Michigan Voting Rights Act ensures every eligible voter — of every language, race, ability, or zip code — can cast their vote accurately and without fear of being silenced, thereby increasing participation in our elections and strengthening democracy for all of us. Read more here.
Help Residents Save for Retirement: Michiganders deserve the opportunity to retire with dignity and financial security, but right now, more than 1.5 million private-sector workers have a lack of retirement savings options. To help ensure all hardworking folks in our state can save for their golden years, we passed legislation to establish the MI Secure Retirement Savings Program, which would automatically enroll individuals who are not offered a savings plan through their current employer in a state-run Roth IRA. Read more here.
Crack Down on Blighted Storefronts: Blighted storefronts create safety hazards, decrease property values, and hinder economic growth here in our community and across Michigan. Yet right now, big box retailers are exploiting loopholes in our state’s tax code, using these vacant properties to artificially lower their tax bills instead of reinvesting in the communities they’ve left behind. To address this issue, Senate Dems introduced legislation to help our local communities put an end to “dark stores.” This bill is currently moving through the committee process.
Pride Community Conversation with State Rep. Mike McFall and Equality MI
WHEN: Monday, June 22, from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
WHERE: Corktown Health, 24310 John R. Rd., Hazel Park, MI 48030
Community Baby Shower
Are you expecting a baby, or do you have a child 18 months or under? Join us at our annual Community Baby Shower on Saturday, June 27 at Lasky Recreation Center in Detroit. Guests will learn about resources and essentials for caring for their new baby, meet with community organizations, enjoy games and crafts, receive a goodie bag with gifts for moms and babies, and the opportunity to win larger prizes — including a car seat, pack n play, stroller, and more! Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
WHEN: Saturday, June 27, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Lasky Recreation Center, 13200 Fenelon St., Detroit, MI 48212
RSVP at my District Office by calling 313-922-6949 or email Allison Bohn, abohn@senate.michigan.gov
Election Transparency Townhall with the Michigan Dept. of State
WHEN: Wednesday, July 8, from 6:30 – 7:45 p.m.
WHERE: Eastside Community Network, 4401 Conner St., Detroit, MI 48215
Juneteenth Celebrations
Every year, Juneteenth is celebrated in remembrance of the freeing of the last slaves almost three years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Over 250,000 slaves in Texas were freed by Union Soldiers on June 19, 1865. In Michigan, we officially designated Juneteenth as a state holiday last term. Establishing Juneteenth as an official holiday supports an ongoing effort to expand racial justice and equity and further promotes the commemoration of when all slaves heard the news that they were emancipated from slavery. Celebrations will be held in commemoration of this holiday throughout the district.
Juneteenth at the Riverfront
Through live music, African drumming and dance, poetry, storytelling, and community conversations, we’ll explore the many stories that make up Detroit. From the city’s rich cultural traditions and creative spirit to the resilience of the people who have shaped its past and continue to shape its future, this event highlights the power of community, connection, and shared experiences. The program aims to honor the voices that celebrate Detroit’s unique identity and create space to dream about a future rooted in justice, belonging, and opportunity for all.
Featured activities include music, food for purchase, local businesses via the Michigan Black Business Alliance Vendor Market, Arts and Crafts for all ages, and guided tours of the Stories of Us Exhibit starting 11:45 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. This free, family-friendly event welcomes community members of all ages to come together in celebration, reflection, and hope.
WHEN: Friday, June 19, from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Ralph Wilson Park, 1801 W. Jefferson Ave., Detroit, MI 48216
RSVP here.
Charles H. Wright Museum Juneteenth
Through a rich blend of live performances, storytelling, film, music, and community dialogue, Juneteenth at the Wright offers an immersive experience that connects past to present. Guests will engage with artists, historians, and cultural practitioners whose work illuminates the ongoing journey toward freedom and justice.
RSVP here.
WHEN: Friday, June 19, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Charles H. Wright Museum, 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit, MI 48201
Detroit People’s Food Co-op Juneteenth
Come celebrate Juneteenth with the Detroit People’s Food Co-Op! This event includes food, vendors, activities, and special guest DJ Shane Mo.
WHEN: Friday, June 19, 2026, from 12:00 – 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: 8324 Woodward Ave., Detroit MI 48202
Madison Heights Juneteenth
The event will feature live music, food trucks, a pop-up market featuring Black-owned businesses, and family activities such as cultural storytelling, a bounce house, petting farm and pony rides, and more.
WHEN: Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 12:00 – 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Civic Center Park, 360 W 13 Mile Rd, Madison Heights, MI 48071. Free admission and free parking for all attendees.
Summer Meal Programs Available to Michigan Children
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), also known as Meet Up and Eat Up, is available for children to receive nutritious meals during long school vacations when they do not have access to the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs. This program is operated at the local level by program sponsors and is administered by the Michigan Dept. of Education (MDE), Office of Nutrition Services. To find a Meet Up and Eat Up Site, please call 211, text “food” to 304-304, or click here.
Take Advantage of Double Up Food Bucks
Buying food is expensive right now, especially for our neighbors struggling to put food on the table. Double Up Food Bucks is here to help. For those who shop for groceries with a SNAP or Michigan Bridge Card, you can double your benefits to purchase fresh, Michigan-grown fruits and veggies using Double Up Food Bucks. The program is available at 240+ participating farmers markets, farm stands, and grocery stores across Michigan. With farmers market season officially here, it’s a great time to use the program! Learn how it works and find a participating location near you at DoubleUpFoodBucks.org.
How to Beat the Heat This Summer
Summer weather means getting outside and having fun or working in the yard, but too much heat can make you sick. Your body normally cools itself as your sweat evaporates, but during extremely hot weather, when the humidity is high, sweat can’t evaporate very well. These conditions can cause the temperature of your body to become dangerously high and can lead to severe illness or even death.
Heat related illness is preventable, so it’s important to understand what you can do to keep yourself healthy when temperatures are extremely high.
- Keep cool indoors. Use an air conditioner or go to a cool place such as the basement, a neighbor’s house, shopping mall or cooling center.
- Take a cool shower or bath.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated — don’t just wait until you are thirsty. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks such as pop. These beverages may actually dehydrate you even more.
- Avoid exercise and physical activity during the hottest time of the day. Mornings and evenings are usually cooler than midday.
- Stay out of the sun. Wear sun protective clothing like a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going outside to protect yourself against sunburn.
- Never leave children, the elderly, or pets in parked cars. Cars heat up very quickly and can become dangerously hot, even with the windows open.
And if you, a loved one, or a neighbor need a place to escape the heat, click here to find a list of cooling center locations in and around our community that are open to the public.