Dear Neighbor,
Happy Fall everyone!
From passing the state Voting Rights Act to ensuring ongoing investments in our public schools and student mental health, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I are energized to be back at the Capitol getting things done for Michiganders.
If you have any concerns to share or are in need of assistance, please feel free to reach us at SenSChang@senate.michigan.gov, call us at (517) 373-7346 or (313) 922-6949.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Chang
State Senator
District 3
Featured in This Newsletter
- Upcoming Events
- Legislative Updates
- News and Resources
Upcoming Events
Coffee & Conversation in Troy
WHEN: Friday, October 11, from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Paris Banh Mi & Bakery, 268 John R. Rd., Troy, MI 48083
Coffee & Conversation in Warren
WHEN: Monday, October 21, from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
WHERE: Dorothy M. Busch Library, 23333 Ryan Rd., Warren, MI 48091
Coffee & Conversation in Madison Heights
WHEN: Friday, November 1, from 2:30 -3:30 p.m.
WHERE: Madison Heights Public Library, 240 W. 13 Mile Rd., Madison Heights, MI 48071
Save the Date: We are hosting a Housing Forum with Representative Abraham Aiyash on Monday, October 28 in Detroit. Time TBA!
Legislative Updates
Senate Democrats Pass Michigan Voting Rights Act to Bolster Election Protections
On National Voter Registration Day two weeks ago, my colleagues and I passed legislation to establish the Michigan Voting Rights Act (MVRA). Building on the progress of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, the MVRA would set additional protections at the state level, shielding voters from attacks on exercising their right to vote that have been witnessed in this state and across the country.
Outlined in the legislation are protections for Michiganders across race and place, including those with limited-English proficiency and voters with disabilities. I am proud to sponsor Senate Bill 403, which will ensure greater language access for voters who are English Language Learners.
The bill package also prohibits voter denial, dilution, and/or suppression and provides remedies for violations. Senate Bill 402 creates a nonpartisan and transparent voter database and institute to provide a center for research, training, and information on voting systems and election administration with easy-to-access information in one location. Senate Bill 404 enhances and clarifies protections for voters with disabilities or people who otherwise need assistance to vote.
Click here to watch my speech in the Senate regarding Senate Bill 403.
Learn more here.
Advancing the Freedom to Plan on World Contraception Day
For over six decades, contraception has been an integral component of women’s healthcare, giving them the power to plan their own course in life by allowing them to determine whether to have children and the number and spacing of their children.
On World Contraception Day, September 26, the Senate Health Policy Committee heard testimony on Senate Democrats’ Freedom to Plan package, composed of Senate Bills 973, 974, 987, 988, and 1006, that seeks to expand Michiganders’ access to contraception.
The first half of the package, introduced by Sens. Mary Cavanagh and Jeff Irwin, would break down financial barriers to over-the-counter oral hormonal contraceptives and emergency contraceptives. Additionally, legislation introduced by Sen. Mallory McMorrow would ensure more inclusive access to immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraception.
These bills build on a series of actions taken by the Democratic-led Michigan Legislature, including repealing the state’s 1931 abortion ban and our Reproductive Health Act and Family Protection Act, to ensure Michiganders — not politicians — possess the power to determine if and when they would like to begin a family.
Michigan Senate Democrats Pass Bill to Bring Dollars Back to Classrooms and Teachers
My Senate Democratic colleagues and I are committed to strengthening Michigan’s public education system. While our new 2025 state budget included a one-time decrease in the rates school districts pay into the Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement System (MPSERS), we recently took action to make that change permanent by passing Senate Bill 911. This redirects over $600 million from MPSERS — which is currently funded at 140% — back to our schools every year, which is equivalent to about a $400 per student increase statewide.
This legislation also eliminates the 3% payroll deduction that some employees contribute toward their retiree health care costs, putting more money back into the pockets of more than 100,000 hardworking educators and support staff. This bill has been returned to the House of Representatives for their consideration before it heads to the governor’s desk for her signature.
Similarly, the Legislature passed a school budget supplemental bill last week, investing millions of extra state dollars into school safety and mental health supports. This gives school districts the flexibility to determine where those funds are needed most — whether it be more school resource officers, counselors, therapists, or infrastructure upgrades. We’re proud to have put even more funding toward one of the most important causes we can: the safety and well-being of Michigan students.
News and Resources
New Application Deadline for City of Detroit’s Homeowners Property Exemption Program
I want to share a reminder that the application deadline for the City of Detroit’s Homeowners Property Exemption (HOPE) program has been moved to November 1, one month earlier than previous years. This change gives the Property Assessment Board of Review more time to evaluate applications and allows applicants extra time to submit complete forms before the end of the year.
The HOPE program is a vital tool to avoid property tax foreclosure, which occurs after three consecutive years of delinquency. HOPE income limits can be found in the chart below. Required documents and a full list of eligibility requirements can be found here.
How to Apply for HOPE:
Detroit residents have just less than a month until November 1, the last day to submit their HOPE application. Detroit residents with all required documents can complete a HOPE application with support from DHN Member in one hour. Residents are encouraged to apply as soon as possible through the following channels:
- Call the Housing Resource Helpline at (866) 313-2520 and schedule a time to meet with a housing counselor from a local housing organization and submit your HOPE application.
- Attend upcoming Healthy Homes events where on-site assistance will be available for completing the HOPE application. Additional community resources will be available from the Department of Neighborhoods, the Detroit Landbank, banking and financial literacy resources and others.
- October 12 at Abayomi Community Development Corporation, 24331 West 8 Mile, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- October 26 at Perfecting Church, 7616 Nevada, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Schedule an appointment online with a housing counselor from a local housing organization. Appointments can be scheduled here.
- Visit the City’s website to complete the application digitally or print it out and drop it off at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center. Digital and printable HOPE applications can be found here.
For more information about the HOPE program, including eligibility, required documents and how to apply, visit Detroitmi.gov/HOPE or call the Housing Resource Helpline: (866) 313-2520.