Dear Neighbor,
Warmer weather is finally here! I hope you are enjoying spring. My legislative colleagues and I returned to the Capitol this week to advance budget bills and a slate of legislation on behalf of you and Michiganders around the state.
Read on to learn more, including how we’re supporting our nurses and working to address human trafficking in the state. And we have listed spring outdoor activity resources.
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
- Michigan Senate Dems passed bipartisan legislation to improve working conditions for hospital nurses and patient safety and advanced new legislation regarding human trafficking. Read more below to learn more.
- Join me for my upcoming community conversation event at Mia’s Bakery in Madison Heights on Friday, April 24 at 1:00 p.m.
- During Black Maternal Health Week this April 11-17, Senate Dems are shining a light on the glaring systemic injustices in our maternal care system, along with our bipartisan solutions underway that seek to tackle them.
Community Conversation
WHEN: Friday, April 24 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: Mia’s Bakery, 1413 W. 14 Mile Rd., Madison Heights, MI 48071
Virtual Affordability Townhall
WHEN: Wednesday, April 29, from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Join virtually via Zoom or Facebook live, RSVP here.
Join me alongside experts and advocates from United Community Housing Coalition, Mothering Justice, League of Conservation Voters, and more, as we discuss affordability in today’s economy. This virtual townhall will take place online on April 29, from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. We will discuss water and energy affordability, child care, housing, and car insurance costs. Residents will have the opportunity to learn about the factors driving these high costs, what to do about them, and ask the panelists questions.
Participants can join via Zoom (RSVP here) or watch on Facebook live here.
Community Conversation
WHEN: Friday, May 8, from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: R & B Tea, 29200 Dequindre Rd. Suite 5, Warren, MI 48092
Patient Safety First – Ending Forced Nurse Overtime
Despite already working long shifts, nurses are often forced to work overtime — which could mean staying for shifts of 16 hours or more. Unable to say no, mandatory overtime isn’t only grueling for nurses, contributing to high burnout rates, but also poses risks to patients and the care they are provided. To improve working conditions for our nurses and protect Michiganders seeking care, the Michigan Senate passed Senate Bills 296 and 297 this past week, my bipartisan legislation with Sen. Ed McBroom. These bills set safe limits on working hours and ensure that nurses who work overtime are offered at least 8 hours off after a 12-hour shift, unless a nurse voluntarily waives this time. Additional safeguards would be implemented to protect nurses who refuse overtime from being fired. These measures will help our state retain its nursing workforce while protecting patients.
I am proud to have worked on this bill for several years. Forcing nurses to continue providing critical care for hours on end — while exhausted and sleep deprived — is unsafe for patients and worsens our nursing shortage. Our hardworking nurses are crucial to keeping Michiganders safe and healthy, and guardrails to protect them from grueling required overtime are long overdue. I am excited that the Senate took bipartisan action this week to advance real solutions for the safety of nurses and patients.
Updating Michigan’s Wrongful Imprisonment Compensation Act
When someone is exonerated, ensuring that they receive financial support is critical for their success upon reentering the community. In 2016, I helped shape and pass Michigan’s Wrongful Imprisonment Compensation Act (WICA). WICA has been successful and supported many exonerees in Michigan who were wrongfully convicted and spent years in prison for crimes they did not commit. Since taking effect, there have been cases that have led the Michigan Supreme Court to articulate that several parts of WICA deserved a second look for clarification. This week, I introduced Senate Bill 909, which will make WICA compensation available for those pardoned for a crime based on their innocence, those who were exonerated with new evidence but exonerated because of another issue, and change the standard of proof to align with what most states do. The bill will also allow compensation for time spent in pretrial detention.
Combatting Human Trafficking
Building on our previous efforts to address human trafficking in Michigan, Senate Dems are ushering forward a new bill that would help tackle the issue by requiring every hotel and motel in the state to prominently display the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline number. With Michigan positioned at the intersection of many highway corridors and crossing points, this legislation would help victims connect with critical support while also signaling a warning sign to traffickers. Passed out of the Senate Committee on Housing and Human Services this week, this life-saving legislation now heads to the full Senate floor for consideration. I was proud to vote yes on this legislation.
Celebrating National Public Health Week with Action
Public health — the science of preventing disease and illness, protecting the health of entire populations, and promoting a better quality of life — is foundational for the safety and well-being of everyone across the globe. Last week was National Public Health Week, an invitation to reflect on the progress made and the steps needed for an even stronger, healthier future.
Here in Michigan, Senate Democrats have taken bold action to bolster public health and improve our quality of life, from:
- Protecting the Affordable Care Act, ensuring access to affordable, comprehensive health care;
- Saving Medicaid in Michigan by securing a $2.7 billion investment to counteract sweeping federal cuts;
- Expanding the widely successful Rx Kids cash prescription program to communities throughout the state, reducing childhood poverty and improving maternal and infant health;
- Tackling the gun violence epidemic by championing evidence-based gun safety legislation;
- Safeguarding reproductive freedom by repealing the state’s 1931 abortion ban, legalizing surrogacy, and protecting access to abortion care;
- Improving environmental protections and fighting for cleaner air and water; to;
- Fighting food insecurity through the universal free school meals program and intentional budget investments.
And although we’ve made real progress, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I will continue fighting to further protect public health in Michigan and ensure our state is the healthiest place to work, live, and play.
Earth Day at the Riverfront
Environmental Justice has always been at the forefront of my political work and activism. With Earth Day coming up on Wednesday, April 22, there are lots of opportunities to “get green” all over District 3. Below are just a few events taking place by the Detroit Riverfront Conservatory. Be on the lookout for more events in your community to celebrate Earth Day and all things “green.”
Dequindre Cut Greenway Cleanup
Volunteers can check in any time between 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and serve for as much time as they’d like. The cleanup will wrap up around 1:00 p.m. Volunteers are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather and bring their own work/gardening gloves and pickers. There are a limited number of port-a-potties along the Dequindre Cut Greenway, so we would recommend using the bathroom before you arrive.
WHEN: Saturday, April 18, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Dequindre Cut Greenway, Detroit, MI 48207. Free street parking is available along Orleans St., Saint Aubin St., and Woodbridge St. There is also free parking at the Eastern Market lot (Wilkins St. & Orleans St.), and at Cullen Plaza (1340 Atwater St., Detroit, MI 48207).
Check-in Locations: Volunteer check-in tables will be located at the Woodbridge, Lafayette, Gratiot, and Wilkins entrances to the Dequindre Cut Greenway. Gloves, trash bags, and a limited number of pickers and rakes will be available.
RSVP here.
Earth Day Plein Air Painting
This event is open to all ages and artists of all skills sets. Materials and canvas will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own supplies. The program will begin with a nature walk for inspiration, then participants with convene on the patio to create. The patio has tables and chairs, but picnic blankets and travel chairs are welcome – whatever works for your creative process!
WHEN: Wednesday, April 22, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park, 1801 W. Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
RSVP here.
Rain Barrels on the Riverfront
In partnership with Sierra Club Great Lakes and MI Rain Barrels, participants will have the opportunity to build and paint their own rain barrel and learn about sustainable practices from other local organizations. Pre-register for the event to purchase a rain barrel at the discounted price of $90 (regularly $249.99 from the MI Rain Barrel website). Rain barrels must be purchased in advance to guarantee the discounted price of $90.
WHERE: Gabriel Richard Park, 7130 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit, MI 48216
WHEN: Saturday, April 25, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
RSVP here.
Keep Belle Isle Beautiful
For decades, the Belle Isle Spring cleanup has been powered by community volunteers willing to lend a hand to tidy up the park in preparation for the busy season. The annual Belle Isle Spring Cleanup is perfect for families, friends, groups, and volunteers of all ages ready to pitch in to celebrate Earth Day and kick off the Keep Belle Isle Beautiful cleanup season. The Spring Cleanup is the park’s largest single cleanup, attracting hundreds of community volunteers.
The Belle Isle Spring Cleanup is free and family-friendly, welcoming volunteers of all ages. No RSVP is needed, but a completed volunteer waiver is required to participate. A valid Recreation Passport is required for park entry.
Please wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes. Garbage bags are provided. Supplies, including tools, are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Volunteers should bring a trash picker/grabber as well as their own gloves. We also recommend bringing a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and a hat.
WHEN: Saturday, April 25, from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Belle Isle Conservancy, 99 Pleasure Dr., Detroit, MI 48207
For more information, click here. Questions? Contact Amy Emmert at emmerta@belleisleconservancy.org. Groups of 10 or more should reach out to Amy directly to register.
Boosting Health Outcomes for Michigan Moms of Color
For too long, women of color have systematically faced disproportionate outcomes in their birthing experiences due to maternal care systems that fail to truly listen and understand their needs, leading to preventable complications and high mortality rates for both them and their babies. This April 11-17 is Black Maternal Health Week, and once again, Senate Dems are joining the Black Mamas Matter Alliance to shine a light on the glaring systemic injustices in our maternal care system, along with solutions underway that seek to tackle them.
To ensure Black and Brown moms are treated with the care they deserve, the Michigan Senate passed a comprehensive slate of legislation last year that would improve maternal health outcomes in Michigan through equitable data requirements, anti-discrimination measures, patient protections, and more. I am proud to be part of this important bill package. Despite being passed out of the Senate with bipartisan — and some, even unanimous — support last April, these commonsense bills remain stalled in the Republican-controlled House. My Senate colleagues and I will continue to demand better for moms across Michigan, including by passing a Resolution this week that highlights the need for these critical bills.
Planning Spring Yard Projects? Call Before You Dig
Whether you want to install a fence or plant a tree, if spring fever has you itching to do some landscaping projects around the yard that involve digging, remember to first reach out to MISS DIG 811 beforehand so that underground utility lines can be marked for safety.
April is Safe Digging Month, an annual reminder for Michiganders’ legal responsibility to call 811 or head to MISSDIG811.org at least three days before they start a project that involves putting a shovel in the ground. Contacting MISS DIG 811 is free and allows crews to mark buried utility lines in advance to prevent costly damage, service disruptions, and risks of serious injury or death. Learn more here, and happy Spring!