Senator Chang

Friends,

My staff and I have been busy these past weeks, monitoring the budget process, continuing our work on legislation about whip-it nitrous oxide abuse, Michigan’s ports, and making it easier for residents who are appealing an issue to the Michigan Tax Tribunal to have a hearing. I’ve also been speaking out about the attacks on reproductive freedom and wanted to send you this e-news with the important updates below.

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month!

As a proud Taiwanese American, I join more than 300,000 fellow Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in celebrating the culture, history, and diversity of Asian American and Pacific Islanders, as well as the many contributions of AAPIs to our country, struggles, and triumphs over the many years, and the ongoing issues AAPIs still face.

AAPIs from each generation, from the laborers who connected our coasts 150 years ago to the patriots who fought overseas while their families were interned at home, have contributed greatly to our nation and will continue to, as the fastest growing racial demographic group.

This June marks the 40th anniversary of the hate crime murder of Vincent Chin. Earlier this week, I joined Mayor Duggan and AAPI community leaders as they announced the rededication events to take place in Detroit from June 16-19. Please join us as we remember, reflect, and move toward action.


LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Senate Moves Budget Bills Along Party Lines

On Tuesday and Wednesday this week, the Senate passed 17 budget bills that target key state priorities. Several Democratic amendments were proposed but most failed, largely along party lines.

I proposed an amendment to the Michigan State Police budget, Senate Bill 837, to fund the continued study and collection of data from MSU traffic stops. This amendment was not adopted.

I also proposed an amendment to the Department of Insurance and Financial Services budget, Senate Bill 835, which would provide $25 million to the Post Acute Care Auto Injury Provider Relief Fund and provide language allowing the director to make payments from the fund to reimburse providers. This amendment was also not adopted.

This was only the beginning process of negotiations between the Senate and the House, and I look forward to fighting for the money our district needs in the days ahead as we continue work on the state budget.


UPCOMING EVENTS

Friday, May 6th at 3 PM – Virtual Event with Congresswoman Grace Meng: AAPI History, Our Kids, Our Future: From NY to MI

Join me, Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-6), teacher Richard Mui, and others for a virtual AAPI Heritage Month conversation about AAPI history curriculum and where to go from here.

>> Register on Zoom at bit.ly/aapihistoryNYMI or watch live on Facebook at Facebook.com/StephanieChangMI.

Friday, May 13th at 2:30 PM – In-Person Coffee Hour with Council Member Latisha Johnson

Detroit City Council Member Latisha Johnson and I will be having an in-person conversation regarding our office’s legislation and upcoming initiatives to residents. Please come with questions and ideas to share with us. We look forward to seeing you there!

>> Meet us at Starbucks, 18051 Mack Ave., Detroit, MI 48224

Friday, May 20th at 10:30 AM – Virtual Coffee Hour with the Michigan Science Center

Join us for a virtual coffee hour with Michigan Science Center’s President and CEO, Christian Greer. Learn more about Michigan Science Center’s upcoming program and initiatives during this coffee hour.

>> Join us online when we are live on Facebook


DEFFENDING ROE V. WADE

On Monday, a preliminary draft opinion from the U.S. Supreme Court was leaked, and it made clear what we have known may be coming — our nation’s highest court may soon overturn Roe v. Wade. If this were to happen, Michigan’s archaic 1931 abortion ban would go into effect and become one of the most extreme abortion bans in the entire country.  

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It’s important to remember that abortion is still legal in Michigan today, but we must be vigilant and continue to speak up and get engaged. On Tuesday, I was proud to speak at the Planned Parenthood rally at the State Capitol. I am proud to have worked alongside Senators Erika Geiss, Rosemary Bayer, and Winnie Brinks to introduce legislation to repeal Michigan’s 1931 abortion ban.

We will continue to stand up for reproductive freedom because abortion is health care, and a decision to carry a pregnancy forward should only be made by the person who is pregnant and their doctor.

Thank you for reading this update. As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (517) 373-7346 or SenSChang@senate.michigan.gov if we can assist you in any way.    

Take care,  

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Stephanie Chang
State Senator
District 1