Dear Neighbor,
Fall is officially here. While my team and I have been enjoying the shifts in temperature and seeing the leaves on the trees start to change, we’ve also enjoyed getting back into the rhythm of the legislative session. From passing voting protections to ensuring ongoing investments in our public schools, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I are energized to be back at the Capitol getting things done for Michiganders.
If you or someone you know would like to provide feedback about what’s happening in Lansing or needs assistance, feel free to contact my office. You can contact me by sending an email to SenEGeiss@senate.michigan.gov or calling 517-373-7800.
Sincerely,
Erika Geiss
State Senator
District 1
Featured in This Newsletter:
Legislative Updates
- Advancing the Freedom to Plan on World Contraception Day
- Michigan Senate Democrats Pass Bill to Bring Dollars Back to Classrooms and Teachers
- Senate Democrats Pass Michigan Voting Rights Act Bill Package to Bolster Election Protections
Community Connections
- Join the Detroit Tigers in Their Hunt for the Playoffs!
News and Resources
- Stay Healthy This Season: Get Vaccinated!
- Meander and Make Memories during Michigan Trails Week
- Make Sure Your Voter Registration Status is Up to Date
- Apply for the Home Heating Tax Credit by September 30
Legislative Updates
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.
To view the committee hearing and hear the testimony provided, you can watch the livestream on the Michigan Senate Democrats’ Facebook Page at Facebook.com/MichiganSenateDemocrats/live. To learn more about our continued work to protect Michiganders’ reproductive freedom, click here.
Michigan Senate Democrats Pass Bill to Bring Dollars Back to Classrooms and Teachers
Since we assumed the majority, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I have remained 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 took action just last week to make that change permanent by passing Senate Bill 911. By making this commonsense change, Senate Democrats will redirect over $600 million from MPSERS — which is currently funded at 140% — back to our schools each year. This is equivalent to about a $400 per student increase statewide, providing essential, flexible, and reliable funding that schools will be able use how they see best, whether that’s investing in student mental health and school safety, boosting teacher and staff pay, and more.
This legislation also eliminates the 3% payroll deduction that some employees contribute toward their retiree health care costs, putting more hard-earned money back into the pockets of more than 100,000 teachers and support staff. This bill is now back over to the House of Representatives for their consideration before it heads to the governor’s desk for signature.
Senate Democrats Pass Michigan Voting Rights Act Bill Package to Bolster Election Protections
On National Voter Registration Day last week, 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.
Learn more here.
Community Connections
Join the Detroit Tigers in Their Hunt for the Playoffs!
The excitement is building as the Detroit Tigers make their final push for the playoffs, and they want you to be part of the action! Catch the last games of the season for FREE — what better way to show your support than by cheering on our team at the ballpark?
If you can’t make it to the stadium, gather your friends and family at your favorite local bar or restaurant to enjoy the games together. A Tigers playoff run is not just about baseball; it brings significant economic benefits to our region, boosting local businesses and creating jobs. Your support can make a real difference! Read more about the economic benefits here.
News and Resources
Stay Healthy This Season: Get Vaccinated!
As we head into the fall season, it’s essential to prioritize your health and the health of your loved ones. I encourage all Michiganders to get the new COVID booster, flu shot, and RSV vaccine. These vaccines are crucial for protecting yourself and your community against respiratory illnesses this season.
Cost: Many insurance plans cover these vaccines at no cost to you. If you’re uninsured, check with local health departments for low-cost or free vaccination options.
For Pregnant People: Vaccination is especially important for pregnant individuals, as it helps protect both you and your baby. Speak with your healthcare provider about the best options for you.
Don’t wait — schedule your vaccinations today and help keep Michigan healthy this season! Click here for additional information and to find a vaccine location near you.
Meander and Make Memories during Michigan Trails Week
From our woods to our waters, it’s no secret that Michigan is abundant in natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. Recognizing this, my Senate colleagues and I were proud to invest in Michigan’s rich natural resources using the 2025 state budget, where we allocated over $20 million to keep our state parks pristine and inviting. That’s why we’re especially excited about Michigan Trails Week. During this week, Sept. 21-28, the Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR) is encouraging Michiganders to get outdoors on the 13,400-plus miles of diverse trails the state has to offer. Learn more and find a trail to wander on the DNR’s website.
Make Sure Your Voter Registration Status is Up to Date
Voting is a powerful way Michiganders can preserve and protect our democracy. Last week, on Sept. 17, 2024, we recognized National Voter Registration Day to encourage all citizens of voting age to register to vote or update their registration status. Registering or updating your registration status is simple and can be done in less than ten minutes. You can do it online, by mail, or in-person at your local clerk’s office or Secretary of State branch.
Michigan Senate Democrats are committed to expanding access to the ballot box and removing barriers that make it harder for Michiganders to cast their vote. Read more here about the work we’re doing to build a more equitable and accessible electoral process that protects and empowers voters.
Apply for the Home Heating Tax Credit by September 30
The Home Heating Tax Credit is a way the state of Michigan helps low-income families pay some of their heating expenses. This year, the average qualifying household received $108 in assistance, which is most often applied directly to residents’ utility bills. With these savings, more Michiganders can have additional money in their pockets to put food on the table, afford medications, pay bills, and more.
Residents can apply for the Home Heating Tax Credit until the Sept. 30 deadline. To qualify, residents must be a renter with a contracted lease or a homeowner and meet income requirements. You can apply for the Home Heating Tax Credit here.
Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month
During Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the rich culture and histories of Latino Americans across the United States and here in Michigan. The month-long observance commemorates the independence days of Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Mexico, Chile, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala.
In Michigan’s history, fewer than 20 Hispanic individuals have been elected to serve in the state legislature, including Sens. Mary Cavanagh, Darrin Camilleri, and myself. Our backgrounds and lived experiences make our caucus and our state stronger. Learn more about us and Hispanic Heritage Month here.