Dear Neighbor,
I hope you’ve recently had a chance to enjoy some delicious comfort food, quality time with your loved ones, and a moment of reflection to give thanks. I want to take this opportunity to thank you for allowing me to serve you in the State Senate. Getting to advocate on behalf of the needs and desires of our neighbors is an honor that I don’t take lightly, and I’m grateful our community has entrusted me to be a voice for change.
As the year comes to a close, I want to assure you that I will continue advocating for you in Lansing until our session adjourns. This is an important time in the legislature, and I encourage you to stay informed during these final weeks of the year. Read on to learn more.
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
- Senate Democrats pass the MI Momnibus legislation to improve equity and accountability in Michigan’s prenatal and maternal healthcare systems, while amplifying the experiences of Black and Brown birthing people, ensuring that their needs are adequately addressed.
- Find all the warming center locations with hours of operation so you can stay warm this winter.
- The holidays are a perfect time to give back and invest in our local communities. That’s why my colleagues and I are working hard to tackle food insecurity in Michigan and bolster support for our local small businesses.
In This Edition:
Legislative Updates
- Wrapping Up the Waning Weeks to the 102nd Michigan Legislature
- Recognizing International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
Community Connections
- Warming Centers in SD-1
Helpful News and Resources
- Stay Healthy This Holiday Season — Get Vaccinated
- Tips for Cancer Patients During the Holidays
- Tackling Food Insecurity This Thanksgiving
Michigan Senate Passes Historic Momnibus Bill Package
On Tuesday, Dec. 3, the Michigan Senate passed MI Momnibus, a comprehensive bill package — comprised of Senate Bills 818–823, 825 and House Bill 5826 — to improve equity and accountability in Michigan’s prenatal and maternal healthcare systems. Championed by myself and Sens. Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Twp.), Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), and Rep. Mai Xiong (D-Warren), the legislation, which was passed with bipartisan support, aims to enhance existing community-driven programs and care solutions, while also amplifying the experiences of Black and Brown birthing people, ensuring that their needs are adequately addressed.
I am thankful to my colleagues and community partners at MI State of Birth Justice for all their hard work and dedication to the MI Momnibus. Passing Senate Bills 818-823 and 825, along with House Bill 5826, was a pivotal moment for maternal health in Michigan. This legislation paves the way for positive birthing experiences grounded in joy and love. By dismantling systemic barriers that disproportionately impact Black and Brown birthing people, the Michigan Momnibus brings us one step closer to achieving equity and justice in reproductive and obstetric care.
Read more about the legislation here.
Wrapping Up the Waning Weeks to the 102nd Michigan Legislature
As we approach the end of the session and wrap up our legislative work for the year, it’s important to reflect on the results we’ve delivered for the people of Michigan. From safeguarding the Michiganders’ rights and investing in the people of Michigan to protecting our state’s environment, water, and natural resources, I’m proud of the work my colleagues and I have done over the past two years.
While we’ll be here in Lansing until the end of the year, advocating on your behalf, I’m already looking forward to the start of the 103rd Michigan Legislature and to another productive year delivering real solutions for our communities and our state.
I encourage you to stay informed about the legislation moving through the State Senate and House in the coming weeks. You can track legislation by searching for its bill numbers on the Michigan Legislature’s website.
Recognizing International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
According to the Citizens Research Council of Michigan, about 41% of women have experienced Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) during their lifetime. In 2021, 70,564 incidents of domestic violence were reported to Michigan police, underscoring the serious public health concern plaguing our state, nation, and globe.
Nov. 25 is annually recognized as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Senate Democrats have passed bipartisan legislation and delivered budget investments that protect survivors of violence, ranging from:
- Allocating $1 million in the 2025 budget to support programs that serve survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking;
- Enacting Senate Bills 471 and 528, along with House Bill 4945, to prevent those convicted of domestic violence crimes from possessing, using, or purchasing a firearm in Michigan for eight years, protecting survivors of violence from further abuse;
- And championing an extensive, bipartisan bill package to bolster state laws regarding sexual assault and provide better, trauma-informed support for survivors.
Warming Centers in SD-1
With the winter weather ramping up and snow showers in the forecast, I want to remind you that warming centers are available throughout Senate District 1. Please utilize them when needed to stay warm and healthy. Below is a list of all the centers throughout our district with addresses, phone numbers, and the hours of operation.
Allen Park
PHONE: 313-928-0771
WHERE: Allen Park Community Center – 15800 White St., Allen Park, MI 48101
WHEN: Monday-Friday: 6:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.; Saturday: 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Detroit
PHONE: 313-883-2277
WHERE: Cass Community Social Services (families and single women) – 11850 Woodrow Wilson St., Detroit, MI 48206
Ecorse
PHONE: 313-382-3305
WHERE: Ethel Stevenson Senior Center – 4072 W. Jefferson Ave., Ecorse, MI 48229
WHEN: Monday-Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Lincoln Park
PHONE: 313-386-4075
WHERE: Lincoln Park Community Center – 3525 Dix Hwy., Lincoln Park, MI 48146
WHEN: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m
River Rouge
PHONE: 313-842-4200
WHERE: Police Department – 10600 W. Jefferson Ave., River Rouge, MI 48218
WHEN: 24 Hours (lobby area)
Taylor
PHONE: 313-291-7740
WHERE: William Ford Senior Activities Center – 6750 Troy St., Taylor, MI 48180
WHEN: Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., seniors only
Taylor
PHONE: 734-374-8900
WHERE: Taylor Recreation Center – 22805 Goddard Rd., Taylor, MI 48180
WHEN: Monday-Friday: 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., after hours based on need
Taylor
PHONE: 734-374-8900
WHERE: Taylor Sportsplex – 13333 Telegraph Rd., Taylor, MI 48180
WHEN: Monday-Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Stay Healthy This Holiday Season — Get Vaccinated
As part of National Influenza Vaccination Week, Dec. 2-6, the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is encouraging everyone to get their flu vaccine if they have not already done so. By getting the flu vaccine now, families will protect themselves and their loved ones against the flu throughout the holiday and flu seasons.
To ensure protection over the holidays, individuals should get their vaccine now before flu activity peaks in Michigan. To stay safe from other respiratory viruses, MDHHS also recommends getting the COVID-19 and RSV vaccines. All three of these vaccines can be given at the same time.
To find a vaccine location near you, visit Vaccine Finder. To learn more about seasonal respiratory illnesses and how to protect yourself, visit Michigan.gov/covidflursv.
Tips for Cancer Patients During the Holidays
The holiday season can be a particularly challenging time while living with cancer. Despite the joys of spending more time with family and loved ones, this time may bring anxiety, stress, mental and physical exhaustion, and the difficulty of coping with unwanted comments, not to mention increased risk to immunocompromised people as more people gather during the height of cold and flu season.
Here are some tips for navigating the holidays:
- Try to not overexert yourself. Give yourself grace and permission to decide which gatherings you are able to attend.
- Don’t be afraid to communicate your needs and boundaries. It’s okay to say “no.”
- Practice self-care. Whether that means enjoying a book with a cup of tea, or taking a walk, take some time to do something you love.
- Try to mentally prepare and have a way to cope with unwanted comments. Make sure your support system is aware and can provide backup if necessary.
- If you feel like your mental health is struggling during this time, contact your healthcare provider and ask about support and resources.
Find more information and resources for Michiganders living with cancer on the MDDHS website.
Tackling Food Insecurity This Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving was observed on Thursday, Nov. 28, and I hope you were able to take some time to rest and gather with loved ones. There’s so much to reflect on and show thanks for this holiday season.
It’s also important to recognize that many families face distinct challenges during this time of year, from working hard to pay bills on time to struggling to put food on the table. With about one in eight Michigan households dealing with the devastating effects of food insecurity, it goes without saying — hunger is a grave problem in our state, and it comes with serious consequences, impacting health, financial stability, and overall well-being.
From continuing the free school meals program for our students to ensuring seniors across our state can access food assistance, my colleagues and I have made significant groundwork in combating food insecurity in Michigan. Click here to learn more about the different ways Senate Democrats have been tackling hunger across the state, and here are some food assistance resources to keep in mind this season:
- The Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services offers various food assistance resources and programs.
- Michigan 211 helps locate local programs to meet food and nutrition needs, from prepared meal programs to emergency formula and baby food assistance.
- Locate food banks in our local community, explore volunteer opportunities, and more at Feeding America – Michigan.
- Explore the Food Bank Council of Michigan’s website to find local food bank information, assistance with SNAP benefits, and more.