Dear Neighbor,
While it has been cold and cloudy in Michigan, I hope you’ve been able to keep the winter blues at bay this season, whether by cozying up with a good book, embracing the snow, or spending time in the company of those you cherish.
No matter the ups and downs that the weather — and latest headlines —may provoke, join me in taking heart in what matters most: community. Read on to learn about how I’ve been working for you and all of District 1 residents at our state Capitol, ensuring the people and places we call home have what they need to thrive.
As always, if you or someone you know needs assistance with state departments or would like to provide feedback about what’s happening in Lansing, feel free to contact my office. You can contact me by sending an email to SenEGeiss@senate.michigan.gov or calling 517-373-7800.
And finally, happy 188th birthday to our great state of Michigan!
Sincerely,
Erika Geiss
State Senator
District 1
- With the first month of the new year wrapping up, my colleagues and I have pushed forward several priorities on behalf of our constituents, from voting in support of more government transparency to reintroducing legislation that would improve Michigan’s maternal health care system.
- EGLE is hosting a public hearing on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. on the EES Coke air permit. If you are unable to attend the hearing, public comments are being accepted now through Feb. 24.
- During the 50th anniversary of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), my colleagues and I are uplifting how our game-changing expansion of Michigan’s EITC has impacted communities across the state, putting more money in the pockets of workers and families to better afford gas, groceries, child care, and more. Additionally, make sure that you claim it this tax season if you are among those who qualify for the credit.
Supporting Moms & Workers: Updates from the First Month of the New Session
With the first month of 2025 nearly over, I’m excited to share about the progress my colleagues and I have made so far on behalf of you and Michiganders around the state. In the past few weeks, in addition to introducing legislation to lower prescription drug costs and strengthen protections for workers, we:
- Voted to expand the state’s Freedom of Information Act to include the Michigan Legislature and governor. This legislation, Senate Bills 1 and 2, are now over to the House for consideration.
- Reintroduced bills to improve accountability and tackle racial and ethnical disparities in Michigan’s maternal health care system.
- Heard testimony from workers on several bills that were passed by both the House and Senate last session but are now being held up unconstitutionally by the new House leadership. The legislation they spoke in favor of this week would boost retirement benefits for state corrections and conservation officers as well as lower health care costs for firefighters, teachers, and other public sector employees.
Honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. Through Action
As your state Senator, I have been fighting to make Michigan a state where you and your loved ones can thrive, no matter the color of your skin, who you love, or the amount of money in your wallet. As elected officials, our actions — both the policies we put in place and budget decisions we make — should underscore the very fact that we all deserve to be treated with dignity.
In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day earlier this month, we remember and pay respect to a trailblazer whose courage, tenacity and leadership forged a more inclusive and just future for our nation. His efforts, along with the tireless work and sacrifice of many other social justice champions, helped lay a progressive foundation that we continue to build on today.
From banning race-based hair discrimination and expanding historic protections for our LGBTQ+ community to passing legislation combating hate crimes and permanently establishing Michigan’s Black Leadership Advisory Council, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I have been laser-focused on continuing Dr. King’s work here in our state. This year, we remain committed to championing legislation and investments to uplift Michiganders across the state, especially for communities who have been historically marginalized and underrepresented.
EGLE Public Comment Period on EES Coke Battery
The Michigan Dept. of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is holding a public comment period for an air permit requested by EES Coke Battery, LLC (EES Coke), located at 1400 Zug Island Rd. in River Rouge. The comment period will remain open until Feb. 24, 2025. The company is requesting a secondary screener and associated equipment at their existing facility.
Facilities requesting to make changes like this must have an air permit to ensure the request will meet air quality standards, including health-based standards. The conditions in an air permit include things like limiting releases of pollutants and installing and operating equipment in ways to best protect public health and the environment.
A draft air permit is written with these standards in mind; however, there are many instances when input from the public creates valuable and important changes to a permit, if and when it is approved.
The public is encouraged to review information about the proposed air permit. The permit application submitted by EES Coke and the proposed project summary will give a good overview of what EES Coke is requesting and what is in the draft air permit.
Tell EGLE what you think:
Comments may be given at any time before the end of the comment period on Feb. 24. You may provide comments on the proposed permit in any of these ways:
- By email: EGLE-AQD-PTIPublicComments@Michigan.gov
- By U.S. mail: EGLE, Air Quality Division, Permit Section, P.O. Box 30260, Lansing, Michigan 48909- 7760.
- By voicemail: 517-284-0900.
- Attend the informational session and public hearing on Feb. 12 at 5:30 p.m.
If you have questions about the proposed air permit or how to comment, contact Grace Knauss at KnaussG@Michigan.gov or 517-643-6174.
Public Hearing on EES Coke Battery
WHEN: Feb.12, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.
WHERE: River Rouge City Hall, 10600 W. Jefferson Avenue, River Rouge, MI. Join the virtual option at https://bit.ly/4eeglKA (pre-register any time or join at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 12).
Michigan Immigrant Rights Center: Know Your Rights
With the recent change in administration at the White House, it’s more important than ever for our immigrant communities in Senate District 1 to stay informed about their rights.
The Michigan Immigrant Rights Center offers a comprehensive Advocate Library with valuable resources on key topics such as driving, education, employment authorization, and immigration enforcement.
I encourage you to visit the Advocate Library and share these resources within our community—because everyone deserves to know and exercise their rights.
Visit the Advocate Library | Michigan Immigrant Rights Center.
Coyote Sightings in Detroit
It has been brought to my attention that residents of Senate District 1 and others in the Detroit area have spotted coyotes in the community. While coyote sightings are jarring, it is important to be aware that this is the time of year that they are highly visible—even in urban and suburban areas.
Below are a few safety tips to be aware of:
- Keep yard well-lit and fenced in if possible
- Store all pet food inside
- When taking pets outside, keep them on a leash and accompany them, especially for small dogs
Read more here.
EITC: Lowering Costs for Michiganders for 50 Years
For 50 years now, the federal Earned Income Tax Credit has been instrumental in lifting families and workers out of poverty, reducing racial disparities, and providing critical support to small businesses and local economies.
Especially at a time when so many Michiganders are facing challenges affording the essentials, from gas to groceries, I’m proud to have worked with my Senate Democratic colleagues to pass policy that helps offset these prices and even allow some folks to save or pay off debts. I’m referring to when we quintupled Michigan’s match of the federal EITC from 6% to 30%, securing the largest increase to the credit in state history.
This game-changing expansion helps 700,000 Michiganders struggling to make ends meet save an average of $750 more per year, resulting in $3,150 in total savings with the federal and state EITCs combined. Here in District 1, over 30,600 families benefit, boosting incomes of working folks from $167 to over $800 on average. Our small businesses reap the benefits too, with over $20 million now being returned to our local economy.
But — Michiganders must make sure to claim the credit if they are eligible! To determine eligibility and find tax preparation resources, click here.
For guidance from LEO on the labor statutes set to take effect Feb. 21, click here.
Save the Date! 2025 State of the State Address
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will be delivering the 2025 State of the State Address on the evening of Wednesday, Feb. 26. In the speech, the governor will address members of the Legislature as well as Michiganders across the state as she lays out plans for the year ahead to create good-paying jobs, fix our roads, invest in our students, and more.
Over the past two years, we’ve had a strong partner in Gov. Whitmer as we worked to lower costs, drive change, and create opportunities for the people of our state. As we dive deeper into a new legislative session with new colleagues in the Michigan House, I look forward to another productive term and seeing all that we can accomplish together to build up our communities.
You can watch the address on your local TV channel, online here, on Facebook, and YouTube.
Cold Weather Safety Tips
With winter weather in full swing here in Michigan, the Michigan State Police is urging residents and visitors to take the below precautions to stay safe.
- Limit time outdoors. If you must go outside, wear several layers of warm clothing and watch for signs of frostbite or hypothermia.
- Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Use generators and grills only outdoors and away from windows. Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home.
- Avoid overexertion. Shoveling snow can put extra strain on your heart, so take it easy and avoid sudden bursts of activity.
- Check on others. Older adults, young children, and pets are especially vulnerable to extreme cold and should be checked on regularly. Keep pets indoors.
- Prepare for travel emergencies. If you must drive, ensure your gas tank is full and your vehicle is stocked with an emergency kit, including warm clothing, blankets, gloves, hats, and a phone charger.
To find warming centers in SD1, please visit this website.