District 1 Legislative & Community Updates

Dear Neighbor,

Happy Women’s History Month. This March, join me in recognizing the struggles, triumphs, and resilience of the bold, brave women who have paved the way for progress here in Michigan and nationwide. I’m proud to be a part of Michigan’s first female-majority legislative caucus, where we’re not just breaking barriers from within, but working hard to ensure all women across the state have the resources and opportunities they need to shatter glass ceilings and secure their own prosperous futures.

As always, please feel free to reach out to share your thoughts or seek assistance with any challenges you may be facing with state departments. You can email me at SenEGeiss@senate.michigan.gov or call 517-373-7800.        

Sincerely,  

Erika Geiss
State Senator
District 1

Earlier this week, during a press conference, Senate Democrats unveiled a bold, transformative proposal that would provide the “Building Blocks” Michigan needs to uplift working families and ensure they have a fair shot at a better quality of life for themselves and their children. To watch the press conference, visit the Michigan Senate Democrats’ Facebook Page.
Detroit’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is happening Sunday, March 16 at 1:00 p.m. in Detroit’s fabulous Corktown.
To support federal workers who may have recently lost their jobs, the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has compiled several resources to provide assistance. Find more information and resources below.

Senate Democrats Unveil the “Building Blocks” Needed to Cut Costs, Improve Child Care and Create Opportunity for Parents and Kids

Earlier this week, during a press conference, Senate Democrats unveiled a bold, transformative proposal that would provide the “Building Blocks” Michigan needs to uplift working families and ensure they have a fair shot at a better quality of life for themselves and their children.

The plan takes a multi-angled approach to cutting the cost of parenting by:

Providing a significant income boost to working families through a targeted Working Parents Tax Credit;
Expanding Rx Kids statewide, a first-of-its-kind program that provides cash payments to new mothers and their babies; and
Tackling the child care crisis from both the demand and supply side.

To watch the press conference, visit the Michigan Senate Democrats’ Facebook Page.

Community and State Organizations Share Local Impact of Federal Funding Freeze on Michiganders

Last week, the Senate Oversight Committee heard testimony from leaders of early childhood education programs, health and nutrition experts, disability advocates, and other nonprofits and institutions who have faced challenges providing crucial services to Michigan children, seniors, students, families and more as a result of the Trump administration’s January memo ordering a pause to funding for federal grants and loans.

Though the order was temporarily blocked by a federal judge, who also decided last week to extend the block, the effects of the administration’s initial announcement caused confusion and chaos in the days that followed and ongoing uncertainty. This has resulted in devastating consequences for organizations around the state and for the Michiganders who rely on them. This committee hearing was an opportunity to hear firsthand about the on-the-ground impact this directive has had here in Michigan. Because this is a federal issue, I urge those affected by this chaos to contact our U.S. Senators and Congresspeople to share their stories, how these issues are impacting you directly and indirectly, and to take action to reduce or remove the harm created.

To watch the hearing, visit the Michigan Senate Democrats’ Facebook Page.

Detroit Water Main Break

On Feb. 17, there was a major water main break in Southwest Detroit that resulted in major flooding. Important updates to note:

Notice of Claim: If you were impacted by the water main break and have experienced any real or personal damages, you can file a Notice of Claim at detroitmi.gov/waterdamageclaims. Residents can call 313-774-5261 for assistance with the form.

Pumpkin Decorating at River Rouge Public Library

Transportation: Impacted residents can call 313-876-0000 to schedule a ride. The scheduling line is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. See the graphic below for additional information.

Patton Recreation Center: Hours for the recreation center have been updated, and donations are being accepted. See the graphic below for details.

Join the Fight for Energy Justice!

Want to help your neighbors struggling with high energy bills, shut offs, and power outages? The Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition is hosting a Customer Advocate Training on Tuesday, March 18, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at 2701 Bagley Street, Detroit, MI (or via Zoom). Learn how to hold DTE accountable and push for affordable, reliable public power across Michigan.

Detroit St. Patrick’s Day Parade

WHEN: Sunday, March 16 at 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Corktown, Detroit

For additional details, visit the event website.

Detroit Dept. of Transportation Public Hearing

WHEN: Thursday, March 20 at 5:00 p.m.
WHERE: Rosa Parks Transit Center or virtual via Zoom

For additional details, visit the event website.

Support for Federal Workers in Michigan Impacted by Federal Layoffs and Funding Cuts

To support federal workers who may have recently lost their jobs, the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has compiled several resources to offer support. A new, comprehensive webpage, Michigan.gov/FederalWorkerHelp, provides impacted federal workers with easy access to unemployment, job search and community resources.

Additional Resources

Workers who recently lost their jobs through no fault of their own may be eligible to apply for temporary financial assistance through the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA).

UIA has resources in place to help any laid off federal worker, including:

UIA Claimant Roadmap: An easy-to-follow, six-step guide to applying for and understanding unemployment benefits.
Online Coaching Sessions: Web-based guidance from UIA staff who walk users through the steps needed to complete an application and qualify for payments.
UIA Community Connect: This program partners with local groups to provide guidance for workers from underserved groups who have faced barriers when filing for jobless benefits.
Schedule an Appointment: Schedule either an in-person, phone or virtual appointment to speak with a UIA Customer Service Agent.
Looking for Work: Tips to understanding your responsibilities when it comes to conducting and documenting your successful work searches.
Assistance with Setting Up an Account: Workers must create a MiLogin account before setting up a MiWAM account.

For additional assistance, workers can find FAQs, videos and other resources at Michigan.gov/UIA. To reach an agent or unlock a MiWAM or MiLogin account, they can call Customer Service at 866-500-0017.

In partnership with LEO’s Office of Employment and Training, Michigan Works! agencies are also available to assist affected federal workers. Services offered through Michigan Works! include:

Basic Career Services, which are available to all workers seeking services.
Individualized Career Services, which are designed for workers who are unable to obtain employment through basic career services alone.
Training Services, which are necessary to equip workers with the skills needed to obtain and retain employment.

To connect with your local Michigan Works! service center, call 800-285-WORKS (9675) or visit Michigan.gov/MichiganWorks.

Additional helpful sites for workers:

Celebrating Free School Meals for Michigan Students

I’m proud that in the last two state budgets we passed, my colleagues and I were able to secure funding to provide free breakfast and lunch for all public school students, saving Michigan families approximately $850 a year on food costs, and keeping kids fed and focused in the classroom.

As one of only eight states that offers a statewide free meal program for all public school students, we’re proud so say that since the start of Michigan School Meals in the 2023-24 school year, 31% more students are eating breakfast at school and 25% more are eating lunch there as well. And, the program doesn’t just benefit students and their families, but also provides a boost to local farmers and food producers. I’m glad to see Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has called for its continuation in the 2026 state budget — I’ll be fighting to make sure that happens!

District 1 Legislative & Community Updates

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