Dear Neighbor,
While the year is rapidly ending, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I are using every moment we have to fight for you and our communities. From protecting workers from the claw back of pandemic-era unemployment benefits to highlighting the harmful impacts of Trump’s tariffs on families and farmers, we’re laser-focused on continuing to make meaningful progress for the people of Michigan.
Read on to learn more about what we’re working on at the Capitol, and for an alarming update on how Lansing Republicans continue to prioritize politics over people by unprecedently slashing over a half a billion dollars promised to communities around the state.
If you or someone you know would like to provide any feedback about what’s happening in Lansing, or need assistance, please feel free to reach out to my office. You can reach me and my team by emailing SenEGeiss@senate.michigan.gov or calling 517-373-7800.
Sincerely,
Erika Geiss
State Senator
District 1
- Last week, Republicans in Lansing decimated over half a billion dollars promised to people and programs around the state that help provide wigs for kids undergoing cancer treatment, critical resources to support new moms and their babies, and more including critical infrastructure projects right here in Senate District 1. Learn more below.
- With the holiday season in full swing, it’s important that you and your loved ones stay alert and protected from common scams that occur this time of year. Find more information below, including tips on how to safeguard your personal information.
In a Twisted Political Maneuver, Legislative Republicans Axe Crucial Funding for Michigan Kids & Communities
Last week, in a deliberately cruel and reckless political stunt lacking any ounce of transparency, Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall and his Republican colleagues exploited a rarely used provision in state law to unilaterally slash over a half billion dollars in budget funding for Michigan’s kids, families, small businesses, and communities. Among the $645 million in bipartisan passed, already agreed upon funding promised to programs around the state were resources to:
- Provide wigs for kids undergoing cancer treatment;
- Uplift new moms and their babies at the most vulnerable stage of life;
- Tackle our state’s opioid epidemic;
- Invest in affordable housing solutions;
- And so much more.
In the middle of the holiday season, at a time when Michiganders are already feeling the financial stress from the whiplash of federal policies, Matt Hall and his Republican colleagues pull the rug out from under them.
But Senate Democrats are fighting back.
While we work to understand the full impact of this action on people and programs around the state, you can rest assured that Senate Democrats will continue serving with actual integrity and leadership, doing everything we can to hold Lansing Republicans accountable and ensure every Michigander knows what they did.
We are not sitting idly — Senate Democrats are stepping up to clean up House Republicans’ mess. This week, Senate Appropriations Chair Sarah Anthony submitted a letter to Attorney General Dana Nessel requesting her to issue an opinion on the legality of the House Appropriations Committee’s actions. My colleagues and I also passed a bipartisan supplemental budget that would restore the $645 million decimated by Matt Hall and House Republicans. We are laser-focused on fighting for programs that improve the lives of all Michiganders.
Your voice is vital to us. Click here to tell Speaker Matt Hall and Lansing Republicans you disagree with these budget cuts. You can also let us know if you have a personal connection to these cuts.
Senate Unanimously Acts to Deliver Relief for Michiganders Facing UIA Benefit Recovery
During the chaos of the pandemic, thousands of Michiganders turned to their government for help, tapping into the unemployment system to put food on the table, pay their bills, and ensure their family could weather a once-in-a-lifetime global health crisis. Since then, the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) has been attempting to claw back overpayments they mistakenly made to these same individuals — causing stress for many around the state at an already financially tough time.
Let’s be clear: these families did nothing wrong. That’s why, last week, alongside every single Senator, across party lines, I voted to pass legislation that would provide a clean slate for these folks by waiving any overpayments the UIA is currently attempting to collect from this pandemic-era timeframe. Senate Bill 700 now heads to the Michigan House, where I’mhopeful they will act quickly so we can deliver relief to those who need it most.
Signed Into Law! — Senate Dems’ Bills to Support Michigan National Guard Members
Last week, Gov. Gretchen Whiter signed bipartisan legislation championed by Senate Democrats to deliver meaningful support to Michigan National Guard members and their families. Our guardsmen and women make sacrifices on a daily basis to keep our communities and loved ones safe. To protect them in return, these new laws will:
- Ensure guard members can access the health care and dental coverage they need by requiring the Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to create and operate a Tricare premium reimbursement program;
- Help members pay for childcare costs by creating the Michigan National Guard Childcare Assistance Program within the DMVA; and
- Support guard members to advance their education and pursue their goals by requiring the balance remaining in the Michigan National Guard Tuition Assistance Fund at the end of the fiscal year to be transferred to the Michigan National Guard Member Benefits Fund.
Read more here.
Senate Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee: Fighting Trump’s Tariffs
The Trump administration’s retaliatory tariffs on international trade are making everything more expensive, raising prices at the grocery store, and disrupting the farming and food systems that feeds us. Last week, the Senate Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee held a hearing to explore how these short-sighted policies are harming farmers, food costs, and supply chains across the state.
The committee featured representatives from the Michigan Dept. of Agriculture and Rural Development, Michigan State University, and others to examine how the actions of Washington Republicans are making food more expensive and it even harder for our state’s farmers and agricultural businesses to make ends meet. Click here to learn more.
Campus Martius Park
Looking for a festive way to celebrate the holidays? Head to Campus Martius Park in the heart of downtown Detroit for one of the most iconic ice-skating experiences in the country. Named #1 Public Square in the U.S. by USA Today for two years in a row, Campus Martius offers skating at the Rink presented by Visit Detroit, surrounded by the Detroit skyline, CHALET 313, and the city’s famous Christmas tree.
From ice skating to seasonal programming and the annual tree lighting ceremony, Campus Martius Park is the perfect place for families, friends, and visitors to enjoy Detroit’s holiday spirit.
Taylor Winterfest Stroll
Bundle up and bring the whole family out for a magical evening at Heritage Park’s Winterfest Stroll! From Dec. 18–23, the park will be glowing with lights, festive music, cozy treats, and plenty of holiday cheer. It’s the perfect way to slow down, enjoy the season, and make some warm winter memories. Grab your friends and family, sip some hot cocoa, and take a stroll through the wonderland!
Visit the event page for additional details.
Holiday Mental Health Reminder
While the holidays can be a joyful time, they can also be difficult for many. If you or someone you love is feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or struggling with mental health, help is always available. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24/7 by call or text, connecting you with trained counselors who offer emotional support, crisis intervention, and local resources. You don’t have to go through it alone; reaching out is a sign of strength.
Protect Yourself from Scams This Holiday Season
The holidays are an opportune time for scammers to take advantage of your personal and financial information. To keep your wallets — and yourself — protected in the weeks ahead, Attorney General Dana Nessel encourages Michiganders to be aware of the following scams.
- Phishing Scams: Residents are urged to avoid clicking suspicious links or opening attachments from unknown senders to protect themselves from fraudsters.
- Scanner Law: Under Michigan’s Scanner Law, stores must honor the lowest advertised price.
- Puppy Scams: Consumers seeking to add a furry friend to their family should be aware of fraudulent online pet sellers. Remember to always see the pet in person and verify the breeder before sending any money.
- AI Scams: Fraudsters are using artificial intelligence to mimic loved ones.
- Credit Card Charges: Consumers are encouraged to check their credit card statements often and report unfamiliar charges right away to prevent identity theft.
Another way you and your loved ones can stay safeguarded from deceptive behavior is by following AG Nessel’s new consumer protection social media account, which will serve as a trusted source for scam alerts, consumer protection tips, education resources, and updates from her office. You can follow @MIConsumerWatch on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.
Recognizing Universal Human Rights Month
December is Universal Human Rights Month, with Dec. 10 marking International Human Rights Day. Championed by the United Nations, this observance highlights how basic human rights — like access to food, water, shelter, and personal freedoms — structure our everyday lives, even in ways we don’t immediately notice. The UN’s framework, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, was adopted on Dec. 10, 1948, stating that all global citizens are entitled to freedom, dignity, and equity.
2025 has been a difficult year for ensuring human rights access, both here in the United States and across the globe. This year’s UN campaign aims to increase understanding and collective action towards ensuring human rights for all by sharing how human rights are an everyday essential.
Here in Michigan, my colleagues and I have been committed to strengthening human rights for Michiganders. Most recently, we have:
- Protected reproductive rights and freedoms;
- Expanded the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act, ensuring protection against discrimination;
- Banned conversion therapy, protecting our LGBTQ+ minors;
- Taken steps to protect same-sex marriage in Michigan amidst fears surrounding review of Obergefell v. Hodges;
- Expanded policies that keep Michiganders fed and housed; and
- Ensured quality education for our next generation in the 2025-26 budget.
To learn more about human rights or how to participate in the United Nations’ educational Human Rights webinars and summits, click here.
Warming Centers and Housing Assistance
As temperatures continue to drop into frigid temperatures, many community organizations across Michigan open their doors to ensure everyone can stay warm. To learn more and find warming centers near you:
- Visit mi211.org/housing-assistance
- Scroll down to the Getting Help in Michigan section
- Click Extreme Cold Warming Center and input your zip code to find local resources