Dear Neighbor,
Happy New Year! As your State Senator, I am looking forward to continuing to serve you and our community in Lansing. At the Capitol, I am working hard with my colleagues to address the challenges Michiganders are facing both in our backyard and around the state.
While a lot of exciting work is already underway for 2026, I’d like to reflect on some of the important progress made and victories won in 2025 — all while navigating some unusual situations in unprecedented times. From protecting access to health care and securing record investments in public education to advancing commonsense legislation to make life more affordable, my colleagues and I fought for you every step of the way. And we will continue to do so in 2026.
If you ever have any questions about the work we’re doing, want to share concerns, or need assistance in navigating a state department, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office.
Take care,
Erika Geiss
State Senator, District 1
SenatorGeiss.com
Senate Democrats Secure Major Wins in 2026 State Budget
My colleagues and I fought hard to deliver a bipartisan state budget that reflects the priorities you care about — strong schools, safe communities, access to health care, and opportunity for all.
Our final budget deal works to fill critical gaps caused by cuts from the federal government, ensures stability in the services people rely on to survive, and protects what matters most to Michigan families.
To read more about what this budget means for Michigan, visit SenateDems.com/budget.
Support Students and Schools
Secures the highest-ever per-pupil funding ($10,050), continues the widely popular free school meals program, and increases funding for at-risk students, school safety, student mental health, and more.
Protect Vital Services
Saves Medicaid in Michigan to ensure health care remains accessible and affordable, protects SNAP benefits and the Double Up Food Bucks program, and continues support for police and fire departments.
Implement a Long-Term Road Solution
Requires that corporations pay their fair share, enabling a sustainable plan to fund road repairs without raiding our schools or other essential programs.
Fight Federal Cuts
Mitigates the worst impacts of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” to prevent a $1 billion budget hit and protect health care access, public safety, schools, and more.
Lower Costs
Continues the retirement tax repeal to save seniors $1,000 per year, makes child care more affordable through the Tri-Share program, and supports workforce training opportunities.
Providing A Better Future for Moms and Babies
Rx Kids is the nation’s first community-wide prenatal and infant cash prescription program, and Senate Democrats continue to be a lead champion for this innovative effort to better support moms and babies. We helped provide budget funding to launch the program in Flint and continue to expand it to other parts of the state. Most recently, we fought hard to successfully secure a landmark investment of $270 million to continue to expand Rx Kids. Over the next three years, this funding is expected to reach nearly 100,000 babies, representing approximately one-third of all births in Michigan.
Tackling the Issues You Care About
Protecting Michigan consumers from scams and breaches
Passed with bipartisan support, Senate Bills 360-364 would bring Michigan up to speed with 37 other states by empowering the Attorney General’s office to investigate security breaches and hold violators accountable.
The Senate also passed Senate Bill 134 last year — long overdue legislation to restore power to the Michigan Consumer Protection Act by equipping the Attorney General with the authority to hold bad actors and businesses accountable. The bill would also enhance education efforts to reduce scams and strengthen penalties for violations against elderly and vulnerable adults.
And, to protect Michigan consumers from disruptive, deceptive telephone solicitation tactics, the Telephone Solicitation Act was also recently introduced. This bipartisan bill package would prohibit telephone solicitors from engaging in misleading, exploitative business practices and grant the Attorney General the authority to act against violators.
Lower prescription drug prices
To ensure all Michiganders can afford the medications they need, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I passed legislation to establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) in Michigan — an independent body designed to lower drug prices and hold Big Pharma accountable. Made up of experts in health care, economics, and supply chain management, the PDAB would recommend ways to lower drug costs and set upper limit payments to make expensive medications more affordable.
Shielding Michigan from Worst Effects of Federal Cuts
Since January 2025, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I have been sounding the alarm on the threats that the current federal administration’s cuts and policies pose to Michiganders like you. Over the past year, we have held 13 Michigan Senate committee hearings on tariffs and their negative economic impact, cuts to funding for farmers and food banks, and attacks on vital services.
This effort culminated with some significant victories in the state budget, as we were able to counteract some of the worst impacts of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” — including avoiding a $1B hit to Michigan. We undid tax breaks for wealthy corporations, protected SNAP food assistance benefits, and saved Medicaid in Michigan, halting what was sure to be a catastrophic domino effect felt by all Michiganders.
Health Care Wins: Lowering Prices, Improving Care
In the third year of our majority, Senate Democrats have maintained our commitment to lowering prescription drug prices and health care costs while improving people’s access to and quality of care. This includes passing bills to:
- Keep prescription drugs affordable and accessible;
- Establish hospital price transparency;
- Improve mammogram testing and reporting;
- Strengthen support for rural hospitals;
- Improve outcomes for moms and babies of color; and
- Require insurance coverage for certain over-the-counter contraceptives.