Dear Neighbor,
With the snow and freezing cold weather hitting our state, I hope you are staying safe and warm. If you, a loved one, or a neighbor need a place to escape the brutal cold, please know that warming shelters are available throughout our community. You can find one nearest you by clicking here or dialing 2-1-1 on your phone.
Despite the many snow days Michigan students have been enjoying, my colleagues and I have been braving the weather and continuing to work in Lansing on your behalf. In recent weeks, we’ve advanced several pieces of bipartisan legislation to protect Michiganders from a growing number of safety concerns, while also introducing legislation to crack down on Big Tech’s exploitative practices and lower energy costs for everyday consumers. Learn about this and more in my newsletter below.
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
- From preventing students from being distracted in the classroom to tackling rising utility costs, Senate Democrats have started 2026 off strong by advancing legislation in recent weeks to protect Michigan kids and consumers. Learn more below.
- Two opportunities to join and discuss the Restore94 projects in our community are taking place next week.
- Flu season is officially here, so it’s important for you and your loved ones to take the proper precautions to stay healthy and safe. Read more information.
Senate Democrats Champion Legislation to Protect Michiganders of All Ages
In the first few weeks of 2026, Senate Democrats have been busy working across the aisle to deliver solutions to the challenges facing Michiganders and keep them safe from a growing number of safety concerns, including human trafficking and telephone scammers. Included in the bills advanced is legislation to:
- Ban cell phones in schools: To address the growing issue of cell phone use in schools and protect kids’ uninterrupted learning environment, the Michigan Senate passed bipartisan legislation last week to ban cell phones during instruction in every grade in Michigan’s K-12 public schools. These bills would help teachers to teach and students to learn.
- Prevent human trafficking: In 2024, the National Human Trafficking Hotline received over 750 tips of human trafficking in Michigan, with 340 of them being confirmed cases. As Michigan shares an international border, Michiganders, especially children, are uniquely vulnerable to falling victim to this heinous crime. To help us protect our most vulnerable, my colleagues and I passed bipartisan legislation to increase criminal penalties, particularly for those who traffic minors.
- Crack down on deceptive telephone solicitation tactics: As folks navigate the everyday reality of increased costs, the onset of flu season, and more, the last thing you need is a constant stream of phone calls and texts harassing you and attempting to deceive you out of your hard-earned money. That’s why, this week, the Senate advanced bipartisan legislation to tackle this issue head-on, ensuring both our residents and the Attorney General’s office have the tools they need to hold scammers accountable.
New Year, New Legislation! Senate Dems Introduce Legislation to Keep Kids Safe Online, Tackle Rising Energy Costs
With the new year here, my colleagues and I have hit the ground running to introduce several new pieces of legislation to safeguard Michigan kids and consumers, including bills to:
- Keep kids safe online: As we rapidly accelerate into the age of digital and AI advancements, our youth are bearing the brunt of the harmful consequences of Big Tech’s exploitive algorithms. That’s why Senate Democrats introduced legislation that would implement stronger safety measures to prevent social media companies and AI platforms from targeting and exploiting minors. Introduced last month and highlighted in a press conference last week, this “Kids Over Clicks” package wouldprotect kids from the dangers of unfettered online activity by holding Big Tech accountable.
If you have children, we encourage you to take our survey and let us know your thoughts on how social media is impacting our youngest generation — your input can help shape what the final package looks like to ensure we meet the needs of Michigan families!
- Tackle rising energy costs: While the costs of everything from gas and groceries continue to put a squeeze on Michiganders, utility costs are only adding to the burden. To combat outrageous energy rates — which have gone up 11% since Jan. 2025 —legislation introduced by Senate Democrats last week would establish a multiyear rate plan to set utility prices for multiple years, preventing surprise spikes in monthly bills and improving financial planning and stability for families in the state.
MDOT Restore94 Project Meetings
The Michigan Dept. of Transportation (MDOT) is inviting community members to attend two upcoming public meetings regarding the Restore94 project, which will repair and rebuild nearly 13 miles of I-94 between I-275 and US-12 (Michigan Avenue). Preliminary work is expected to begin in late February, with the overall project anticipated to be completed by 2029.
These meetings are a great opportunity for residents, businesses, and local stakeholders to learn more about the project, ask questions, and share feedback.
Allen Park
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Allen Park DPS Conference Room
24000 W. Outer Drive
Allen Park, MI 48101
Taylor
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Taylor City Hall
23555 Goddard Road
Taylor, MI 48180
The project is expected to support nearly 3,000 jobs and includes roadway rebuilding and realignment, bridge and ramp work, drainage improvements, lighting upgrades, and construction of a new interchange at Ecorse Road. While one to two lanes of traffic are expected to remain open in each direction for much of the project, drivers should plan for ramp closures. Additional information can be found by clicking here.
Stay Warm During Winter Storms & Utilize 211 to Find Shelter Near You
With historic winter conditions hitting our communities, if you or anyone you know needs help finding a place to stay warm and stay safe, you can contact 211 to find information on local warming centers as well as available resources to help with housing and utility bills. 211 is available for free for all Michiganders 24/7 any day of the year. To find help for winter utilities, you can:
📞 Call 2-1-1
💬 Text your zip code to 898-211
🖥️ Visit mi211.org
For more winter preparedness tips, click here.
Utility Assistance Programs
Winter can become stressful with high utility costs. Depending on your household income, you may qualify for assistance:
- State Emergency Relief: State Emergency Relief is a crisis intervention program that provides assistance for energy-related expenses like heating fuel, electricity, and home repairs. Those who can demonstrate need are encouraged to apply online through MI Bridges.
- Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP): The Michigan Public Service Commission administers the MEAP, helping establish and administer statewide programs that provide energy assistance and self-sufficiency services to eligible low-income households. To seek help, contact 2-1-1 or your utility company to find programs in your area.
- Weatherization Assistance Program: The Weatherization Assistance Program provides free home energy-conservation services to low-income Michigan homeowners and renters. These services can reduce energy use and lower utility bills. Some of the services include insulation, air leakage reduction, smoke detectors, and dryer venting. You can contact your local Community Action Agency to start the application process.
Michiganders Continue to Feel Relief from Senate Dems’ EITC Expansion
While the costs of housing, utilities, and everyday essentials remain sky-high, legislation that my Senate Democratic colleagues and I championed back in 2023 continues to deliver relief for Michiganders across the state today. As part of the largest tax relief initiative in Michigan history, we quintupled Michigan’s match of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) from 6% to 30% to help families who need it most.
With EITC Awareness Day around the corner, we’re uplifting the power of fair tax policy to help residents make ends meet. For the 2025 tax filing season, an average state EITC of $890 was delivered to approximately 665,000 recipients. When combined with the average federal EITC of $2,966, eligible families received a total average credit of $3,856. These are real dollars we are putting back in the pockets of hard-working Michiganders.
To learn more about this historic tax break and other ways we are lowering costs for you and your family, click here. To check if you qualify for the EITC, click here.
Protecting Yourself During Flu Season
As you may have noticed in your community, flu season has hit Michigan at full force. The Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services recommends these steps in order to protect you and your loved ones from this serious illness:
- Take time to get the flu vaccine — the most effective way to prevent flu is to get vaccinated every year!
- Take everyday preventative actions, such as:
- Avoiding close contact with other people who are sick;
- Staying home when you are sick;
- Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing;
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth;
- And practicing other good health habits, like getting plenty of sleep, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, and eating nutritious foods.
- Take flu antiviral drugs to combat illness if your doctor recommends them.
For more information and resources about flu season, click here.