Dear Neighbor,
Winter has hit Michigan with full force! I encourage you to enjoy the fun of a pure Michigan winter before the snow melts — even if that means from the comfort of your home. Be sure to check out the showstopping Michigan athletes representing the great state we call home in the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics!
Despite the many snow days Michigan students have been enjoying, my colleagues and I have been braving the weather to continue our work in Lansing on your behalf. In recent weeks, we’ve advanced several pieces of bipartisan legislation to prevent human trafficking, protect against deceitful telephone soliciting and scams, and keep kids off their phones in the classroom. Read on to learn more about the solutions we’re working to deliver for District 1 residents and our entire 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
- Feb. 10 marked Safer Internet Day, a campaign dedicated to improving our online spaces for all and safeguarding our youth from online exploitation. Read more to learn about our legislation that protects Michigan’s youngest internet users.
- Need assistance with taxes? Visit the Melvindale Public Library next Tuesday and Wednesday to meet with the Accounting Aid Society.
- The deadline to file your taxes with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is approaching fast! Read on to find resources to assist you ahead of the April 15 filing deadline.
100 Years of Celebrating Black History
This year, the official Black history commemoration effort turns 100-years-old! In 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson — a graduate of Harvard University and son of slaves — created Negro History Week to encourage the study of African American history and lives in public schools across the nation. In 1976, Michigan’s own President Gerald R. Ford expanded the commemoration to a full month to be observed every February.
A century after the first official Black history celebration effort, Black History Month continues to serve as an annual celebration of the many cultural, historical, and economic contributions and sacrifices of African Americans. Our state has long been home to a diverse range of Black leaders and trailblazers whose legacies and accomplishments have changed our world for the better, from abolitionist Sojourner Truth and “mother of the freedom movement” Rosa Parks to Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Stevie Wonder and “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin.
Senate Democrats have worked hard to ensure Michigan is a place where everyone has an equitable opportunity to thrive, no matter the color of their skin. Together, we’ve successfully:
- Banned race-based hair discrimination;
- Strengthened our laws against hate crimes;
- Fought to mitigate racial and ethnic health disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes;
- Designated Juneteenth as an official state holiday;
- Ensured every voter can safely exercise their fundamental right to vote; and
- Centered equity in our state budget investments.
My Democratic colleagues and I will continue to uplift communities that have been historically marginalized and fight for justice and equality for all Michiganders.
Putting Kids Over Clicks — Protecting Michigan’s Youth Online
Feb. 10 was globally recognized as Safer Internet Day, a campaign focused on transforming our digital spaces into positive, respectful places through responsible internet use and prioritized safety for our youngest internet users.
To create safer internet spaces and put a stop to the exploitative tactics of Big Tech and AI companies, Senate Democrats introduced Senate Bills 757–760, the Kids Over Clicks package. This commonsense legislation was crafted with parents, industry experts, and advocates to grant Michigan parents with more control and transparency over their children’s online activity while holding corporations accountable for the unethical, predatory practices that put our youth at risk and keep them addicted to their devices.
On Safer Internet Day, Senate Democrats called on Michiganders to join us in the fight for a better, safer digital world for our kids and families — because we can all play a part in this fight to better protect our kids online.
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! To learn more and find out other ways you can take action, click here.
Honoring Michigan’s Workers and Union Legacies on White Shirt Day
Wednesday, Feb. 11 was White Shirt Day, which marks the 89th anniversary of the end of the Flint sit-down strike, when Michigan UAW members won the right to be recognized by General Motors.
Entire communities participated in the strike, as family members and workers alike put their bodies on the line, forming a human shield around the plants to protect strikers from violence. Families even delivered food to the plants to support the cause. This precedent has continued through today’s labor negotiations, with union families sacrificing during strikes in support of better wages and benefits for the working class.
The UAW fought, and they won big! Within a year of the 1937 strike, the UAW grew from 30,000 to 500,000 members strong, and autoworker wages increased by as much as 300%. Now, the UAW has over 600 locals across the United States, protecting laborers of all regions and a variety of industries.
This week, we honored the workers and families whose courageous actions paved the way for progress in Michigan and nationwide. My colleagues and I continue to fight for Michigan’s workers, whether that be through quintupling Michigan’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for working families or passing legislation to restore prevailing wages and allow our unions to better negotiate.
We are proud of Michigan’s role in continuously shaping the labor movement. No matter the color of your collar, job title, or industry — all workers are entitled to dignity.
Michigan Senate Dems Urge Congress to Rein in ICE, DHS Brutality
In response to a disturbing uptick in unchecked, violent tactics used by federal immigration enforcement officers in Minnesota and across the nation, Michigan Senate Democrats passed Senate Resolution 92 with bipartisan support last week to urge Congress to restore and strengthen accountability in the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency and Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS).
The brutality and corruption of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown is anti-American, and our nation’s leaders must demand greater transparency and oversight in ICE and DHS operations — because no one is above the law.
Rx Kids Launches in Detroit
Rx Kids, the nation’s first-ever community-wide prenatal and infant cash prescription program, is now available in Detroit! Senate Democrats have championed Rx Kids since its inception to help moms and babies. We further expanded Rx Kids in the 2026 budget and are helping ensure Rx Kids’ initiatives reach communities across the state. Expectant mothers in Detroit and any babies born on Jan. 1, 2026 or after are now eligible to enroll. Learn more and apply here.
Valentine’s Day Movie at Taylor Public Library
Join Taylor Public Library for a Valentine’s Movie Day today, Saturday, Feb.ruary 14! Treat yourself to a free movie, bring your own snacks, and enjoy some time away from home. They will be playing “10 Things I Hate About You.” This event is intended for ages 13 and up (those 12 and under must have a parent or guardian present).
Melvindale Public Library Accounting Aid Society
Next week, the Accounting Aid Society will be at Melvindale Public Library on Tuesday, Feb. 17 and Wednesday, Feb. 18 to help you with your taxes and answer any questions you may have. Make an appointment by calling 313-556-1920 or visiting the Accounting Aid Society website.
Resources for MSU’s Feb. 13 Day of Remembrance
Yesterday was the third anniversary of the violence and mass tragedy experienced at Michigan State University (MSU), and MSU has shared its plans and resources for this year’s commemoration — including luminary kits, art exhibits, open hours at the Alumni Chapel, remembrance bells tolling at Beaumont Tower, and more.
All community members are welcome to visit spaces on campus that they deem meaningful, find support in one another, and commemorate the lives lost and those injured on Feb. 13, 2023.
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.
Resources Ahead of Tax Filing Season
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently opened the 2026 tax filing season, with the deadline to file as Wednesday, April 15, 2026!
Senate Democrats have been focused on cutting taxes and making it easier to raise families here in Michigan. That’s why we worked to deliver the biggest tax break for working families in Michigan history, which cut taxes by $1 billion. Click here for a few quick tips to help you maximize your return this year!
During the last legislative session, we quintupled Michigan’s match of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) from 6% to 30% to help families save an average of $3,800 when combined with the federal credit. Check if you qualify for the federal EITC here.
Remember, do not share your tax documents or earnings statements via phone or social media. The IRS will only contact you via official U.S. Postal Service mail. View the IRS’ guide to stay safe from scams, and find free tax-filing resources and preparation near youhere.