Dear Neighbor,
I want to provide you information about what has been going on in our state government and update you on what I’ve been working on in the Michigan Legislature.
In this newsletter, you can find information about:
- Our upcoming coffee hour
- Our district event calendar
- Legislative and budget updates
- Resources and grants
As always, you can reach my office by calling (517) 373-2406 or by replying to this email at SenJIrwin@senate.michigan.gov.
Sincerely,
JEFF IRWIN
State Senator
District 15
Community Conversation
Please join me for a Community Conversation event this Saturday, Feb. 21 at the Washtenaw County Learning Resource Center.
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 21 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
WHERE: Washtenaw County Learning Resource Center, 4135 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48108
District Event Calendars
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 month 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.
Science of Reading Law: Preventative Testing and Intervention for Dyslexic Students
Public Acts 146 and 147 will be going into effect over the next three years to help students develop their literacy skills early on. You can read or listen to learn more about this law here.
Removing Toxic Metals from Vapes
This month, I introduced Senate Bills 786, 787, and 788, that together would drastically reduce the toxic metals and metalloids that a person inhales while using one nicotine or cannabis vapes. Unfortunately, many teens and adults vape recreationally despite public health efforts, but it should not come with additional unnecessary hazards. You can read more about how inhalable aerosol can contain toxic metals here. Exposure to inhaled metals is more likely to cause serious health problems when it starts at a young age and has the potential to continue throughout a lifetime — so this legislation is particularly important to protect young people. Medically vulnerable people also use vapes to administer medical cannabis, and they should not be exposed to this invisible hazard in the process of seeking treatment.
Senate Committee Holds Hearing on ICE Bills
Senate Bills 508, 509, and 510 together would require a court order for any immigrant enforcement actions in sensitive locations, require warrants to obtain personal information from a government entity, and prohibit law enforcement from wearing masks to conceal their identities. On Thursday, Jan. 29, alongside my colleagues in the Senate Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary and Public Safety, we held testimony on these bills. I am hopeful I will get the chance to vote them out of committee to progress them to the Senate floor.
Banning Cell Phones in Schools
This month, the Michigan Legislature passed bipartisan legislation to ban smartphone use in K-12 schools. Signed by Gov. Whitmer last week, Public Act 1 of 2026 will take effect this fall. Learn more here.
Know Your Rights with ICE
Click here for materials from the ACLU to help prepare for encounters with ICE agents. The fear of violence that these untrained and reckless ICE agents have created around our community schools, our children’s bus stops, grocery stores, and places of worship is deplorable. There is now, more than ever, a need to protect our community members — especially in the sensitive areas highlighted in this legislation: schools, courthouses, health care facilities, and places of worship. What the Trump administration has done to the immigrant community continues to be immoral and unwarranted. I have made multiple public statements condemning the actions of these federal agents, as well as spoken out in support of immigrants on the Senate floor.
Help With the Unemployment Insurance Agency
If you need help contacting the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) or need help navigating correspondence from the UIA, my office can help.
More specifically, we can help if you are:
- Unable to reach a UIA representative through the phone, online chat, or by appointment
- Unsure what form or waiver you need to fill out
- Worried your state or federal return will be subject to garnishment
- Facing consequences due to an error on a form or from filling out the wrong form
- Being told you are ineligible because you filed your certification late due to illness or another life event
- Receiving unemployment overpayment determinations that state you were ineligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) when you were being wrongfully accused of fraud
To receive help from my office, fill out this form on my website with your information and details of your situation. Schedule an appointment directly with the UIA here.
Resources for 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 you 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 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.
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
Mental Health Access Line
The Washtenaw County Health Dept.’s Wish You Knew mental health campaign encourages community members to call the Washtenaw County Community Mental Health 24/7 Access Line at 734-544-3050, or call/text 988, if they are struggling with their mental health or are concerned about someone else.
Pet Food Assistance
Humane Society of Huron Valley offers pet food to supplement your monthly supply for those struggling to afford to feed their furry family members. Click here for more information.