Dear Neighbor,
Our work in the Legislature is well underway for the year, and I’m honored to continue serving you and our community in the Senate. Read on to learn more about what we’re working on for our state.
I appreciate your feedback, so please feel free to reach out. You can contact me by sending an email to SenVKlinefelt@senate.michigan.gov or calling 517-373-7670.
Sincerely,
Veronica Klinefelt
State Senator
District 11
Investing in Michigan — Updates on the 2026 State Budget
Last week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer presented her recommendations for our next state budget. At this stage in the process, we’ve heard her priorities, and I’m pleased to see that we share many of the same goals — strengthening education, lowering costs for hardworking families, and driving job growth to boost our economy.
I’ll continue to provide updates as the budget takes shape, so stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks!
Updates from the First Month of the New Session
With the first month of 2025 over, I’m excited to share the progress my colleagues and I have made so far on behalf of you and Michiganders around the state. In the past few weeks, in addition to introducing legislation to lower prescription drug costs and strengthen protections for workers, we:
- Voted to expand the state’s Freedom of Information Act to include the Michigan Legislature and governor. This legislation, Senate Bills 1 and 2, are now in the House for consideration.
- Reintroduced bills to improve accountability and tackle racial and ethnical disparities in Michigan’s maternal health care system.
Senate Democrats Stand Strong for Michigan Teachers, First Responders, & Corrections Officers
On Dec. 20, 2024, House Bills 4177 and 4665–4667 of 2023 and House Bills 4900–4901, 5817–5818, and 6058 of 2024 were passed by the Senate and returned to the House for presentation to the governor. However, House Republicans took illegal action to block these nine bills — which lower health care costs for teachers and first responders and improve retirement benefits for corrections officers — from being presented to the governor.
We will not let the constitution go ignored, and we will not let the needs of hardworking public servants go unmet. That’s why Senate Democrats have filed a lawsuit on behalf of the Michigan Senate to require House Republicans to abide by the constitution and rightfully send this critical legislation, which was passed by both chambers, to the governor. We won’t stop fighting to protect the sanctity of our constitution and stand strong for Michigan workers.
Saying a Bittersweet Goodbye to Our Legislative Director
Renee was with our team since the beginning of 2023, and while she has recently moved on to her next position, it was wonderful to have her back with us for the afternoon to say a proper farewell on the Senate floor. We will forever be grateful for all of the knowledge she brought to our office.
Recognizing Some of Macomb County’s Top Students at the Macomb Career and Technical Education Administrators Association (MCTEAA) Awards Ceremony
Community Conversation
WHEN: Monday, February 24, 2025, from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Eastpointe Memorial Library, 15875 Oak Ave., Eastpointe, MI 48021
Honoring the Great Laborers of Our State on White Shirt Day
Tuesday, Feb. 11 was White Shirt Day, which marks the 88th anniversary of the end of the Flint sit-down strike when Michigan UAW members won the right to be recognized by General Motors.
This week, we remember and honor those trailblazers whose heroic actions paved the way for progress in Michigan and nationwide. We are proud that their history is our history.
Celebrating Black History This Month and Beyond
February is Black History Month, a designated time to honor and appreciate the contributions, cultures, histories, and achievements of African Americans.
In the state Senate, we’ve fought hard to ensure Michigan is a state where anyone has an equitable opportunity to succeed, no matter their background or the color of their skin. From banning race-based hair discrimination and combating hate crimes to making Juneteenth an official state holiday and centering equity in our state budget investments, my colleagues and I are committed to uplifting communities that have been historically marginalized.
February 11 is 2-1-1 Day!
Feb. 11 or 2/11 is often recognized as a day to raise awareness and remind folks about the toll-free health and human services referral service system, 2-1-1. This program, available across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, is a fantastic resource to connect people with information and resources to build healthy, safe communities. Made possible through partnership with local United Way offices, 2-1-1 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To learn more and for help getting connected with resources, click here or simply call 2-1-1.