Featured in This Newsletter
- Legislative Updates
- News You Can Use
- In The Community
- Good News From The District
Legislative Updates
Advancing the Freedom to Plan on World Contraception Day
For over six decades, contraception has been an integral component of women’s healthcare, giving them the power to plan their own course in life by allowing them to determine whether to have children and the number and spacing of their children.
Yesterday, on World Contraception Day, September 26, the Senate Health Policy Committee heard testimony on Senate Democrats’ Freedom to Plan package, composed of Senate Bills 973, 974, 987, 988, and 1006, that seeks to expand Michiganders’ access to contraception.
The first half of the package, introduced by Sens. Mary Cavanagh and Jeff Irwin, would break down financial barriers to over-the-counter oral hormonal contraceptives and emergency contraceptives. Additionally, the legislation I introduced would ensure more inclusive access to immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraception.
These bills build on a series of actions taken by the Michigan Legislature, including repealing the state’s 1931 abortion ban and our Reproductive Health Act and Family Protection Act, to ensure Michiganders — not politicians — possess the power to determine if and when they would like to begin a family.
To view the committee hearing and hear the testimony provided, you can watch the livestream on the Michigan Senate Democrats’ Facebook Page at Facebook.com/MichiganSenateDemocrats/live. To learn more about our continued work to protect Michiganders’ reproductive freedom, click here.
Michigan Senate Passes Bill to Bring Dollars Back to Classrooms and Teachers
My Senate Democratic colleagues and I remain committed to strengthening Michigan’s public education system. While our new 2025 state budget included a one-time decrease in the rates school districts pay into the Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement System (MPSERS), we took action just last week to make that change permanent by passing Senate Bill 911. By making this commonsense change, we will redirect over $600 million from MPSERS — which is currently funded at 140% — back to our schools each year. This is equivalent to about a $400 per student increase statewide, providing essential, flexible, and reliable funding that schools will be able use how they see best, whether that’s investing in student mental health and school safety, boosting teacher and staff pay, and more.
This legislation also eliminates the 3% payroll deduction that some employees contribute toward their retiree health care costs, putting more hard-earned money back into the pockets of more than 100,000 teachers and support staff. This bill is now back over to the House of Representatives for their consideration before it heads to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk for signature.
Michigan Senate Passes Voting Rights Act to Bolster Election Protections
On National Voter Registration Day last week, my colleagues and I passed legislation to establish the Michigan Voting Rights Act (MVRA). Building on the progress of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, the MVRA would set additional protections at the state level, shielding voters from attacks on exercising their right to vote that have been witnessed in this state and across the country.
Outlined in the legislation are protections for Michiganders across race and place, including those with limited-English proficiency and voters with disabilities.
Learn more here.
News You Can Use
Meander and Make Memories during Michigan Trails Week
From our woods to our waters, it’s no secret Michigan is abundant in natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. Recognizing this, the Senate invested in Michigan’s rich natural resources using the 2025 state budget, where we allocated over $20 million to keep our state parks pristine and inviting. That’s why we’re especially excited about Michigan Trails Week. During this week, Sept. 21-28, the Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR) is encouraging Michiganders to get outdoors on the 13,400-plus miles of diverse trails the state has to offer. Learn more and find a trail to wander on the DNR’s website.
Make Sure Your Voter Registration Status is Up to Date
Voting is a powerful way to preserve and protect our democracy. Last week, on September 17, 2024, we recognized National Voter Registration Day to encourage all citizens of voting age to register to vote or update their registration status. Registering or updating your registration status is simple and can be done in less than ten minutes. You can do it online, by mail or in-person at your local clerk’s office or Secretary of State branch.
I am committed to expanding access to the ballot box and removing barriers that make it harder for Michiganders to cast their vote. Read more here about the work we’re doing to build a more equitable and accessible electoral process that protects and empowers voters.
Apply for the Home Heating Tax Credit by September 30
The Home Heating Tax Credit is a way the state of Michigan helps low-income families pay some of their heating expenses. This year, the average qualifying household received $108 in assistance, which is most often applied directly to residents’ utility bills. With these savings, more Michiganders can have additional money in their pockets to put food on the table, afford medication, pay bills, and more.
Residents can apply for the Home Heating Tax Credit until the September 30 deadline. To qualify, residents must be a renter with a contracted lease or a homeowner and meet income requirements. You can apply for the Home Heating Tax Credit here.
Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month
During Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the rich culture and histories of Latino Americans across the United States and here in Michigan. The month-long observance commemorates the independence days of Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Mexico, Chile, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala.
In Michigan’s history, fewer than 20 Hispanic individuals have been elected to serve in the state legislature, including Sens. Mary Cavanagh, Darrin Camilleri, and Erika Geiss. Their backgrounds and lived experiences make our caucus and our state stronger. Learn more about them and Hispanic Heritage Month here.
In The Community
Girl Scouts Visit
Recently, I spoke with the bright young minds of the Berkley area Girl Scouts, who are currently working towards their democracy badge. It was a privilege to share my experiences as a State Senator and talk about the importance of civic engagement, leadership, and the impact they can have on their communities, alongside taking questions from both the children and their parents. Their curiosity and enthusiasm for learning about how our government works gives me so much hope for the future!
League of Women Voters Meeting
This past Saturday, I spoke at the League of Women Voters meeting in Detroit. We had an inspiring conversation about women’s rights, the importance of protecting voting rights, increasing civic engagement, and making sure every voice is heard at the ballot box. It was a powerful reminder that when we come together, we can strengthen our democracy for the better.
Good News From the District
Detroit Zoo Baby Gorilla Name Announced
Photo Credits: WLIX 10
The Detroit Zoo is celebrating the arrival of a precious baby gorilla named Motema, which means “heart” in Lingala, the Bantu language spoken in several regions of central Africa! If you want to see Motema in the exhibit, be sure to plan a visit soon and catch a glimpse of this bundle of joy as they bond with their family! You can read more about it here.