- Legislative Update: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Senate Bill 8 and House Bill 4002 last Friday. Senate Bill 8 raises Michigan’s minimum wage to $12.48 per hour, which started on Feb. 21, with gradual increases to $15 by 2027. It also phases in a higher tipped wage, reaching 50% of the minimum wage by 2031. House Bill 4002 expands paid sick leave in Michigan. As of Feb. 21, big businesses must offer at least 72 hours a year, and small businesses must offer up to 40. Workers can save unused hours for the next year.
- News You Can Use: From utility payment assistance to household needs, Michigan 211 is a great tool for you and your loved ones to use. You can text, email or call for help. Learn more here.
- In the Community: Team McMorrow attended Oakland County Health Network’s legislative breakfast, where Royal Oak Police Chief Michael Moore highlighted how the Co-Responders program and Michigan’s Red Flag law work together to improve crisis response, citing a case where both likely saved lives.
- Good News from the District: Royal Oak Middle School’s UMatter Week was recognized as one of 10 statewide winners by the SET SEG Foundation & Michigan Association of School Boards, earning a $2,500 grant and community recognition for their student mental health initiative.
Working to Keep More Money in Your Pockets this Tax Season
Everyday costs are still too high, making it harder for you to pay the bills and support your family, let alone put any savings aside. With that reality in mind, we passed the Lowering MI Costs Plan last term — amounting to the biggest tax relief initiative for Michiganders in decades. This plan repealed the retirement tax to help seniors save an average of $1,000 annually and provided the largest tax break for working families in the state’s history, helping you save an additional average of $3,150 if you already qualified for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit.
To learn more about how you can maximize your tax return, click here.
I know these changes alone aren’t enough. Throughout the past few years, I’ve worked hard on additional legislation and funding to ensure that you have affordable paths to higher education, can access child care and PreK when you’re ready to start or grow your family, and have the resources you need to put a down payment on a new home, and medication or medical care when you need it without breaking the bank.
Update: Paid Sick Leave (House Bill 4002) and Minimum Wage (Senate Bill 8)
Both of these bills passed through both chambers of the legislature and were signed into law by Governor Whitmer, meaning the new minimum wage and earned sick time laws are now in effect. Here’s what you need to know:
HB 4002 is the Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA). This legislation:
- Requires employers to provide paid sick leave.
- Employees will earn one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked, up to 72 hours per year.
- Small businesses with fewer than ten employees are required to provide up to 40 hours of paid leave annually, with any additional time unpaid. Employees could use this leave for their own health needs, to care for a family member, or in situations related to domestic violence or sexual assault.
- Let’s employers give workers their full sick time at the start of the year instead of having them earn it over time. If they do this, they don’t have to roll over unused hours.
- Part-time workers can accrue hours like everyone else, but the legislation also allows employers in the state to provide part-time employees with their full proportionate sick time at the beginning of the year based on expected work hours. If a part-time employee works more than the expected hours, then additional sick time must accrue.
Senate Bill 8, which addresses Minimum and Tipped Wages will:
- Increase Michigan’s minimum wage gradually to $15/hour by 2027.
- Raise the tipped credit for tipped workers from 38% of the minimum wage to 50% of the minimum wage over the next six years. REMINDER: should a tipped worker earn less than the full minimum wage via their tips, employers are currently and will still be responsible for making up the difference so that no worker in Michigan should ever take home less than the minimum wage per hour. The bill links future minimum wage increases to the Consumer Price Index for the Midwest, starting in 2028. Wages will adjust yearly, helping workers keep up with living costs.
To learn more, visit the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) website at leo.michigan.gov.
Gov. Whitmer Delivers Her 7th State of the State Address
On Feb. 26, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her 7th State of the State address, outlining her vision and priorities for Michigan’s future. This annual speech, the state-level equivalent to the president’s State of the Union address that you’ll see in Washington, is a key moment in the legislative session, providing insight into the governor’s goals for the coming year and setting the stage for upcoming budget and legislative negotiations with the state House and state Senate.
Missed watching the speech live? Check it out HERE.
Tax Tips: Keep More of Your Tax Return
Tax season is here! File your tax returns with the state and federal government before Tuesday, April 15, 2025. In addition to saving with the retirement tax repeal and the expanded tax credit for working families, here are a few other quick tips to help you maximize your return this year:
- Avoid scams: For federal returns, the IRS will only initiate contact with you through regular mail delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. Make sure you do not share your personal tax information via phone, email, or social media. Learn more here.
- Utilize free resources: Michigan Free Tax Help connects Michiganders with free, high-quality income tax preparation assistance. Visit MichiganFreeTaxHelp.org to find local help.
- Take advantage of available deductions: You can deduct charitable contributions, property taxes, medical expenses and more from your federal 2024 taxes. Visit IRS.gov/credits-deductions for a full list.
First Economic Development Committee Hearing of the Year
Last week, I chaired our first Senate Economic Development Committee hearing of the year, where we adopted new committee rules and began our legislative work. The primary focus of the hearing was Senate Bill 27, introduced by Sen. Veronica Klinefelt, which would update state law to replace references to Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) with APEX Accelerators, aligning Michigan’s terminology with federal changes. The bill now awaits a vote on the Senate floor.
To watch the full committee meeting, you can view it here.
Stay Protected and Slam the Scam
With National Slam the Scam Day coming up on March 6th, the Social Security Administration wants to spread awareness about Social Security-related scams and tips on how to stop scammers from stealing your money and personal information. Help protect yourself and your loved ones by:
- Learning about the most recent scams. Signs of a scam include:
- An unexpected problem or offer of a prize or benefit increase,
- Pressure to act immediately, and
- A request for an unusual payment like cryptocurrency, gift cards, gold bars, and wire transfers, potentially along with the promise of keeping your money “safe.”
- Reporting scams as soon as possible. Everyone is vulnerable — victims shouldn’t be embarrassed.
- Sharing their Scam Alert fact sheet and helping inform others on how to protect themselves.
Report Social Security-related scams to the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General.
Tips To Stay Warm During the Remaining Winter Weeks
Michigan winters can be brutal with freezing temperatures, heavy snow, and icy winds. Whether you’re heading outside or keeping cozy at home, here are some simple ways to stay warm this season:
- Dress in Layers – Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add an insulating layer like wool or fleece, and finish with a windproof, waterproof outer layer.
- Keep Moving – Staying active, even indoors, helps generate body heat. Simple activities like stretching or walking around the house can help.
- Drink Warm Beverages – Hot coffee, tea, or even warm water can help regulate body temperature.
- Seal Drafts at Home – Use weather stripping, thermal curtains, or draft stoppers to keep the cold air out and the warmth in.
To see more tips about staying warm, you can refer to this Detroit Free Press news report here.
Retro License Plates Are Back!
Thanks to an outpouring of advocacy from Michigan drivers that inspired my bill and strong bipartisan support, two of your favorite license plates from years past are back.
Which ones?
- The blue license plates Michigan used from 1983 until 2007
- The black plates issued between 1979 and 1983
Learn more here.
Utilize Michigan 211 to Get Connected with the Resources You Need
Michigan 211 is a toll-free service that provides residents with information. Specialists trained to assist community members will connect you with the proper resources. From utility payment assistance to household needs, 211 is a great tool for you and your loved ones to use.
Michigan 211 supports about seven regions in the state of Michigan. You can text, email or call for help. For more information, click here.
I-696 Eastbound Closure
Starting this Saturday, a major freeway closure will affect drivers in Ferndale, Oak Park, Southfield, and Warren. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is shutting down a section of the freeway for two years to complete critical infrastructure improvements aimed at improving safety and traffic flow.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Where: A section of the freeway in Metro Detroit will be closed, between Lahser Road and the I-75 interchange.
- How long: The closure is expected to last for an estimated two years.
- Detours: MDOT has set up detour routes, so drivers should plan ahead and allow extra time for travel.
Commuters should prepare for delays and explore alternative routes or transportation options. Stay updated by checking MDOT’s website or following local news for more details. You can refer to one of the news reports about the matter here.
In–Person Coffee Hour Saturday, March 1!
Please join me and my special guest Rep. Sharon Macdonell for an in-person coffee hour this Saturday, March 1. I’ll give an update on what’s happening in the state, the Legislature, and issues impacting the community. We’ll bring coffee and snacks; you bring any questions (and maybe a friend)!
Oakland County Health Network Legislative Breakfast
Team McMorrow recently attended Oakland County Health Network’s (OCHN) annual legislative breakfast. A portion of the conversation focused on OCHN’s co-responder program, otherwise known as CoRe. Co-responders are trained professionals that respond to emergencies along with law enforcement. Our own Royal Oak Police Chief, Michael Moore, spoke about the collaborative approach between law enforcement and behavioral health and benefits of having clinicians working alongside them. Often, police had been going back to the same households repeatedly, but having direct access to mental health professionals is a game changer for services. One year ago, this month, Sen. McMorrow’s Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO, or “Red Flag” law) went into effect.
Chief Moore noted in his experience shows how well ERPO and CoRe work hand in hand. He pointed to an example of a resident in our district who is a former football player with a history of CTE head injuries. The man had stockpiled weapons and ammunition and barricaded himself inside his home with his wife and children. He was having a mental health crisis and refused to come out or talk with law enforcement. Utilizing the Red Flag law allowed law enforcement to temporarily remove guns from the home, likely saving lives. And after removal of the immediate danger of weapons in the home, the CoRe program utilized mental health professionals to step in and provide care. This man is now in active mental health treatment. Chief Moore said that those in law enforcement are inherent skeptics but are now leaning into them, seeing first-hand how these laws and programs make a difference.
Oak Park Service-Learning Academy Tour
Earlier in the week, Team McMorrow went to tour Oak Park Service-Learning Academy and was greeted with a warm welcome from students and staff. During our visit, we learned about the school’s evolution, the challenges they face, and ways the legislature can support their work. One key change they’ve made is renaming their Special Education program to the Achievers Academy, a shift aimed at better recognizing the strengths and potential of their students. It was great to see firsthand the dedication of the educators and staff working to create opportunities for all students.
Royal Oak Middle School’s UMatter Week Wins Statewide Recognition
Congratulations to the students, staff, and community partners of Royal Oak Middle School! UMatter Week, their student mental health initiative was named one of 10 winners statewide by the SET SEG Foundation & Michigan Association of School Boards! The award includes a $2,500 grant, a trophy, and a roadside sign recognizing their commitment to self-care, empathy, kindness, mindfulness, and gratitude.
Thank you for staying connected with us through our biweekly e-newsletter. We’re committed to keeping you informed on our work in Lansing and the progress we’re making in our district. Whether it’s legislative updates or community initiatives, we want to ensure you’re engaged and aware of the ways we’re advocating for you.
Reach out with any questions, concerns, or ideas that you may have. Our office is here to assist you with any state-related matters, and we value your feedback. Feel free to contact us at (517) 373-2523 or by email at SenMMcMorrow@senate.michigan.gov.