- Legislative Update: Sen. McMorrow’s legislation that would build a new strategy for economic development in Michigan passed the Senate Committee on Economic and Community Development this week. Crafted with community input from across Michigan, her legislation would require the state to develop and implement a comprehensive, 10-year economic development plan that addresses the unique needs of each region, like housing, transportation, and infrastructure.
- Legislative Update: The Senate passed a record education budget proposal that prioritizes Michigan students, invests in safe and healthy learning environments, and strengthens public schools.
- District Update: With recent reports of rising measles cases across the U.S., including right here in Michigan, it’s important for you and your families to stay informed about the ongoing outbreak. Continue reading for more information about the virus, vaccinations, and updates on the outbreak.
- District Update: I-696 West will be closed for 10 days beginning May 9. Click here to read more.
- Good News from the District: On Friday, May 16, the Wayne Mobile Health Unit (WMHU), in partnership with Oak Grove AME Church and Molina Healthcare of Michigan, will be at Oak Grove African Methodist Episcopal Church (19801 Cherrylawn St. in Detroit) from 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Building a New Plan for Economic Development in Michigan
With population growth largely stagnant, a workforce rapidly aging towards retirement, and too many folks struggling to make ends meet, Michigan must rethink its strategy for economic development. As Chair of the Senate Economic and Community Development Committee, Sen. McMorrow aims to address these issues with Senate Bill 213, legislation to require the state to develop a comprehensive 10-year economic development plan. On Wednesday, this bill passed out of her committee and is now awaiting consideration on the Senate floor., Tthis legislation:
- Responds to Community Feedback. This legislation is directly informed by bipartisan conversations Sen. McMorrow held with fellow State Senators, local business leaders, economic developers, residents, education and community leaders around the state to learn firsthand what they would want a new state economic strategy to include. Feedback highlighted the need for Michigan to adopt a long-term, sustainable, and coordinated economic plan to provide consistency and stability amid changing political landscapes.
- Takes a Comprehensive Approach. The 10-year plan would be holistic in scope, assessing the many diverse needs of each region, including infrastructure, transportation, housing, and more, and then develop specific strategies to address those needs.
- Was Built in Bipartisanship. This bill is part of a legislative package with Sen. Damoose, one of Sen. McMorrow’s colleagues from across the aisle. His bill, Senate Bill 214, would create a Strategic Advisory Board tasked with the initial creation of this 10-year plan. The board would be comprised of voting and non-voting members from all around the state, representing a wide range of skillsets, backgrounds, and industries, who would be responsible for updating the plan each year.
Michigan Senate Passes 2026 Budget Proposals to Support All Michiganders
This week, the Senate committee that oversees the state budget voted to advance a budget proposal for the Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity, making strategic investments to strengthen Michigan’s workforce, tackle the state’s housing crisis, and provide support to small businesses and public safety facilities in communities around the state. Some of those specific investments include:
- $125M for emergency housing
- $70M to strengthen communities through revitalization projects and support for community resource hubs
- $5.5M to support our first responders and upgrades to their facilities
While the federal government undermines workers’ rights and stokes unprecedented fear and anxiety among folks here in Michigan and nationwide, Sen. McMorrow and her Senate colleagues have worked hard to truly address the challenges Michiganders are facing with their Fiscal Year 2026 budget plan. The proposal includes high-impact, targeted investments, reflecting our commitment to delivering real solutions for the people of Michigan.
This proposal now heads to the full Senate for further consideration.
Michigan Senate Advances Bold New Education Budget Proposal Focused on Putting Students and Teachers First
While federal funding for education faces unprecedented uncertainty, the Senate committee that oversees the PreK-12 education budget has passed a record education budget proposal that prioritizes Michigan students, invests in safe and healthy learning environments, and strengthens public schools. In addition to raising per-pupil funding to $10,008, the proposal includes $2.5 billion in investments for student mental health, critical upgrades to school infrastructure — including clean and functional HVAC systems — and a continued commitment to free breakfast and lunch for every Michigan public school student. Earlier this week, the Appropriations Subcommittee voted to report the proposal to the full Senate for further consideration.
Honoring Mental Health Awareness Month with Action
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote understanding and compassion for folks struggling with their mental health. Sen. McMorrow and her colleagues have worked hard to help address the mental health crisis here in Michigan by:
- Expanding access to mental health care coverage – Last spring, Senate Bill 27, championed by Sen. Sarah Anthony, was signed into law, requiring insurance companies to cover treatments for mental health and substance use disorders at the same level as physical health services.
- Preventing suicide through commonsense gun safety legislation – Firearms account for over half of all suicide deaths, and 90% of suicide attempts with firearms are successful. That’s why Sen. McMorrow and her colleagues passed an 11-bill gun violence prevention package in 2023, including a “red flag” law that helps temporarily remove firearms from the homes of people who pose an immediate threat to themselves or others. In the first year since this law took effect, 30% of the Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) filed mentioned threats of self-harm or suicide.
- Investing in mental health care and suicide prevention – The state budget is an impactful tool lawmakers use to uplift and support the mental health needs of their communities. In the 2025 budget, Senate Democrats secured:
- $48.2 million to support substance use disorder treatment and prevention efforts;
- $30 million to increase access to 24-hour crisis services, outpatient behavioral health care, and psychiatric rehabilitation;
- $9.4 million to provide statewide coverage for 988, the suicide and mental health crisis line;
- $1.2 million to support suicide prevention programs for veterans and their families;
- $750,000 to provide resources for community-based suicide prevention efforts to meet the needs of veterans, service members, and their families; and
- $250,000 to support Six Feet Over’s suicide loss survivor program, a nonprofit that provides mental health education and support to individuals with lived experiences of suicide.
What You Need to Know About Measles: Symptoms and Vaccination Information
With recent reports of rising measles cases across the U.S., it’s important for you and your families to stay informed about the ongoing outbreak. Find more information below regarding measles, vaccinations, and updates on the outbreak.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads via direct person-to-person contact and through the air. It’s also preventable through vaccination.
Measles Symptoms
Symptoms usually appear 7–14 days after exposure but may take up to 21 days. Symptoms can include:
- High fever (can exceed 104°F)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots)
- Red, blotchy rash starting on the face and spreading to the body
Measles can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person coughs or sneezes. Awareness and timely vaccination are key to preventing further spread. If you have not received a second dose or if you are unsure of your vaccination status, we encourage you to contact your health care provider. If you or someone you know may have been exposed or is experiencing symptoms like a high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, or a rash, please contact your health care provider right away.
For more information about measles, visit the state’s webpage.
Prepare for Upcoming Road Closures
Drivers should be aware of 55 road projects that recently kicked off around the state, requiring closures on several major roadways, according to the Michigan Dept. of Transportation (MDOT). To view the full list of construction that is underway, including projects in Oakland and Wayne counties, click here. To stay safe on the road, MDOT encourages drivers to remain vigilant, minimize distractions, slow down, and follow posted signage in work zones. For more information on work zone safety, click here.
I-696 Westbound Closure
For Oakland County drivers who travel west on I-696, please note that the stretch of this highway between 1-75 and M-10 will be closed for 10 days beginning TODAY, May 9. Drivers will be detoured off the highway at I-75 (Exit 18) and instructed to take southbound I-75 to westbound Davison Freeway (M-8), to northbound M-10, before returning to I-696. Entrance ramps to westbound 1-696 that will be closed include:
- I-75
- Campbell Road
- Woodward Avenue
- Greenfield Road
- Southfield Road
- Evergreen Road
A local westbound lane of I-696 traffic will be available, where drivers can exit to I-75, Bermuda Street, Woodward Avenue, and Coolidge Road.
The demolition of the Church Street Plaza bridge is what’s causing the shutdown, which may affect the surrounding communities of Ferndale, Hazel Park, Huntington Woods, Lathrup Village, Madison Heights, Oak Park, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak, Southfield, and Warren. Starting on May 20, the eastbound side of this bridge will also be demolished, which is expected to take about 10 days.
Read more here.
Royal Oak’s Clawson Park Improvement Groundbreaking
Big changes are coming to Clawson Park on Essex Street in Royal Oak! City Manager Joe Gacioch, Mayor Pro Tem Monica Hunt, Commissioners Shar Douglas and Brandon Kolo, Parks and Recreation Director Nikki McEachern, and Planning Director Joe Murphy kicked off the start of construction last week with a special groundbreaking ceremony. Park improvements will include: a new baseball field with a backstop, benches, and bleachers designed for 7–8-year-old coach-pitch baseball. Old swings will be swapped out, and a smooth sidewalk will wrap around and lead to a shady spot with picnic tables. Soft wood chips will be added under the playground, and bouncy rubber mats under the swings and slides. Water drains will be fixed, and trees will be trimmed. A new curb will be added with 10 parking spaces, and a turnaround for cars. A tall fence will hide an ADA-compliant restroom. The work is expected to be completed in October.
Free Community Space in Ferndale!
Do you know about Jim Schaffer’s Community Corner? It’s the spot at 9 Mile & Woodward, and they keep it open free for community use! Whether it’s a book club, a Girl Scout meet-up, a nonprofit brainstorm, or a community gathering, this space is for all. You can book it here.
Wayne Health Mobile Unit in Detroit
On Friday, May 16, the Wayne Mobile Health Unit (WMHU), in partnership with Oak Grove AME Church and Molina Healthcare of Michigan, will be at Oak Grove African Methodist Episcopal Church (19801 Cherrylawn St. in Detroit) from 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. Qualified health care professionals will provide all medical services. No appointment needed. Allow 15 minutes for observation post COVID-19 vaccine. The following services are available:
- Blood Pressure Screening
- Diabetes, cholesterol and kidney function screening
- Retina Imaging
- Urinalysis
- Standard flu vaccinations are subject to availability. Insurance is billed for vaccines. No cost to those without insurance coverage.
If you have questions concerning vaccine guidance, please call the WMHU at: 313-448-9850
Thank you for staying connected with Sen. McMorrow’s office 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.