- Legislative Update: In the final days of 2025, the governor signed 36 bills into law, including Sen. McMorrow’s legislation to increase safety measures inside childcare centers during an emergency, like a mass shooting, by allowing these facilities to install a temporary door locking device to prevent access from intruders. Learn more below.
- Legislative Update: In response to the unprecedented budget cuts made by Speaker Matt Hall and Michigan House Republicans back in December, last week, Attorney General Dana Nessel issued an official opinion stating what we knew all along: it wasn’t just cruel; it was unconstitutional.
- District Update: If you’re looking for a way to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, District 8 has a few opportunities that you can plug into! Find more info below.
- Good News from the District: Mary Sheffield was sworn in as the 76th Mayor of Detroit in a public investiture last week.
- Good News from the District: Rx Kids is coming to Detroit! Read more to learn about how we brought this proven-effective public health programming to Detroit’s moms and babies.
Reflecting on 2025 Wins & Looking Ahead to More Progress in the New Year
Senate Democrats spent 2025 hard at work propelling our state toward a better, brighter future for everyone. Together, Sen. McMorrow and her colleagues successfully:
✅ Passed another bipartisan state budget that boosts public education, protects access to health care, mitigates the worst effects of federal budget cuts, invests in our aging roads, and lowers costs;
✅ Fought back against federal cuts and chaos;
✅ Improved government transparency and reliability; and
✅ Supported Michigan families, workers, seniors, veterans, first responders, and local communities.
Read more about the wins Senate Democrats delivered for Michigan in 2025 here.
In the new year, Sen. McMorrow and her Democratic colleagues are eager to build on the progress made in 2025, and are already continuing their efforts to lower everyday costs, support kids, foster economic opportunity, safeguard access to health care, and improve the quality of life here in Michigan. Stay tuned to learn more about their ongoing work on these priorities, and feel free to track bills moving through the legislative process here.
Legislation Championed by Senate Democrats Signed into Law
On Dec. 23, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed 36 bills into state law, including:
- Senate Bill 25 (Sen. Cherry), which cuts red tape for auto repair businesses;
- Senate Bill 269 (Sen. Camilleri), which speeds up funding for improvements at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) and helps the airport better access federal funds;
- Senate Bills 685 (Sen. Shink), 686 (Sen. Daley), 687 (Sen. Singh), 688 (Sen. Cherry), 689 (Sen. Lauwers), 690 (Sen. Victory), and 699 (Sen. Shink), which improve Michigan’s farmland preservation program and protect family farms;
- Senate Bill 23 (Sen. Hertel), which helps tackle the state’s housing shortage;
- Senate Bill 136 (Sen. Anthony), which improves breast cancer detection standards;
- Senate Bills 512 (Sen. Singh) and 513 (Sen. Hauck), which ensure more equitable representation for Michigan breweries and taprooms; and
- Senate Bill 349 (Sen. Polehanki), which allows eleventh-graders to opt out of the work skills standardized test, giving parents and students more flexibility in their educational journey.
Sen. McMorrow and her colleagues were proud to work across the aisle to get these bills passed and signed into law in 2025 and will continue fighting to craft and advance more meaningful legislation in 2026.
Update: Attorney General Nessel Issues Statement on Legality of Work Project Cuts
ICYMI: Back in December, Speaker Matt Hall and Michigan House Republicans ripped away $645 million in bipartisan, already agreed upon funding from Michigan kids, families, small businesses, and more.
In response, before the end of the year, Senate Appropriations Chair Sarah Anthony submitted a letter to Attorney General Dana Nessel requesting that she issue an opinion on the legality of the House Republicans’ actions. Last week, AG Nessel, the state’s top attorney and legal expert, officially stated what we already knew: a law allowing one committee of one legislative chamber to tamper with previously promised, approved, and enacted funding is unconstitutional. Following here announcement, Speaker Matt Hall filed a lawsuit with the Court of Claims, attempting to further block critical funding from reaching Michiganders.
Sen. McMorrow will continue to fight for the communities harmed by this betrayal of public trust and provide updates surrounding the ongoing hearing and status of these funds.
Semi-quincentennial License Plate
Thanks to Sen. McMorrow’s bipartisan legislation signed into law, Michigan has brought back retro license plates, including a new semi-quincentennial design available now.
In addition to the classic blue and black legacy plates, now a new version of the popular 1976 red, white, and blue bicentennial plate is available to honor our nation’s 250th anniversary. The limited-edition plate will remain on sale through the end of this year and is available in personalized and disability versions. The special plates cost $55, of which $50 will go to the Michigan Transportation Fund – with all revenue raised going to fix our roads without raising taxes.
Order this or either of the other two retro legacy plates online at michigan.gov/SOS, through a dealership when purchasing a vehicle, or by scheduling an in-person visit to a Secretary of State office.
Boosting Safety at Child Care Centers
Parents in Michigan deserve peace of mind when they drop their kids off at preschool or daycare, which is why Sen. McMorrow worked alongside Sens. Moss and Hauck to craft legislation that would increase safety measures inside these facilities during an emergency, like a mass shooting. Passed unanimously in both chambers and officially signed into law last year, this bipartisan bill package will help protect Michigan students and child care workers by allowing these facilities to install automatic door locks. Learn more here.
Cracking Down on Online Ticket Sales
Whether it’s a Lions game or an exciting musician comes to town, everyone should be able to enjoy the various events that take place at the venues in our community. Unfortunately, all too often that hasn’t been the case, with online bots buying and reselling tickets at outrageous prices — making them out of reach for many. Thanks to bipartisan legislation signed into law in December, some changes are on the horizon for Michiganders. Championed by Sen. Cavanagh, this bill package lowers the cost of online event tickets by prohibiting bot scammers from purchasing tickets in bulk and inflating the price in unfair resale markets. Learn more here.
MLK Day Events in the District
A Day On, Not A Day Off – MLK Day of Service
The cities and school districts of Royal Oak, Berkley and Clawson are proud to announce a joint MLK Day event for the entire community to remember and honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, Jan. 19 from 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. at Clawson High School, 101 Phillips Ave., Clawson, MI 48017.
Join for the March: At 9:30 a.m., the community is invited to gather at Clawson High School for a freedom walk and donation drive.
Service Projects: At 10:15 a.m., service projects begin at Clawson High School, including making blankets, engaging in a community art project, sorting donations, writing cards, and more.
Donations Being Collected:
- Non-perishable food
- Toiletries
- Household items
- Diapers
- Gently used children’s clothing, toys, and stuffed animals
Items will be collected onsite through 11:00 a.m. and then delivered that day by volunteers.
Can’t make it to the event but want to make a donation? Shop the Amazon Wish List and your item will be delivered.
The Royal Oak Township Martin Luther King Jr. Committee presents a Celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.
The theme of this year’s event is “Honoring Our History, Fighting For Our Future,” and will feature keynote speaker, Kim Trent, Deputy Director Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
WHEN: Monday, Jan. 19th at 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Grant Elementary Gymnasium, 21131 Garden Lane, Ferndale, MI 48220
Michigan Arts & Culture Council (MACC) Grant Applications Are Now Open
Michigan arts and culture nonprofits, municipalities, tribal entities, PreK-12 schools, colleges, universities, and others are encouraged to begin preparing to apply for a 2026 MACC grant. These grant programs help fund professional development, equipment and facility upgrades, arts education, and more.
The deadline to apply is Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Learn more and start your application here.
Protecting Yourself During Flu Season
As you may have noticed in your community, flu season has hit Michigan at full force. The Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDDHS) recommends these steps to protect you and your loved ones from this serious illness:
- Take time to get the flu vaccine — the most effective way to prevent flu is to get vaccinated every year!
- Take everyday preventative actions, such as:
- Avoiding close contact with other people who are sick;
- Staying home when you are sick;
- Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing;
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth;
- And practicing other good health habits, like getting plenty of sleep, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, and eating nutritious foods.
- Take flu antiviral drugs to combat illness if your doctor recommends them.
For more information and resources about flu season, click here.
Be Winter Weather Ready
The cold and snow are here! As Michigan faces cold weather and winter storms, make sure to plan ahead and take the proper precautions to stay safe. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends creating a communication plan with your family and taking steps to prepare your home and vehicle for the low temperatures, including:
- Weatherproof your home: Insulate walls and attic, caulk and weather-strip doors and windows, and insulate any water lines that run along exterior walls.
- Install a smoke detector and a carbon monoxide detector: Home heating is the second leading cause of home fires; make sure to prioritize fire safety and keep your house safe.
- Create an emergency car kit: Include items to stay warm — a portable phone charger, shovel, windshield scraper, flashlight, battery-powered radio, extra batteries, water, snacks, first-aid materials, jumper cables, and waterproof matches.
- Prepare for power outages: Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges; do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
Read more tips here
Detroit’s Historic Mayoral Investiture
Mary Sheffield was sworn in as the 76th Mayor of Detroit in a public investiture last week. The historic ceremony took place at the Detroit Opera House, and Mayor Sheffield is the first woman ever elected to this position. There were over 2500 people in attendance including city leaders, residents, and community groups. Mayor Sheffield previously served 12 years on Detroit City Council, four as the council president.
Rx Kids to Launch in Detroit!
During her first days in office, Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield announced the highly effective Rx Kids program will launch within the first 100 days of her administration, offering medical cash prescriptions for Detroit’s new moms and babies!
Originally tailored to uplift the city of Flint, Rx Kids programming assists expectant and new mothers during the most critical time in an infant’s life. Created in partnership with Dr. Mona Hanna and Michigan State University, Rx Kids provides life-changing financial security that is universal and unconditional. Moms receive $1,500 during pregnancy, and babies receive $500 a month for six to 12 months. Senate Democrats have championed Rx Kids since its inception to help moms and babies, further expanding it in the 2026 budget and helping ensure it can reach communities across the state.
With an estimated 8,000 babies born in Detroit every year, this historic expansion will set a standard for how cities and states show up for families when it matters most — and help support the newest Detroiters to have safe and healthy futures. Rx Kids is also now underway in Lake County and certain communities in Saginaw and Berrien counties.
To learn more about Rx Kids’ initiatives and when enrollment opens near you, click here.
Honoring Lifesaving Firefighters and Paramedics
Heartfelt gratitude and congratulations go out to the Birmingham Fire Department’s Lt. Adam Knowles, and Paramedic/Firefighters Bob Abraham, Steve Bonora, and Steve McInerney. Their lifesaving efforts on Thanksgiving Day resulted in bringing a resident back to life with no deficits! This week they received awards to commemorate this heroic feat which ensured that a family was able to celebrate the holidays all together this year. Thank you for the incredible work that you do!
Thank you for staying connected with Sen. McMorrow’s office through the biweekly e-newsletter. We’re committed to keeping you informed on our work in Lansing and the progress we’re making in the 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.You can also fill out a contact form on our website and we’ll get back to you as soon as we’re able.