- Legislative Update: For too long, Big Tech has been profiting from exploitative, dangerous algorithms at the expense of our kids — and it’s well past time to hold them accountable. That’s why Senate Democrats are proposing “Kids Over Clicks,” legislation to protect Michigan youth from the consequences of increasing social media and Artificial Intelligence (AI) usage. Learn more below and, if this is impacting your kids, take a survey!
- Legislative Update: With skyrocketing utility costs placing an increasing strain on Michigan families, Senate Dems are doing something about it. Legislation introduced earlier this month would establish a multiyear rate plan to set utility prices for multiple years, preventing surprise spikes in monthly bills and improving financial planning and stability for families in the state.
- District Update: While the costs of housing, utilities, and everyday essentials remain sky-high, the largest tax relief initiative in Michigan history that Senate Democrats championed back in 2023 continues to help Michiganders across the state make ends meet today. Read on for more info.
- District Update: With historic winter conditions hitting our communities, if you or anyone you know needs help finding a place to stay warm and stay safe, please contact 211 for information on local resources and utility assistance programs that you may qualify for. Learn more below.
- Good News from the District: Ferndale Upper Elementary’s Roman Walker won the district level competition for the 8 and 9-year-old bracket in the Elks Hoop Shoot contest!
- Good News from the District: Oak Park Schools announced that Einstein Elementary School is now a community food pantry site, in partnership with Gleaners Community Food Bank.
Senate Democrats Champion Legislation to Protect Michiganders of All Ages
In the first few weeks of 2026, Senate Democrats have been busy working across the aisle to deliver solutions to the challenges facing Michiganders and keep them safe from a growing number of safety concerns, including human trafficking and telephone scammers. Included in the bills advanced is legislation to:
- Ban cell phones in schools: To address the growing issue of cell phone use in schools and protect kids’ uninterrupted learning environment, Senator McMorrow and her colleagues passed bipartisan legislation last week to ban cell phones during instruction in every grade in Michigan’s K-12 public schools. These bills would help teachers to teach and students to learn.
- Prevent human trafficking: In 2024, the National Human Trafficking Hotline received over 750 tips of human trafficking in Michigan, with 340 of them being confirmed cases. As Michigan shares an international border, Michiganders, especially children, are uniquely vulnerable to falling victim to this heinous crime. To help us protect our most vulnerable, Sen. McMorrow and her colleagues passed bipartisan legislation to increase criminal penalties, particularly for those who traffic minors.
- Crack down on deceptive telephone solicitation tactics: As folks navigate the everyday reality of increased costs, the onset of flu season, and more, the last thing you need is a constant stream of phone calls and texts harassing you and attempting to deceive you out of your hard-earned money. That’s why, this week, the Senate advanced bipartisan legislation to tackle this issue head-on, ensuring both our residents and the Attorney General’s office have the tools they need to hold scammers accountable.
New Year, New Legislation! Senate Dems Introduce Legislation to Keep Kids Safe Online, Tackle Rising Energy Costs
With the new year here, Sen. McMorrow and her colleagues have hit the ground running to introduce several new pieces of legislation to safeguard Michigan kids and consumers, including bills to:
- Keep kids safe online: As we rapidly accelerate into the age of digital and AI advancements, our youth are bearing the brunt of the harmful consequences of Big Tech’s exploitive algorithms. That’s why Senate Democrats introduced legislation that would implement stronger safety measures to prevent social media companies and AI platforms from targeting and exploiting minors. Introduced last month and highlighted in a press conference last week, this “Kids Over Clicks” package would protect kids from the dangers of unfettered online activity by holding Big Tech accountable.
If you have children, we encourage you to take our survey and let us know your thoughts on how social media is impacting our youngest generation — your input can help shape what the final package looks like to ensure we meet the needs of Michigan families!
- Tackle rising energy costs: While the costs of everything from gas and groceries continue to put a squeeze on Michiganders, utility costs are only adding to the burden. To combat outrageous energy rates — which have gone up 11% since Jan. 2025 — legislation introduced by Senate Democrats last week would establish a multiyear rate plan to set utility prices for multiple years, preventing surprise spikes in monthly bills and improving financial planning and stability for families in the state.
Stay Warm During Winter Storms & Utilize 211 to Find Shelter Near You
With historic winter conditions hitting our communities, if you or anyone you know needs help finding a place to stay warm and stay safe, please utilize warming centers in District 8 shown below.
In addition to the resources above, South Oakland Citizens for the Homeless Welcome Inn at 1717 W. 13 Mile Rd. in Royal Oak is open for overnight accommodations. Call 248-850-3219.
Detroit Overnight Shelter Information:
You can contact 211 to find information on more warming centers as well as available resources to help with housing and utility bills. 211 is available for free for all Michiganders 24/7 any day of the year. To find help for winter utilities, you can:
📞 Call 2-1-1
💬 Text your zip code to 898-211
🖥️ Visit mi211.org
For more winter preparedness tips, click here.
Utility Assistance Programs
Winter can become stressful with high utility costs. Depending on your household income, you may qualify for assistance:
- State Emergency Relief: State Emergency Relief is a crisis intervention program that provides assistance for energy-related expenses like heating fuel, electricity, and home repairs. Those who can demonstrate need are encouraged to apply online through MI Bridges.
- Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP): The Michigan Public Service Commission administers the MEAP, helping establish and administer statewide programs that provide energy assistance and self-sufficiency services to eligible low-income households. To seek help, contact 2-1-1 or your utility company to find programs in your area.
- Weatherization Assistance Program: The Weatherization Assistance Program provides free home energy-conservation services to low-income Michigan homeowners and renters. These services can reduce energy use and lower utility bills. Some of the services include insulation, air leakage reduction, smoke detectors, and dryer venting. You can contact your local Community Action Agency to start the application process.
Michiganders Continue to Feel Relief from Senate Dems’ EITC Expansion
While the costs of housing, utilities, and everyday essentials remain sky-high, legislation that Sen. McMorrow and her Senate Democratic colleagues championed back in 2023 continues to deliver relief for Michiganders across the state today. As part of the largest tax relief initiative in Michigan history, they quintupled Michigan’s match of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) from 6% to 30% to help families who need it most.
It’s important to highlight how fair tax policy is a vital tool to help residents make ends meet. For the 2025 tax filing season, an average state EITC of $890 was delivered to approximately 665,000 recipients. When combined with the average federal EITC of $2,966, eligible families received a total average credit of $3,856. These are real dollars Sen. McMorrow has put back in the pockets of hard-working Michiganders, helping alleviate the costs of rent, groceries, gas, and everything in between.
To learn more about this historic tax break and other ways Senate Dems are lowering costs for you and your family, click here. To check if you qualify for the EITC, click here.
Ferndale Elks Hoop Shoot District Champ
Congratulations to Ferndale Upper Elementary’s Roman Walker on winning the district level competition for the 8- and 9-year-old bracket in the Elks Hoop Shoot contest! The event was hosted at Royal Oak Middle School and hosted by Ferndale Elks #1588. Roman now advances to the Elks Hoop Shoot State Competition on Feb. 28tat Ferris State University. Great job and good luck to you, Roman!
Royal Oak’s Blind Owl Featured On TV
Blind Owl Restaurant and Bar in Royal Oak was featured on America’s Best Restaurants Roadshow!
They were able to showcase their unique fusion of Latin-American cuisine that blends the comfort of American classics with the excitement of international flavors. To watch the episode, click here
Einstein Elementary Added as Food Pantry Site
Oak Park Schools announced that Einstein Elementary School is now a community food pantry site in partnership with Gleaners Community Food Bank. This reflects the ongoing commitment to supporting the well-being of students, families, and community by having access to important resources like this.
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.