- Legislative Update: The official Black history commemoration effort turns 100-years-old in 2026! Read on to learn how Sen. McMorrow has been working to ensure everyone across the state has the opportunity to thrive.
- District Update: In response to the recent uptick in reckless immigration enforcement actions here in Michigan and around the country, Attorney General Dana Nessel has launched a new form for residents to report alleged misconduct by federal immigration agents in their communities. Learn more below.
- District Update: The deadline to file your taxes with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is approaching fast! Read on to find resources to assist you ahead of the April 15 filing deadline.
- Good News from the District: Oak Park’s Pepper Elementary partnered with Channel 7 WXYZ for the Give a Child a Book campaign.
- Good News from the District: Recently, the Clawson High School Unified Basketball team took to the floor at Little Caesars Arena as part of the Detroit Pistons Court of Dreams Unified Showcase.
- Good News from the District: Jennifer Lee Jackson and Justin Tootla will compete in Season 23 of the competitive cooking show “Top Chef”.
Budget Season Begins
Last week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer released her FY 2027 state budget blueprint, officially kicking off the start to the budget process here in the Senate and across the chamber. With Michiganders continuing to feel the pinch from ongoing inflation, rising health care costs, and other impacts of the reckless actions of our federal administration, the governor’s plan aims to mitigate the pressures residents across the state are facing while also addressing the $1.8 billion shortfall largely caused by those same actions.
Along with continuing to invest in proven programs we have long championed — universal school meals, targeted tax relief for working families and retirees, free pre-K, and more — her budget recommendation also includes:
- Property tax relief for about 335,000 seniors to help them age with dignity in their own homes;
- Significant investments to combat the state’s literacy crisis;
- A $250 per student boost to our per-pupil funding, for a total of $10,300 per student;
- Additional support for at-risk and special education students, student mental health and safety needs, before- and after-school programs;
- A new “back to school” tax holiday to help families save money on clothes, school supplies, and more; and
- Expansion of the Michigan Reconnect program to include adult learners ages 21 and older.
Sen. McMorrow and her colleagues look forward to collaborating across the aisle and across the chamber to craft a balanced state budget that is passed on time and provides meaningful relief for those who need it most.
100 Years of Celebrating Black History
This year, the official Black history commemoration effort turns 100-years-old! In 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson — a graduate of Harvard University and son of slaves — created Negro History Week to encourage the study of African American history and lives in public schools across the nation. In 1976, Michigan’s own President Gerald R. Ford expanded the commemoration to a full month to be observed every February.
A century after the first official Black history celebration effort, Black History Month continues to serve as an annual celebration of the many cultural, historical, and economic contributions and sacrifices of African Americans. Our state has long been home to a diverse range of Black leaders and trailblazers whose legacies and accomplishments have changed our world for the better, from abolitionist Sojourner Truth and “mother of the freedom movement” Rosa Parks to Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Stevie Wonder and “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin.
Senate Democrats have worked hard to address systemic inequities that impact access to fundamental rights and opportunities. Together, they have successfully:
- Banned race-based hair discrimination;
- Strengthened our laws against hate crimes;
- Fought to mitigate racial and ethnic health disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes;
- Designated Juneteenth as an official state holiday;
- Ensured every voter can safely exercise their fundamental right to vote; and
- Centered equity in our state budget investments.
Sen. McMorrow and her Democratic colleagues will continue to uplift communities that have been historically marginalized and fight for justice and equality for all Michiganders.
Michigan Senate Dems Urge Congress to Rein in ICE, DHS Brutality
In response to a disturbing uptick in unchecked, violent tactics used by federal immigration enforcement officers in Minnesota and across the nation, Michigan Senate Democrats passed Senate Resolution 92 with bipartisan support last month to urge Congress to restore and strengthen accountability in the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency and Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS).
The brutality and corruption of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown is anti-American, and our nation’s leaders must demand greater transparency and oversight in ICE and DHS operations — because no one is above the law.
Putting Kids Over Clicks — Protecting Michigan’s Youth Online
Safer Internet Day was recognized across the globe last week, a campaign focused on transforming our digital spaces into positive, respectful places through responsible internet use and prioritized safety for our youngest internet users.
To create safer internet spaces and put a stop to the exploitative tactics of Big Tech and AI companies, Senate Democrats introduced Senate Bills 757–760, the Kids Over Clicks package. This commonsense legislation was crafted with parents, industry experts, and advocates to grant Michigan parents with more control and transparency over their children’s online activity while holding corporations accountable for the unethical, predatory practices that put our youth at risk and keep them addicted to their devices.
Senate Democrats are calling on Michiganders to join us in the fight for a better, safer digital world for our kids and families — because we can all play a part in this fight to better protect our kids online.
If you have children, we encourage you to take this 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 Sen. McMorrow and her colleaguesmeet the needs of Michigan families! To learn more and find out other ways you can take action, click here.
Honoring Michigan’s Workers and Union Legacies on White Shirt Day
White Shirt Day was recognized last week on Feb. 11, which marked the 89th anniversary of the end of the Flint sit-down strike, when Michigan UAW members won the right to be recognized by General Motors.
Entire communities participated in the strike, as family members and workers alike put their bodies on the line, forming a human shield around the plants to protect strikers from violence. Families even delivered food to the plants to support the cause. This precedent has continued through today’s labor negotiations, with union families sacrificing during strikes in support of better wages and benefits for the working class.
The UAW fought, and they won big! Within a year of the 1937 strike, the UAW grew from 30,000 to 500,000 members strong, and autoworker wages increased by as much as 300%. Now, the UAW has over 600 locals across the United States, protecting workers of all regions and a variety of industries.
Last week and always, we honor the workers and families whose courageous actions paved the way for progress in Michigan and nationwide. Sen. McMorrow and her Senate Democratic colleagues continue to fight for Michigan’s workers, whether through quintupling Michigan’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for working families or passing legislation to restore prevailing wages and allow our unions to better negotiate.
We are proud of Michigan’s role in continuously shaping the labor movement. No matter the color of your collar, job title, or industry — all workers are entitled to dignity.
Rx Kids Launches in Detroit
Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield with a little Michigander celebrating the launch of Rx Kids in the community
Rx Kids, the nation’s first-ever community-wide prenatal and infant cash prescription program, is now available in Detroit! Senate Democrats have championed Rx Kids since its inception to support moms and babies, further expanding the gamechanging program in the 2026 budget to help ensure communities across the state can benefit. Expectant mothers in Detroit and any babies born on Jan. 1, 2026 or after are now eligible to enroll. Learn more and apply here.
2026 State of the State Address
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will be delivering the 2026 State of the State Address next week on Wednesday, Feb. 25. In the speech, the governor will address members of the Legislature as well as Michiganders across the state as she lays out plans for the year ahead to lower costs, protect access to health care, support our students, grow jobs, and more.
Over the past few years, Senate Democrats have had a strong partner in Gov. Whitmer as they secured meaningful solutions for Michiganders, from making historic investments in our students, roads, and bridges to strengthening protections for workers and veterans. With several pieces of bipartisan legislation already advanced through the Senate over the past few weeks, Sen. McMorrow looks forward to another year of delivering real progress for our community and for Michiganders around the state.
Tune in! You can watch the governor’s address on your local TV channel, online here, on Facebook, and YouTube.
New Tool to Report Immigration Enforcement in Michigan
Attorney General Dana Nessel has recently launched a new reporting form for Michiganders to report alleged misconduct by federal immigration agents in their communities. Crafted in response to concerns from residents across the state on the uptick of harmful enforcement tactics happening in Michigan and nationwide, this new tool provides Michiganders an avenue to document any concerning behavior they are witnessing at the hands of federal officers. The form allows residents to submit specific incident details, including descriptions of the actions witnessed, the number of individuals involved and their group or agency affiliations, tools and weapons observed, and the time and location of the incident. Learn more here, and click here to access the form.
Resources to Help Make for a Smooth Tax Filing Season
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently opened the 2026 tax filing season, with the deadline to file as Wednesday, April 15, 2026!
Senate Democrats have been focused on cutting taxes and making it easier to raise families here in Michigan. That’s why we worked to deliver the biggest tax break for working families in Michigan history, which cut taxes by $1 billion. Click here for a few quick tips to help you maximize your return this year!
During the last legislative session, Senate Democrats quintupled Michigan’s match of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) from 6% to 30% to help families save an average of $3,800 when combined with the federal credit. Check if you qualify for the federal EITC here.
Remember, do not share your tax documents or earnings statements via phone or social media. The IRS will only contact you via official U.S. Postal Service mail. View the IRS’ guide to stay safe from scams, and find free tax-filing resources and preparation near you here.
Pepper Elementary Give a Child a Book Event
Oak Park’s Pepper Elementary partnered with Channel 7 WXYZ for the Give a Child a Book campaign. Thank you for helping students build their home libraries and foster a love for reading!
Clawson Unified Team Plays at Little Ceaser’s Arena
Recently, the Clawson High School Unified Basketball team took to the floor at Little Caesars Arena as part of the Detroit Pistons Court of Dreams Unified Showcase. They competed against Walled Lake Western and represented Clawson with a lot of heart. Way to go, Trojans!
Local Duo to Compete on Top Chef
Jennifer Lee Jackson and Justin Tootla will compete in Season 23 of the competitive cooking show “Top Chef.” Well-known for their restaurants, Voyager in Ferndale and Bunny, Bunny in Detroit, this is the first time the show has featured life partners who co-own and operatea restaurant together as competitors. They will be among 15 chefs from across the country fighting for the $250,000 grand prize, and a feature in Food & Wine magazine. The show premieres March 9th on Bravo and will stream on Peacock.
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.