- Legislative Update: From fighting to improve working conditions for nurses to taking on the heinous crime of human trafficking, Michigan Senate Dems have advanced several pieces of critical legislation this past week. Learn more below.
- District Update: During Black Maternal Health Week this April 11-17, Sen. McMorrow is shining a light on the glaring systemic injustices in our maternal care system, along with Senate Dems’ bipartisan solutions underway that seek to tackle them.
- Good News from the District: Judson Center officially broke ground on the first phase of a major renovation and expansion of its historic Royal Oak campus.
- Good News from the District: Sen. McMorrow visited the New Martin Park District Association monthly membership meeting last week to give an update from Lansing.
A Snapshot of Capitol Activity
Along with working to craft a balanced state budget on time that delivers meaningful relief for Michiganders, Sen. McMorrow and her Senate Democratic colleagues have also been busy driving forward legislation to address critical issues facing residents and communities across the state. This past week specifically, they’ve advanced bills to:
Support Michigan nurses — Despite already working long shifts, nurses are often forced to stay overtime, which could mean staying for shifts of 16 or more hours. Unable to say no, mandatory overtime isn’t only grueling for nurses, contributing to high burnout rates, but it also poses risks to patients and the care they are provided. To improve working conditions for our nurses and protect Michiganders seeking care, the Michigan Senate passed bipartisan legislation this past week that would end this dangerous practice while also implementing additional safeguards to ensure nurses can get the rest they need.
Combat human trafficking — Building on Senate Dems’ previous efforts to address human trafficking in Michigan, Sen. McMorrow is spearheading a new bill that would help tackle the issue by requiring every hotel and motel in the state to prominently display the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline number. With Michigan positioned at the intersection of many highway corridors and crossing points, this legislation would help victims connect with critical support while also signaling a warning sign to traffickers. Passed out of the Senate Committee on Housing and Human Services this week, this life-saving legislation now heads to the full Senate floor for consideration.
Celebrating National Public Health Week with Action
Public health — the science of preventing disease and illness, protecting the health of entire populations, and promoting a better quality of life — is foundational for the safety and well-being of everyone across the globe. Last week was National Public Health Week, an invitation to reflect on the progress made and the steps needed for an even stronger, healthier future.
Here in Michigan, Senate Democrats have taken bold action to bolster public health and improve our quality of life, from:
- Protecting the Affordable Care Act, ensuring access to affordable, comprehensive health care;
- Saving Medicaid in Michigan by securing a $2.7 billion investment to counteract sweeping federal cuts;
- Expanding the widely successful Rx Kids cash prescription program to communities throughout the state, reducing childhood poverty and improving maternal and infant health;
- Tackling the gun violence epidemic by championing evidence-based gun safety legislation;
- Safeguarding reproductive freedom by repealing the state’s 1931 abortion ban, legalizing surrogacy, and protecting access to abortion care;
- Improving environmental protections and fighting for cleaner air and water; to
- Fighting food insecurity through the universal free school meals program and intentional budget investments.
Senate Democrats Vote to Lower Gas Prices, Every Republican Opposes
Michigan Senate Democrats recently passed Senate Resolution 104, calling on D.C. Republicans to reverse the Trump administration’s actions that have led to surging energy costs across the state and nation. Every Senate Republican in the chamber voted no.
During a time of economic instability, the Trump administration has continuously driven up energy prices for Michigan families by cancelling hundreds of renewable energy programs under the so-called “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” and forcing the inefficient, pollutive J.H. Campbell coal plant in West Michigan to stay open. Michigan ratepayers are footing the bill, and Trump’s war with Iran has indisputably caused a significant spike in fuel costs since the conflict began.
Senate Resolution 104, which has been sent to Congress and the White House, urges Washington Republicans to pursue every available means to tackle skyrocketing energy prices, restore proven-effective renewable energy programs, and put the priorities of the American people — especially lowering costs — first and foremost. Sen. McMorrow and her colleagues will continue fighting to hold the Trump administration accountable and provide real financial relief for our communities.
Gov. Whitmer and MiLEAP Announce Record Enrollment in Pre-K for All!
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently announced nearly 55,000 children statewide are enrolled in the Great Start Readiness Program, Michigan’s PreK for All program, as of Jan. 2026. This is the largest enrollment in the program’s history, doubling the number of children enrolled since 2021. PreK for All is available to all Michigan families, regardless of income level, saving them an estimated $14,000 per year on child care costs.
Senate Democrats secured robust state funding that expanded access to high quality, no-cost preschool through PreK for All — giving our kids the tools they need for bright futures, helping hardworking families tackle the child care crisis, and allowing parents to advance in their careers.
Enrollment for the 2026-27 school year is now open! To qualify, your student must be 4 years old by Dec. 1. Learn more about PreK for All here.
Boosting Health Outcomes for Michigan Black Women
For too long, Black women have systematically faced disproportionate outcomes in their birthing experiences due to maternal care systems that fail to truly listen and understand their needs, leading to preventable complications and high mortality rates for both them and their babies. This April 11-17 is Black Maternal Health Week, and once again, Senate Dems are joining the Black Mamas Matter Alliance to shine a light on the glaring systemic injustices in our maternal care system, along with solutions underway that seek to tackle them.
To ensure Black moms are treated with the care they deserve, the Michigan Senate passed a comprehensive slate of legislation last year that would improve maternal health outcomes in Michigan through equitable data requirements, anti-discrimination measures, patient protections, and more. Despite being passed out of the Senate with bipartisan — and some, even unanimous — support last April, these commonsense bills remain stalled in the Republican-controlled House. Sen. McMorrow and her Senate colleagues will continue to demand better for moms across Michigan, including by passing a Resolution this week that highlights the need for these critical bills.
Spring Fishing Season is Here!
Spring fishing is finally here. April 1 marked the official kickoff to the new fishing license year in Michigan. With Michigan hotspots offering some of the best fishing in the country, don’t miss out — grab your gear and hit the water!
Before you do though, make sure to thoroughly review the 2026 Michigan Fishing Regulations to learn any new regulations that apply to your favorite fishing spots. And of course, make sure your fishing license is up to date. Licenses are affordable and can be bought at many stores or online at Michigan.gov/Fishing.
Planning Spring Yard Projects? Call Before You Dig
Whether you want to install a fence or plant a tree, if spring fever has you itching to do some landscaping projects around the yard that involve digging, remember to first reach out to MISS DIG 811 beforehand so that underground utility lines can be marked for safety.
April is Safe Digging Month, an annual reminder for Michiganders’ legal responsibility to call 811 or head to MISSDIG811.org at least three days before they start a project that involves putting a shovel in the ground. Contacting MISS DIG 811 is free and allows crews to mark buried utility lines in advance to prevent costly damage, service disruptions, and risks of serious injury or death. Learn more here, and happy spring!
Desoto Ellsworth Block Association Health Fair
Desoto Ellsworth Block Association (DEBA) is hosting a free Health Fair on Saturday, April 18 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit. There will be no-cost health screenings for adults and children, and no insurance is required. Thank you to DEBA as well as the DMC, MISEPS, and Detroit Community Health Connections Inc. for making this event happen!
Women of Tomorrow Graduation Luncheon
Women of Tomorrow’s annual graduation luncheon took place this week, celebrating the hard work and achievements of the Class of 2026. Two schools in Sen. McMorrow’s district participated in this impactful mentorship program, and $169,000 in scholarships was awarded for post-secondary education.
Scholarship recipients are listed in bold below.
Oak Park High School: Diamond Johnson, Erin Bell, Jaida Wilson, Kai Moncrief-Hayes, Shayla Colbert, Shylah Carson, Zandrea Williams, and Zyera Cathey
Renaissance High School: Alory Thomas, Anniah Taliferro, Camryn Martin, Dinah Pierson, Justice Hunter, Kassidy Moore, Kylie Tyler, Kymiya Wadley, and Sydni Tait.
Congratulations to all the graduates of this program!
Judson Center Renovation Groundbreaking
Judson Center officially broke ground on the first phase of a major renovation and expansion of its historic Royal Oak campus at 13 Mile & Greenfield Road. The renovation will enable Judson Center to provide outpatient substance use disorder treatment, behavioral and primary health care, vocational services for people with disabilities, autism services, foster care, adoption, and foster youth mentoring at that one location. It means an expansion of services for an additional 900 children, adults, and families, and construction will be completed in a year. Sen. McMorrow’s Constituent and District Director Elizabeth Mulheisen attended the groundbreaking event and spoke on the impact this expansion will have in transforming the campus to better meet the needs of the community.
New Martin Park Block Club Visit
Sen. McMorrow visited the New Martin Park District Association (NMPDA) monthly membership meeting last week to give an update from Lansing. Thank you to President Viva Foster for the warm welcome and for having us!
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.