- Legislative Update: Last week, the Senate passed Sen. McMorrow’s legislation to tackle the high cost of childcare burdening Michigan parents and to deliver much-needed support for providers statewide. Learn more below.
- District Update: With gas prices stretching the budgets of households around the state, below you can find some consumer protection resources to ensure you are filling up with quality, more affordable gas.
- Good News from the District: Sen. McMorrow gave a legislative update at the May membership meeting of the Bagley Community Council in Detroit.
- Good News from the District: Thank you to everyone who attended the recent Lower Costs, Higher Wages Town Hall at the Tri-County Educational Center in Royal Oak Township!
- Good News from the District: Team McMorrow was there for the dedication of the Judge Jamie Wittenberg Memorial Wall at the 44th District Court in Royal Oak this week. The wall commemorates the life and career of the late Judge Jamie Wittenberg.
Michigan Senate Passes Legislation to Cut Childcare Costs, Support Providers
To tackle the affordability crisis facing residents statewide, last week, Senate Democrats passed a bold bill package Sen. McMorrow has championed to lower the cost of childcare for Michigan parents and increase avenues for childcare providers. Senate Bills 310–313 would make childcare more affordable for families and more sustainable for childcare professionals and entrepreneurs by:
- Codifying the innovative bipartisan program, Tri-Share, that splits the cost of childcare equally among employers, the state, and employees;
- Tying the Childcare Reimbursement Rate to inflation to provide certainty and consistency to providers; and
- Updating licensing requirements for childcare centers and removing burdensome barriers to opening and operating centers.
By passing this legislation out of the full Senate, Senate Dems are one step closer to codifying this critical programming for Michigan families and childcare providers. Senate Bills 310–313 now head to the House for further consideration.
Read more here, and learn more about how these bills fit Senate Democrats’ broader A Michigan You Can Afford agenda here.
McMorrow Intros Bills Protecting Consumers from Deceptive Corporate Pricing Practices
Last week, Sen. McMorrow introduced comprehensive legislation to ban surveillance pricing for e-commerce and dynamic pricing for retail stores. Used by airlines, rideshares, online retailers, hotels, and grocery stores, these deceptive practices work to benefit businesses’ bottom line at the expense of the consumer.
Senate Bills 991–993 would ban businesses from setting custom prices for customers based on personalized algorithms or real-time information, protecting both Michigan consumers’ peace of mind and hard-earned money. This legislation remains in the Senate Committee on Economic and Community Development, which Sen. McMorrow proudly chairs, for further consideration. Learn more here.
Bill to Ban Stock Buybacks for Corporations Receiving State Tax Breaks Passes Committee
Tax dollars from the people of Michigan need to go to the people of Michigan, not to boost the profits of corporate executives and shareholders through stock buybacks. Introduced earlier this year, Sen. McMorrow’s legislation would prohibit corporations from repurchasing their own stock on the open market if they receive economic incentives from the state of Michigan, such as grants, loans, tax captures or abatement, or other financial assistance.
The Senate Committee on Economic and Community Development heard testimony from Sen. McMorrow and local labor leaders on this legislation, Senate Bill 783, earlier last week, underscoring the need to put a stop to this “reverse Robin Hood” practice. Sen. McMorrow’s legislation is simple: if a company wants to use Michigan taxpayer dollars, then they must use those dollars for their intended purpose — growing their businesses and investing in their workers. Passed with bipartisan support out of committee, this bill now heads to the full Senate floor for consideration.
Senate Democrats Outline Plan to Combat Attacks on Voting Rights
Amid threats against state-run elections from the Trump administration and Congress — and the U.S. Supreme Court’s sweeping rollback of key protections under the Voting Rights Act of 1965 — Senate Democrats are fighting back.
In recent weeks, Senate Democrats introduced the Michigan Voting Rights Act, Senate Bills 961–964, to ensure every Michigan voter can cast their vote at the ballot box. Building on Senate Democrats’ previous efforts to uphold the integrity of the state’s election process, the Michigan Voting Rights Act would protect against voter intimidation, provide transparent election data, and offer language services and more to make our elections more accessible for eligible voters.
Read more about the Michigan Voting Rights Act here. To view last week’s press conference, visit our YouTube here or our webpage here.
Honoring Memorial Day with Support for Michigan Veterans & Their Families
Last Thursday, the Senate hosted their annual Memorial Day ceremony to recognize the brave servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedom and democracy. Sen. McMorrow was proud to have special guest, Major Evan Fay (Ret.) USAF, join her on the Senate floor for this ceremony.
While the Senate only hosts this special service once a year, Sen. McMorrow is focused every day on delivering results for Michigan’s active servicemembers, veterans, and their families. Through targeted legislation and budget investments, Senate Dems have made it a top priority to build up support by:
- Lowering costs for families of disabled veterans by cutting red tape and ensuring spouses can maintain property tax exemptions;
- Protecting the homes of active-duty military members by reducing the likelihood of their properties going unclaimed and reverting to state ownership while they are serving our country;
- Expanding tuition assistance eligibility for spouses and dependents of National Guard members, helping more military families access higher education;
- Creating a special registration plate for women veterans, raising recognition of their contributions to our nation; and
- Investing in veteran mental health services, Michigan’s three veteran homes, grants for nonprofits who provide housing for homeless veterans and their families, and suicide prevention programs for those who have served.
ICYMI: Chedrick Greene Joins the Michigan Senate Dems
The Michigan Senate Democratic Caucus is changing — in a good way! Earlier this month, the state’s 35th Senate District — which includes the Saginaw, Bay City, and Midland communities — held a special election to fill the vacant seat formerly held by now U.S. Rep. Kristen McDonald-Rivet. The voters’ choice? Sen. Chedrick Greene, a Saginaw native, U.S. Marine veteran, and now-retired fire captain.
Sen. Greene’s record speaks for itself. A champion for working families, a heart for service, and a public safety mindset — all things that help Senate Dems continue advancing meaningful legislation and a people-centered budget across the finish line. Sen. McMorrow couldn’t be more thrilled with this choice, which not only strengthens the Senate Democratic majority, but will also bring valuable perspective to the chamber as they work on delivering solutions for the people of Michigan. Congrats, Sen. Greene, and welcome to the Michigan Legislature!
Stay Protected at the Gas Pump
Right now, Michigan drivers are paying an average of $71 for a full tank of gas, as the Iran war has disrupted global oil markets. According to the AAA, Michigan drivers are paying 70 cents more per gallon of gas than a month ago and $1.66 more per gallon of gas compared to this time last year.
Below are some consumer protection resources to ensure you are filling up with quality, more affordable gas:
- The Michigan Dept. of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is a useful resource for staying safe at the pump. If you have concerns about fuel quality or received a short/incorrect measure, you may file a complaint online or call the motor fuels quality hotline at 800-632-3835.
- If you suspect or have information about potential unfair gasoline pricing practices, please call the Attorney General’s Office at 877-765-8388 or file a gasoline price gouging complaint online.
- To find cheaper gas in their area, Michiganders can use popular tools from AAA and GasBuddy. For additional resources, call 211 or visit Michigan Association of United Ways.
Bagley Community Council Meeting
Sen. McMorrow gave a legislative update at the May membership meeting of the Bagley Community Council in Detroit. Thanks to President Rosalinda Haskins for the invitation!
Lower Costs, Higher Wages Town Hall in Royal Oak Township
Thank you to everyone who attended the recent Lower Costs, Higher Wages Town Hall at the Tri- County Educational Center in Royal Oak Township! Rep. Regina Weiss and Sen. McMorrow were joined by Oakland County MI Works Director Jennifer Llewellyn; Stephanie Vomvolalis, a LEO Apprenticeship Expansion Specialist; and Amber Rosenbrock, a Reconnect Student Navigator with MiLEAP.
The presentation covered topics and resources, including legislative updates as well as information on Pre-K for All, the Tuition Incentive Program, Michigan Achievement Scholarship, the Michigan Reconnect program, and apprenticeship and advocacy work through Oakland County Michigan Works.
Learn about some of the programs covered below:
Tuition Incentive Program
LEO – Registered Apprenticeships
Michigan Reconnect
PreK for All
Michigan Achievement Scholarship
Michigan Senate Passes Bills to Cut Childcare Costs, Support Providers – Senator Mallory McMorrow
Judge Jamie Wittenberg Memorial Wall Dedication
Team McMorrow was there for the dedication of the Judge Jamie Wittenberg Memorial Wall at the 44th District Court in Royal Oak this week. The wall commemorates the life and career of the late Judge Jamie Wittenberg. He was known for his kindness, positivity, community focus, and always seeing the good in people. He expanded the successful Sobriety Court program as well as introducing a Teen Court to support at-risk youth. Judge Wittenberg served as an assistant prosecutor for Wayne and Macomb Counties and was elected as a 45-A District Court Judge for Berkley. After a state merger in 2015, he became a judge of the newly created 44th District Court serving Berkley and Royal Oak. Judge Wittenberg was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer in 2019 and despite radiation, chemotherapy, and multiple surgeries, he was committed to handling his full docket. Judge Wittenberg passed away in November of 2022.
The memorial was funded by private contributions from family, friends, attorneys, and judges. It was a joint effort by the Royal Oak Historical Society, the Berkley Historical Committee, the Wittenberg family, and the 44th District Court judges.
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.