Dear Neighbor,
Happy National Public Health Week! Since the onset of our Senate Democratic Majority, my colleagues and I have made meaningful progress in the fight for better public health, from protecting access to clean air and water to fighting the gun violence epidemic head-on — and we’re always working on more solutions to improve our overall quality of life here in Michigan.
Also, here’s a friendly reminder that Tax Day is next week, so be sure to read on for helpful information and resources on how to maximize your return and keep more of your hard-earned paycheck.
If you or someone you know would like to provide any feedback about what’s happening in Lansing, or needs assistance of any sort, please feel free to reach out to my office. You can reach me and my team by emailing SenDPolehanki@senate.michigan.gov or calling 517-373-7350.
Sincerely,
Dayna Polehanki
State Senator
District 5
- It’s National Public Health Week! Read on to learn how Senate Democrats have made real progress in the fight for improved public health here in Michigan.
- Please join my upcoming Coffee Hour in Livonia on Thursday, April 16 at 6:00 p.m. More details are below.
- Tax Day is next Wednesday, April 15. Make sure you’re prepared ahead of the filing deadline — continue reading for helpful tax tips and resources.
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. April 6-12 is 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.
And although we’ve made real progress, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I will continue fighting to further protect public health in Michigan and ensure our state is the healthiest place to work, live, and play.
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. My colleagues and I 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.
Kids Over Clicks Passes Michigan Senate Committee
To create safer internet spaces and put a stop to the exploitative tactics of Big Tech and Artificial Intelligence (AI) companies, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I championed our Kids Over Clicks bill package. This commonsense legislation that I was proud to sponsor was crafted with parents, industry experts, and advocates to ensure stronger safeguards around 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.
We recently moved this critical package out of committee, sending it to the Senate floor for further consideration. As we continue to move our bills through the legislative process, please share your experiences navigating parenthood in the digital age and let us know your thoughts on how social media is impacting our youngest generation. To learn more and find other ways you can take action, click here.
Livonia Community Conversation
WHEN: Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Madonna University Welcome Center, 36700 Schoolcraft Rd., Livonia, MI 48150
It’s Tax Time! Helpful Tax Tips, Services, & Resources
Taxes are due next week on Wednesday, April 15, 2026! If you haven’t already filed, here are some tips and resources that may be helpful as the filing deadline quickly approaches:
- Michigan Free Tax Help connects taxpayers with free, high-quality income tax preparation assistance. Visit MichiganFreeTaxHelp.org to find free tax preparation services in your area.
- To protect yourself from tax scams, read up on common fraud tactics and warning signs here.
- Make sure you’re taking advantage of all the available credits and deductions available to you, which may include:
- The Earned Income Tax Credit, a benefit for qualified Michigan families to help put more money in their pockets to afford the necessities. Last session, my colleagues and I quintupled this credit to help Michiganders keep up with rising costs. Learn more here.
- The Homestead Property Tax Credit, a benefit for qualified Michigan homeowners and renters, helping to pay some of the property taxes billed. This credit can be filed up to four years from the year it could be claimed, and the maximum credit amount may be adjusted annually. Learn more here.
- The Home Heating Credit, a tax benefit for qualified Michigan homeowners and renters with low to moderate income, which helps folks afford some of their heating expenses. The maximum credit a taxpayer can claim may change each year. For qualifications and guidance, click here.
- For more tax tips and resources, please click here.
Honoring International Transgender Day of Visibility
On Tuesday, March 31, we commemorated International Transgender Day of Visibility — celebrating the lives, histories, and accomplishments of the trans community, while also raising awareness on the disproportionate levels of violence, discrimination, and oppression perpetrated against trans people.
During a time of heightened attacks against the LGBTQ+ community, trans folks continue to face significant disparities in legal protections, access to equitable health care, socioeconomic opportunity, among other stigmas and systemic inequities.
Let’s continue to honor the joy and resilience of trans folks everywhere by taking action — whether that’s fighting against the dangerous hatred and disinformation facing the community, understanding how to be a supportive, informed ally, or learning more about trans histories and lived experiences.
Here in Michigan, my colleagues and I are dedicated to protecting the rights of our vibrant LGBTQ+ community and standing against discrimination, from:
- Expanding the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act, ensuring legal protection against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity or express;
- Banning conversion “therapy”, protecting our LGBTQ+ minors;
- To taking steps to protect same-sex marriage in Michigan amidst rising anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric.
To learn more about Transgender Day of Visibility, or to find resources for both trans folks and allies, visit the Human Rights Campaign’s website here.