Dear Neighbor,
Warmer weather is finally here! The seasonal changes are not only welcome but also energizing, as my Senate colleagues and I returned to the Capitol this week to advance critical budget bills and legislation on behalf of our constituents and Michiganders statewide.
Read on to learn more, including how we’re supporting our nurses and working to address human trafficking in the state. And, whether you’ve got the itch to fish or start some projects around the yard, be sure to find some resources below to support you with these springtime activities.
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
- From working to narrow the state’s gender wage gap and improve working conditions for nurses to taking on the heinous crime of human trafficking, Michigan Senate Dems have advanced several pieces of critical legislation in recent weeks. Learn more below.
- During Black Maternal Health Week (April 11-17), Senate Dems shined a light on the glaring systemic injustices in our maternal care system, along with our bipartisan solutions underway that seek to tackle them.
Just Introduced: My Legislation to Celebrate Michigan’s Diversity
Cultural and religious diversity is what makes our state so great. That’s why, just this week, I introduced bicameral legislation to recognize Diwali, Eid al-Adha, Eid al-Fitr, Lunar New Year, and Vaisakhi/Baisakhi as official state holidays!
Senate Bills 905–908 acknowledge the rich diversity of the many religions and cultural observances that our Michigan communities celebrate, and this legislation is a statement of inclusion and support for folks of all backgrounds and beliefs.
This legislation has been referred to the Senate Committee on Government Operations where it awaits further consideration.
A Snapshot of Capitol Activity
Along with working to craft a balanced state budget on time that delivers meaningful relief for Michiganders, my Senate Dem colleagues and I have also been busy driving forward legislation to address critical issues facing residents and communities across the state. This past week, I’m proud to report that we’ve made some progress advancing bills to:
Narrow the gender wage gap — The gender wage gap in Michigan isn’t only one of the worst in the country — it’s growing. To help address this issue, my Senate colleagues and I passed legislation to ban employers from seeking irrelevant information about an applicant’s past pay and credit history while making hiring and compensation decisions. For too long, these practices have contributed to unfair employment-related decisions that unfairly impact women and prevent them from accessing the opportunities and wages they deserve. While it will take a comprehensive effort to close the gender pay gap in Michigan, the legislation we passed this week is a solid step in the right direction.
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 last 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 our previous efforts to address human trafficking in Michigan, Senate Dems are ushering forward 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 this week, this life-saving legislation now heads to the House for consideration.
Michigan Senate Advances Record Education Budget
While Washington Republicans have proposed multi-billion dollar cuts to education for the coming school year, Senate Democrats are stepping up and prioritizing Michigan students and teachers over tax cuts for the wealthy. As Majority Vice Chair of the Senate PreK-12 budget subcommittee, we voted this week to advance a record education proposal that continues to build on our work to ensure all those in the classroom have the support they deserve.
For the fourth consecutive year, Senate Dems’ proposal includes a per-pupil increase for a total of $10,300. This investment is paired with a new weighted funding formula that would provide more predictable school funding for years to come, giving districts the ability to make strategic, long-term plans to support student success. Also included are resources to provide free school breakfast and lunch for all students, bolster school safety and mental health efforts, and ensure every child can become a confident, capable reader.
The Appropriations Committee voted to report the proposal to the full Senate for further consideration.
Kids Over Clicks Roundtable with Attorney General Nessel
I was glad to join Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, parent advocates, and community leaders for a Kids Over Clicks roundtable focused on protecting children from the real harms caused by unchecked social media and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. From social media addiction and data privacy abuses to dangerous and inappropriate chatbot interactions, the conversation underscored how urgent action is needed and how preventable these harms truly are. As courts across the country begin to recognize the consequences of allowing Big Tech to operate without accountability, this discussion reinforced the importance of advancing the Kids Over Clicks legislative package to put children’s well‑being ahead of corporate profits.
Touring ESCOT in Westland
I had a fantastic time visiting the incredible kids and staff at the ESCOT Youth Development Program at the Kronk Boxing Community Center in Westland. ESCOT’s unique program blends boxing with academics, leadership development, and community service, all while honoring the legacy of the legendary Kronk Gym. It was inspiring to hear the students recite their “Four Corners of Achievement” — Athletics, Academics, Community, and Leadership — and to see firsthand how this free program helps young people ages 8–18 grow in confidence, discipline, and purpose. ESCOT is doing powerful work to support youth and strengthen the Westland community.
New Report Highlights Positive Impact of Literacy Coaches
Michigan State University’s Education Policy Innovation Collaborative recently released a report showing that teachers who receive literacy coaching produce better instruction in the classroom. The report states that their findings “…provide compelling evidence that Michigan’s investment in early literacy coaching is producing measurable gains in classroom instruction for the teachers who receive it.”
Thanks to state funding we’ve secured in recent years, we’ve been able to triple the number of literacy coaches here in Michigan. And our 2027 budget proposal continues to build on this tremendous progress by funding a comprehensive approach to boost literacy rates among Michigan students. Early literacy coaches, school libraries, LETRS training, and curriculum supports are among the critical resources receiving funding, so that every child has the opportunity to become a confident, capable reader.
Learn more about this exciting news here.
Boosting Health Outcomes for Michigan Moms of Color
For too long, women of color 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. During Black Maternal Health Week earlier this month, Senate Dems once again joined 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 and Brown 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. My Senate colleagues and I 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!