Dear Neighbor,
While it has been cold and cloudy in Michigan, I hope you’ve been able to keep the winter blues at bay this season, whether by cozying up with a good book, embracing the snow on a sled or slope, or spending time in the company of those you cherish.
No matter the ups and downs that the weather — and latest headlines — may provoke, join me in taking heart in what matters most: community. As your state Senator, I’m proud to call you “neighbor” and be a part of our community. Read on to learn about how I’ve been working for you and all of District 2’s residents at our state Capitol, ensuring the people and places we call home have what they need to thrive.
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 contact me by sending an email to SenSSantana@senate.michigan.gov or calling 517-373-0990.
Sincerely,
Sylvia Santana
State Senator
District 2
- With the first month of the new year wrapping up, my colleagues and I have pushed forward several priorities on behalf of our constituents, from voting in support of more government transparency to reintroducing legislation that would improve Michigan’s maternal health care system.
- Save the date! Thursday, March 6 at 6:00 p.m. – Safety Preparedness and Resource Town Hall.
- Save the date! Tuesday, May 13 – Constituent Day at the Capitol.
- During the 50th anniversary of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), my colleagues and I want to lift up how our game-changing expansion of Michigan’s EITC has impacted communities across the state, putting more money in the pockets of workers and families to better afford gas, groceries, child care, and more. We also want to make sure that if you qualify for the credit, be sure to claim it this tax season!
Supporting Moms & Workers: Updates from the First Month of the New Session
With the first month of 2025 nearly over, I’m excited to share about the progress my colleagues and I have made so far on behalf of you and Michiganders around the state. In the past few weeks, in addition to introducing legislation to lower prescription drug costs and strengthen protections for workers, we:
- Voted to expand the state’s Freedom of Information Act to include the Michigan Legislature and governor. This legislation, Senate Bills 1 and 2, are now over to the House for consideration.
- Reintroduced bills to improve accountability and tackle racial and ethnical disparities in Michigan’s maternal health care system.
- Heard testimony from workers on several bills that were passed by both the House and Senate last session but are now being held up unconstitutionally by the new House leadership. The legislation they spoke in favor of this week would boost retirement benefits for state corrections and conservation officers as well as lower health care costs for firefighters, teachers, and other public sector employees.
Honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. Through Action
As your state Senator, I have been fighting to make Michigan a state where you and your loved ones can thrive, no matter the color of your skin, who you love, or the amount of money in your wallet. As elected officials, our actions — both the policies we put in place and budget decisions we make — should underscore the very fact that we all deserve to be treated with dignity.
In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day earlier this month, we remember and pay respect to a trailblazer whose courage, tenacity and leadership forged a more inclusive and just future for our nation. His efforts, along with the tireless work and sacrifice of many other social justice champions, helped lay a progressive foundation that we continue to build on today.
From banning race-based hair discrimination and expanding historic protections for our LGBTQ+ community to passing legislation combating hate crimes and permanently establishing Michigan’s Black Leadership Advisory Council, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I have been laser-focused on continuing Dr. King’s work here in our state. This year, we remain committed to championing legislation and investments to uplift Michiganders across the state, especially for communities who have been historically marginalized and underrepresented.
Constituent Day at the Capitol
I love seeing our residents at the State Capitol — from school groups to senior citizens and everyone in between. That’s why, every year I like to host a Constituent Day at the Capitol, where I invite my you to the Capitol and see how my colleagues and I are working every day to make Michigan a better place for everyone to live.
We will have a shuttle leaving around 7:30 a.m. and will return to Dearborn around 4:00 p.m. Look for more details coming soon.
WHEN: Tuesday, May 13 – Buses leaving around 7:30 a.m., returning around 4:00 p.m.
PICK UP LOCATION: Dearborn Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI 48126
Safety and Preparedness Resource Town Hall
This March, I’ll be hosting a town hall focused on safety and preparedness to equip you with essential information and resources for staying safe during emergencies or unexpected situations.
While my team and I are working to finalize the event details, I wanted to give you an early heads-up so you can mark your calendar. I’ll share more updates soon, and I look forward to seeing you there!
WHEN: Thursday, March 6, starting at 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Details to follow in future e-newsletters and my Facebook page.
EITC: Lowering Costs for Michiganders for 50 Years
For 50 years now, the federal Earned Income Tax Credit has been instrumental in lifting families and workers out of poverty, reducing racial disparities, and providing critical support to small businesses and local economies.
Especially at a time when so many Michiganders are facing challenges affording the essentials, from gas to groceries, I’m proud to have worked with my Senate Democratic colleagues to pass policy that helps offset these prices and even allow some folks to save or pay off debts. I’m referring to when we quintupled Michigan’s match of the federal EITC from 6% to 30%, securing the largest increase to the credit in state history.
This game-changing expansion helps 700,000 Michiganders struggling to make ends meet save an average of $750 more per year, resulting in $3,150 in total savings with the federal and state EITCs combined. Here in District 2, over 31,500 families benefit, boosting incomes of working folks from under $200 to over $900 on average. Our small businesses reap the benefits, too, with over $30 million now being returned to our local economy.
But — Michiganders must make sure to claim the credit if they are eligible! To determine eligibility and find tax preparation resources, click here.
Save the Date! 2025 State of the State Address
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will be delivering the 2025 State of the State Address on the evening of Wednesday, Feb. 26. 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 create good-paying jobs, fix our roads, invest in our students, and more.
Over the past two years, we’ve had a strong partner in Gov. Whitmer as we worked to lower costs, drive change, and create opportunities for the people of our state. As we dive deeper into a new legislative session with new colleagues in the Michigan House, I look forward to another productive term and seeing all that we can accomplish together to build up our communities.
You can watch the address on your local TV channel, online here, on Facebook, and YouTube.
Cold Weather Safety Tips
With sub-zero temperatures, dangerous wind chills, and ice in the forecast this week, the Michigan State Police is urging residents and visitors to take the below precautions to stay safe.
- Limit time outdoors. If you must go outside, wear several layers of warm clothing and watch for signs of frostbite or hypothermia.
- Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Use generators and grills only outdoors and away from windows. Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home.
- Avoid overexertion. Shoveling snow can put extra strain on your heart, so take it easy and avoid sudden bursts of activity.
- Check on others. Older adults, young children, and pets are especially vulnerable to extreme cold and should be checked on regularly. Keep pets indoors.
- Prepare for travel emergencies. If you must drive, ensure your gas tank is full and your vehicle is stocked with an emergency kit, including warm clothing, blankets, gloves, hats, and a phone charger.
To find warming centers across Michigan, please visit this website.