From the Desk of Sylvia: Legislative and Community Updates

Dear Neighbor,  

Happy Women’s History Month. This March, join me in recognizing the struggles, triumphs, and resilience of the bold, brave women who have paved the way for progress here in Michigan and nationwide. I’m proud to be a part of Michigan’s first female-majority legislative caucus, where we’re not just breaking barriers from within, but working hard to ensure all women across the state have the resources and opportunities they need to shatter glass ceilings and secure their own prosperous futures.    

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    

Earlier this week, Senate Democrats unveiled a bold, transformative proposal that would provide the “Building Blocks” Michigan needs to uplift working families and ensure they have a fair shot at a better quality of life for themselves and their children. To watch the press conference, visit the Michigan Senate Democrats’ Facebook Page.
Every year I like to host a Constituent Day at the Capitol, where I invite you to the Capitol and see what my colleagues and I are working on to make Michigan a better place for everyone to live. This year, the visit will be on Tuesday, May 13. You can find more information below, or reserve your spot on the shuttle bus, here.
To support federal workers who may have recently lost their jobs, the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has compiled several resources to offer support. Find more information and resources below.

Senate Democrats Unveil the “Building Blocks” Needed to Cut Costs, Improve Child Care and Create Opportunity for Parents and Kids

Earlier this week, during a press conference, Senate Democrats unveiled a bold, transformative proposal that would provide the “Building Blocks” Michigan needs to uplift working families and ensure they have a fair shot at a better quality of life for themselves and their children.

The plan takes a multi-angled approach to cutting the cost of parenting by:

Providing a significant income boost to working families through a targeted Working Parents Tax Credit;
Expanding Rx Kids statewide, a first-of-its-kind program that provides cash payments to new mothers and their babies; and
Tackling the child care crisis from both the demand and supply side.

To watch the press conference, visit the Michigan Senate Democrats’ Facebook Page.

Community and State Organizations Share Local Impact of Federal Funding Freeze on Michiganders

Last week, the Senate Oversight Committee heard testimony from leaders of early childhood education programs, health and nutrition experts, disability advocates, and other nonprofits and institutions who have faced challenges providing crucial services to Michigan children, seniors, students, families and more as a result of the Trump administration’s January memo ordering a pause to funding for federal grants and loans.

Though the order was temporarily blocked by a federal judge, who also decided last week to extend the block, the effects of the administration’s initial announcement caused confusion and chaos in the days that followed and ongoing uncertainty. This has resulted in devastating consequences for organizations around the state and for the Michiganders who rely on them. This committee hearing was an opportunity to hear firsthand about the on-the-ground impact this directive has had here in Michigan.

To watch the hearing, visit the Michigan Senate Democrats’ Facebook Page.

Emergency Preparedness and Safety Town Hall

Earlier this month, I hosted a town hall focused on safety and preparedness to help equip you with essential information and resources for staying safe during emergencies or unexpected situations.

I want to thank everyone who attended and give a special thanks to all of the safety and preparedness experts who shared valuable information and resources!

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 I like to host a Constituent Day at the Capitol every year, where I invite you to the Capitol to see how my colleagues and I are working to make Michigan a better place for everyone to live.

We will have a shuttle leaving around 7:30 a.m. from Dearborn that will return around 4:00 p.m. Look for more details coming soon.

WHEN: Tuesday, May 13 – Buses leave around 7:30 a.m. and return around 4:00 p.m. PICK UP LOCATION: Dearborn Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI 48126. Reserve your seat, here.

Survey on Menopause and its Impact on Women in the Workforce

The Michigan Women’s Commission is conducting a survey to gather information about menopause and its impact on women in the workforce. Surveys like this are crucial for helping organizations such as the Michigan Women’s Commission understand how to better serve our communities.

You can take the survey here.

Support for Federal Workers in Michigan Impacted by Federal Layoffs and Funding Cuts

To support federal workers who may have recently lost their jobs, the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has compiled several resources to offer support. A new, comprehensive webpage, Michigan.gov/FederalWorkerHelp, provides impacted federal workers with easy access to unemployment, job search, and community resources.

Additional Resources

Workers who recently lost their jobs through no fault of their own may be eligible to apply for temporary financial assistance through the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA).

UIA has resources in place to help any laid off federal worker, including:

UIA Claimant Roadmap: An easy-to-follow, six-step guide to applying for and understanding unemployment benefits.
Online Coaching Sessions: Web-based guidance from UIA staff who walk users through the steps needed to complete an application and qualify for payments.
UIA Community Connect: This program partners with local groups to provide guidance for workers from underserved groups who have faced barriers when filing for jobless benefits.
Schedule an Appointment: Schedule either an in-person, phone or virtual appointment to speak with a UIA Customer Service Agent.
Looking for Work: Tips to understanding your responsibilities when it comes to conducting and documenting your successful work searches.
Assistance with Setting Up an Account: Workers must create a MiLogin account before setting up a MiWAM account.

For additional assistance, workers can find FAQs, videos, and other resources at Michigan.gov/UIA. To reach an agent or unlock a MiWAM or MiLogin account, they can call Customer Service at 866-500-0017.

In partnership with LEO’s Office of Employment and Training, Michigan Works! agencies are also available to assist affected federal workers. Services offered through Michigan Works! include:

Basic Career Services, which are available to all workers seeking services.
Individualized Career Services, which are designed for workers who are unable to obtain employment through basic career services alone.
Training Services, which are necessary to equip workers with the skills needed to obtain and retain employment.

To connect with your local Michigan Works! service center, call 800-285-WORKS (9675) or visit Michigan.gov/MichiganWorks.

Additional helpful sites for workers:

Celebrating Free School Meals for Michigan Students

I’m proud that in the last two state budgets we passed, my colleagues and I were able to secure funding to provide free breakfast and lunch for all public school students, saving Michigan families approximately $850 a year on food costs, and keeping kids fed and focused in the classroom.

As one of only eight states that offers a statewide free meal program for all public school students, we’re proud so say that since the start of Michigan School Meals in the 2023-24 school year, 31% more students are eating breakfast at school and 25% more are eating lunch there as well. And, the program doesn’t just benefit students and their families but also provides a boost to local farmers and food producers. I’m glad to see Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has called for its continuation in the 2026 state budget — I’ll be fighting to make sure that happens!

From the Desk of Sylvia: Legislative and Community Updates

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