Dear Neighbor,
Like I’m sure many of you are feeling, it’s hard to believe we’re nearing the end of the year. With all the chaos and confusion that the federal administration has brought to our doorsteps — including with the now-ended longest shutdown in American history — it seems like the time has flown by. Throughout it all, I want you to know that I have been fighting for you and Michiganders around the state at every step of the way. Because despite what so-called leaders at the federal level might lead you to believe, what you deserve are elected officials that look out for you, protect you, and work to make your life better.
With the holiday season around the corner, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I have remained hard at work doing just that. From improving transparency in our state’s elections and budget processes to sounding the alarm on the skyrocketing costs of health care induced by Republicans in Washington, we’re doing all we can to safeguard our state and build a brighter future for all those who call it home. Learn more below, along with some tips I’ve shared to help you and yours stay safe and warm during the winter season ahead.
If you have questions, concerns, or need help navigating state resources, my office is here for you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out by email at SenSSantana@senate.michigan.gov or by phone at (517) 373-0990.
Sincerely,
Sylvia Santana
State Senator
District 2
- With Republicans in Washington refusing to extend the Affordable Care Act Enhanced Premium Tax Credit, Michiganders around the state are experiencing some sticker shock as they shop for health care coverage during this open enrollment period. Learn more below.
- Whether you’re excited or in denial, there’s no denying it — the winter season is around the corner. Find some tips below to help you stay safe and warm in the months ahead.
A Snapshot of Capitol Activity
It’s been a busy past couple of weeks in Lansing as my Senate Democratic colleagues and I work to advance some critical legislation for Michiganders ahead of the holiday season. Among a slew of other priorities underway, I wanted to be sure to share about how we’ve been:
- Improving the integrity of elections by passing a bill package that tackles election disinformation and improves transparency and integrity in the petition circulation process. Passed out of the Senate last week with bipartisan support, this comprehensive legislation would ensure our state’s elections are as effective and reliable as possible by implementing commonsense reforms, such as banning petition organizers from paying circulators per signature. Learn more here.
- Upholding transparency in the state budget process by recently passing legislation that requires all legislative directed spending items, including enhancement grants and earmarks, to be publicly disclosed on the Senate or House website before the passage of the state budget. Signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer earlier this week, this legislation would ensure that Michiganders around the state can see where their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent.
- Highlighting how the federal government shutdown impacted the air travel system. At a committee hearing last week, we explored how the now-ended shutdown triggered chaos in high-volume airports across the nation, causing longer wait times, delays, cancellations, and uncertainty for travelers. While this didn’t involve the consideration of specific legislation, it continued Senate Democrats’ commitment and nearly year-long efforts to shine a light on how the reckless, chaotic actions of our federal government are impacting Michiganders.
Senate Democrats Sound the Alarm on Skyrocketing Health Care Costs
Open enrollment is well underway for 2026, and with Republicans in Washington refusing to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Enhanced Premium Tax Credit that has long kept care affordable and accessible, millions of Americans around the country are experiencing some sticker shock this season. Here in Michigan, where nearly 500,000 people rely on this credit to afford care, insurers have increased rates more than 20% on average for next year.
Set to expire at the end of this year, the termination of the enhanced premium tax credit will have catastrophic consequences, not just for those who are enrolled in an ACA Marketplace plan, but for everyone. Health care premiums will spike, people will lose health insurance, thousands of jobs will be lost, and billions of dollars will be drained from the economy. Worst of all, when people are forced to forgo or delay the health care they need, they get sick. Lives will be lost.
For months, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I have been sounding the alarm on Washington Republicans’ assault on our health care access. From holding a committee hearing to investigate the detrimental consequences to passing a resolution on the Senate floor, we’re demanding these so-called leaders do what they were elected to do: protect their people and put a stop to this ensuing public health crisis by extending the ACA Enhanced Premium Tax Credit immediately.
Rx Kids on the Rise in Michigan
What once started as a pilot program in Flint to boost health outcomes for new moms and babies has now expanded its reach to more areas of Michigan thanks to state budget investments secured by Senate Democrats. As the nation’s first-ever prenatal and infant cash prescription program, Rx Kids provides $1,500 to moms during pregnancy and $500 for the first 6-12 months of a child’s life, no-strings-attached. After launching in Flint in January of 2024, the program has now taken root in several other communities across the state, from Kalamazoo and the eastern Upper Peninsula to various cities in Oakland and Wayne County and now slated for Ypsilanti next month.
From helping to afford baby supplies and rent to groceries and everything in between, these extra resources provide crucial support to families at a time they need it most. And while new mom enrollees have shared firsthand about the programs’ game-changing impact, over the past few months, research has continued to roll in to prove what we already know: Rx Kids works, and it works well. Through evidence gathered from recent studies and surveys, Rx Kids has been shown to deliver measurable improvements on not only maternal and infant health, but also on local job and economic growth.
With the clear, proven benefits Rx Kids is bringing to families and communities around the state, Senate Democrats remain determined to expand it even further so that all moms-to-be can access this life-changing program, no matter what zip code they call home.
Preventing Youth Tobacco Use
As one of 10 states that does not require the licensure of tobacco retailers, it’s clear Michigan needs stronger enforcement and accountability measures to keep tobacco out of the hands of our youth. That’s why Senate Democrats are leading a bipartisan bill package requiring tobacco retailers to be licensed and repealing the penalties against minors for tobacco use, purchase, or possession — which have shown to be ineffective. Passed out of committee last week, Senate Bills 462–466 would also direct the Michigan Dept. of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to conduct undercover operations to ensure compliance for establishments that sell tobacco products.
Senate Democrats remain committed to protecting Michigan’s youth from the serious health risks associated with nicotine and tobacco products. This bill package now heads to the full Senate floor for consideration.
New Women’s Veterans’ License Plate Available!
I recently had the honor of joining women veterans from across the state at the official unveiling of the new women veterans’ license plate. It was a privilege to hear their stories, each one a powerful reminder of the courage and sacrifice that define our armed forces.
This new license plate is now available to order online at Michigan.gov/SOS or Secretary of State branch offices. Learn more here.
Tips to Help You Prepare for Winter
Whether you’re a snow and winter season enthusiast or prefer to hibernate from the cold, there’s no getting around the variety of nature’s elements that will be delivered to our doorstep over these next few months. To help you stay safe, warm, and ready for all things ahead, the Michigan State Police (MSP) is encouraging Michiganders to prepare for their home for the winter with the following tips:
- Insulate water lines along exterior walls to reduce the risk of frozen pipes.
- Lock in a propane rate now and have a backup heating plan, such as a generator, wood stove, or fireplace.
- Have a professional inspect your gas or oil furnaces and replace the air filter.
- Schedule a fireplace and chimney inspection; contact your local fire department for a referral or look for a local inspector online.
- Install battery-operated carbon monoxide (CO) detectors near all sleeping areas. CO poisoning risks increase when furnaces are in use and during power outages, when people often use portable generators.
- Clean gutters to prevent ice dams that can lead to interior damage, and clear storm drains to avoid basement flooding.
- Keep an emergency kit in your home with water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, extra batteries, a hand-crank or battery-powered radio, emergency lighting, flashlights, blankets, and warm clothing.
To learn more, including how to prepare your vehicle for the winter, click here.
Honoring Our Veterans and Military Families
Every year on November 11, Americans come together to express profound gratitude for those who have honored our country through the highest form of service. From soldiers and sailors to pilots, Coast Guard members, and Marines, these are individuals who make the ultimate sacrifice to defend the ideals of freedom and democracy.
November is also Military Family Month, a time we observe the hardships military families experience while their loved ones serve. Whether moving across the country or facing deployment, we honor those who serve and equally salute their families for their unconditional support.
While we can never serve our veterans in the same way they have served us, we all have an obligation to uplift and honor them. Understanding this, my colleagues and I have been committed to passing legislation and securing investments in the Legislature to support our veterans here in Michigan. Some of this work includes:
- Passing legislation to lower costs for families of disabled veterans by eliminating red tape and ensuring spouses can maintain property tax exemptions.
- Establishing a special registration plate for women veterans in the state of Michigan, helping to raise recognition of their contributions to our nation. To learn more about the Women Veterans’ License Plate, click here.
- Securing funds for suicide prevention programs that help veterans and their families address the trauma related to military service.
- Delivering significant budget investments for Michigan’s three veteran homes, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, the Michigan National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program, nonprofit organizations that provide critical services to Michigan veterans, and the Helmets to Hardhats program to provide job training and apprenticeships for veterans.
On Veterans Day and beyond, I remain committed to providing our service members, veterans, and their families with meaningful recognition and essential support. To learn more about the various resources available to veterans, click here.
Affordable Care Act and Open Enrollment
To help you stay healthy and avoid big medical bills, all Michiganders should take the time to evaluate their health insurance options during the Health Insurance Marketplace open enrollment period, which runs through Jan. 15, 2026 on HealthCare.gov. This enrollment period is an important opportunity for Michiganders to obtain health insurance for 2026. Free, local enrollment help is available at HealthCare.gov/LocalHelp.
Now is the time to sign up. If you sign up by Dec. 15, 2025, coverage will begin Jan. 1, 2026. If you sign up between Dec. 15 and Jan. 15, your coverage will begin Feb. 1, 2026. Please note: after the Jan. 15 deadline, you will not be able to enroll until the next open enrollment period next year or in the case of a qualifying life event such as birth, adoption, marriage, etc. For Medicare, the open enrollment period is from Oct. 15 – Dec. 7.
Get started at HealthCare.gov. today! Michiganders can learn more by visiting Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance, which features an on-demand webinar, “10 Things You Need to Know About Health Insurance – Open Enrollment for 2026.” You can also call the Michigan Dept. of Insurance and Financial Services’ call center at 877-999-6442, Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.