Dear Neighbor,
I hope you are staying warm in this cold Michigan weather! Be sure to take extra care when going outside or traveling this month. Bundle up and stay warm, watch out for ice, and pay attention to the changing conditions. Below, you’ll find updates on how to keep yourself safe from another dangerous counterpart of our notorious Michigan winters — influenza.
You’ll also find updates on how I’m continuing to advocate for the needs of our residents in the Michigan Senate. I’m excited about the road ahead and remain committed to serving our community by working on the issues that matter most to you. Stay tuned for more updates as we begin advancing our legislative priorities for 2026!
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
- From preventing students from being distracted in the classroom to tackling rising utility costs, Senate Democrats have started 2026 off strong by advancing legislation in recent weeks to protect Michigan kids and consumers. Learn more below.
- Flu season is officially here, so it’s important for you and your loved ones to take the proper precautions to stay healthy and safe. Read on for more information.
Protecting Michigan Kids & Consumers
Senate Democrats have hit the ground running this year, uplifting and advancing several pieces of legislation to safeguard Michigan kids and consumers, including bills to:
- Keep kids safe online — As we rapidly accelerate into the age of digital and AI advancements, our youth are bearing the brunt of the harmful consequences of Big Tech’s exploitive algorithms. That’s why Senate Democrats introduced legislation that would implement stronger safety measures that prevent social media companies and AI platforms from targeting and exploiting minors. Introduced last month and highlighted in a press conference this past week, this “Kids Over Clicks” package would protect kids from the dangers of unfettered online activity by holding Big Tech accountable.
- Ban cell phones in schools — To address the growing issue of cell phone use in schools, the Michigan Senate advanced bipartisan legislation earlier this week to ban cell phones during instruction in every grade in Michigan’s K-12 public schools. These bills would help teachers to teach and students to learn.
- Tackle rising energy costs — While the costs of everything from gas and groceries continue to put a squeeze on Michiganders, utility costs are only adding to the burden. To combat outrageous energy rates — which have gone up 11% since Jan. 2025 — legislation introduced by Senate Democrats last week would establish a multiyear rate plan to set utility prices for multiple years, preventing surprise spikes in monthly bills and improving financial planning and stability for families in the state.
Rx Kids Launching in Detroit
During her first days in office, Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield announced the highly effective Rx Kids program will launch within the first 100 days of her administration, offering medical cash prescriptions for Detroit’s new moms and babies!
Originally tailored to uplift the city of Flint, Rx Kids supports expectant and new mothers during the most critical time in an infant’s life. Created in partnership with Dr. Mona Hanna and Michigan State University, Rx Kids provides life-changing financial security that is universal and unconditional. Moms receive $1,500 during pregnancy, and babies receive $500 a month for six to 12 months after birth. Having championed Rx Kids since its inception, Senate Democrats further expanded Rx Kids in the 2026 budget and are helping ensure the game-changing program can reach more communities across the state.
With an estimated 8,000 babies born in Detroit every year, this historic expansion will set a standard for how cities and states show up for families when it matters most — and help support the newest Detroiters to have safe and healthy futures. Rx Kids is also now underway in Lake County and certain communities in Saginaw and Berrien counties.
To learn more about Rx Kids’ initiatives and when enrollment opens near you, click here.
Heat & Utilities Assistance
If your heating or electric service is at risk of being shut off, you may be eligible for assistance from the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Temporary heat and utility assistance may be available for eligible low-income families and residents.
To check eligibility and learn more, please click here.
Get Connected with the Resources You Need
Michigan 211 is a helpful resource that can connect you with food assistance, mental health support, emergency shelter, utility support, and so much more.
To get connected with the resources you need, contact Michigan 211 by dialing 2-1-1, texting your zip code to 898-211, or visiting mi211.org. If you’re experiencing homelessness and need assistance, you can also find additional resources here.
Michiganders Continue to Feel Relief from Senate Dems’ EITC Expansion
While the costs of housing, utilities, and everyday essentials remain sky-high, legislation that my Senate Democratic colleagues and I championed back in 2023 continues to deliver relief for Michiganders across the state today. As part of the largest tax relief initiative in Michigan history, we quintupled Michigan’s match of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) from 6% to 30% to help families who need it most.
With EITC Awareness Day around the corner, we’re uplifting the power of fair tax policy to help residents make ends meet. For the 2025 tax filing season, an average state EITC of $890 was delivered to approximately 665,000 recipients. When combined with the average federal EITC of $2,966, eligible families received a total average credit of $3,856. These are real dollars we are putting back in the pockets of hard-working Michiganders, helping alleviate the costs of rent, groceries, gas, and everything in between.
To learn more about this historic tax break and other ways we are lowering costs for you and your family, click here. To check if you qualify for the EITC, click here.
Honoring Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Life & Legacy
As your state Senator, I am determined to ensure Michigan is a place where everyone is guaranteed a safe, successful, and just future, no matter your matter race, gender, sexual orientation, income, or any other identity that may shape us. As elected officials, our actions — not only our words, but the policies we put in place and the programs that impact our citizens — should emphasize and expand equity for all Michiganders.
This week and throughout the month of January and beyond, we recognize the life and work of Martin Luther King, Jr. — whose unwavering leadership, bravery, and persistence instilled a more just future for the United States. His inspiring work and collaboration with other civil rights activists helped create a progressive foundation for our nation that we aspire to expand upon today.
From introducing policy that tackles racial and ethnic health disparities, expanding the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, investing in our youngest Michiganders, strengthening voting rights and access, and more, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I are dedicated to Dr. King’s work towards justice for all. We remain focused on sponsoring purposeful legislationand investments to uplift Michigan residents and communities, especially for those who have been historically marginalized and underrepresented.
Protecting Yourself During Flu Season
As you may have noticed in your community, flu season has hit Michigan at full force. The Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDDHS) recommends these steps in order to protect you and your loved ones from this serious illness:
- Take time to get the flu vaccine — the most effective way to prevent flu is to get vaccinated every year!
- Take everyday preventative actions, such as:
- Avoiding close contact with other people who are sick;
- Staying home when you are sick;
- Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing;
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth;
- And practicing other good health habits, like getting plenty of sleep, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, and eating nutritious foods.
- Take flu antiviral drugs to combat illness if your doctor recommends them.
For more information and resources about flu season, click here.