District 2 Legislative & Community Updates

Dear Neighbor,   

Happy Black History Month! This February, I encourage you to join me in recognizing the diverse contributions and histories of African Americans in our state and nation — find some ways to celebrate in Michigan here. 

Our work in the Legislature is well underway for the year, and as always, I’m honored to continue serving you and our community in the state Senate. Read on to learn more about the solutions we’re working to deliver for District 2 residents and our entire state. 

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 

• The official Black history commemoration effort turns 100-years-old in 2026! This Black History Month, join me in exploring the many historic, cultural, and economic contributions of African Americans in Michigan and beyond. 
• Need help accessing community resources or utility assistance this winter? Read on to learn more. 

100 Years of Celebrating Black History

This year, the official Black history commemoration effort turns 100-years-old! In 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson — a graduate of Harvard University and son of slaves — created Negro History Week to encourage the study of African American history and lives in public schools across the nation. In 1976, Michigan’s own President Gerald R. Ford expanded the commemoration to a full month to be observed every February.   

A century after the first official Black history celebration effort, Black History Month continues to serve as an annual celebration of the many cultural, historical, and economic contributions and sacrifices of African Americans. Our state has long been home to a diverse range of Black leaders and trailblazers whose legacies and accomplishments have changed our world for the better, from abolitionist Sojourner Truth and “mother of the freedom movement” Rosa Parks to Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Stevie Wonder and “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin.   

Senate Democrats have worked hard to ensure Michigan is a place where everyone has an equitable opportunity to thrive, no matter the color of their skin. Together, we’ve successfully: 

• Banned race-based hair discrimination; 
• Strengthened our laws against hate crimes; 
• Fought to mitigate racial and ethnic health disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes; 
• Designated Juneteenth as an official state holiday; 
• Ensured every voter can safely exercise their fundamental right to vote; and 
• Centered equity in our state budget investments.  

My Democratic colleagues and I will continue to uplift communities that have been historically marginalized and fight for justice and equality for all Michiganders. 

Michigan Senate Dems Urge Congress to Rein in ICE, DHS Brutality 

In response to a disturbing uptick in unchecked, violent tactics used by federal immigration enforcement officers in Minnesota and across the nation, Michigan Senate Democrats passed Senate Resolution 92 with bipartisan support last week to urge Congress to restore and strengthen accountability in the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency and Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS).  

The brutality and corruption of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown is anti-American, and our nation’s leaders must demand greater transparency and oversight in ICE and DHS operations — because no one is above the law. 

Senate Democrats Champion Legislation to Protect Michiganders of All Ages 

In the first month of 2026, Senate Democrats have been busy working across the aisle to deliver solutions to the challenges facing Michiganders and keep them safe from a growing number of safety concerns, including human trafficking and telephone scammers. Included in the bills advanced is legislation to: 

• Reduce cell phone usage in schools: To address the growing issue of cell phone use in schools and protect kids’ uninterrupted learning environment, the Michigan Senate recently passed bipartisan legislation to ban cell phones during instruction time in Michigan’s K-12 public schools. These bills would help ensure our educators can teach, and our students can learn without distraction.
• Prevent human trafficking: In 2024, the National Human Trafficking Hotline received over 750 tips of human trafficking in Michigan, with 340 of them being confirmed cases. As Michigan shares an international border, Michiganders, especially children, are uniquely vulnerable to falling victim to this heinous crime. To help us protect our most vulnerable, my colleagues and I recently passed bipartisan legislation to increase criminal penalties, particularly for those who traffic minors.
• Crack down on scam calls and texts: As folks navigate the stressors of everyday life, the last thing you need is a constant stream of phone calls and texts harassing you and attempting to deceive you out of your hard-earned money. That’s why, lastweek, the Senate unanimously passed bipartisan legislation to tackle this issue head-on, ensuring both our residents and the Attorney General’s office have the tools they need to hold scammers accountable. 

New Year, New Legislation! Senate Dems Introduce Legislation to Keep Kids Safe Online, Tackle Rising Energy Costs 

With the new year here, my colleagues and I have hit the ground running to introduce several new 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 to prevent social media companies and AI platforms from targeting and exploiting minors. Introduced in December and highlighted in a press conference a few weeks ago, this “Kids Over Clicks” package would protect kids from the dangers of unfettered online activity by holding Big Tech accountable.   

If you have children, we encourage you to take our survey and let us know your thoughts on how social media is impacting our youngest generation — your input can help shape what the final package looks like to ensure we meet the needs of Michigan families! 

• 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 recently introduced by Senate Democrats 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.

2026 State of the State Art and Writing Contests 

For the first time ever, Michigan K-12 students have the opportunity to be a part of the governor’s State of the State address!

• Art Contest: K-12 students are encouraged to come up with a creative art design for the program cover on the theme of “Michigan’s Bright Future.” Answer the question of what our state’s future looks like, and submit designs here.
• Writing Contest: Students should write their best short story or essay on what they love most about Michigan. Submit your student’s writing here.  

Submissions for both contests are due no later than 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2026. The governor’s State of the State address is scheduled for Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Learn more here. 

Stay Warm During Winter Storms & Utilize 211 to Find Shelter Near You 

With historic winter conditions hitting our communities, if you or anyone you know needs help finding a place to stay warm and stay safe, you can contact 211 to find information on local warming centers as well as available resources to help with housing and utility bills. 211 is available for free for all Michiganders 24/7 any day of the year. To find help for winter utilities, you can:   

📞  Call 2-1-1 

💬  Text your zip code to 898-211 

🖥️  Visit mi211.org 

For more winter preparedness tips, click here. 

Utility Assistance Programs  

Winter can become stressful with high utility costs. Depending on your household income, you may qualify for assistance:    

• State Emergency Relief: State Emergency Relief is a crisis intervention program that provides assistance for energy-related expenses like heating fuel, electricity, and home repairs. Those who can demonstrate need are encouraged to apply online through MI Bridges.  
• Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP): The Michigan Public Service Commission administers the MEAP, helping establish and administer statewide programs that provide energy assistance and self-sufficiency services to eligible low-income households. To seek help, contact 2-1-1 or your utility company to find programs in your area.  
• Weatherization Assistance Program: The Weatherization Assistance Program provides free home energy-conservation services to low-income Michigan homeowners and renters. These services can reduce energy use and lower utility bills. Some of the services include insulation, air leakage reduction, smoke detectors, and dryer venting. You can contact your local Community Action Agency to start the application process.