Dear Neighbor,
I hope you are enjoying the fun of a pure Michigan winter before the snow melts — even if that means from the comfort of your home. If you haven’t had a chance already, be sure to catch up on the many showstopping Michigan athletes who represented the great state we call home in the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics over the last few weeks!
As February comes to a close, the legislative and budget season is kicking into high gear. The governor recently delivered her final State of the State address and unveiled her recommendations for the 2027 state budget, officially setting the stage for the months ahead. In both presentations, she emphasized priorities I share including making life more affordable for Michiganders, investing in our students and schools, and lowering the cost of housing so more folks have the ability to build and raise their family here in Michigan. Read on to learn more.
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
- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her final State of the State address this week, outlining priorities for her last year in office, while also reflecting on the great progress we’ve made together over the last several years. Read more about this below.
- In response to the recent uptick in reckless immigration enforcement actions here in Michigan and around the country, Attorney General Dana Nessel has launched a new form for residents to report alleged misconduct by federal immigration agents in their communities. Learn more below.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Delivers Her Final State of the State Address
On Wednesday Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her final State of the State address where she outlined priorities for her last year in office, while also reflecting on the great progress we’ve made together over the last several years. From delivering a historic $1 billion tax cutfor working families, guaranteeing all Michiganders a no-cost path towards a college degree or skills certificate, and making transformational investments in housing to lower the cost of purchasing a new home — we’ve been busy delivering results for Michigan communities.
But as the governor noted in her speech, our work is not done yet! There’s still more for us to do to lower costs, make housing more affordable, support students in the educational journeys, and ensure every Michigander has the opportunity to build a secure future for their family. As the legislative session continues, I look forward to working with the governor and my colleagues in the Legislature to pass policies that advance these goals.
Budget Season Begins!
Earlier this month, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer released her recommendations for the 2027 state budget, officially kicking off the start to the budget process here in the Senate and across the chamber. With Michiganders continuing to feel the pinch from ongoing inflation, rising health care costs, and other impacts of the reckless actions of our federal administration, the governor’s plan aims to mitigate the pressures residents across the state are facing while also addressing the $1.8 billion shortfall largely caused by those same actions.
From saving Michiganders money and setting our students up for success to growing the economy and improving public safety, I am encouraged to see that her spending plan reflects many of the Senate’s own priorities. Along with continuing to invest in proven programs we have long championed — universal school meals, targeted tax relief for working families and retirees, free pre-K, and more — I’m particularly thrilled to see her budget recommendation include:
- Property tax relief for about 335,000 seniors to help them age with dignity in their own homes;
- Significant investments to combat the state’s literacy crisis;
- A $250 per student boost to our per-pupil funding, for a total of $10,300 per student;
- Additional support for at-risk and special education students, student mental health and safety needs, before- and after-school programs;
- The continuation of free school meals for Michigan students;
- A new “back to school” tax holiday to help families save money on clothes, school supplies, and more; and
- Expansion of the Michigan Reconnect program to include adult learners ages 21 and older.
While this new revenue landscape presents some unique challenges this year, my commitment to delivering real solutions for the people of Michigan remains stronger than ever. My Senate Democratic colleagues and I are looking forward to collaborating with our colleagues both across the aisle and across the chamber to craft a balanced state budget that is passed on time and provides meaningful relief for those who need it most.
Michigan Athletes Bring Home Hardware from 2026 Winter Olympics
As some of the best athletes in the world headed to Italy for the 2026 Winter Olympics, Michigan was proud to send more than a dozen to compete in activities such as figure skating, ice dancing, bobsledding, skiing, and hockey. Over the past few weeks, these athletes put their skills and talent to the test, and in the end, our Michigan competitors made our state proud — bringing home some serious hardware, including 11 gold medals.
Some of the most exciting moments from Milan came from the U.S. women’s and men’s hockey teams who put up a great fight against Canada to snag gold in each division, with Michigan players being the ones to score the game-winning goals! On the women’s team, it was Farmington Hills native Megan Keller who was the hero in sudden death overtime. And the men’s team had Canton Township’s Jack Hughes to thank for securing their gold medal as he also scored a sudden-death overtime goal.
To learn more about all of the Michiganders who competed — and won — in this year’s Olympics, click here.
New Tool to Report Immigration Enforcement in Michigan
Attorney General Dana Nessel has recently launched a new reporting form for Michiganders to report alleged misconduct by federal immigration agents in their communities. Crafted in response to concerns from residents across the state on the uptick of harmful enforcement tactics happening in Michigan and nationwide, this new tool provides Michiganders an avenue to document any concerning behavior they are witnessing at the hands of federal officers. The form allows residents to submit specific incident details, including descriptions of the actions witnessed, the number of individuals involved and their group or agency affiliations, tools and weapons observed, and the time and location of the incident. Learn more here, and click here to access the form.
Utilize Michigan 211 to Get Connected with the Resources You Need
Michigan 211 is a toll-free service that provides residents with information. Specialists trained to assist community members will connect you with the proper resources. From utility payment assistance to household needs, 211 is a great tool for you and your loved ones to use.
Michigan 211 supports about seven regions in the state of Michigan. You can text, email, or call for help. For more information, click here.
Michigan’s High School Graduation Rate Reaches Another Record High
This week, the Michigan Dept. of Education announced that Michigan’s 2025 four-year graduation rate once again improved to the highest level since 2008! The graduation rate increased to just over 84%, up by 1.2 percentage points from the previous year, while the state’s four-year dropout rate decreased. This new data represents real progress toward increasing the number of students who graduate from high school.
These new findings are thanks to significant investments the state has been making in Career and Technical Education. Programs like these expand secondary learning opportunities to provide students with work-based learning in career paths such as skilled trades, agriculture, public safety, information technology, and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, among many others.
To learn more about what CTE programs you or your children may be able to take advantage of, click here.