Dear Neighbor,
I hope you are staying safe and warm in this cold Michigan weather. Be sure to take extra care when going outside or traveling in these conditions. Bundle up and stay warm, watch out for ice, and pay attention to the changing weather.
Below, you’ll find updates on how my colleagues and I hit the ground running during the first week of Michigan’s 103rd Legislature. I’m excited about the road ahead and remain committed to serving our community by working on the issues that matter most to you.
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
- On the first day of Michigan’s 103rd Legislature, my colleagues and I wasted no time in introducing legislation to increase government transparency, improve access to affordable health care, and support working families.
- Save the date! Thursday, March 6, at 6:00 p.m. – Safety Preparedness and Resource Town Hall focused on equipping you with essential information and resources for staying safe during emergencies or unexpected situations. More details to come in the following weeks.
- With cold weather here to stay, more people are enjoying ice fishing, skating, hockey, and other outdoor activities. Remember to have fun but always use caution when venturing onto or near ice.
Michigan’s 103rd Legislature Kicks Off with Focus on Accountability and Affordability
On the first day of Michigan’s 103rd Legislature, my colleagues and I wasted no time in introducing legislation to address the issues important to you. These bills would increase government transparency, improve access to affordable health care, and support working families.
- Senate Bills 1 and 2 would expand the state’s Freedom of Information Act to include the Michigan Legislature and governor. Similar legislation passed by the Senate in the 102nd Legislature garnered widespread and bipartisan support.
- Senate Bills 3-5 aim to establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board in Michigan — an independent body designed to lower prescription drug costs and hold Big Pharma accountable. These bills build on Michigan Senate Democrats’ efforts during the 102nd Legislature to lower costs and grow opportunities for working families here in Michigan.
- Senate Bills 6-8 and 15 focus on strengthening protections for Michigan workers. These bills would raise the state’s minimum wage, protect service workers’ tips, require employers to offer paid sick leave, and crack down on illegal wage theft.
Throughout this legislative term, Senate Democrats are committed to building on previous successes and delivering real, lasting benefits for families across the state.
Combating Human Trafficking in Michigan
Last week, Senate Democrats recognized National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, an opportunity to spread awareness about human trafficking and educate the public on prevention efforts. Over 27.6 million people globally are estimated to be subjected to this form of modern-day slavery, undermining international law and public safety across the world.
Senate Democrats championed Senate Bills 515–517 to protect trafficking survivors in Michigan by allowing statements given outside of court to be admissible as evidence, allowing them to not have to appear in court and see their perpetrator face-to-face to participate in a trial. This legislation — which was signed into law on December 30, 2024 — supports survivors, enables law enforcement to better prosecute this heinous crime, and brings more abusers to justice.
Safety and Preparedness Resource Town Hall
This March, I’ll be hosting a town hall focused on safety and preparedness to equip you with essential information and resources for staying safe during emergencies or unexpected situations.
While my team and I are working to finalize the event details, I wanted to give you an early heads-up so you can mark your calendar. I’ll share more updates soon, and I look forward to seeing you there!
WHEN: Thursday, March 6, starting at 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Details to follow in future e-newsletters and my Facebook page.
Detroit Lions Logo Drawing Contest
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer launched a statewide contest inviting Michiganders to draw their own version of the Detroit Lions logo in support of the team making the playoffs for a second year in a row.
Whether you’re an experienced artist or a dedicated fan, this is a fun way to show your support for the Lions as they push toward the Super Bowl!
You can submit your drawing at Michigan.gov/OnePride for a chance to have your Lions logo featured on social media. Good luck and go Lions!
AG Nessel Warns Lions Fans of Potential Ticket Scams
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warns Detroit Lions fans to be cautious of ticket scams as the team advances to the playoffs. You should only purchase tickets through official sources, such as the NFL website or authorized sellers, to avoid counterfeit or overpriced tickets.
The Attorney General also recommends using credit cards for purchases to provide additional protection. Fans should be wary of deals that seem too good to be true and should verify the legitimacy of sellers before making any transactions.
If you have a complaint regarding tickets you purchased online, you can contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team at:
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form
Play it Nice and Safe Around Ice this Winter
With cold temperatures becoming more consistent throughout the state, more people are enjoying ice fishing, skating, hockey, and other outdoor adventures. The Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources urges everyone to have fun but always use caution when venturing onto or near ice.
Ice is often unstable around river mouths and near lake and river currents. Reservoirs with changing water levels also require great caution. Frozen bodies of water should be checked very carefully before braving the ice. While there is no perfectly reliable method to determine if ice is safe, you can use a spud, needle bar or auger to test the thickness and quality of ice.
Additional ice safety tips include:
- If there’s ice on the lake but water around the shoreline, use extra caution.
- If you are visiting a new area, ask locals at bait shops, restaurants, or stores about ice conditions, but always check conditions for yourself before going onto the ice.
- If you’re walking on the ice, wear a pair of ice cleats to help with traction.
- Wear bright colors to increase your visibility. White clothing and gear are difficult to see.
- Use the buddy system and tell someone who is staying on shore where you will be and when you plan to return.
- If you’re operating a snowmobile or off-road vehicle, ride in a staggered line. This makes it easier to maneuver in case a rider ahead of you breaks through the ice.
For more information, visit Michigan.gov/IceSafety. For snowmobile safety tips, go to Michigan.gov/RideRight
Lowering the Cost of College for 56,100 Michigan Students
Here in Michigan, we believe that everyone should have equitable access to higher education. That’s why my colleagues and I secured $330 million in this year’s state budget for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, a bipartisan program established to lower the cost of community, private, and public college by thousands of dollars a year for most graduating seniors.
This year, 56,100 Michigan students are benefiting from no- or reduced-cost tuition thanks to our investment in the Michigan Achievement Scholarship. In total, Michigan families are saving over $131.5 million in tuition — which equals around $2,345 in savings per student. We’ll continue working to make higher education attainable and affordable for more families.