Dear Neighbor,
From tackling the child care crisis facing our parents to protecting Michiganders burdened by the cycle of medical debt, my Senate colleagues and I have been working hard to advance legislation that would deliver real relief for folks around the state. Learn more about these efforts below, including how we’ve been shining a light on ways the Trump administration’s energy policies are costing Michigan families and communities.
And, as the seasons for tax scams and severe weather are both in full swing, read on for helpful information and resources on how you can stay protected in the weeks 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
- From exploring the harmful impacts of Trump’s energy policies to advancing bills to lower the cost of child care and tackle medical debt facing Michiganders, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I have been working hard on your behalf in Lansing. Learn more below.
- Tax filing season is well underway, which unfortunately means, tax scam activity is too. Find more information below on how to stay protected from this deceptive behavior, including examples of different ways that residents are targeted by scammers.
Kids Over Clicks Passes Michigan Senate
To create safer internet spaces and put a stop to the exploitative tactics of Big Tech and AI companies, Senate Democrats introduced the Kids Over Clicks package. This commonsense legislation was crafted with parents, industry experts, and advocates to grant Michigan parents with more control and transparency over their children’s online activity while holding corporations accountable for the unethical, predatory practices that put our youth at risk and keep them addicted to their devices.
Just this week, we moved this critical package out of committee, sending it to the floor for a full vote of the Senate and one step closer to becoming law. As we continue to move these bills through the legislative process, please share your experiences navigating parenthood in the digital age and let us know your thoughts on how social media is impacting our youngest generation. To learn more and find out other ways you can take action, click here.
Senate Passes Bipartisan Legislation to Tackle Medical Debt Facing Michiganders
Medical debt is a burden that can follow someone around for the rest of their lives — hurting their ability to buy a home, forcing them to forgo essential expenses like groceries and rent, and oftentimes trapping them in a cycle of poverty that is nearly impossible to get out of. With about 700,000 Michiganders across the state burdened by this reality, my colleagues and I knew we had to take action.
That’s why the Michigan Senate passed a bipartisan set of bills to tackle this issue head-on. To provide support and safeguards for those struggling with medical expenses, the legislation would establish clear guidelines for hospitals to offer financial assistance programs and regulate how and when debt can be collected, such as by capping interest and late fees at 3% annually after a 90-day grace period. Learn more about this legislation here.
Senate Committee Passes Bills to Combat Michigan’s Child Care Crisis
Michigan’s child care system demands too much of our families while offering too little to our workers. Combine that with the mountain of red tape facing providers, and the result? A growing care crisis facing families and employers across the state — a reality that many of us know all too well.
To deliver much-needed relief for our families and support for our providers, Senate Dems are taking a comprehensive approach to cut high child care costs and break burdensome barriers in which providers are forced to operate. This week, the Senate Housing and Human Services Committee advanced legislation that would:
- Codify the innovative bipartisan program, Tri-Share, that splits the cost of child care equally among employers, the state, and employees;
- Tie the Child Care Reimbursement Rate to inflation to provide certainty and consistency to providers; and
- Update licensing requirements for child care centers and remove bureaucratic barriers to open and operate them.
Senate Dems Explore Consequences of Trump’s Harmful Energy Policies
Over the last couple of weeks, the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment has held hearings to examine the detrimental effects of the Trump administration’s actions to dismantle clean, efficient, and affordable energy plans. From dissolving clean energy projects under the so-called “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” to forcing the inefficient J.H. Campbell coal plant to stay open, the Trump administration is contributing to higher utility costs for ratepayers, environmental threats, and the loss of Michigan jobs and investments.
Senate Democrats will continue raising awareness and working hard to safeguard our state and residents from the harmful decisions coming out of Washington, D.C. Read more about this past week’s hearing here.
Contract Negotiations between Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan & University of Michigan Health
I have been contacted by many members of our community who share concerns about the state of contract talks between University of Michigan Health and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan on patient care reimbursement.
While this is a contract dispute between two non-government entities, I know that there are many people across Michigan who will be impacted by the outcome of this negotiation. For this reason, my Senate colleagues and I are closely monitoring the situation as these contract talks continue.
My primary concern is to make sure that there is no interruption of coverage and that all Michiganders receive the care they need. The parties involved have said they are committed to reaching an agreement before the June 30th deadline, and I am hopeful they will reach an agreement to secure a new five-year contract.
I will continue to keep your concerns in mind as we closely follow these contract talks and as reimbursement rates are finalized. My focus will be ensuring accountability and protecting health care access, and our ongoing conversation is a critical part of that process.
Tax Credits to Take Advantage Of
Taxes are due in a few weeks on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. If you haven’t filed yet, make sure to take advantage of all the credits and deductions available to you. Here are a few that you may be able to use this tax season to lower your tax bill or receive a refund:
- The Earned Income Tax Credit is a benefit for qualified Michigan families to help put more money in their pockets to afford the necessities. Last session, my colleagues and I quintupled this credit to help Michiganders keep up with rising costs. Learn more here.
- The Homestead Property Tax Credit is a benefit for qualified Michigan homeowners and renters, helping to pay some of the property taxes billed. This credit can be filed up to four years from the year it could be claimed, and the maximum credit amount may be adjusted annually. Learn more here.
- The Home Heating Credit is a tax benefit for qualified Michigan homeowners and renters with low to moderate income, helping to pay some of their heating expenses. The maximum credit a taxpayer can claim may change each year. For qualifications and guidance, click here.
Watch Out for Tax Scams This Filing Season
With tax filing season well underway, so too is scam activity. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is urging residents to be on the lookout for tax scams, such as someone claiming to be from the IRS who contacts you by phone, email, text, or social media and may demand immediate payment, threaten arrest, or ask for personal or banking information. Please note: the IRS does not contact taxpayers this way to demand payment or request sensitive information. If you receive one of these messages, do not respond or share any information.
Another common scam to be on the watch for involves dishonest tax preparers who promise unusually large refunds, charge fees based on the amount of your refund, or ask you to sign a blank or incomplete tax return. For more information on how to identify tax scams, what to do if you’re a victim, and how to report a scam, visit the IRS website.