Dear Neighbor,
Winter hit Michigan with full force this year! I encourage you to enjoy the fun of a pure Michigan winter before the snow melts — even if that means from the comfort of your home. Be sure to check out the showstopping Michigan athletes representing Michigan in the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics!
In recent weeks, the Senate has advanced several pieces of bipartisan legislation to prevent human trafficking, protect against deceitful telephone soliciting and scams, and keep kids off their phones in the classroom. Read on to learn more about the solutions we’re working to deliver for District 14 residents and our entire state.
As always, if you need assistance of any sort, or have questions or concerns you’d like to share, feel free to reach out. You can reach me and my team by emailing SenSShink@senate.michigan.gov or calling (517) 373-2426. Also, please visit my official Facebook page or website for the latest updates.
Sincerely,
Sue Shink
State Senator
14th Senate District
- Join me for my upcoming Community Conversation at the Dexter District Library on Thursday, Feb. 19, at 6:00 p.m. See details below.
- Check out Safer Internet Day, a campaign dedicated to improving our online spaces for all and safeguarding our youth from online exploitation. Read more to learn about our legislation that protects Michigan’s youngest internet users.
- The deadline to file your taxes with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is approaching fast! Read on to find resources to assist you ahead of the April 15 filing deadline.
Community Conversation in Dexter
Big changes start with local conversation! I’m excited to host my next Community Conversation on Thursday evening, Feb. 19 in Dexter. Join me to talk about real solutions for Michigan’s future, what’s going on in Lansing, and more.
WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 19 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Dexter District Library, 3255 Alpine St., Dexter, MI 48130
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 it began, 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, whom I got to meet when she visited campus when I was in college, 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 a fair 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 fight for justice and equality for all Michiganders.
Putting Kids Over Clicks — Protecting Michigan’s Youth Online
It’s no secret that the internet is a dangerous place for kids. Feb. 10 was globally recognized as Safer Internet Day, a campaign focused on transforming our digital spaces into positive, respectful places through responsible internet use and prioritized safety for our youngest internet users.
To create safer internet spaces and put a stop to the exploitative tactics of Big Tech and AI companies, Senate Democrats introduced Senate Bills 757–760, 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.
On Safer Internet Day and every day, Senate Democrats are calling on Michiganders to join us in the fight for a better, safer digital world for our kids and families — because we can all play a part in this fight to better protect our kids online.
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!
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 crackdown on immigrants and American citizens 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.
Rx Kids Launches in Detroit
Rx Kids, the nation’s first-ever community-wide prenatal and infant cash prescription program, is now available in Detroit and will be coming to the Jackson area soon. Senate Democrats have championed Rx Kids since its inception to help moms and babies. We further expanded Rx Kids in the 2026 budget and are helping ensure Rx Kids’ initiatives reach communities across the state.
LifeWays CEO Retires
Congratulations on your retirement! Maribeth Leonard’s legacy at LifeWays began 33 years ago as a case manager. She’s retiring as CEO after serving in that role since 2012. Her many fans celebrated her distinguished career, and my team presented a legislative tribute to recognize her amazing leadership and service. Thank you, Maribeth — we wish you a wonderful retirement!
Regional Trailblazers Meeting
Regional Trailblazers are working together across Michigan to create non-motorized pathways, providing recreation and tools for growing our economy. Experience Jackson hosted this meeting, which included:state Rep. Jennifer Conlin, Jackson County Parks, Washtenaw County Parks, Huron-Waterloo Pathways Initiative, MDNR, MEDC, the Michigan Office of Outdoor Recreation, Chelsea Area Chamber, Destination Ann Arbor, League of Michigan Bicyclists, Huron-Clinton Metroparks, along with other governmental and private organizations. With communities working together and public and private contributions including millions we’ve secured in state funding, we are accomplishing amazing work.
Timber Creek Foundation Ribbon-Cutting
The Timber Creek Foundation at the Chelsea Wellness Center promotes wellness, care, and meaningful community connection. It was a pleasure to celebrate this resource for our community.
Jackson Co. Conservation District Meeting
Assisting local landowners with farming and natural resource management while promoting a healthy environment is what Michigan’s 75 conservation districts have been doing since 1943. Congratulations to Brent and Mitzi Koors for being recognized as Conservation Farmers of the Year at the Jackson Co. Conservation District annual meeting. We were happy to attend this wonderful event!
Resources for MSU’s Feb. 13 Day of Remembrance
Ahead of the third anniversary of the violence and mass tragedy experienced at Michigan State University (MSU), MSU has shared its plans and resources for this year’s commemoration — including luminary kits, art exhibits, open hours at the Alumni Chapel, remembrance bells tolling at Beaumont Tower, and more.
All community members are welcome to visit spaces on campus that they deem meaningful or participate in remembrance via livestream to find support in one another and commemorate the lives lost and those injured on Feb. 13, 2023.
MDOT Seeks Public Input Through Online Survey
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) invites the public to participate in a survey on transportation safety across the state. This survey is part of MDOT’s initiative to update the Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) and Vulnerable Road User Safety Assessment (VRUSA). The SHSP and VRUSA advance roadway safety for all roadway users and provide the framework to reduce traffic crashes, which will help eliminate fatalities and serious injuries on our roadways.
The survey is available through March 15. Click here to participate.
Resources Ahead of Tax Filing Season
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently opened the 2026 tax filing season, with the deadline to file as Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
Senate Democrats are focused on cutting taxes and making it easier to raise families here in Michigan. That’s why we worked to deliver the biggest tax break for working families in Michigan history, which cut taxes by $1 billion. Click here for a few quick tips to help you maximize your return this year!
During the last legislative session, we quintupled Michigan’s match of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) from 6% to 30% to help families save an average of $3,800 when combined with the federal credit. Check if you qualify for the federal EITC here.
Remember, do not share your tax documents or earnings statements via phone or social media. The IRS will only contact you via official U.S. Postal Service mail. View the IRS’ guide to stay safe from scams, and find free tax-filing resources and preparation near you here.