Dear Neighbor,
Happy March is Reading Month! 📖 This month, I hope you and your loved ones have the opportunity to spend time in your local library and enjoy a few books together, celebrating the knowledge and fun we can get from reading. To check out some of Michigan’s very own talented authors, visit the Great Michigan Read program and find a list of yearly selections here!
As the year progresses, so does our work in the legislature. From improving students’ reading to protecting Michigan kids from digital dangers, I am always working with the best interests of our community in mind. Continue reading for more legislative updates.
As always, if you need assistance of any kind, or have questions or concerns you’d like to share, please reach out. You can reach me and my team by emailing us at SenShink@senate.michigan.gov or calling (517) 373-2426. Also, you can visit my official Facebook page or website for the latest updates.
Sincerely,
Sue Shink
State Senator
14th Senate District
- From learning how Trump’s energy policies hurt us to hearing from parents, advocates, and industry experts about the need for improved online safety standards for Michigan kids, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I have been working hard on your behalf in Lansing. Learn more below.
- Submit your design for the nationally recognized “I Voted” sticker contest by May 1, 2026. Read on for more details.
Senate Hearing Explores Consequences of Trump’s Harmful Energy Policies
Last week, the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment, of which I’m a member, held a hearing to learn about the harmful effects, including higher utility costs, 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 last week’s hearing here.
Senate Committee Hears Testimony on Bills to Put Michigan Kids Over Clicks
Last Wednesday, the Senate Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection Committee held a hearing on Senate Bills 757–760, which would implement commonsense safety standards to better protect Michigan children from the risks associated with social media and Artificial Intelligence (AI) usage. The committee heard from parents, advocates, and legal, health, and technology experts about the need to pass our Kids Over Clicks legislation and better safeguard our youth from rampant digital dangers.
To watch a recording of the hearing, click here. To help shape our legislation and share your experience parenting in the digital age, please take our survey here. To become a Citizen Co-Sponsor of our Kids Over Clicks package, click here.
March is Reading Month – Improving Literacy in Michigan
In her final State of the State address, the governor recently called for additional steps and strategic investments to boost literacy rates and ensure a quality education for all students, no matter where they live. Senate Democrats have long been leaders on this effort, prioritizing the future of Michigan students through investing in our kids and fighting for proven-effective educational programs and support. As we recognize March is Reading Month, I want to highlight some actions my colleagues and I have taken to help more young Michiganders learn to read, including:
- Spearheading Science of Reading literacy programming;
- Bringing phonics back to Michigan curriculum;
- Banning the use of cell phones in the classroom to keep kids engaged; and
- Passing legislation that will soon screen every student for dyslexia and ensure they have the support they need to learn to read.
My colleagues and I are laser-focused on supporting public education and continuing critical investments in Michigan’s kids, both in and out of the classroom. Read more about some of our recent education wins here.
Happy Women’s History Month!
March has been nationally recognized as Women’s History Month since 1987, celebrating the struggles, triumphs, and resilience of women who have paved the way for progress and continue to inspire generations. I’m proud to be a part of Michigan’s first female-majority legislative caucus, where we’re not just breaking barriers from within, but working hard to ensure all women across the state have the resources and opportunities they need to shatter glass ceilings and secure successful futures. From safeguarding reproductive rights and freedoms to expanding the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act to protect against discrimination, we will continue to do the work to stand up for Michigan women.
First Robotics
So many amazing teams competed in the First Robotics competition at Chelsea High School. Thank you to everyone for explaining to me how much time, energy, and creativity goes into preparing your robot for competition. I learned a lot!
2-1-1 of Central Michigan
2-1-1 of Central Michigan is a free service, connecting people to resources in the community such as help with rent, housing, utility bills, and health care. And it’s available 24/7, 365 days a year. My team had the opportunity to meet with the folks who make this amazing service happen!
Best of Jackson Awards
When a community recognizes its businesses and organizations for excellence, that’s a good reason to celebrate! I was happy to provide tributes recognizing this year’s recipients of Jackson Magazine’s Best of Jackson Awards. Congratulations to the deserving winners:
- Best Credit Union: TRUE Community
- Best Chiropractor: Smarch Chiropractic
- Best Steak: Knight’s Steakhouse
- Best Pet Groomer: Classy Canine Styles
- Best Employment Agency: Michigan Works! Southeast
- Best Preschool: Early Impressions
Adult Education Advocacy
Adult education includes many things — GED preparation, special education services, literacy and workforce readiness programs, and education opportunities for individuals who are incarcerated. I support and appreciate the advocates working to expand access to education and opportunity across our communities. I enjoyed meeting with the Michigan Adult, Community & Alternative Education Association (MACAE).
“I Voted” Sticker Contest Returns!
The Michigan Dept. of State (MDOS) is now accepting entries from Michigan students and residents for the nationally recognized “I Voted” sticker contest for the upcoming 2026 elections. Those interested in entering the contest must select one category and may submit one design. The three categories are elementary/middle school, high school, and general entry for residents of all ages.
Submissions are due by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026. The official entry form and other guidelines can be found here.
Severe Weather Resources & Tips
In response to recent severe weather across the state, our first responders and officials are working hard to ensure there is swift delivery of resources to the affected areas. We applaud this effort and our dedicated first responders who have been working tirelessly around the clock. To ensure you’re prepared for future severe weather events, please review the following safety tips:
General Storm Safety Tips:
- Prepare a kit of emergency supplies for your family and pets.
- Create a family emergency plan.
- For college students, create a campus emergency plan.
- For guides and checklists, visit Plan Ahead (michigan.gov).
Tornado Safety Tips:
- Sign up for The Emergency Alert System or your community’s warning system.
- Identify a place to take shelter.
- Look for danger signs, such as a dark or greenish sky, large hail, a dark, low-lying cloud, and a loud roar that sounds like a freight train.
- Make sure that all doors and windows are shut.
- Be careful when exiting the building after the storm.
- For more information, visit Tornadoes (michigan.gov).
Thunderstorms & Lightning Safety Tips:
- To prepare, cut down or trim trees that may be in danger of falling on your home.
- Consider purchasing surge protectors or a lightning protection system to protect your home, appliances, and electronic devices.
- When thunder roars, go indoors! Move into a building or car with a roof.
- Avoid running water and using electronic devices connected to an electrical outlet.
- Do not drive through flooded roadways. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
- Watch for fallen power lines and trees. Report them immediately.
- For more information, visit Thunderstorms & Lightning (michigan.gov).
To Report Downed Power Lines:
- DTE: outage.dteenergy.com/report-down-line
- Consumers Energy: consumersenergy.com/outages-and-safety/report-an-issue