Dear Neighbor,
Happy Spring! 🌷🌞 From tackling the child care crisis facing parents to protecting Michiganders burdened by the cycle of medical debt, my Senate colleagues and I have been working hard to advance legislation that will deliver real relief for folks around the state. Learn more about these efforts below.
And, as the seasons for tax filing and tax scams are both in full swing, read on for helpful information and resources on how you can stay protected in the weeks ahead.
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 lowering the costs of child care to tackling medical debt facing Michiganders, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I have been working hard for you in Lansing, advancing bills to make life more affordable. Learn more below.
- SAVE THE DATE! We are planning our next Coffee and Conversation event in Brooklyn on Wednesday, April 29 at 6:00 p.m. More event details will be shared in my next newsletter. We hope you can join us!
- 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 scammers target residents.
State Parks Association Award
Parks make people happy, and I work very hard to support our state and local parks. Our parks professionals noticed! At the recent mParks annual Conference and Trade Show in Lansing, I was honored to receive the Elected Official Award for demonstrating exceptional leadership and support for parks, recreation, and conservation. I’m grateful to mParks, the Washtenaw County Parks Commission, and Jackson County Parks for nominating me. I’ll continue working to support parks, trails, and outdoor recreation — all of which benefit residents and boost local economies.
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 go without essentials like groceries and rent, and often 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 overwhelming red tape facing providers, and the result is 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 cutting high child care costs and breaking burdensome barriers for providers. This week, the Senate Housing and Human Services Committee on which I serve 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.
March is Reading Month
In honor of March is Reading Month, I visited schools around the district, where I enjoyed reading and chatting with many amazing students. Thank you for welcoming me into your classrooms, North Creek Elementary, Wines Elementary, Gems of Jackson Child Care, and JPS Montessori School!
Reed Manor Fire Response
Sometimes, it’s during the hardest times that we see how strong a community is. The people of Jackson demonstrated amazing generosity in the days following a devastating fire at the Reed Manor apartments. I joined countless community members to ensure displaced families have what they need to get back on their feet. I worked with House N2 Home, Kiwanis, and Gretchen’s House Foundation, donating pillows, beds, sheets, home essentials, and more to families who were forced out of their homes. Thanks to everyone who is stepping up to help in this time of great need, including United Way of South Central Michigan, St. John’s United Church of Christ, Jackson Area Transportation Authority, Jackson Strength Network, American Red Cross, and the Secretary of State Mobile Office.
Want to get involved or see how you can help? Learn more here.
Chelsea Chamber Awards
The Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce presented its annual awards to five deserving businesses, organizations, and individuals. Congratulations to Zou Zou’s Cafe, Chelsea Senior Center, Lakehouse Bakery, Anne and Tim Merkel, and Matt McKernan!
Celebrating Coach Martin
Congratulations to Jackson High School Track/Cross Country Coach Nathan Martin on winning the 2026 Los Angeles Marathon! I was excited to provide a legislative tribute honoring his amazing achievement, and my team was happy to be part of Coach Martin’s Victory Lap celebration at Jackson High!
Soups On for Seniors
Meals on Wheels helps our local seniors, and Soup’s On for Seniors is their annual fundraiser, hosted by the Jackson County Department on Aging. We enjoyed delicious soup for a great cause!
Women’s History Council Awards
Congratulations to our own Nancy Smith! The Jackson’s Women’s History Council celebrated its 50th anniversary and presented the annual Susan B. Anthony/Harriet Tubman Awards to Vittoria Jimerson, Wanda Beavers (aka Mama Tu-Tu), Margaux Dever, and a member of my team, Nancy Smith. I was happy to provide legislative tributes for the deserving winners!
Taking Advantage of Tax Credits
Taxes are due in a few weeks on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. If you haven’t filed yet, please 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 demands immediate payment, threatens arrest, or asks 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 watch out 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 this IRS website.