Dear Neighbor,
Happy National Public Health Week! Since the start of our Senate Democratic Majority, my colleagues and I have fought hard for better public health, from protecting access to clean air and water to fighting the gun violence epidemic head-on — and we’re always working on more solutions to improve our overall quality of life here in Michigan.
Also, here’s a friendly reminder that Tax Day is next week — we’ve included helpful information and resources on how to maximize your return and keep more of your hard-earned paycheck.
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
- Please join me for my upcoming Community Conversation at Choate Marketplace in Brooklyn on Wednesday, April 29 at 5:30 p.m. See below for details, and I hope to see you there!
- It’s National Public Health Week! Read on to learn how Senate Democrats have made real progress in the fight for improved public health here in Michigan.
- Tax Day is next Wednesday, April 15. You can make sure you’re prepared ahead of the filing deadline — helpful tax tips and resources are below.
Community Conversation in Brooklyn
Big changes start with local conversations! I’m excited to host my next Community Conversation in Brooklyn on Wednesday, April 29. Please join me to talk about solutions for Michigan’s future, what’s going on in Lansing, and more.
WHEN: Wednesday, April 29, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Choate Marketplace (upstairs!), 102 N. Main St., Brooklyn, MI 49230
Celebrating National Public Health Week with Action
When public health efforts work, we often take them for granted. Public health — the science of preventing disease and illness, protecting the health of entire populations, and promoting a better quality of life — is foundational for the safety and well-being of everyone across the globe. April 6-12 is National Public Health Week, an invitation to celebrate the progress made and reflect on the steps needed for an even stronger, healthier future.
Here in Michigan, Senate Democrats have taken bold action to improve public health and our quality of life, from:
- Protecting the Affordable Care Act, ensuring access to affordable, comprehensive health care;
- Saving Medicaid in Michigan by securing a $2.7 billion investment to counteract sweeping federal cuts;
- Expanding the widely successful Rx Kids cash prescription program to communities throughout the state, reducing childhood poverty and improving maternal and infant health;
- Tackling the gun violence epidemic by championing evidence-based gun safety legislation;
- Safeguarding reproductive freedom by repealing the state’s 1931 abortion ban, legalizing surrogacy, and protecting access to abortion care;
- Improving environmental protections and fighting for cleaner air and water; to
- Fighting food insecurity through the universal free school meals program and intentional budget investments.
And although we’ve made real progress, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I will continue fighting to further protect public health in Michigan and ensure our state is the healthiest place to work, live, and play.
Senate Democrats Vote to Lower Gas Prices, Every Republican Opposes
Michigan Senate Democrats recently passed Senate Resolution 104, calling on D.C. Republicans to reverse the Trump administration’s actions that have led to surging energy costs across the state and nation. Every Senate Republican in the chamber voted no.
During a time of economic instability, the Trump administration has continuously driven up energy prices for Michigan families by cancelling hundreds of renewable energy programs under the so-called “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” and forcing the inefficient, polluting J.H. Campbell coal plant in West Michigan to stay open. Michigan ratepayers are footing the bill, and Trump’s war with Iran has indisputably caused a significant spike in fuel costs since the conflict began.
Senate Resolution 104, which has been sent to Congress and the White House, urges Washington Republicans to pursue every available means to tackle skyrocketing energy prices, restore proven-effective renewable energy programs, and put the priorities of the American people — especially lowering costs — first and foremost. My colleagues and I will continue fighting to hold the Trump administration accountable and provide real financial relief for our communities.
Gov. Whitmer and MiLEAP Announce Record Enrollment in PreK for All!
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently announced nearly 55,000 children statewide are enrolled in the Great Start Readiness Program, Michigan’s PreK for All program, as of Jan. 2026. This is the largest enrollment in the program’s history, doubling the number of children enrolled since 2021. PreK for All is available to all Michigan families, regardless of income level, saving them an estimated $14,000 per year on childcare costs
Senate Democrats secured robust state funding that expanded access to high quality, no-cost preschool through PreK for All — giving our kids the tools they need for bright futures, helping hardworking families tackle the childcare crisis, and allowing parents to advance in their careers.
Enrollment for the 2026-27 school year is now open! To qualify, your student must be 4 years old by December 1. Learn more about PreK for All here.
Kids Over Clicks Passes Michigan Senate Committee
To create safer internet spaces and put a stop to the exploitative tactics of Big Tech and Artificial Intelligence (AI) companies, Senate Democrats championed our Kids Over Clicks bill package. This commonsense legislation was crafted with parents, industry experts, and advocates to ensure stronger safeguards around 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.
We recently moved this critical package out of committee, sending it to the Senate floor for further consideration. 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 other ways you can take action, click here.
Reed Manor Fire Response Update
Team Shink joined over 20 agencies and organizations to provide food assistance, transportation, mental health support, and more. We were on hand at a resource fair in Jackson to support the many residents who continue to be affected and displaced by the Reed Manor Apartments fire. We were able to arrange for donations of beds (thank you to Gretchen’s House Foundation and Jackson BPW members!), bought bedding, and arranged for the Secretary of State mobile unit to visit Reed Manor to directly assist residents. I am continuing to work with local officials and social service organizations to help meet the critical needs of affected residents — including document replacement, furniture, and permanent housing.
If you have questions or need help because of the Reed Manor fire tragedy, please contact my office at (517) 373-2426 or SenSShink@senate.michigan.gov.
HSCA Legislative Breakfast
Helping residents is our job! My team and I were glad to participate in many productive conversations during the annual legislative breakfast of the Human Services Coordinating Alliance (HSCA) of Jackson County, connecting organizations that help people with their elected representatives. Elected officials from every level of government participated, including state Rep. Jennifer Conlin.
Talking to Neighbors in District 14
Chilly spring days are great for legislative door knocking! My team has been out knocking on doors and seeing how residents are doing in Jackson, Chelsea, and Dexter. Keep an eye out for us in your neighborhood this spring! You can always reach assistance at SenSShink@senate.michigan.gov or at (517) 373-2426.
It’s Tax Time! Helpful Tax Tips, Services, & Resources
Taxes are due next week on Wednesday, April 15, 2026! If you haven’t already filed, here are some tips and resources that may be helpful as the filing deadline quickly approaches:
- Michigan Free Tax Help connects taxpayers with free, high-quality income tax preparation assistance. Visit MichiganFreeTaxHelp.org to find free tax preparation services in your area.
- To protect yourself from tax scams, read up on common fraud tactics and warning signs here. \
- Make sure you’re taking advantage of all the available credits and deductions available to you, which may include:
- The Earned Income Tax Credit, 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, 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, a tax benefit for qualified Michigan homeowners and renters with low to moderate income, helps folks afford some of their heating expenses. The maximum credit a taxpayer can claim may change each year. For qualifications and guidance, click here.
- For more tax tips and resources, please click here.
MDHHS Recommends Early Measles Doses for Southeast Michigan
The MMR vaccine is routinely recommended for children 12 to 15 months of age, with a second dose given a minimum of 28 days after the first dose. Due to the possibility of ongoing community transmission in our region, the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is also recommending that infants ages 6 to 11 months receive an accelerated first dose of measles vaccine if they are in the following groups:
- Residents of Washtenaw, Jackson, Monroe, Wayne, Oakland, Livingston, or Lenawee counties.
- Individuals who travel to Washtenaw and Monroe counties. \
This recommendation is in effect until Saturday, May 16, which is two incubation periods after the infectious period of the last identified measles case. Any updates to this recommendation will be posted on the MDHHS measles webpage. Infants ages 6 to 11 months of age who receive an accelerated first dose will require two additional doses of the MMR vaccine after 12 months of age to complete the series.
Learn more here.
Community Listening Session in Jackson
Your voice matters! Jackson’s Racial Equity Commission is hosting a Speak Up Jackson Listening Session on Wednesday, April 22 at 6:30 p.m., at the Jackson Symphony Orchestra Hall. This is an important opportunity for people who live, work, and spend time in Jackson to share their experiences with city departments and services — what’s working and what needs improvement.
Thank you for reading! We appreciate you!