Dear Neighbor,
With all the snow and freezing cold weather hitting our state, I hope you are staying safe and warm. If you, a loved one, or a neighbor need a place to escape the brutal cold, warming shelters are available throughout our community. You can find one near you by clicking here or dialing 2-1-1 on your phone.
Despite the many snow days Michigan students have been enjoying, my colleagues and I have been braving the weather and continuing to work in Lansing on your behalf. In recent weeks, we’ve advanced several pieces of bipartisan legislation to protect Michiganders from a growing number of safety concerns, while also introducing legislation to crack down on Big Tech’s exploitative practices and lower energy costs for everyday consumers. Learn more about this in my newsletter below!
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
- From preventing students from being distracted in the classroom to tackling rising utility costs, Senate Democrats have started 2026 off strong by advancing legislation in recent weeks to protect Michigan kids and consumers. Learn more below.
- Flu season is officially here, so it’s important for you and your loved ones to take the proper precautions to stay healthy and safe. Read on for more information.
Senate Democrats Champion Legislation to Protect Michiganders of All Ages
In the first few weeks of 2026, Senate Democrats have been busy working across the aisle to deliver solutions to the challenges facing Michiganders and keep them safe from a growing number of safety concerns, including human trafficking and telephone scammers. Included in the bills advanced is legislation to:
- Ban cell phones in schools: To address the growing issue of cell phone use in schools and protect kids’ uninterrupted learning environment, the Michigan Senate passed bipartisan legislation last week to ban cell phones during instruction in every grade in Michigan’s K-12 public schools. These bills would help teachers to teach and students to learn. The legislation is waiting for the Governor’s signature.
- Prevent human trafficking: In 2024, the National Human Trafficking Hotline received over 750 tips of human trafficking in Michigan, with 340 of them being confirmed cases. As Michigan shares an international border, Michiganders, especially children, are uniquely vulnerable to falling victim to this heinous crime. To help us protect our most vulnerable, my colleagues and I passed bipartisan legislation, including a bill I sponsored, to increase criminal penalties, particularly for those who traffic minors.
- Crack down on deceptive telephone solicitation tactics: As folks navigate the everyday reality of increased costs, the onset of flu season, and more, the last thing you need is a constant stream of phone calls and texts harassing you and attempting to deceive you out of your hard-earned money. That’s why this week, the Senate advanced bipartisan legislation to tackle this issue head-on, ensuring both our residents and the Attorney General’s office have the tools they need to hold scammers accountable.
New Year, New Legislation! Senate Dems Introduce Legislation to Keep Kids Safe Online, Tackle Rising Energy Costs
With the new year here, my colleagues and I have hit the ground running to introduce several new pieces of legislation to safeguard Michigan kids and consumers, including bills to:
- Keep kids safe online: As we rapidly accelerate into the age of digital and AI advancements, our youth are bearing the brunt of the harmful consequences of Big Tech’s exploitative algorithms. That’s why Senate Democrats introduced legislation that would implement stronger safety measures to prevent social media companies and AI platforms from targeting and exploiting minors. Introduced last month and recently highlighted in a press conference, this “Kids Over Clicks” package would protect kids from the dangers of unfettered online activity by holding Big Tech accountable.
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!
- Tackle rising energy costs: While the cost of gas and groceries continue to put a squeeze on Michiganders, utility costs are adding to the burden. To combat outrageous energy rates — which have gone up 11% since Jan. 2025 — legislation introduced by Senate Democrats last week would establish a rate plan to set utility prices for multiple years, preventing surprise spikes in monthly bills and improving financial planning and stability for families in the state.
Jackson County Branch NAACP MLK Day Celebration
Now is the time to remain awake and to speak up for what’s right. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called on Americans with this message in 1968, and the speakers at the 1st Annual Jackson Co. Branch NAACP MLK Day Dinner reminded us how important those words are today. I was happy to be invited to this amazing event and provide a tribute honoring the NAACP Branch on their past and current service to the Jackson community.
Eastern Michigan University MLK Celebration
Inspiring and uplifting messages on the power of nonviolent action were part of EMU’s annual MLK President’s Luncheon celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., with keynote speaker Karine Jean-Pierre, former White House Press Secretary.
MLK Diversity Breakfast
We all have a responsibility to stick up for others, even if we feel afraid. That was the message of Dr. George Grant, President of Saginaw Valley State University. Thanks to the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce for a morning of reflection and community at the 2026 MLK Diversity Breakfast. And thank you, Dr. Grant, for your wise and inspiring message!
Jackson City Council Honors Mama Tu-Tu
While attending a Jackson City Council meeting, I had the privilege to be present as Mayor Daniel Mahoney read a proclamation honoring Wanda Beavers, aka Mama Tu-Tu, for her lifelong dedication and service to the Jackson community. Mama Tu-Tu also received a special gift from WLNS-TV for being named Remarkable Woman 2026. Thank you for your service, Mama Tu-Tu!
A Saturday in Brooklyn
Choate Marketplace and The Talebearer bookstore, along with Atlas Restaurant in Brooklyn, make an afternoon feel like a fancy vacation! It was great to visit with the shopkeepers and buy some really neat things.
School Safety Town Hall
It’s important for schools, government, and law enforcement to communicate with parents and families to keep our kids and school staff safe. I attended a town hall in Ann Arbor, together with the mayor, chief of police, Ann Arbor Public Schools Superintendent, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, local and state elected representatives, and parents to discuss school safety protocols and a recent incident at Haisley Elementary.
Stay Warm During Winter Storms & Utilize 211 to Find Shelter Near You
With historic winter conditions hitting our communities, if you or anyone you know needs help finding a place to stay warm and stay safe, you can contact 211 to find information on local warming centers as well as available resources to help with housing and utility bills. 211 is available free for all Michiganders 24/7, any day of the year. To find help for winter utilities, you can:
📞 Call 2-1-1
💬 Text your zip code to 898-211
🖥️ Visit mi211.org
For more winter preparedness tips, click here.
Utility Assistance Programs
Winter can become stressful with high utility costs. Depending on your household income, you may qualify for assistance:
- State Emergency Relief: State Emergency Relief is a crisis intervention program that helps with energy-related expenses like heating fuel, electricity, and home repairs. Those who can demonstrate need are encouraged to apply online through MI Bridges.
- Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP): The Michigan Public Service Commission administers the MEAP, helping establish and administer statewide programs that provide energy assistance and self-sufficiency services to eligible low-income households. To seek help, contact 2-1-1 or your utility company to find programs in your area.
- Weatherization Assistance Program: The Weatherization Assistance Program provides free home energy-conservation services to low-income Michigan homeowners and renters. These services can reduce energy use and lower utility bills. Some of the services include insulation, air leakage reduction, smoke detectors, and dryer venting. You can contact your local Community Action Agency to start the application process.
Michiganders Continue to Feel Relief from Senate Dems’ EITC Expansion
While the costs of housing, utilities, and everyday essentials remain sky-high, legislation that my Senate Democratic colleagues and I got passed into law in 2023 continues to deliver relief for Michiganders across the state today. As part of the largest tax relief effort in Michigan history, we quintupled Michigan’s match of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) from 6% to 30% to help families who need it most. It keeps almost $14 million a year in District 14!
With EITC Awareness Day recognized in January, we’re highlighting the power of fair tax policy to help residents make ends meet. For the 2025 tax filing season, an average state EITC of $890 was delivered to approximately 665,000 recipients. When combined with the average federal EITC of $2,966, eligible families received a total average credit of $3,856. These are real dollars we are putting back in the pockets of hard-working Michiganders.
To learn more about this historic tax break and other ways we are lowering costs for you and your family, click here. To check if you qualify for the EITC, click here.
Protecting Yourself During Flu Season
As you may have noticed, flu season has hit Michigan at full force. The Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services recommends these steps to protect you and your loved ones from this serious illness:
- Take time to get the flu vaccine — the most effective way to prevent flu is to get vaccinated every year!
- Take everyday preventative actions, such as:
- Avoiding close contact with other people who are sick;
- Staying home when you are sick;
- Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing;
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth;
- And practicing other good health habits, like getting plenty of sleep, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, and eating nutritious foods.
- Take flu antiviral drugs to combat illness if your doctor recommends them.
For more information and resources about flu season, click here.
Thank you for reading. I hope you stay well and warm!