Dear Neighbor,
I hope you are staying safe and warm in this cold Michigan weather. Be sure to take extra care when going outside or traveling in these conditions. Bundle up and stay warm, watch out for ice, and pay attention to the changing weather.
Below, you’ll find updates on how my colleagues and I hit the ground running during the first week of Michigan’s 103rd Legislature. I’m excited about the road ahead and remain committed to serving our community by working on the issues that matter most to you.
As always, if you or someone you know would like to provide feedback about what’s happening in Lansing or needs assistance, feel free to contact my office. You can email us at SenSSingh@senate.michigan.gov or call (517) 373-3447.
Sincerely,
Sam Singh
State Senator
District 28
- When Michigan’s 103rd Legislature kicked off earlier this month, my colleagues and I wasted no time in introducing legislation to address the issues important to you, from bills that would increase government transparency to improve access to affordable health care to support working families.
- Join me for my upcoming virtual Community Conversation on Thursday, Jan. 30 from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Register here.
- With cold temperatures becoming more consistent throughout the state, I urge everyone to always use caution when venturing onto or near ice. Find some tips for staying safe around the ice below.
Reflecting on the Historic Progress of the 102nd Legislature
The Senate adjourned for the final time in 2024 on Dec. 20, wrapping up a strong conclusion to the 102nd Legislature. Over these first two years, we’ve worked hard to make Michigan a national leader in pragmatic policymaking, and we’ve delivered great wins for the residents of our state. Our long list of accomplishments includes:
- Delivering on pocketbook issues by phasing out the unfair retirement tax, quintupling the state Earned Income Tax Credit, and making child care and higher education more affordable and accessible;
- Securing transformative investments in people, schools, and communities across the state, including free school meals for all public school students;
- Passing clean, renewable energy policies to protect our air, land, water, and health;
- Protecting our communities by enacting commonsense gun violence prevention measures;
- Strengthening the rights of all Michiganders, including voters, workers, women, and the LGBTQ+ community;
- Among so many more.
My colleagues and I look forward to the beginning of the 103rd Legislature, and we’re excited for another productive year of policymaking for our constituents.
Michigan’s 103rd Legislature Kicks Off with Focus on Accountability and Affordability
On the first day of Michigan’s 103rd Legislature, my colleagues and I wasted no time in introducing legislation to address the issues important to you. These bills would increase government transparency, improve access to affordable health care, and support working families.
- Senate Bills 1 and 2 would expand the state’s Freedom of Information Act to include the Michigan Legislature and governor. Similar legislation passed by the Senate in the 102nd Legislature garnered widespread and bipartisan support.
- Senate Bills 3-5 aim to establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board in Michigan — an independent body designed to lower prescription drug costs and hold Big Pharma accountable. These bills build on Michigan Senate Democrats’ efforts during the 102nd Legislature to lower costs and grow opportunities for working families here in Michigan.
- Senate Bills 6-8 and 15 focus on strengthening protections for Michigan workers. These bills would raise the state’s minimum wage, protect service workers’ tips, require employers to offer paid sick leave, and crack down on illegal wage theft.
Throughout this legislative term, Senate Democrats are committed to building on previous successes and delivering real, lasting benefits for families across the state.
2025 Event Schedule
As your state Senator, it’s incredibly important to me to stay connected with you and other District 28 residents so I can effectively address issues you care about at our Capitol. This year, I look forward to continuing both my in-person and virtual Community Conversations to see some — hopefully new — and familiar faces. Check out my upcoming events below or on my website.
Virtual Community Conversation
WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 30 from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
WHERE: Virtual – Register here.
Community Conversation in Corunna
WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 12 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Corunna Community District Library, 210 E. Corunna Ave., Corunna, MI 488147
Virtual Community Conversation
WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 27 from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
WHERE: Virtual – Register here.
Community Conversation in Bath
WHEN: Monday, March 10 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Bath Township Library, 14051 Webster Rc., Bath Twp., MI 48808
Virtual Community Conversation
WHEN: Thursday, March 20 from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
WHERE: Virtual – Register here.
Community Conversation in Owosso
WHEN: Monday, April 14 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Owosso Armory, 215 N. Water St., Owosso, MI 48867
Virtual Community Conversation
WHEN: Friday, April 25 from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
WHERE: Virtual – Registration link available at a later date.
Community Conversation in Williamston
WHERE: Monday, May 5 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
WHEN: Capital Area Public Libraries, 3845 Vanneter Rd., Suite 1, Williamston, Michigan 48895
Virtual Community Conversation
WHEN: Wednesday, May 21 from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
WHERE: Virtual – Registration link available at a later date.
DeWitt Community Conversation Hour
Last week, I hosted a Community Conversation Hour at the DeWitt District Library. We discussed the upcoming transmission line slated to run through Eagle, Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), as well as legislation that’s on the table for 2025. Thanks to all who were able to make it out for this productive conversation!
Play it Nice and Safe Around Ice this Winter
With cold temperatures becoming more consistent throughout the state, more people are enjoying ice fishing, skating, hockey, and other outdoor adventures. The Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources urges everyone to have fun but always use caution when venturing onto or near ice.
Ice is often unstable around river mouths and near lake and river currents. Reservoirs with changing water levels also require great caution. Frozen bodies of water should be checked very carefully before braving the ice. While there is no perfectly reliable method to determine if ice is safe, you can use a spud, needle bar or auger to test the thickness and quality of ice.
Additional ice safety tips include:
- If there’s ice on the lake but water around the shoreline, use extra caution.
- If you are visiting a new area, ask locals at bait shops, restaurants, or stores about ice conditions, but always check conditions for yourself before going onto the ice.
- If you’re walking on the ice, wear a pair of ice cleats to help with traction.
- Wear bright colors to increase your visibility. White clothing and gear are difficult to see.
- Use the buddy system and tell someone who is staying on shore where you will be and when you plan to return.
- If you’re operating a snowmobile or off-road vehicle, ride in a staggered line. This makes it easier to maneuver in case a rider ahead of you breaks through the ice.
For more information, visit Michigan.gov/IceSafety. For snowmobile safety tips, go to Michigan.gov/RideRight.
Lowering the Cost of College for 56,100 Michigan Students
Here in Michigan, we believe that everyone should have equitable access to higher education. That’s why my colleagues and I secured $330 million in this year’s state budget for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, a bipartisan program established to lower the cost of community, private, and public college by thousands of dollars a year for most graduating seniors.
This year, 56,100 Michigan students are benefiting from no- or reduced-cost tuition thanks to our investment in the Michigan Achievement Scholarship. In total, Michigan families are saving over $131.5 million in tuition — which equals around $2,345 in savings per student. We’ll continue working to make higher education attainable and affordable for more families.