Dear Neighbor,
Happy March is Reading Month! 📖 This month, I hope you and your loved ones have the opportunity to stop into your local library and enjoy a few books together, celebrating the knowledge that you 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 continues to progress, so does our work in the legislature. From championing solutions to improve literacy rates to better 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.
If you or someone you know would like to provide any feedback about what’s happening, or needs assistance of any sort, please feel free to reach out to my office. You can reach me and my team by emailing SenSSingh@senate.michigan.gov or calling (517) 373-3447.
Sincerely,
Sam Singh
State Senator
District 28
Senate Dems Explore Consequences of Trump’s Harmful Energy Policies
Over the last couple of weeks, the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment has held hearings to examine the detrimental effects 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 this past week’s hearing here.
Senate Committee Hears Testimony on “Kids Over Clicks” Legislation
The Senate Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection Committee recently held a hearing on Senate Bills 757–760, which would implement commonsense safety standards to better protect Michigan children from the emerging 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 navigating parenthood in the digital age, please take our survey here. To become a Citizen Co-Sponsor of our Kids Over Clicks package, click here.
My Septic Legislation
Michigan is home to more freshwater shoreline than any other state in the nation, with over 3,200 miles along the Great Lakes, and more than 1.3 million septic systems statewide. Yet, we are the only state in the country without a statewide septic code. In many communities, there is no reliable record of where septic systems are located, how old they are, or whether they are functioning properly, creating real risks to public health and our water resources.
Last week, my legislation, Senate Bill 771, was heard in the Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee. I first introduced this bill in 2023 and reintroduced it this session to finally address this long-standing gap. This legislation would establish a statewide framework while still allowing local health departments to inspect and enforce the rules. The bill would also create a statewide electronic database so septic systems can be tracked and evaluated consistently, and it would require periodic, risk-based septic system evaluations.
Under this legislation, the Dept. of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy would be responsible for setting and maintaining statewide standards within three years, guided by a Technical Advisory Committee made up of experts with broad geographic representation. The bill also builds in flexibility for local governments, supports the use of trained third-party evaluators, and provides financial assistance for homeowners by allowing grants, loans, and fine waivers for those earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level.
To watch my testimony, click here.
Virtual Community Conversation
WHEN: Monday, March 23, from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
WHERE: Virtual — Check back here for a link to RSVP
Virtual Community Conversation
WHEN: Friday, April 17, from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
WHERE: Virtual — Check back here for a link to RSVP
Community Conversation in St. Johns
WHEN: Monday, April 27, from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: St. Johns Briggs District Library, 108 E. Railroad St., St. Johns, MI 48879
To stay up to date on all of my upcoming events, check out the event page on my website.
Bath Twp. Community Conversation
Earlier this month, I visited the Bath Twp. Public Library for my monthly in-person community conversation, where I had the opportunity to speak directly with residents about the issues most important to them. And, just in time for Reading Month, I was honored to be gifted my very own Bath Township Library card during the visit! If you’re in the area, be sure to check out their great selection of books and resources. In case you missed this event, I hope to catch you in April!
“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 a 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.
- Ensure 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
Visit the Michigan Prepares website to find a variety of resources on this topic, including guidance on How to Create Your Emergency Plan. You can also stay informed when severe weather strikes by signing up for emergency alerts from your county or city.
CapCAN Scholarship List
Pursuing a college degree comes with some significant expenses. If you or someone you know needs some help going or returning to school, take a look at — and share! — this comprehensive scholarship list compiled by our local Capital Area College Access Network.