- February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements and heritages of African Americans. My colleagues and I have worked to make Michigan a place where everyone can thrive, from centering equity in our state budget investments to banning race-based hair discrimination.
- Join me for my upcoming virtual Community Conversation on Thursday, Feb. 27, from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Register here.
- Today, February 13, marks two years since the tragic shooting at Michigan State University that took the lives of three students, harmed many more, and forever impacted the hearts of our community. If you or someone you know is struggling, or are looking for comfort in community, you can find mental health resources below as well as events happening on campus in commemoration.
Celebrating Black History This Month and Beyond
February is Black History Month, a designated time to honor and appreciate the contributions, cultures, histories, and achievements of African Americans. Michigan has long been home to a diverse range of Black historical figures whose legacies have left an indelible mark on the world, from abolitionist Sojourner Truth and civil rights activist Malcom X to the “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin and the “mother of the freedom movement” Rosa Parks — whose birthday is annually celebrated on Feb. 4.
In the state Senate, we’ve fought hard to ensure Michigan is a state where anyone has an equitable opportunity to succeed, no matter their background or the color of their skin. From banning race-based hair discrimination and combating hate crimes to making Juneteenth an official state holiday and centering equity in our state budget investments, my Democratic colleagues and I are committed to uplifting communities that have been historically marginalized.
Want to get involved this Black History Month? Check out local events and some ways to celebrate here.
Supporting Moms & Workers: Updates from the First Month of the New Session
With the first month of 2025 over, I’m excited to share about the progress my colleagues and I have made so far on behalf of you and Michiganders around the state. In the past few weeks, in addition to introducing legislation to lower prescription drug costs and strengthen protections for workers, we:
- Voted to expand the state’s Freedom of Information Act to include the Michigan Legislature and governor. This legislation, Senate Bills 1 and 2, are now over to the House for consideration.
- Reintroduced bills to improve accountability and tackle racial and ethnical disparities in Michigan’s maternal health care system.
- Heard testimony from workers on several bills that were passed by both the House and Senate last session but are now being held up unconstitutionally by new Republican House leadership. The legislation they spoke in favor of last week would boost retirement benefits for state corrections and conservation officers as well as lower health care costs for firefighters, teachers, and other public sector employees. Read on for more information. EITC: Lowering Costs for Michiganders for 50 Years
For 50 years now, the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) has been instrumental in lifting families and workers out of poverty, reducing racial disparities, and providing critical support to small businesses and local economies.
Especially at a time when so many Michiganders are facing challenges affording the essentials, from gas to groceries, I’m proud to have worked with my Senate Democratic colleagues to pass policy that helps offset these prices and even allow some folks to save or pay off debts. I’m referring to when we quintupled Michigan’s match of the federal EITC from 6% to 30%, securing the largest increase to the credit in state history.
This game-changing expansion helps 700,000 Michiganders struggling to make ends meet save an average of $750 more per year, resulting in $3,150 in total savings with the federal and state EITCs combined. Here in District 28, over 13,100 families benefit, boosting incomes of working folks from $132 to over $650 on average. Our small businesses reap the benefits too, with over $8 million now being returned to our local economy.
But — Michiganders must make sure to claim the credit if they are eligible! To determine eligibility and find tax preparation resources, click here.
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. I hope you’ll join me at one of my community conversations, offered both virtually and in-person. Check out my next few events below or the full schedule on my website.
Virtual Community Conversation
WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 27 from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
WHERE: Virtual – Register here.
Community Conversation with Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou
WHEN: Monday, March 10 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Bath Twp. 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.
Protecting Earned Sick Time for Air Lines & All
Last month, I introduced a bill package alongside Sens. Hertel and Camilleri to accelerate the increase of Michigan’s minimum wage; protect and improve the tipped credit; require employers to provide paid sick leave; and strengthen laws preventing the theft of wages. Composed of Senate Bills 6–8 and 15, this package seeks to build a fair economy that works for all — workers, small businesses, and consumers. Last week, I had the honor of meeting with pilots from Delta Air Lines to discuss how my legislation, Senate Bill 15, ensures pilots and flight crew are treated fairly under the Earned Sick Time Act, set to take effect later this month.
Touring Cedar Creek Hospital in St. Johns
Last month, I was fortunate to tour the Cedar Creek Hospital in St. Johns with their Chief Executive Officer, Steven Vernon. I met staff and had a first-hand look at the services the hospital provides as well as health care challenges our community faces. Thanks to the Cedar Creek Hospital staff for hosting me and providing a glimpse into crucial, life-changing work they do. The insight gained there will help inform my work to ensure that all communities, rural and urban, are equipped with the resources necessary to provide quality care to their surrounding residents.
MSU Shooting Second Anniversary: Resources & Events
Today, February 13, marks two years since the tragic shooting at Michigan State University that took the lives of three students, harmed many more, and forever impacted the hearts of our community. As we reflect on this difficult day, we remember the lives lost, the survivors, and all those who were impacted in this senseless violence.
If you or someone you know is struggling during this time, we have included several mental health resources below to support you and your loved ones.
Also, whether you’re looking for comfort, hope, or a space to grieve with others, there are several events happening throughout the community to commemorate this day — also included below.
Mental Health & Other Resources
SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service, this Helpline provides 24-hour free and confidential treatment referral and information about mental and/or substance use disorders, prevention, and recovery in English and Spanish. Call 1.800.662.HELP (4357) or visit their website.
Bureau of Justice Assistance (U.S Department of Justice)
In collaboration with BJA, the National Policing Institute and its partners will provide the replication sites and other selected agencies with proactive and on-demand training and technical assistance, including practical guides and checklists, technical briefings and training, and quick reaction assessments as warranted. This assistance is available from law enforcement, investigative and prosecution experts, forensics experts, technologists and academic experts who can share unique insights into effective and efficient processes and approaches to prevent and reduce violent crime committed with firearms.
To request technical assistance, training, or other resources through this initiative, agency POCs should send an email to TTA@policinginstitute.org or call the National Policing Institute at 202-833-1460. For more information, go to our Training & Technical Assistance page.
Counseling And Psychiatric Services (CAPS) for MSU Students
If you are in crisis, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. CAPS crisis services are also available 24/7. Call (517) 355-8270 and press “1” at the prompt to speak with a crisis counselor.
To access new counseling and psychiatric services, schedule a consultation. During your consultation, we’ll discuss your needs and help you get connected with available resources on or off-campus based on clinical recommendations.
Free & Anonymous Self-Assessments
These free, anonymous online screening assessments can help determine whether professional consultation would be helpful to you. These tools are available to all students at Michigan State University.
- Visit screening.mentalhealthscreening.org/hyho for a variety of screenings and more information about mental health.
- The ULifeline Self-Evaluator includes the option to indicate you’re at MSU, but your responses remain anonymous.
- Mental Health Screening Tools from Mental Health America include several free and anonymous or confidential screenings including those for Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, Alcohol or Substance Use Screening and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Additional screening tools for Depression, Anxiety and Eating Disorders are also available.
- Food Security Self-Assessment: Food insecurity refers to having limited food availability with a reduction in the quality or variety of food intake, which often results in disrupted eating patterns. A lack of food security can be a considerable obstacle to academic success.
Additional Resources
- State of Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force
- City of East Lansing Mental Health Resources
- Other resources
Events
Reclaiming Space Exhibit
Reclaiming Space is a call for community participation to reflect, heal, and come together through art-making. Creativity provides an outlet to process complicated emotions and experiences and allows us to sit in it. We invite you to be present in the gallery space. Sit on the couch near the window. Draw and paint on the provided canvases. Use prompts for introspection. Create a flower or two and add it to the sculpture. The artworks in this exhibition will evolve as the show progresses. Every mark made, each piece of paper attached, is a necessary layer that contributes to the whole. We are a resilient community, and we will heal together. Learn more on the event webpage.
WHEN: Now through Sat., Feb. 15
WHERE: MSU Union Art Gallery, 40 Abbot Rd. Rm 230, East Lansing, MI 48823
Caring Through Service
Join the Center for Community Engaged Learning for Caring Through Service, an opportunity for community building, service, and advocacy. Spartans will come together to support mental health initiatives, create meaningful connections, and give back to the community.
WHEN: Feb. 13, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
WHERE: Breslin Student Events Center, Tom Izzo Hall of History (Gilbert Pavilion Entrance), 534 Birch Rd., East Lansing, MI 48824
For more opportunities to commemorate this day and honor those lost, visit this webpage compiled by MSU Spartans Together.
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