Dear Neighbor,
I hope you had a happy Fourth of July! Summer is officially underway, bringing extreme temperatures and severe weather. Be sure to take care of yourself, your loved ones, and your neighbors. My team and I compiled a list of cooling centers, which you can find here or down below.
As we continue to advocate in Lansing for the fiscally responsible and people-centered budget the Senate Democrats passed two months ago, my team and I are also hard at work connecting with residents and working on legislation.
As always, please feel free to reach out to share your thoughts or seek assistance. You can email me at SenSChang@senate.michigan.gov or call 313-922-6949.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Chang
State Senator
District 3
- We passed bipartisan legislation to improve maternal and infant health
- Join me for my upcoming Community Conversation on Thursday, July 31, from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Robert C. Valade Park (Detroit Riverwalk), 2670 Atwater St., Detroit, MI 48207.
- Keep reading to learn more about Meet Up Eat Up locations for kids near you.
Community Conversation
WHEN: Thursday, July 31, from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Robert C. Valade Park (Detroit Riverwalk), 2670 Atwater St., Detroit, MI 48207
Community Conversation with Councilmember Gabriela Santiago-Romero
WHEN: Friday, August 8, from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Avalon Bakery, 441 W. Canfield, Detroit, MI 48201
Save the Date! Community Resource Fair
WHEN: Saturday, August 16 at 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Ernest T. Ford Recreation Center, 10 Pitkin St., Highland Park, MI 48203
Improving Health Outcomes for Moms and Babies
From lowering rates of gestational diabetes to improving detection and treatment of postpartum depression to reducing preterm births and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit admissions, Centering Pregnancy and other group-based prenatal healthcare programs are linked to a wide range of benefits for pregnant women and babies. That’s why I’m incredibly excited that earlier this month, the Michigan Senate passed my bipartisan legislation (Senate Bills 414-415) that would require private insurers and Medicaid to provide coverage for group-based pregnancy support programs, such as the childbirth classes offered through Centering Pregnancy. Expanding access to this program would not only boost vital health outcomes for moms-to-be — it would also ensure that they do not have to go through the challenges of bringing a life into this world alone. This legislation now heads to the House for consideration. Read more here.
What Medicaid Means to Michigan
Medicaid is a lifeline for people in every corner of this state and country, allowing folks to get the health care they need. The $535 billion that Trump and Congressional Republicans have slashed from the program will devastate Michigan families, hospitals, and our economy while pumping more money into the pockets of our nation’s wealthiest individuals and corporations.
In response to the Republican’s threats to dismantle this essential safety net, the Senate Health Policy Committee and Appropriations Subcommittee on the Dept. of Health and Human Services (DHHS) convened a joint meeting where they reviewed, accepted and adopted a new report developed by Senate Democrats that outlines the impact federal cuts to Medicaid would have on Michiganders. The report highlights that:
- Nearly 500,000 Michiganders could lose coverage due to new bureaucratic hurdles and red tape.
- One in four Michiganders rely on Medicaid, including two in five children and three in five nursing home residents.
- Medicaid patients make up 22% of hospital volume statewide, and 40% in rural hospitals. Without this funding, hospitals would be forced to significantly downsize or close altogether — forcing everyone to travel farther and wait longer to receive care.
- Proposed cuts jeopardize 300,000 health care jobs across Michigan sparked by Medicaid’s expansion and would deliver a projected $2.9 billion blow to Michigan’s economy.
To view the full report, click here.
Federal Cuts Town Hall
On Monday, July 7, 2025, I was a special guest, along with Sen. McMorrow and Rep. Price, at a town hall meeting hosted by state Rep. MacDonnell. We had a meaningful discussion about the major cuts to federal programs made recently by Trump and Congressional Republicans. Read more here. Keep an eye out for future events here.
Supporting First Responders
Compared to other Midwest states, Michigan falls significantly behind when it comes to the total number of full-time professional firefighters. To help rectify the issue and ensure our first responders have the resources they need to protect our communities, my colleagues and I passed legislation requiring the inclusion of staffing levels as a subject during their collective bargaining process. I was proud to vote yes on this bill earlier this summer. Read more here.
Providing Support to Address Our Opioid Crisis
The opioid epidemic is a public health crisis that touches communities in every part of our state. Building on current efforts aimed at addressing this ongoing emergency, the Senate acted in bipartisan fashion to pass a comprehensive package of evidence-based policies designed to expand access to support services, reduce the risk of overdoses, and improve both short and long-term treatment outcomes. I was proud to vote yes on this bill package. Read more here.
Community Baby Shower Brings Resources to New & Expecting Moms & Families
On Saturday, June 28, we held our annual community baby shower. This year, it was at the Horatio Williams Foundation, where over 90 moms, moms-to-be, and families showed up.
The event featured many community resources from local organizations and institutions, including the Detroit Health Dept. and Fire Dept., Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services, showcasing their lead service line and faucet replacement services, the Black Mothers Breastfeeding Association, United Way for Southeastern Michigan, and Wayne Metro, among others.
Moms and families had the opportunity to speak with these organizations about child care, breastfeeding, healthy eating, car seat safety, safe sleep, and well-being in motherhood. When they were not engaged with the vendors, moms listened to presentations and won fun prizes while playing presentation BINGO! Winners were able to pick from baby-related prizes like diaper bags and a bouncy chair. Moms also had a chance to win raffle prizes. And no mom walked away empty-handed: we had a delicious buffet lunch, stuffed goodie bags with over a dozen treats for moms and babies, and distributed giveaways from generous vendors. Overall, we had another successful program with lots of adorable babies and pregnant mothers!
This program wouldn’t have been possible without the partnership with the Mary Turner Center for Advocacy and support from the Michigan Nurses Association, Mothering Justice, and Molina Health.
For those who missed our shower or for dads looking for a shower all their own,
The Children’s Center is hosting a fatherhood engagement program for expectant dads or dads with young children (2 years and under) on Thursday, August 28, at 5:30 p.m. at Hunt Street Station. Dads will be given gifts and resources to help set them up for success in fatherhood. See the Children’s Center website soon for more details and RSVP information.
Air Quality Community Learning Session — From Particles to Permitting: Understanding Air Quality: August 27
Save the date! Join the Michigan Dept. of Environment, Great Lakes, & Energy’s (EGLE) Air Quality Division Staff to learn about all things air quality. This in-person learning session will begin with an open house with resource tables followed by presentations about the following topics:
- Enforcement and compliance;
- Permitting and air toxics;
- Monitoring and modeling, and;
- How to check and sign up for air quality alerts, permits, public hearings, etc.
WHEN: Wednesday, August 27, from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: Wayne County Community College Eastern Campus, 5901 Conner St., Detroit, MI 48213
Agenda:
- 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. – Open house with light refreshments
- 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. – Presentation and discussion on EGLE’s air quality activities
- 7:30 – 8:00 p.m. – Q&A and group activity
How to get there:
- Bus: WCCD is located on the 11 and 13 bus lines. Get off the 11 bus at Shoemaker & St. Dean; get off the 13 bus at Conner @ WCCD.
- Bike: Bike racks are available on campus.
- Drive: Free parking is available across St. Jean from the main building entrance.
Submit your questions in advance and RSVP here. RSVP is not required, but it is appreciated!
Find Free Meals Near You This Summer
It can be tough to make healthy meals for children and teens that fit your budget, especially during the summer months when school is out of session. That’s why community sites, such as libraries, YMCAs, community centers, and school districts in our area, are providing children ages 18 and under with delicious, nutritious meals this summer.
Use this map to find a Meet Up and Eat Up location nearest you. Every site includes contact information to help connect you with Summer Meals.
Protect Yourself from Heat-Related Illness
Temperatures are expected to reach the 90s with heat index values near and above 100 degrees. When it’s very hot, there’s an increased risk of heat-related illness, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can worsen and cause heat stroke or even death.
To stay healthy during these record-high temperatures, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Drink more fluids and avoid liquids with large amounts of sugar or alcohol.
- Limit outdoor activities to when it’s coolest in the morning and evening.
- Spend time indoors with air conditioning.
- Check to make sure your air conditioner filters are clean, and the unit is working properly.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- Wear sunscreen, as sunburn affects the body’s ability to cool down.
- Check on your neighbors and relatives.
- Never leave children or pets unattended in cars, even with the windows cracked.
Cooling Centers Around the Community
