Dear Neighbor,
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been working hard connecting with residents, refining legislation, and advocating for our immigrant and refugee neighbors. Read on to learn more.
As always, please feel free to reach out to share your thoughts or seek assistance with any challenges you may be facing with state departments. You can email me at SenSChang@senate.michigan.gov or call 313-922-6949.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Chang
State Senator
District 3
- Over a dozen Hmong and Laotian refugees were detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Michigan. In addition to connecting people with immigration law resources and speaking at two press conference last week, I co-authored a letter with Rep. Mai Xiong, signed by 26 other Michigan elected officials, urging ICE not to deport these hardworking individuals and to instead keep families together. You can view the letter here.
- Michigan Senate Democrats are working to build on the historic $450 million we’ve secured for school safety and mental health efforts, while House Republicans continue to stall the budget process. Learn more below.
- Join me and the City of Highland Park for our annual Outdoor Resource Fair this Saturday, Aug. 16, from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. at the Ernest T. Ford Rec. Center, 10 Pitkin St., Highland Park, MI 48203.
- Thanks to state funding secured by Senate Democrats, Michigan’s PreK for All program is ranked number one in the nation and is serving more families than ever before. Read on to find high-quality, no-cost preschool in your community.
A few weeks ago, I learned about a number of Hmong and Laotian refugees who were detained by ICE in Michigan. I worked alongside Rep. Mai Xiong, immigrants’ rights nonprofits, and Asian American community organizations to hold two press conferences, mobilize Michiganders in support of our community members, and co-author a letter to ICE.
I and many others have called on ICE to stop the deportations of Michigan Hmong and Laotian refugees and to allow them to return home to their families. Unfortunately 15 individuals were deported and have arrived in Laos. However, Lue Yang and Khamsay Syrattanakoun are still being held at the North Lake Detention Center in Baldwin, MI and they need our help. America owes a debt of gratitude to the Hmong people for their role in protecting U.S. troops during the Vietnam War. The Hmong and Laotian refugees being held by ICE came here decades ago and have built their families, contributed to their communities, and are beloved community leaders. We must keep immigrant and refugee families together. Immigrants and refugees seeking the American Dream deserve opportunity and dignity, just like every other American. Now is the time for us to come together as Michiganders — it’ll take all of us to restore the rights and opportunities our neighbors deserve.
Click here to read the letter I co-authored with Rep. Mai Xiong urging ICE Field Director Kevin Raycraft to not deport the Michigan Hmong refugees. If you are concerned about this, please consider contacting the U.S. ICE Field Office at detroit.outreach@ice.dhs.gov or 313-771-6601.
Outdoor Resource Fair with the City of Highland Park
We are excited to welcome many community partners at our resource fair this weekend: United Way, Equality Michigan, MDHHS, Wayne Metro, Delta Dental, DTE Assistance Program, Matrix Head Start, Gleaners, Wayne County Treasurers Office, Detroit Area Agency on Aging, Molina Healthcare, Boll Family YMCA, Detroit Reconnect, Detroit At Work, Mothering Justice, Detroit Housing Department, Secretary of State, Backpack Healthcare, Authority Health, Safe and Just MI, Unemployment Office, Justice Impact Platform, SEMA, and more.
WHEN: Saturday, August 16, from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Ernest T. Ford Recreation Center, 10 Pitkin St., Highland Park, MI 48203
Ice Cream Social — Community Conversation
WHEN: Friday, August 22, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: MJ’s North End Ice Cream Parlor, 8801 Oakland Ave., Detroit, MI 48211
Fighting for School Safety and Mental Health Resources
Michigan State Police’s Recent Report Highlights Critical Need for Support
OK2SAY, Michigan’s confidential student safety tipline, reported a 20% surge in tip volume compared to the previous year, according to the program’s most recent report compiled by the Michigan State Police. With an unprecedented 11,671 tips received, the program has reached its highest reporting level since its inception in 2014, underscoring the vital role it plays in safeguarding our youngest Michiganders.
My colleagues and I recognize this and the responsibility we have to invest in our children and in their safety, well-being, and success. That’s why we’ve invested a historic $450 million in school safety and mental health over the last few budget cycles. These dollars have gone into supporting the OK2SAY program, modernizing school security systems, as well as hiring more counselors, social workers, and school resource officers.
But as we see our kids carrying heavier burdens and facing greater threats than ever before, our work is far from over. In our 2026 State Budget proposal, Senate Democrats put another $350 million behind these efforts to ensure every child feels safe while in the classroom. Unfortunately, as back-to-school season rapidly approaches, House Republicans are continuing to stall the budget process, keeping this funding for school safety out of reach for districts to use.
In the Senate, my colleagues and I continue to remain at the negotiating table, ready to reach a final budget agreement that truly supports our students and their families. To keep up to date on the latest developments and learn more about our budget proposal, click here.
Rx Kids: A Prescription for Improving Families’ Physical and Economic Health
Rx Kids is a first-of-its-kind program in the United States, initially launched in Flint in 2024, before expanding to seven other communities across the state in early 2025 — thanks in part to funding secured by Senate Democrats. Now, we’re working to pass legislation to expand this successful program statewide to reach more families around Michigan. Rx Kids supports parents and babies by providing all pregnant moms, regardless of income, with a no-strings-attached cash allowance of $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 each month throughout the baby’s first year. Research shows that this direct, cash support for new parents helps improve housing security, access to nutritious food, and maternal and child health.
This week, the Senate Housing and Human Services Committee held a hearing on this legislation sponsored by Sen. Sylvia Santana, exploring the far-reaching benefits of Rx Kids and how its expansion would continue improving maternal and child health outcomes throughout the state. To watch the committee hearing, click here.
In addition to our proposal to expand Rx Kids, Michigan Senate Democrats have introduced bold, transformative legislation to lower costs for working families and make sure kids in Michigan have the best start possible — including through a Working Parents Tax Cut and expanded access to child care. Learn more about this “Building Blocks” package here.
Supporting Michigan Mothers and Their Babies
Every year, the first week of August is recognized as World Breastfeeding Week, a time where public health advocates come together to highlight the importance of breastfeeding and share resources to encourage one of the most effective methods of improving maternal and infant health.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding up to age two, as breastmilk provides countless benefits to infants, including preventing diseases such as respiratory and ear infections, asthma, and diabetes. According to the World Health Organization, optimal breastfeeding is so critical that it could save the lives of more than 820,000 children under the age of five each year.
Because of the power of breastfeeding, our caucus has worked to champion legislation to expand Michigan’s Public Breastfeeding Nondiscrimination Act to ensure parents are protected from discrimination for pumping breastmilk in public, which is often necessary when parents are away from their breastfeeding baby for several hours. This legislation, Senate Bill 351 of 2023, was signed into law last year and now provides Michigan mothers with the legal protections they need to promote the health and safety of themselves and their babies.
To learn more about the importance of breastfeeding and access support, visit this resource page from the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services here.
Team GSR Presents D6 Celebration
Join Councilwoman Gabriela Santiago-Romero of Detroit’s 6th District for their D6 Celebration this Saturday, Aug. 16, from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. This free event will include food, games, performances, community resources, and fun for the whole family! The D6 Celebration will be held at Riverside Park, Shelter 1, 3085 W. Jefferson, Detroit, MI 48216.
Impact Detroit Youth Community Hub’s 2nd Annual Back-to-School Event
Impact Detroit is holding their second annual Back-to-School Event on August 23, from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. at True Love Christian Ministries. They will be giving away backpacks and school supplies as well as have food, games, and even free haircuts! There will also be vendors and community resources for all ages. This event will be located at 6138 Nevada Ave., Detroit, MI 48234.
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!
PreK For All: Improving Outcomes for Michigan Families & Kids
August means the back-to-school season is approaching, so what better time to spread the word about the best PreK for All program in the nation? Last year, Senate Democrats worked across the aisle to secure state funding that helped expand access to no-cost, high quality preschool — and our work is paying off, giving kids the tools they need for successful futures, helping tackle the childcare crisis, allowing parents to stay in the workforce, and saving Michigan families about $10,000 per child.
Michigan’s PreK for All program is available to all children who are four years old by Dec. 1, and enrollment is now open for the upcoming school year. To learn more or find options for no-cost Pre-K in your community, visit MiPreKforAll.org.
August is National Immunization Awareness Month
With summer in full swing and flu season just around the corner, we recognize National Immunization Awareness Month to highlight the importance of routine vaccination for Michiganders of all ages. Vaccines are the best way for you to protect yourself from preventable diseases and avoid spreading those diseases to others in your community.
To locate a health department nearest you and get up to date on your vaccines, click here. And to learn more about the vaccines you and your family members may need to stay healthy, visit the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services website here.