Dear Neighbor,
Happy Spooky Season! My colleagues and I have been hard at work at the Capitol advocating on your behalf. Along with securing critical investments for students, families, and communities in the 2026 state budget agreement recently signed into law, we have also advanced legislation to protect Michigan consumers, military members, and victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. We’ve also pushed hard for Hmong and Lao refugees facing deportation, like Lue Yang and Khone Sengmany.
In this newsletter, I hope to provide you with a legislative update, as well as share some helpful resources and information on upcoming events we have planned.
If you or someone you know would like to provide any feedback about what’s happening in Lansing, or need assistance of any sort, please feel free to reach out to my office. You can reach me and my team by emailing SenSChang@senate.michigan.gov or calling (313) 922-6949.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Chang
State Senator
District 3
- From combating human trafficking to protecting victims of domestic violence, my Senate colleagues and I have been working hard to advance critical, bipartisan legislation to safeguard Michigan’s most vulnerable. Learn more below.
- Join me for my upcoming community conversation with Rep. Myers Phillips on October 27 at 11:00 a.m. at the Highland Park Justice Center in Highland Park (12050 Woodward Ave., Highland Park, MI 48203).
- October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, help and resources are available — you can reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or access additional resources here.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors for Rental Units
This week, the Senate passed my bill, Senate Bill 515, that would require landlords to install an operational carbon monoxide detector in every rental unit that has a fuel-fired appliance that is provided or owned by the landlord or is adjacent to an enclosed garage. The bill passed with bipartisan support.
This bill originated after Bill Goodman, a longtime civil rights lawyer in Detroit who founded the Sugar Law Center for Economic and Social Justice, passed away from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in 2023. After all that he did for decades on behalf of our rights and liberties, it was the lack of a CO detector in his apartment that led to his death.
Earlier this year, Michigan’s Dept. of Health and Human Services published their 2023 annual report on unintentional CO poisoning in Michigan. It found that among Michigan residents in 2023, there were 481 causes of illness due to unintentional CO poisoning, including 31 deaths. Since the state started tracking this information, from 2009 to 2023, data shows that every year, between 760 and 980 Michiganders were unintentionally poisoned by CO, and 22-34 perished every year.
While we have made some progress in preventing CO poisoning, we are still roughly seeing the same annual death toll. This is why I introduced this legislation, and I will continue to push for its enactment.
No-Cost Personal Protection Order (PPO) Service
Last week, Sen. Ruth Johnson and I introduced Senate Bills 611 and 612, which would require that a Personal Protection Order (PPO) be served at no cost to a victim immediately by a law enforcement agency. The bills were also introduced in the House by Reps. Helena Scott and Sarah Lightner. We developed this legislation after the tragic death of Latricia Brown, who was killed by her ex-husband at Henry Ford Health Main Hospital.
43 states, the District of Columbia, and two territories already require that PPO service takes place free of charge. In Michigan, the cost to serve a PPO can include a service fee plus mileage traveled, which can easily cost almost $100 — an amount that could be especially tough for someone fleeing domestic violence to afford. As part of the recent 2026 state budget agreement, I secured $1 million for a PPO Service Fund within the Michigan State Police — these funds would be used to reimburse designated law enforcement agencies to carry out this critical work. Our bipartisan legislation would not only make it less financially burdensome for victims but also safer by ensuring the PPO is served by a member of law enforcement rather than a friend or family member of the victim, which is allowed under current law.
No one should have to forgo the safety provided under a PPO simply because of the amount of money in their wallet. I’m proud to have worked with several partners, including the Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board, the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic Violence, and Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy to craft this legislation, and with colleagues from both parties and both chambers to advance this important package — especially during Domestic Violence Awareness Month — to bring our state in line with the majority of states, so that Michiganders seeking PPOs can live safely and without fear.
Enhancing Transparency in the State Budget
Upon securing the Majority in 2023, Senate Democrats required lawmakers to clearly put their name next to any funding they secured on behalf of their community — an important step to building a state budget process that is both transparent and accountable to those we serve. But we didn’t stop there.
Before passing the 2026 state budget earlier this month, the Senate Appropriations Committee held a hearing to review each of the individual enhancement grants we fought to include in the final budget agreement.
And, earlier this week, my colleagues and I passed Senate Bill 596 with bipartisan support — legislation that requires all legislatively directed spending items, including enhancement grants and earmarks, to be publicly disclosed on the Senate or House website before the passage of the state budget. Championed by Appropriations Chair Sen. Sarah Anthony, this bill continues our commitment to Michiganders around the state, ensuring they can see where their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent.
A Snapshot of Capitol Activity
Along with securing game-changing investments for kids and communities in the recently signed state budget, my Senate colleagues and I are continuing to advance legislation for Michiganders across the state, including bills to:
- Combat human trafficking in Michigan by strengthening penalties for those who commit this heinous crime while bolstering support for survivors.
- Ensure greater transparency and accountability in the insurance industry and better safeguard Michigan consumers from unfair, deceptive practices. Learn more here.
- Expand access to health and dental care coverage for Michigan’s National Guard members to strengthen recruitment and retention efforts, improve troops’ readiness, and protect those who protect our state. Learn more here.
For several months, I’ve joined Rep. Mai Xiong, Sen. Sam Singh, and countless community organizations, elected officials, and residents to advocate for Lue Yang, Khone Sengmany, and other Hmong and Lao refugees facing deportation. This week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer granted Lue Yang’s pardon application!
Lue Yang is a father, caretaker of a 99-year-old grandmother, hard worker in the automotive industry, and president of the Hmong Family Association — someone who should not be facing deportation. I am incredibly grateful that, as the result of tireless advocacy from many community leaders and organizations, Gov. Whitmer is granting Lue Yang’s pardon.
Now, the federal government should grant Lue Yang’s emergency motion to halt his removal and consider his request to reopen his case. We urge ICE to return Lue to his wife, Ann, and his family in Michigan, where he belongs. This is an important moment where we need to be clear about the kind of America we believe in — and I choose to believe in an America where immigrants and refugees are treated with dignity and compassion, where we recognize people like Lue Yang and Khone Sengmany as human beings, and where we keep families together.
If you’d like to take action to support Lue Yang (A#023836753), call the ICE Detroit Field Office at 313-771-6601 or email detroit.outreach@ice.dhs.gov.
Watch the speech I gave on the Senate floor about Lue Yang and Khone Sengmany here.
5th Annual Highland Park Halloween Festival
The 5th annual Samhain Halloween Festival is taking place Saturday, October 25, from 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Ernest T. Ford Rec Center located at 10 Pitkin St., Highland Park, MI 48203. This is a free, family-friendly community event that includes live music, a costume contest, pumpkin decorating, candy giveaways, games, prizes, and more! There will also be a shoe drive, so please consider bringing new or gently used shoes for charity; any size and style are accepted.
This event was started in 2020 to raise awareness and support MLK Park. Built in the early 1970s, MLK Park was inspired by the “adventure park” concept. Adventure parks are spaces that encourage creativity, exploration, and physical play, featuring unique elements like rope climbing structures, obstacle courses, rock climbing walls, target-oriented activities, and more. MLK Park was modeled after Adventure Playground in Central Park, NYC, and includes unique features such as on-site pyramids that are a rare and treasured part of the community. The Halloween festival’s goals are to support removing deteriorating wooden structural beams, repairing brickwork on park features, including the pyramids, and restoring wooden benches.
For more information, click here.
Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park Grand Opening & Detroit Harvest Fest
This all-ages, free event is taking place Saturday and Sunday, October 25 & 26, from 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park, located at 1801 W Jefferson, Detroit, MI 48216. Visitors can experience four zones of activities across 22 acres along the Detroit River, featuring live entertainment, fall activities, food trucks, and fun for all ages throughout the brand-new park.
Be part of the grand opening of the newest park on the Detroit Riverfront, the Delta Dental Play Garden. The new park will feature giant slides, swings, climbing structures, a tot-lot area for younger visitors, and more. Family-friendly events and activities will take place from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, and will include trick-or-treating, pumpkin decorating, and nature-based hands-on science activities.
Visit the Detroit Harvest Fest website for continuing updates on the grand opening celebration.
Community Conversation with Rep. Tonya Myers Phillips
WHEN: Monday, October 27, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
WHERE: Highland Park Justice Center, 12050 Woodward Ave., Highland Park 48203
Community Conversation
WHEN: Friday, November 7, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
WHERE: Arabica Cafe, 11601 Joseph Campau Ave., Hamtramck 48212
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Townhall with American Pride Rises
WHEN: Saturday, November 22, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
WHERE: International Institute of Metro Detroit (IIMD), 111 E Kirby St., Detroit, MI 48202
Trick or Treating Safety Tips
Spooky season is underway, and while the Halloween holiday is a time for fun and festivities, it can also bring some extra risks for children and teens. Before you head out trick-or-treating, make sure to check out these tips on how to keep your little ghosts and goblins safe:
- Choose your Halloween costume wisely. Make sure to check the weather forecast in advance and dress accordingly. Do not carry toy weapons that could be confused for the real thing.
- Walk, don’t run, and stay on the sidewalks. Cross only at intersections and designated crosswalks.
- Don’t assume cars will stop just because pedestrians have the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters.
- Be sure to have a charged cell phone while you’re out.
- Plan your route ahead of time and trick-or-treat in familiar neighborhoods.
- Only visit well-lit houses. Don’t stop at dark houses.
- Review with your child how to call 9-1-1 if they ever have an emergency, get lost, or are prone to wander.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Nearly one in eight American women will develop breast cancer over the course of their lives. In 2025, it is estimated that 9,900 Michigan residents will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and 1,350 Michiganders will lose their lives. To spread awareness and honor those impacted, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed every October.
To improve mammography standards in Michigan, Sen. Sarah Anthony introduced Senate Bill 136 last Spring — legislation to improve mammogram reporting standards and increase early detection by aligning Michigan’s breast density notification standards with federal guidelines.
While my colleagues and I work to get this legislation across the finish line, there are also steps you can take to help raise awareness and save lives. One of the most important things you can do is know your family history and get screened annually starting at age 40. The Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) encourages residents to take advantage of the following free health screening programs to put their health into their own hands:
- The Breast & Cervical Cancer Control Navigation Program (BC3NP), available statewide, provides free breast and cervical cancer screening services to low-income women.
- The WISEWOMAN Program helps participants understand their chronic disease risk factors and make healthy lifestyle choices. Every participant receives a free health screening.
- To learn more about these programs, call 844-446-8727 or visit Michigan.gov/cancer. For Spanish resources, call 800-379-1057.
Recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Domestic violence is a serious crisis facing women and families across Michigan and the United States. On a typical day, more than 20,000 phone calls are placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide.
Understanding that domestic violence is also deeply interconnected with gun violence, my colleagues and I also delivered long-awaited legislation to keep weapons out of the hands of convicted abusers within mere months of securing the Majority. I was proud to sponsor this legislation together with Rep. Amos O’Neal and Sen. Sue Shink.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please visit the Michigan State Police webpage on domestic violence here for more information or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. Additional resources can be found here.