Dear Neighbor,
Happy New Year! I hope you had the chance to enjoy some relaxation and family time over the holidays and are feeling energized for the new year ahead.
Despite the unprecedented challenges we faced in 2025, Team Chang has continued to work hard to get things done and to advance opportunity, equity, access, and justice. Check out the infographic below to see what we accomplished last year!
I’m excited to be heading back to the Capitol to continue advocating for the needs of our community in the Michigan Senate. Stay tuned for more updates as we advance our legislative priorities for the year. We know 2026 will be another tough year, but we are looking forward to continuing our progress and working as hard as we can for Michigan!
As always, if you need assistance or have any questions or concerns you’d like to share, 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
- In the final days of 2025, the governor signed 36 bills into law, including Senate Democrats’ legislation to lower costs, cut red tape, better protect Michigan kids, help address the housing crisis, support family farms, and much more.
- Join me for my upcoming coffee and conversation event at Detroit Public Library, Main Branch in Detroit on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 1:00 p.m.
- Attorney General Nessel rules the House Republicans’ efforts to stop $645 million in already-approved funding for things like a new firetruck in Hamtramck and fixing the elevator at the Hazel Park library are unconstitutional and orders the funding restored.
2025 Year in Review
Despite all the challenges, Team Chang continued getting things done in 2025 and worked hard to advance opportunity, equity, access, and justice.
- 560 constituent cases resolved
- 10 bills passed in the Senate
- 3 resolutions adopted
- 23 coffee hours and 8 townhalls/special events held
- 32 bills and 4 resolutions introduced
- 254 bills cosponsored
The bills we’ve passed in 2025 through the Michigan Senate include:
- Part of the Momnibus maternal health package;
- The Judicial Protection Act;
- Preschool teacher fellowship stipends;
- Commonsense school closing policies;
- Group prenatal care coverage;
- Allowing tax foreclosure prevention programs like Pay As You Stay (PAYS) to continue;
- Requirements for landlords to install carbon monoxide detectors;
- No-cost service of Personal Protection Orders (PPOs);
- Juvenile justice data sharing for evaluation;
- And part of the identity theft/data breach package.
I’m proud of the work we did in the community through numerous community events to inform residents of their rights, help lower income moms and pregnant women through our Community Baby Shower, share resources at our Outdoor Resource Fair, and more.
Introduction of Open Captioning in Movie Theaters Legislation
In December, I introduced Senate Bill 764, a bill requiring certain movie theatres to provide open movie captioning showings. Open movie captioning (OMC) refers to a transcript or dialog of the audio portion of a motion picture that is displayed on a screen at a motion picture house that cannot be turned off by a viewer and can provide better accessibility and comprehension. OMC screenings are beneficial to those who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and others who have conditions for which open captions are necessary or beneficial.
Every Michigander should have the opportunity to experience the entertainment and enjoyment of seeing a film in a theater. Recognizing and meeting the needs of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community is vital to ensure that everyone has fair, equitable access to going to the movies — which are often part of memorable family moments and community experiences.
This bill is an important step in ensuring that everyone can experience the enjoyment we get from watching motion pictures. Washington, D.C., Washington State, Maryland, Hawaii, and New York City have passed OMC laws. We worked on this legislation with Teddy Dorsette III, a leader in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community and are looking forward to its passage. You can read more about the bill here.
$645 Million Restored!
Last month, I joined colleagues on both sides of the aisle to push back on the $645 million in cuts to already approved projects across the state. Several important items in our district that we secured in prior years were in jeopardy of losing funding for initiatives for which they already had signed purchase agreements. I voted yes on HB 4576, which would have restored the funding, and supported the request by Sen. Sarah Anthony to Attorney General Dana Nessel for a legal opinion on the part of the law that allowed the massive cuts to take place. Good news – the AG issued her opinion this week!
AG Nessel has now confirmed the clear unconstitutionality of the law the House Republicans used to cut these millions in funds forongoing, already approved projects. From badly needed fire trucks and nurse workforce programs to vital community resource centers and flood mitigation efforts, so many of the projects the House Republicans cut were a lifeline for public safety, financial security, and health and well-being of Michiganders. No single legislative committee can undo funding that was previously approved by the legislature and Governor. I am grateful to the AG for her legal opinion that was issued earlier this week and relieved that these important programs can continue. It is essential that both state legislative chambers govern with integrity and commitment to our residents — and follow the Constitution.
Signed, Sealed, Delivered! — Slew of Legislation Championed by Senate Democrats Signed into Law
On Dec. 23, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed 36 bills into state law, including:
- Senate Bill 158 (Sen. Cavanagh), which lowers the cost of online event tickets by prohibiting bot scammers from purchasing tickets in bulk and inflating the price in unfair resale markets;
- Senate Bills 96 (Sen. Moss), 97 (Sen. Hauck), and 98 (Sen. McMorrow), which help keep Michigan students and child care workers safe by allowing these facilities to install automatic door locks;
- Senate Bill 25 (Sen. Cherry), which cuts red tape for auto repair businesses;
- Senate Bill 93 (Sen. Singh), which enables honey and maple syrup producers to better grow their businesses and boost our agricultural economy;
- Senate Bill 269 (Sen. Camilleri), which speeds up funding for improvements at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) and helps the airport better access federal funds;
- Senate Bills 685 (Sen. Shink), 686 (Sen. Daley), 687 (Sen. Singh), 688 (Sen. Cherry), 689 (Sen. Lauwers), 690 (Sen. Victory), and 699 (Sen. Shink), which improve Michigan’s farmland preservation program and protect family farms;
- Senate Bill 23 (Sen. Hertel), which helps tackle the state’s housing shortage;
- Senate Bill 136 (Sen. Anthony), which improves breast cancer detection standards;
- Senate Bills 512 (Sen. Singh) and 513 (Sen. Hauck), which ensure more equitable representation for Michigan breweries and taprooms; and
- Senate Bill 349 (Sen. Polehanki), which allows eleventh-graders to opt out of the work skills standardized test, giving parents and students more flexibility in their educational journey.
We were proud to work across the aisle to get these bills passed and signed into law in 2025, and we’ll continue fighting to craft and advance more meaningful legislation in 2026. Senate Bill 82, my bill to create the Judicial Protection Act and protect the safety of judges, has now passed both the Senate and House, but one more step is needed before it goes to the governor’s desk for her signature, because it is tied to another bill that has not yet passed both chambers.
Senate Unanimously Acts to Deliver Relief for Michiganders Facing UIA Benefit Recovery
During the chaos of the pandemic, thousands of Michiganders turned to their government for help, tapping into the unemployment system to put food on the table, pay their bills, and ensure their family could weather a once-in-a-lifetime global health crisis. Since then, the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) has been attempting to claw back overpayments they mistakenly made to these same individuals — causing stress for many around the state at an already financially tough time.
Let’s be clear: these families did nothing wrong. That’s why, alongside every single Senator, across party lines, I voted to pass legislation that would provide a clean slate for these folks by waiving any overpayments the UIA is currently attempting to collect from this pandemic-era timeframe. Senate Bill 700 now heads to the Michigan House, where I’m hopeful they will act quickly so we can deliver relief to those who need it most.
I have been working diligently to follow up on the recent Washington Post story that included Highland Park as a potential site for an ICE detention facility. I have been in regular communication with Highland Park Mayor Glenda MacDonald and Rep. Tonya Myers Phillips, along with federal officials. I have heard from many residents and local officials who share our strong and united opposition and concerns regarding any potential ICE facility in our community.
So far, I do not have any evidence of concrete plans for an ICE detention center in Highland Park. I do not have a direct response from ICE. In talking with the owners of a large site that was perhaps in question, they do not have any plans to lease the facility for a detention center, and the property is not at all zoned for a detention center. We are continuing to look intothis.
Either way, I remain opposed to any new detention center that would further exacerbate the destructive mass detention and deportation efforts by ICE. Too many families are being ripped apart, due process rights are being denied, and hardworking community members, fathers, uncles, mothers, and students are being taken away from their families, jobs, schools, and neighborhoods. People with pending green card applications or asylum applications have been separated from their families. Nothing about the ongoing mass deportation and detention scheme lowers grocery costs for Michiganders or makes homes, health care, or utility bills more affordable.
In December, we learned the distressing news that Nenko Gantchev, a Bulgarian immigrant from Illinois, died in ICE custody at the North Lake Processing Center in Baldwin, Michigan. It is critical that the public learn the full results of the investigation into his death when it is completed. ICE should not transfer any more individuals to the facility until we know more. ICE should also ensure that any detained individuals who may have valuable information regarding the death have their removals paused during this review. We have seen and heard too many reports of inadequate food, overcrowding, and issues with medical care at ICE facilities. Every person deserves dignity and proper care in custody. I have sent a number ofquestions to the ICE Detroit Field Office and am grateful to Rashida Tlaib and Congresswoman Delia Ramirez for their leadership as they press for full information.
Mayor Sheffield Announces Rx Kids Detroit Program
I am thrilled that Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield has announced that Detroit will soon launch the Rx Kids program for Detroit moms and babies. I have been a strong supporter of Rx Kids and pleased to have connected Dr. Mona Hanna, the creator of Rx Kids, with Mayor Sheffield about the idea of launching the program for Detroiters. Rx Kids is a proven, effective initiative that gives $1,500 to pregnant women and $500 each month in the first phase of the baby’s life to pay for expenses.
Rx Kids is a public–private partnership made possible by historic, bipartisan support from the State of Michigan, which committed $250 million for expansion of the program over three years in the FY 2026 budget, matched by philanthropic, corporate, and local partners. I was proud to vote for a budget that included this life-changing investment. Click here to learn more.
Fresh Air and Exercise at the Detroit Riverfront: Polar Power Walks
Looking for a way to keep your New Years Resolution or 2026 fitness goals, but want to do something outside of a gym? Residents can participate in Polar Power Walks put together by Urban Solace and the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy!
This weekly program is a free, non-competitive walk along the Detroit Riverfront that will get participants outdoors, their hearts pumping, and also includes stretching along the way. Each week there will be a different route. The program begins Sunday, Jan. 11 at 2:00 p..m and will take place every Sunday from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m., through March 1. Participants will meet at Robert C. Valade Park, 2670 Atwater St., Detroit, 48207. The park also offers seasonal refreshments and activities such as hot chocolate, sledding, and more.
Registration is required and opens a week before each walk. Registration is now open for Jan. 11. Register here.
Community Conversation
WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 20, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: Detroit Public Library, Main Branch, 5201 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48202
Community Conversation
WHEN: Friday, Jan. 30, from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
WHERE: Awafi Café, 9000 Joseph Campau Ave., Hamtramck, MI 48212
Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment Ends Soon
The Michigan Dept. of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is encouraging residents to take advantage of all the benefits and savings you may qualify for before the 2026 open enrollment period on the Health Insurance Marketplace closes on Thursday, Jan. 15.
Marketplace consumers who missed the Dec. 18 deadline for coverage to begin on Jan. 1 may qualify for a special enrollment period if they have experienced a qualifying life event, such as birth, job loss, or divorce.
If you have questions or need assistance, contact DIFS by calling (877) 999-6442 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. For a list of other state and federal agencies that may be able to help with your health coverage questions, click here.
Michigan Arts & Culture Council (MACC) Grant Applications Are Now Open
Michigan arts and culture nonprofits, municipalities, tribal entities, PreK-12 schools, colleges, universities, and others are encouraged to begin preparing to apply for a 2026 MACC grant. These grant programs help fund professional development, equipment and facility upgrades, arts education, and more.
The deadline to apply is Thursday, Jan. 22 at 5:00 p.m. Learn more and start your application here.
Be Winter Weather Ready
The cold and snow are here! As Michigan faces cold weather and winter storms, make sure to plan ahead and take the proper precautions to stay safe. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends creating a communication plan with your family and taking steps to prepare your home and vehicle for the low temperatures, including:
- Weatherproof your home: Insulate walls and attic, caulk and weather-strip doors and windows, and insulate any water lines that run along exterior walls.
- Install a smoke detector and a carbon monoxide detector: Home heating is the second leading cause of home fires; make sure to prioritize fire safety and keep your house safe.
- Create an emergency car kit: Include items to stay warm — a portable phone charger, shovel, windshield scraper, flashlight, battery-powered radio, extra batteries, water, snacks, first-aid materials, jumper cables, and waterproof matches.
- Prepare for power outages: Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges; do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
Read more tips here.