{"id":8305,"date":"2024-02-27T09:53:00","date_gmt":"2024-02-27T14:53:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/chang\/?p=8305"},"modified":"2024-10-30T09:54:17","modified_gmt":"2024-10-30T13:54:17","slug":"2023-michigan-senate-legislative-year-in-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/chang\/2024\/02\/27\/2023-michigan-senate-legislative-year-in-review\/","title":{"rendered":"2023 Michigan Senate Legislative Year in Review"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/chang\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/03\/Screen-Shot-2023-03-13-at-4.27.39-PM.png” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” alt=”Senator Chang Email Banner” title_text=”Senator Chang Email Banner” force_fullwidth=”on” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

Dear Neighbor,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2023 was a productive year! I am proud of the work Team Chang did and will always work hard to get things done. This year, the new Majority for the People passed legislation to affirm the rights of all Michigan residents, help lower costs, support working families and seniors and amplify voters\u2019 rights. We passed a people-focused budget to serve all Michiganders, and we have continued to tackle clean energy and protect reproductive healthcare.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you ever need assistance navigating changes in our state government, or would like to share your feedback and suggestions, you can contact me at <\/span>senschang@senate.michigan.gov<\/span><\/a>\u00a0 or 517-373-7346.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sincerely,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/chang\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/03\/Chang_Stephanie_Signature.png” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” alt=”Chang Stephanie Signature” title_text=”Chang_Stephanie_Signature” width=”30%” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

Stephanie Chang<\/span><\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>
<\/span>State Senator <\/span>\u202f<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
<\/span>District <\/span>3<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/chang\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/10\/Sen-Chang-2023-by-the-numbers.png” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Sen Chang 2023 by the numbers” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ module_alignment=”center”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/chang\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/10\/Michigan-better-for-everyone.png” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Michigan better for everyone” force_fullwidth=”on” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

Water Affordability\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Since 1980, average water costs, adjusted for inflation, have increased by 188% in Michigan. In 2020, over 317,000 Michiganders were behind on their water bills, highlighting the public health need in every corner of the state to have access to affordable water. It should not matter how much money you have \u2014 every human being needs water to live. I convened water providers, advocates and community partners from across the state together to introduce Senate Bills 549-554 and House Bills 5088-5093, with shared goals of improving public health, providing more stability for our water systems and helping vulnerable Michigan families.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The bills create a low-income water residential affordability program within the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure that water bills for low-income households do not exceed 3% of that household\u2019s income. Water providers can choose to implement their own program. Eligible customers would be households who earn under 200% of the Federal Poverty Level or are receiving any form of state or federal assistance. Low-income households with water leak issues may be eligible for plumbing repairs up to $2,500. The bill includes forgiveness for past-due arrearages as well.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The primary funding source would be a $2\/meter monthly funding factor on water bills. This is modeled after the Michigan Energy Assistance Program, for which every energy customer pays a monthly fee to ensure that low-income households can get help with their energy bills. The bills provide protection from water shutoffs for Michiganders whose health conditions require access to water, and it also requires that a water provider notify a customer who is facing shutoff at least four times.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/chang\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/10\/Improving-lives-in-our-community-and-across-the-state.png” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” alt=”Improving lives in our community and across our state” title_text=”Improving lives in our community and across the state” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/chang\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/10\/legislationg-edition-getting-things-done.png” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”legislationg edition-getting things done” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

Michigan Family Optimal Coverage Act<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

All Michiganders deserve access to a strong paid family leave program to take care of their own health, provide care for a loved one or welcome a new child, without the risk of losing a job or needing to dig deep into their savings. Senator Erika Geiss introduced the Michigan Family Leave Optimal Coverage Benefits Act (FLOC), Senate Bills 332-333. I was proud to cosponsor the bills.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

FLOC is a paid family and medical leave proposal that would provide eligible workers with paid time off for family care. It would provide up to 15 weeks of paid leave for eligible Michiganders to care for a loved one, including a new child, or themselves. Currently, many Michiganders don\u2019t have the support they need to work while also taking time for caregiving \u2014 whether it\u2019s for themselves or an ailing family member. Paid leave improves outcomes and reduces health care costs, while also supporting small businesses in our state.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Poverty Tax Exemption <\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0
<\/span>Senate Bill 55, now Public Act 191, helps low-income families by making the poverty exemption applicable retroactively, allowing those who are on fixed incomes to not have to keep reapplying every year. It also gives more cities time to opt into a process where homeowners do not have to keep reapplying if they are on a fixed income. Keeping families in their homes is critical for Michiganders\u2019 quality of life and for strong neighborhoods.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Language Access\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Senate Bill 382 and House Bill 4721, our language access bills, are now law. Over 944,928 Michiganders 5 years and older speak another language besides English at home. Whether it\u2019s accessing public benefits, being able to vote in a language they understand or getting assistance with unemployment \u2014 every Michigander deserves to get the help they need from state departments and agencies to make sure their needs are met.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These new laws ensure that state departments take reasonable steps to provide meaningful language access, which could include oral language services and translating vital documents into languages spoken by significantly high limited-English-proficiency populations in that area. The bills also require that every two years, each department will submit a language access plan.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sexual Assault Bill Package<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I was proud to co-lead a bipartisan sexual assault package over many years. Senate Bills 66-73 and House Bills 4120-25 were signed into law in 2023. One in 9 girls experience sexual assault at the hands of an adult, and sexual assault is a far too common occurrence \u2014 not just with athletes, but on college campuses, in our communities and in the home. After years of work, we have finally delivered these important policy changes to protect survivors, prevent sexual assault and improve accountability.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The bills require the Department of Health and Human Services to create training materials for mandated reporters; prohibits sexual assault under the guise of medical treatment; prohibits medical professionals from performing sensitive procedures unless another professional is in the room and the minor\u2019s parent or guardian gave consent; prohibits individuals from using their position of authority to prevent the reporting of sexual misconduct to law enforcement or a Title IX coordinator; and protects students who were victims of sexual assault. My bill, now Public Act 57, ensures that all students in grades 6 to 12 receive educational material about sexual assault and harassment and resources in the community to go to for help. I developed this specific bill with high school girls in my district who recognized that their schools were not providing information about sexual assault.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Fred Korematsu Bill\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

January 30 marks Fred Korematsu Day for Civil Liberties and the Constitution in Michigan now, thanks to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signing Senate Bill 18 into law. Mr. Korematsu defied U.S. government orders to report to a Japanese American internment camp in 1942. He fought for what he believed in and never gave up. Fred Korematsu was a civil liberties icon whose courage and conviction will serve as a model for generations to come. I\u2019m grateful to have partnered with Rep. Sharon MacDonell, Sen. Sam Singh and former Rep. Padma Kuppa on this legislation.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Protecting Domestic Violence Survivors\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently signed Senate Bills 471 and 528 and House Bills 4945, our bills with Sen. Sue Shink and Rep. Amos O\u2019Neal, to protect domestic violence survivors by preventing those convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence crimes from possessing, using, purchasing or carrying a firearm in Michigan for eight years. This mirrors federal law and will strengthen domestic violence protections in Michigan, helping prevent firearm injury and death and giving state and local law enforcement the tools they need to help protect domestic violence survivors.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Up to 1 in 3 Michigan families are impacted by domestic violence. Women in domestic violence situations are five times more likely to be killed by their abuser if their abuser has access to a firearm. We\u2019ve seen how firearms and domestic violence are a dangerous combination. This new law has had bipartisan support for many years and serves as a common-sense solution to the problem and will protect survivors in our state from further abuse.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/chang\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/10\/Community-Resources.png” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Community Resources” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ force_fullwidth=”on”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

Heating\/Energy Assistance<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n