{"id":8582,"date":"2025-03-01T09:15:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-01T14:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/chang\/?p=8582"},"modified":"2025-03-24T10:02:29","modified_gmt":"2025-03-24T14:02:29","slug":"legislative-updates-upcoming-events","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/chang\/2025\/03\/01\/legislative-updates-upcoming-events\/","title":{"rendered":"Legislative Updates &amp; Upcoming Events"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/chang\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/03\/Screen-Shot-2023-03-13-at-4.27.39-PM.png&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Senator Chang Email Banner&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; alt=&#8221;Senator Chang Email Banner&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; align=&#8221;center&#8221; force_fullwidth=&#8221;on&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Friends,<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">In this email, I\u2019ll share some important\u00a0legislative updates as well as information on my upcoming events here in Senate District 3.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">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 <\/span><a href=\"mailto:senschang@senate.michigan.gov\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">senschang@senate.michigan.gov<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> or call 517-373-7346.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Sincerely,\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/chang\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/02\/Chang_Stephanie_Signature.png&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Chang_Stephanie_Signature&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width=&#8221;30%&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Stephanie Chang<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\"><br \/><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">State Senator\u202f<br \/><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">District 3<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/chang\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/01\/EnewsHeaders_Recent-Highlights.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;If You&#8217;re in a Rush&#8230; Recent Highlights&#8221; title_text=&#8221;EnewsHeaders_Recent Highlights&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Join me for a coffee and conversation THIS Monday, March 3, from 9:30 \u2013 10:30 a.m. at Kitab Cafe in Detroit.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Michigan Legislature recently passed Senate Bill 8 and House Bill 4002, which amended the minimum wage law and Earned Sick Time Act that were slated to go into effect on February 21. I voted no on both bills \u2014 read on to understand why.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Help protect yourself and your loved ones from Social Security-related scams by learning about the most recent scams, reporting scams right away, and sharing <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/links-2.govdelivery.com\/CL0\/https:%2F%2Fwww.ssa.gov%2Ffraud%2Fassets%2Fmaterials%2FEN-05-10597.pdf%3Futm_campaign=ocomm-scam-25%26utm_content=scam-alert-pdf%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery\/1\/010101953af43071-630924a0-4845-4f43-8fd5-3bf68ebed616-000000\/0rmSl2CglKAu8ym0Ke6CqvflziuNT-l933qwKDAf85Y=393\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">these tips<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> with others.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul><\/ul>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/chang\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/01\/EnewsHeaders_Upcoming-Events.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Upcoming events&#8221; title_text=&#8221;EnewsHeaders_Upcoming Events&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Coffee &amp; Conversation with Sen. Chang<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">WHEN:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> Monday, March 3, from 9:30 <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u2013 10<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">:30 a.m. <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">(Please note this event was originally scheduled for 10:00 a.m.)<br \/><\/span><\/i><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">WHERE: <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Kitab Cafe \u2013 Detroit Location, 422 W. Willis St., Detroit, MI 48201<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Midtown Inc. Detroit Chinatown Streetscape Public Meeting<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Last year, I was proud to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/chang\/2024\/07\/29\/detroit-chinatown\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">secure funding in the state budget for streetscape improvements in Detroit\u2019s Historic Chinatown<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> at Cass Ave. and Peterboro St. Come share your thoughts with Midtown Inc., American Citizens for Justice (ACJ), Smith Group, and me about your visions for this block<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">RSVP at this link: <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/MidtownChinatown\">https:\/\/bit.ly\/MidtownChinatown<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\"><\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">WHEN: <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Monday, March 10, from 6:00 <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u2013<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> 7:30 p.m.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\"><br \/><\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">WHERE: <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">MSU Detroit Center, 3408 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48201<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Coffee &amp; Conversation with Sen. Chang &amp; Rep. MacDonnell<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">WHEN: <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Friday, March 21, from 2:00 \u2013 3:00 p.m.<br \/><\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">WHERE: <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Tavern on the Main, 235 S. Main St., Clawson, MI 48017<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/chang\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/01\/EnewsHeaders_Legislative-Updates.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Legislative Updates&#8221; title_text=&#8221;EnewsHeaders_Legislative Updates&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Minimum Wage &amp; Earned Sick Leave: Why I Voted \u201cNo\u201d<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In the past few weeks, the Michigan Legislature passed <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislature.mi.gov\/Bills\/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0008\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Senate Bill 8<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislature.mi.gov\/Bills\/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4002\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">House Bill 4002<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, which amended the minimum wage law and Earned Sick Time Act that were slated to go into effect on February 21. I voted no on both bills, and I\u2019ll share my reasons for doing so.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">On House Bill 4002, I appreciate the hard work and differing perspectives of my colleagues who voted yes, but I felt strongly that the several changes to the Earned Sick Time Act take away important benefits and protections from workers. There are some important improvements that I am glad were included in the bill, allowing employers who have a broader paid time off bank to utilize that for earned paid sick time, allowing employers to &#8220;frontload&#8221; hours rather than accruing, and other changes that account for people with multiple employers. With that said, there were some major problems with the bill. Below are a few main reasons why I voted no.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The law that was originally slated to go into effect included a private right of action. Essentially what that means is that if a worker is being mistreated by their employer with regard to earned paid sick time, that worker could take their employer to court. Private right of action is a critical tool for accountability on most other worker rights \u2014\u00a0in other words, ensuring that the law has &#8220;teeth.&#8221; In House Bill 4002, the private right of action was <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">removed <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">from the law. That means that workers now will lack this tool that was previously at their disposal and the legislature chose to take away this important accountability mechanism.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Additionally, House Bill 4002 now has permissive language that will allow employers to wait <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">120 days<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> before a new employee(s) can use earned paid sick time. The law that was slated to go into effect on February 21 included this provision at 90 days. What does this mean? It means now employers could choose to make their employee(s) wait one whole extra month after they start working before they can take time off to care for themselves or their loved ones.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Lastly, well-intentioned language in the bill that was included to allow flexibility for employers whose employees set their own schedules (like doctors, etc.) is written in a way that very well could weaken protections and benefits for retail workers or gig workers who &#8220;technically&#8221; set their own schedules but may be intimidated or forced by their employer to work more hours than they freely would have chosen. If this goes unaddressed, some vulnerable workers will be left without the protections and benefits they deserve. This fight isn&#8217;t over though; I&#8217;m ready to keep working for the pay, benefits and working conditions that all Michiganders deserve.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">On Senate Bill 8, my main reason for voting no was because this bill continues the practice of tipped workers making half (and for a few years, less than half) of what other workers make. We know from the seven other states that successfully phased out the lower tipped minimum wage, on average, restaurant workers made 21% more in take-home pay because they made the regular wage, with tips on top. We also know from recent credit card studies that restaurant customers keep tipping, which means that a full phaseout of the lower tipped wage would have meant restaurant workers would have been <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">better<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> able to pay the bills and provide for their families. Additionally, we know that a lower tipped minimum wage has led to too many instances of restaurant workers having to put up with sexual or other types of harassment, just so they can make enough money from tips to live. That is unacceptable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Also, we know that fully addressing the lower tipped wage would have helped combat poverty for families. One-third of workers in tipped industries have children, including 11 percent with two children, and poverty rates are even higher for parents in these industries than for workers without children. According to the Center for American Progress, \u201cHalf as many tipped workers with children under the age of 5 are in poverty in one fair wage states than in low and mid states \u2014 1 in 8 workers compared with 1 in 4, respectively. Notably, while all groups have lower poverty rates in states without a tipped minimum, the reduction in poverty is greater for parents, and by extension their children, than for childless workers in these key industries.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I am disappointed in this outcome but respect the varying opinions we&#8217;ve heard from my colleagues and most importantly from across our district. My team and I were glad to hear from so many residents on both sides of this issue.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Michigan\u2019s Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity has developed informational resources about the Earned Sick Time Act, which you can find <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/leo\/bureaus-agencies\/ber\/wage-and-hour\/paid-medical-leave-act?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">here<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/chang\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/01\/EnewsHeaders_News-Resources.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Helpful News and Resources&#8221; title_text=&#8221;EnewsHeaders_News &#038; Resources&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Stay Protected and <\/span><\/b><b><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Slam the Scam<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">With National Slam the Scam Day around the corner (March 6), the Social Security Administration wants to spread awareness about Social Security-related scams and tips on how to stop scammers from stealing your money and personal information.\u00a0Help protect yourself and your loved ones by:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Learning about the most recent scams. Signs of a scam include:<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">An unexpected problem or offer of a prize or benefit increase,<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Pressure to act immediately, and<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:1440,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A request for an unusual payment like cryptocurrency, gift cards, gold bars, and wire transfers, potentially along with the promise of keeping your money \u201csafe.\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Reporting scams as soon as possible. Everyone is vulnerable \u2014 victims shouldn\u2019t be embarrassed.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sharing their <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/links-2.govdelivery.com\/CL0\/https:%2F%2Fwww.ssa.gov%2Ffraud%2Fassets%2Fmaterials%2FEN-05-10597.pdf%3Futm_campaign=ocomm-scam-25%26utm_content=scam-alert-pdf%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery\/1\/010101953af43071-630924a0-4845-4f43-8fd5-3bf68ebed616-000000\/0rmSl2CglKAu8ym0Ke6CqvflziuNT-l933qwKDAf85Y=393\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Scam Alert fact sheet<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and helping inform others on how to protect themselves.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/links-2.govdelivery.com\/CL0\/https:%2F%2Fsecure.ssa.gov%2Foig%2Fscam%2F%3Futm_campaign=ocomm-scam-25%26utm_content=report-a-scam%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery\/1\/010101953af43071-630924a0-4845-4f43-8fd5-3bf68ebed616-000000\/9R5xtNrp-c7WKXU3DMhrFnOgG0VWxjfpyDEEqobigpU=393\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Report Social Security-related scams<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> to the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tax Tips: Keep More of Your Tax Return<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/chang\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/02\/TaxTips_1.png&#8221; title_text=&#8221;TaxTips_1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tax season is here! If you haven\u2019t done so already, it\u2019s time to get out your tax documents and file with the state and federal government before Tuesday, April 15, 2025. In addition to saving with the retirement tax repeal and the expanded tax credit for working families, here are a few other quick tips to help you maximize your return this year:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Avoid scams:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> For federal returns, the IRS will only initiate contact with you through regular mail delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. Make sure you do not share your personal tax information via phone, email, or social media. Learn more <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/help\/tax-scams\/recognize-tax-scams-and-fraud\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">here<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Utilize free resources: <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Michigan Free Tax Help connects Michiganders with free, high-quality income tax preparation assistance. Visit <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/michiganfreetaxhelp.org\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">MichiganFreeTaxHelp.org<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> to find local help.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Take advantage of available deductions:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> You can deduct charitable contributions, property taxes, medical expenses and more from your federal 2024 taxes. Visit <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/credits-and-deductions-for-individuals\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">IRS.gov\/credits-deductions<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> for a full list.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul><\/ul>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Friends, In this email, I\u2019ll share some important\u00a0legislative updates as well as information on my upcoming events here in Senate District 3. As always, please feel free to reach out [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":8479,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8582","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-email"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.4 (Yoast SEO v26.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Legislative Updates &amp; Upcoming Events - Senator Stephanie Chang<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/chang\/2025\/03\/01\/legislative-updates-upcoming-events\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Legislative Updates &amp; Upcoming Events\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Friends, In this email, I\u2019ll share some important\u00a0legislative updates as well as information on my upcoming events here in Senate District 3. 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