[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _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=”4.27.3″ _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=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Dear Neighbor,\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Between a devastating ice storm hitting northern Michigan and continued chaos at the federal level hitting our entire state\u2019s economy, federal workers around the state, nonprofits, and communities everywhere, there is a lot of uncertainty and anxiety about the road ahead. Please know that we are all in this together and our team in Lansing is working diligently to support our community through these challenging times.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In this newsletter, you can find information about our efforts to provide economic relief to Michiganders, protect seniors from abuse and financial exploitation, and more. Additionally, with severe weather events becoming increasingly common, as those frequently affected by flooding in parts of our community, please make sure to read more below about how to prepare for and respond to storms should they hit our area.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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>SenSChang@Senate.Michigan.Gov<\/span><\/a> or call 517-373-7346 or 313-922-6949.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u202f\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Sincerely,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/chang\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/02\/Chang_Stephanie_Signature.png” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Chang_Stephanie_Signature” width=”36%” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Stephanie Chang<\/span><\/b>\u00a0 [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/chang\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/02\/EnewsHeaders_Recent-Highlights-1.png” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”EnewsHeaders_Recent Highlights (1)” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/chang\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/01\/EnewsHeaders_Legislative-Updates.png” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” alt=”Legislative Updates” title_text=”EnewsHeaders_Legislative Updates” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Michigan Senate Passes Legislation to Protect Seniors and Vulnerable Adults<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Elderly individuals and vulnerable adults are at high risk of being subject to abuse and exploitation at the hands of family members, friends, or other close associates. According to the <\/span>Michigan Dept. of Attorney General<\/span><\/a>, more than 73,000 older adults in the state are victims of these crimes which can lead to serious physical and psychological effects such as depression, increased hospitalization, and premature death.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n To protect older and vulnerable Michiganders from these threats, I joined my colleagues this week to pass Senate Bills <\/span>111<\/span><\/a>–<\/span>114<\/span><\/a>, which would increase protections by:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This legislation now heads to the Michigan House for their consideration. Read more about this legislation <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A People-First Budget for Michigan<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Right now, my colleagues and I are working hard to craft Michigan’s next state budget. We believe that the budget should address the real needs of everyday Michiganders and serve the hardworking taxpayers who fund it.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n We know the decisions we make will shape the future of our state. That’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly \u2014 and I’m proud to work alongside my colleagues to deliver a budget that puts people first. What are some things that you want to see prioritized in the next state budget? Let me know at <\/span>SenSChang@Senate.Michigan.Gov.<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Michigan Senate Passes Momnibus Bill Package\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This week, the Michigan Senate passed the Michigan Momnibus bill package. This legislation comprises a multi-faceted approach to build on the existing community-driven programs, care solutions, improvements in prenatal care and maternal health care that amplifies the voices of Black birthing people, mothers, women, families, and stakeholders. My bill, Senate Bill <\/span>34<\/span><\/a>, amends the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act to make clear that \u201csex\u201d includes but is not limited to pregnancy or lactation status.\u202f\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It should go without saying \u2014 all people deserve a health care system that truly listens to them and provides them with quality care, regardless of the color of their skin. The Momnibus bill package offers a solution to address the multiple barriers that Black expectant moms and other moms of color face during their pregnancy, ensuring they and their babies are healthy throughout the childbirth process and the months that follow. I\u2019m proud to have reintroduced this comprehensive legislation on National Maternal Health Awareness Day alongside my Senate colleagues earlier this year, taking crucial steps to advance equity and address discrimination in our health care system.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Re-introduction of School Building Closure Bill\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This week, I introduced Senate Bill <\/span>204<\/span><\/a> to address the process of permanent school building closures. From 2010 to 2014, there were more than 100 school closures each year. Since then, the closure rate has slowed down, but each year at least a few schools close their doors. The majority of these closures take place over the summer, but since 2010 at least 60 schools closed during the fall or winter, potentially further disrupting students\u2019 education. In 2018, a public school academy in Detroit abruptly closed on Oct. 1, less than a month into the school year, with hardly any notice to parents or students. It should be standard practice that parents and employees receive timely notice in order to be able to transition to another school, but Michigan lacks the guidelines to ensure that this takes place. In addition, in some areas of the state, school building closures have led to neighborhood blight and safety concerns because the buildings were not adequately secured following closure.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This bill would require that school boards and public school academy boards of directors each develop and implement policies and procedures regarding the closing of school buildings, which must include:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Under this bill, if a building closure decision is based on financial projections, the closure process must start by July 1 when the school board or board of directors has adopted a budget. Also, if a closure decision is not based on finances, the process must start before the end of the school fiscal year, unless there is an extenuating circumstance that would endanger the health or safety of the students.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Other states like Indiana, Mississippi, Ohio, and California have guidelines or regulations in place to ensure proper school closure plans, particularly related to timely notification, disposition of assets, and student transitions. Michigan can and should step up to set policies and procedures in place to minimize the disruption to students\u2019 education.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/chang\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/01\/EnewsHeaders_News-Resources.png” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” alt=”Helpful News and Resources” title_text=”EnewsHeaders_News & Resources” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Recognizing Black Maternal Health Week<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/chang\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/04\/BMHweek_4.11-17.png” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”BMHweek_4.11-17″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Black mothers too often face unfair challenges when seeking health care due to discrimination and systemic barriers, leading to higher risks and life-threatening complications. To recognize this unjust disparity in care and shine a light on initiatives that would ensure Black women have equitable access to a healthy start with their new baby, Senate Democrats join<\/span>ed<\/span> the Black Mamas Matter Alliance in recognizing April 11-17 as <\/span>Black Maternal Health Week<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Already, my colleagues and I have passed legislation to <\/span>support breastfeeding and nutrition<\/span><\/a>, as well as funded <\/span>RxKids<\/span><\/a>, an innovative pilot program in Flint that provides cash payments to mothers and their babies to uplift them into a lifetime of better health, equity, and opportunity. Looking ahead, we\u2019re working to <\/span>expand RxKids statewide<\/span><\/a> and pass a comprehensive package to <\/span>enhance prenatal and maternal care<\/span><\/a> for Black moms.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Michigan\u2019s Expanded Unemployment Benefits Now in Effect<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/chang\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/04\/MI_Unemployment.png” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”MI_Unemployment” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Unemployment benefits have long been a critical lifeline for Michigan workers \u2014 helping them put food on the table, pay their rent, and afford other essential items in times of difficulty. Unfortunately, our state\u2019s unemployment system had too often prevented people from accessing those benefits at the time they need it most. That’s why my colleagues and I worked to improve Michigan\u2019s unemployment system to remove barriers that claimants have commonly experienced, boost the maximum number of weeks workers could receive benefits, and increase the maximum dollar amount of weekly benefits.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I\u2019m excited to share that earlier this month, many of these improvements took effect. To learn more about this new law, click <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>. And if you or a loved one are currently needing to apply for unemployment benefits while in search of a new job, please click <\/span>here<\/span><\/a> to find a six-step guide to applying for and understanding benefits.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Severe Weather Resources<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n From a dangerous ice storm knocking out power for thousands of Northern Michiganders to severe thunderstorms ripping through the lower peninsula, our state has recently faced significant storm damage. Here are some resources that may be useful in the aftermath of recent severe weather.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n On a related note, I attended the public meeting that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently held with the Great Lakes Water Authority about the Southeast Michigan Flood Risk Management Feasibility Study. To learn more about the study and watch for future public meetings and opportunities to give input, visit this <\/span>webpage<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n New Child Restraint Law Takes Now in Effect<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for young children. But you can reduce your child\u2019s risk of death in a crash by 50% simply by ensuring they\u2019re properly restrained in the appropriate car seat, booster seat, or seat belt for their age and size.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span>State Senator<\/span>\u00a0
<\/span>District 3<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n
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