Dear Neighbor,
As Chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I oversee the budget process in the Senate, and I want to make sure I’m keeping you informed every step of the way. Right now, my colleagues and I are working hard on the budget and have taken the first steps toward crafting the Senate’s budget recommendations.
Just like last year, I’m committed to delivering a budget that puts Michigan first and supports hardworking communities across our state. We’re focused on expanding access to affordable housing, lowering costs for families, and building healthy, thriving communities.
Be sure to stay tuned for future emails or follow along on my Facebook page for more updates.
Curious about how the state budget process works or what’s coming next? Click here to learn more.
If you or someone you know would like to provide any feedback about what’s happening in Lansing, or if you need assistance of any sort, please connect with my office. You can contact me by sending an email to SenSAnthony@senate.michigan.gov or by calling (517) 373-6960.
In Service,
SARAH ANTHONY
State Senator
District 21
- To ensure all Michiganders, no matter their age, income, or background, have access to affordable, life-saving medication, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I passed legislation this week to establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) in Michigan. Read more on our efforts to establish a PDAB below!
- Set a reminder to join Attorney General Dana Nessel and me at our Federal Actions Town Hall, next week on Tuesday, April 29 at 6:00 p.m. RSVP for location information.
- To support federal workers who may have recently lost their jobs, the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has compiled several resources to offer support. Find more information and resources below.
Workers’ Memorial Day
April 28 is Workers’ Memorial Day, a day to remember the sacrifices made by countless hardworking individuals while on the job. This day serves as a solemn reminder that behind every statistic is a name, a story, and a family left forever changed.
In 2023, workplace hazards killed approximately 140,000 workers. These are individuals who left their homes expecting to be back in time for dinner, who worked hard to build up our communities and to keep our economy moving. They deserved better.
This Workers’ Memorial Day, we’ll honor the memory of those we’ve lost and recommit ourselves to ensuring no more lives are needlessly lost.
My colleagues and I will continue to fight for stronger protections, greater accountability, and a renewed focus on workplace safety so that every worker in Michigan—and across this nation — can return home safely at the end of the day.
Michigan Senate Advances Bills to Lower Prescription Drug Costs for Michiganders
While the pharmaceutical industry raked in over $29 billion in net profits during a recent three-month period, nearly a third of Michigan residents stopped taking their prescriptions because of cost and 60% of older adults reported concerns over not being able to afford their essential medications. This is unacceptable.
To ensure all Michiganders, no matter their age, income, or background, have access to affordable, life-saving medication, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I passed legislation this week to establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board in Michigan (PDAB) — an independent body designed to lower prescription drug costs and hold Big Pharma accountable. Comprised of experts in health care, economics, and supply chain management, the PDAB would be able to analyze and recommend ways to lower drug costs in Michigan. The PDAB could also set upper payment limits — maximum amounts that can be charged for prescription drugs — on prescription drugs sold in the state.
This legislative package, Senate Bills 3–5, now heads to the House for consideration. Learn more here.
Michigan Senate Passes Legislation to Protect Seniors and Vulnerable Adults
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 Michigan Dept. of Attorney General, 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.
To protect older and vulnerable Michiganders from these threats, I joined my colleagues last week to pass Senate Bills 111–114, which would increase protections by:
- Creating an elder and vulnerable adult personal protection order (PPO).
- Increasing the amount of time prosecutors have to recover property in embezzlement cases where criminals have taken advantage of vulnerable adults.
- Protecting vulnerable adults even after death, treating those offenses the same as if the exploitation had occurred during the victim’s lifetime.
- Taking an all-in approach to preventing, intervening, investigating, and prosecuting abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of older and vulnerable adults by bringing together local teams of experts.
This legislation now heads to the Michigan House for their consideration — read more about it here.
Federal Actions Town Hall with Attorney General Dana Nessel
Join Attorney General Dana Nessel and me for a town hall discussion about how to navigate the changing landscape and uncertainty happening at the federal level. We’ll explore the constitutional checks that safeguard our rights, share updates on recent legal actions, and discuss how these efforts directly affect our communities.
This is a wonderful opportunity to engage in an open and honest conversation with state leaders and gain valuable insights into the steps we are taking to uphold the rule of law. Please find the event details below — we look forward to seeing you there!
When: Tuesday, April 29, 2025, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Register Now! Seating is limited and exact location details to come.
Michigan’s Unemployment Benefits Now in Effect
Unemployment benefits have long been a critical lifeline for Michigan workers — helping them put food on the table, pay their rent, and afford other essential items in times of difficulty. Unfortunately, our state’s unemployment system has 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’s 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.
I’m excited to share that earlier this month, many of these improvements took effect. To learn more about this new law, click here. And if you or a loved one are currently needing to apply for unemployment benefits while in search of a new job, please click here to find a six-step guide to applying for and understanding benefits.
Support for Federal Workers in Michigan Impacted by Federal Layoffs and Funding Cuts
To support federal workers who may have recently lost their jobs, the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has compiled several resources to offer support. A new, comprehensive webpage, Michigan.gov/FederalWorkerHelp, provides impacted federal workers with easy access to unemployment, job search, and community resources.
Workers who recently lost their jobs through no fault of their own may also be eligible to apply for temporary financial assistance through the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) as well.
UIA has resources in place to help any laid-off federal worker, including:
- UIA Claimant Roadmap: An easy-to-follow, six-step guide to applying for and understanding unemployment benefits.
- Online Coaching Sessions: Web-based guidance from UIA staff who walk users through the steps to complete an application and qualify for payments.
- UIA Community Connect: This program partners with local groups to provide guidance for workers from underserved groups who have faced barriers when filing for jobless benefits.
- Schedule an Appointment: Schedule either an in-person, phone or virtual appointment to speak with a UIA Customer Service Agent.
- Looking for Work: Tips to understanding your responsibilities when it comes to conducting and documenting your successful work searches.
- Assistance with Setting Up an Account: Workers must create a MiLogin account before setting up a MiWAM account.
For additional assistance, workers can find FAQs, videos, and other resources at Michigan.gov/UIA. To reach an agent or unlock a MiWAM or MiLogin account, you can reach a customer service representative at 866-500-0017.
In partnership with LEO’s Office of Employment and Training, Michigan Works! agencies are also available to assist affected federal workers. Services offered include:
- Basic Career Services, which are available to all workers seeking services.
- Individualized Career Services, which are designed for workers who are unable to obtain employment through basic career services alone.
- Training Services, which are necessary to equip workers with the skills needed to obtain and retain employment.
To connect with your local Michigan Works! service center, call 800-285-WORKS (9675) or visit Michigan.gov/MichiganWorks.