From abruptly freezing trillions of dollars in federal grants and loans for essential programming to haphazardly decimating entire federal agencies, Trump has proven to be consistent in one thing during his 100 days in office — his ability to stoke unprecedented chaos, fear, and uncertainty among the American people. While his administration continues to show who they prioritize by seeking to give large tax cuts to the nation’s wealthiest at the expense of critical food and health care programs, Senate Democrats here in Michigan will continue fighting for those who matter most — and that’s you.
Whether in committee, in the chamber, or out in the community, Michigan Senate Democrats have been working to cut through the chaos caused by the Trump administration and investigate how people and communities across Michigan are being impacted by their rash and reckless decisions. Here are some ways we’ve been taking a stand for you.
In Committee…
To understand the depth and breadth of the consequences these actions are having on the people and places we call home, Senate Democrats have hosted several committee hearings to hear from experts and community partners, and in particular, shine a light on those who are experiencing firsthand impacts of the federal cuts, confusion, and chaos.
Unpacking the Federal Funding Freeze
In response to the Trump administration’s January memo ordering a pause to funding for federal grants and loans, the Senate Oversight Committee, chaired by Sen. Sam Singh (D-East Lansing), brought together leaders of early childhood education programs, health and nutrition experts, disability advocates, and other nonprofits and institutions that have been impacted. These local partners discussed how the abrupt order — issued with very little guidance for states and organizations to comply — upended their operations and ultimately, programming, for the parents, patients, people with disabilities, and others who rely on the essential services their organizations provide. Watch the hearing here.
“Organizations that teach our kids to read, care for us when we’re sick, and keep our communities fed should be put on pedestals, not chopping blocks. The Trump administration’s attempt to halt federal funding for critical programs and grants around the country didn’t just spark fear, confusion, and chaos among Michigan nonprofits, health care centers, and other organizations, but also held devastating effects for the Michiganders who rely on the essential services they provide.”
– Sen. Sam Singh
Addressing Looming Cuts to Medicaid
While Congress works to slash vital Medicaid benefits that over 70 million people around the country rely on, Michigan Senate Democrats uplifted how their irresponsible budget proposal would result in devastating consequences for our state. The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services, chaired by Sen. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit), held a hearing involving caregivers and advocates on the front lines of health care to share how these cuts would affect access to essential health care services for 2.6 million Michiganders, particularly for seniors, children, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families. Watch the hearing here.
Raising Alarm on DOGE Attempts to Access Michiganders’ Personal Data
From detailed financial data housed in the Internal Revenue Service system to medical diagnoses held by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Dept. of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) access — and uncertainty around that access — to complex databases storing millions of Americans’ private information has sparked alarm among government officials, cybersecurity experts, and residents around the country. To investigate, the Senate Oversight Committee brought together state officials and experts well-versed in cybersecurity issues to address DOGE’s attempts to access this highly sensitive data, the impact and potential implications of that access, and what the state and individuals can do to protect themselves from any repercussions. Watch the hearing here.
Uplifting the Stories of Displaced Federal Workers
From disrupting care for veterans to interfering with the monitoring of severe weather on our Great Lakes, the effects of recent mass federal workforce terminations carried out by DOGE are rash, dangerous, and demand attention. That’s why the Senate Labor Committee, led by Sen. John Cherry (D-Flint), sought to address the repercussions of such actions on workers, families, and communities throughout our state. At a recent committee hearing, former and current federal employees shared powerful testimony about their experiences being caught in the crossfire of the Trump administration’s drastic slashing of federal agencies, the toll that it has taken on their mental health and financial security, and how Michiganders will be impacted. State officials also weighed in on other concerning attacks on workers being considered in Washington and highlighted existing protections for Michigan workers. Watch the hearing here.
In the Chamber…
Elected officials have the privilege and opportunity to use the Senate floor as a platform to speak out and send a message. And in the past 100 days, Senate Democrats in Michigan have sent several, from condemning Trump’s pardoning of prisoners who violently attacked our nation’s capital to calling out his recently imposed tariffs as an assault on our state’s farmers. Time and again, Michigan Senate Democrats have made our stance on Trump’s short-sighted and reckless decisions loud and clear: not on our watch.
In the Community…
With all the chaos and confusion happening at the federal level, Michigan Senate Democrats are doing everything possible to mitigate the consequences of Trump’s actions on Michiganders and our communities around the state. From community conversations and coffee hours to town halls with other state officials, Senate Democrats have utilized various community events as opportunities to listen and understand how residents are being affected by federal actions, address questions and concerns, and uplift available resources.
Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) discussing legal battles against the Trump administration at a Grand Rapids federal actions town hall with Attorney General Dana Nessel.
Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak) at coffee hour in Clawson, addressing residents’ anxiety, fear, and anger surrounding the slashing of the federal workforce, Medicaid, Medicare, and risks to local programs that people depend on.
Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores) joins a full patio of community members at Eos Café to listen to their thoughts and concerns, much of which focused on federal cuts to education, Medicaid, and Social Security.
At a community conversation in Roseville, Sen. Veronica Klinefelt (D-Eastpointe) fields questions and concerns from constituents worried about how federal cuts will impact their lives.
Sen. Sue Shink listens to constituent concerns at a coffee and conversation event in Webster Twp. in light of recent federal attacks on the right to due process.
Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) hosts Federal Actions Town Hall with Attorney General Dana Nessel to talk with residents about how the Senate is navigating the changing landscape and uncertainty at the federal level and the work that’s being done to protect Michiganders across the state.
Michiganders deserve stability and security, not public officials who operate by mayhem and misconduct. Throughout these past 100 days and in the coming weeks and months, Senate Democrats remain committed to standing up for Michiganders, fighting to ensure residents in every corner of the state have what they need to be safe and supported during these challenging times.