
Dear Neighbor,
As we approach Memorial Day weekend, I wanted to update you on what has been happening in the Legislature. Over the past weeks and months, my colleagues and I have been working hard to craft a fiscally responsible state budget amidst the chaos and confusion in Washington. Last week marked an important milestone in the process as we passed our budget proposal out of the Senate! I was proud to vote “yes” on this budget full of people-first investments which will help strengthen local communities, protect vital services, and expand opportunities for every Michigander.
In this newsletter, read more about how this budget will support you and your family, as well as learn more about legislation I’ve reintroduced at the Capitol to support communities and caregivers.
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 senschang@senate.michigan.gov or call 517-373-7346 or 313-922-6949.
Sincerely,

Stephanie Chang
State Senator
District 3

- Last week, I re-introduced legislation to address air pollution in environmentally burdened communities as well as to allow candidates running for office to use campaign funds for caregiving expenses. Learn more below.
- Join me for my next community conversation this Friday, May 23, from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Nandi’s Knowledge Cafe, 71 Oakman Blvd., Highland Park, MI 48203.
- May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! Join me and several community organizations on Saturday, May 24, at 2:00 p.m. for a film screening of “Big Fight, Little Chinatown” and a discussion at the University of Michigan Detroit Center, 3663 Woodward Ave. in Detroit.
- Medicaid provides a lifeline for 2.6 million Michiganders around the state, ensuring seniors, children, folks with disabilities, and others can access the essential health care they need, when they need it. Congress’ threats to gut this crucial program would hold serious, harmful consequences on Michigan’s people, communities, and economy. Read on to learn more.

Tackling Air Pollution in Environmentally Burdened Communities — Senate Bill 305
Last week, I reintroduced legislation from last term that would create the Air Quality Enforcement and Mitigation (AQEM) Fund, redirecting more resources towards combating air pollution in communities facing disproportionate environmental burden. The fund would be overseen by the Dept. of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and comprised of fines paid by companies that violate air quality standards or permits — fines which currently are put into the state’s general fund. Instead, my legislation would require EGLE to spend 20% of the money in this created fund on grant administration costs and air monitoring and 80% to nonprofits, local governments, and academic institutions to address air pollution mitigation on the communities the companies polluted through air monitoring, health impact assessments, diesel retrofit programs, and more. This legislation has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Environment for consideration. Last term, the Senate passed this legislation, but it did not pass the full House of Representatives.
Breaking Barriers for Caregivers Running for Office — Senate Bill 306
Being a caregiver for small children, disabled family members, or elderly parents should not be a barrier to running for office. That’s why I’m again sponsoring legislation that would allow candidates to use campaign funds to pay for dependent care needs. Introduced last week, this bill would bring Michigan in line with 39 other states who’ve aligned their state policies with federal regulations allowing for this to occur. I am grateful to Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson for issuing a ruling last fall regarding this issue and believe it is important to codify this ruling into state law. This legislation has been referred to the Committee on Elections and Ethics for consideration.
Michigan Senate Passes 2026 Budget to Support All Michiganders

Efforts to finalize our state budget for next year are moving swiftly! Last week, the Senate passed our proposal for the 2026 State Budget. Crafted through months of collaboration with constituents, community leaders, and key stakeholders, this proposal invests in the people, places, and projects that make our state extraordinary. It’s a bold budget that stands up for the people of Michigan by delivering high-impact, targeted investments that will deliver real solutions to the challenges facing our communities.
Specifically, our budget plan for next year:
- Lowers costs and invests in people by prioritizing higher access to health care, workforce development, affordable housing, and economic opportunity.
- Puts students, teachers & parents first by investing in free breakfast and lunch, literacy support, smaller class sizes, and school infrastructure upgrades.
- Makes government work for you by cutting red-tape and investing in government efficiency so you can get the services you need and keep more of your hard-earned tax dollars.
- Builds stronger local and state infrastructure through resources to repair and maintain our aging roads and bridges, conserve our precious natural resources, and ensure access to safe water infrastructure.
- Creates safer communities and backs our first responders by investing in our public safety officers, safer prisons and nursing homes, and mental health care for veterans.
This proposal now heads to the House for further consideration. Learn more here.

Community Conversation
WHEN: Friday, May 23, from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Nandi’s Knowledge Cafe, 71 Oakman Blvd., Highland Park, MI 48203
Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month Film & Panel Discussion: Big Fight in Little Chinatown
WHEN: Saturday, May 24, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
WHERE: University of Michigan Detroit Center, 3663 Woodward Ave. #150, Detroit, MI 48201
Virtual Community Conversation
WHEN: Tuesday, May 27, from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
WHERE: Online — RSVP here
To stay up to date on all of my upcoming events, check out my website.

Community Meetings on DWSP’s East Side Stormwater Resiliency Planning Study
The Detroit Water & Sewage Dept. (DWSP) will provide an update on the planning study regarding possible solutions to manage stormwater and reduce flooding while creating community amenities and improving water quality. Please consider attending and provide your input at one of the meetings coming up:
- Wednesday, May 21, 6:00 p.m. at Eastside Community Network, 4401 Conner St. in Detroit
- Thursday, May 29, 6:00 p.m. at Terri’s Cakes, 16311 E. Warren Ave. in Detroit
- Tuesday, June 3, 6:00 p.m. at Terri’s Cakes, 16311 E. Warren Ave. in Detroit
Midtown Inc. Detroit Chinatown Streetscape Survey
Midtown. Inc. wants to hear your input as they design the Detroit Chinatown streetscape improvements! Help support the burgeoning small businesses in the corridor and the diverse cultural heritage of the Asian American community that once inhabited the neighborhood by filling out the survey linked here. It only takes a few minutes!
Michigan Working Families, Seniors See Benefits of Senate’s Tax Cuts
Back in 2023, Senate Democrats delivered a historic $1 billion in tax cuts for Michiganders who need relief most. Our Lowering MI Costs plan repealed the unfair retirement tax and expanded tax credits for working families. As residents begin to receive refunds, more Michiganders can see more money being put back in their pockets with the average individual income tax refund hitting $843 — a 50% increase from 2022!
This filing season, 207,000 retiree tax returns saw an average jump of $600 because of the retirement tax changes, and our quintupling of the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit has also provided an average refund of $900 for working families. This means Michiganders have extra money to pay their bills, put food on the table, and grow their savings. To learn more about how my colleagues and I are working to lower costs for you and your family, click here.
Medicaid Matters to Michiganders, Impact of Proposed Cuts
Recently, Republicans in Congress announced their plan to slash $880 billion from Medicaid so they can hand over $4 trillion in tax cuts for the country’s wealthiest individuals. If passed, this would be the largest cut to Medicaid in its 60-year history. Medicaid is a lifeline for residents around the state, including seniors, those with disabilities, children, veterans, and expectant parents. If approved, 750,000 Michiganders are at risk of losing their health insurance, hospitals will close, and it will be harder for everyone to access care. It would also cost us thousands of jobs, and our state economy would take a huge hit by potentially losing hundreds of millions — and even billions — in federal funding.
Long story short: Congress’ threats to gut this crucial program don’t just impact the millions of residents state- and nationwide who rely on the program — they threaten all of us. To stand up to these cuts, this week, Senate Democrats passed a resolution calling on Congress to protect Medicaid and ensure those who need assistance with affording health care can receive it without worry or extra burdensome red tape. I was proud to vote yes on this resolution. Learn more here.
What You Need to Know About Measles: Symptoms and Vaccination Information
With recent reports of rising measles cases across the U.S., it’s important for you and your families to stay informed about the ongoing outbreak. Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads via direct person-to-person contact and through the air. It’s also preventable through vaccination.
Symptoms usually appear 7–14 days after exposure but may take up to 21 days. Common ones can include high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, tiny white spots inside the mouth, and rash.
Measles can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person coughs or sneezes. Awareness and timely vaccination are key to preventing further spread. If you have not received a second dose or if you are unsure of your vaccination status, we encourage you to contact your health care provider. If you or someone you know may have been exposed or is experiencing symptoms, please contact your health care provider right away.
For more information about measles, visit the state’s webpage. To locate your county health department’s information on available immunization clinics and locations visit your county’s link here: