As the first LGBTQ Michigan Senator, I sponsored the law that finally added sexual orientation and gender identity in the Elliott Larsen Civil Rights Act to ban discrimination against our community.
Watch this historic Pride moment as it passed in 2023:
@MikeSmy123@koleszar_matt Tax credits cost money because they reduce revenue. Less federal revenue for education means less funding for programs like Title I and special education. Special education in particular is already alarmingly underfunded. We cannot afford this
BEWARE OF TRUMP'S "EDUCATION FREEDOM TAX CREDIT"
🚨 The Republican lawmakers who wrote the "Education Freedom Tax Credit" included in President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) designed it primarily to fund a Betsy DeVos-style scheme that provides vouchers (which they call "scholarships") mostly for private and religious schools.
NOT EXCLUSIVE TO LOW-INCOME KIDS
🚨 Families/students eligible to claim the vouchers can earn considerable incomes; in fact, a family of four in Livingston County, Michigan, can earn $319,800 and qualify for a voucher.
PASS-THROUGH ORGS WILL BE SET UP TO FUNNEL MONEY FOR TUITION TO PRIVATE/RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS
🚨 What is likely to happen if Michigan opts in to this program is that many new "Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs)" will be created to fund private/religious school tuition, as direct cash transfers for tuition are easy to execute.
IT'S NOT "FREE"
🚨 The more this voucher scheme is used, the less tax revenue the federal government collects. If private/religious schools and their backers are successful in mobilizing large numbers of individuals to partake in this program, the loss of federal funds available for Title 1-A Grants to local districts and the IDEA Act (students with disabilities) state grant program will place very real pressure on state budgets.
https://t.co/yN1nVBm3qQ
@SenPolehanki Thank you! It’s not only less money for Title I and special education. The new SGO‘s can skim up to 10% off the top of every dollar put into the program, which means 10% less money going into classrooms. This entire program is a scam designed to decimate public education
Today, we gathered to urge Michigan's Supreme Court to uphold the rule of law and transmit the stalled bills to Gov. Whitmer for her signature. These bills will help hundreds of thousands of hardworking Michiganders — who are already dealing with increased costs and rising gas prices — make ends meet. It's time to get it done.
“The sanctity of the Michigan Constitution and the separation of powers in our state hinge on the outcome of this case,” said Ron BIEBER, president of the Michigan AFL-CIO. “We are not only fighting for the workers impacted by the stalled bills, but also for the rule of law in Michigan. There are no kings in Michigan or America. We urge the Michigan Supreme Court to follow Michigan’s constitution.”
✅ District 35: Chedrick Greene
✅ Game 1: Detroit Pistons
Big wins all around! Especially for Michigan families who are keeping our State Senate Democratic majority fighting for you.
From the 1886 Haymarket Affair in Chicago to today, we’re coming together to fight for workers rights, fair wages and safe working conditions on May Day. Solidarity forever. #1u
My heart's breaking for the entire Jewish community. I can't imagine the anguish of parents while their children were in lockdown. The hate & anti-semitism has to stop. "Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that"
When I was growing up, antisemitism was primarily in history books and black & white film reels. Today it was in real color right up the road at Temple Israel.
This is a fire that will take all of us to snuff out. We must stand up to the unacceptable rise in antisemitism.
Our worst nightmare. Growing up at Temple Israel shaped me into the person I am today. I have so much to say but right now my heart is with our entire TI and West Bloomfield community. Thank you so much to WBPD, WBFD, and the incredible law enforcement and security response —
When I was growing up, antisemitism was primarily in history books and black & white film reels. Today it was in real color right up the road at Temple Israel.
This is a fire that will take all of us to snuff out. We must stand up to the unacceptable rise in antisemitism.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the years. Thank you for believing in me and for carrying me across this incredible journey. I promise I will never stop fighting for Michigan's kids, communities, and working families ❤️
I want to share with everyone here that I will not be seeking re-election this term. It has been an incredible honor to serve the people of District 5 (& the constituents and communities of former District 6 (23-24) and 27 (21-22)).
Public service isn't just about holding a title, and I look forward to continuing to serve Michigan while also having more flexibility to focus on the needs of my family.
I’m proud to have earned the endorsement of Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 80! We’ve teamed up to repeal right-to-work, restore prevailing wage, and strengthen labor rights in Michigan. And we will continue to protect working families in Congress!