As Michigan Democrats are set to lose their trifecta in mere weeks, we need our leaders to act with courage and urgency now to protect our communities. The next two weeks of the legislative session represent our last chance to pass laws that uplift working families across the state. If we fail to act now, January will bring political deadlock — and with it, the loss of critical opportunities to fight for Michiganders’ rights for the next two years.
The results of this past election make it clear that working people want policies that help themselves and their families. According to exit polls, Michigan voters cared most about two issues: the state of democracy, followed closely by the economy. Americans everywhere feel like the cost of a good life keeps rising, and Michiganders are no exception. As longtime community organizers, we’ve heard this from all families, regardless of their political affiliation. It’s too expensive to live: rent, medical care, childcare, transportation, and groceries are emptying our bank accounts, plunging some of us into precarity or debt.
Donald Trump’s administration will likely prioritize the enrichment of billionaires over the livelihoods of our working people. As a result, Michigan’s Democratic majority has just a few weeks left to shore up our economic protections before it’s too late.
Fortunately, there’s a solution: a slate of bills in the state legislature that would empower working families across Michigan. These proposals include homeowner and renter protections, paid family leave to be there for our loved ones when it matters most, closing corporate tax loopholes to ensure corporations pay their fair share, and making it easier for all working people to obtain driver’s licenses.
Michiganders can’t wait for an affordable life. As housing costs continue to rise, Michigan renters urgently need protections to ensure safe, affordable, and stable housing. SB 801 and SB 900-903 will establish essential housing protections such as the Tenants’ Right to Organize to help our communities come together, organize, and fight for what they deserve. Passing HB 4410-4412 and SB 265-267 will allow all Michiganders to access driver's licenses, regardless of immigration status. This will make living in Michigan safe, dignified, and fair for us all. Finally, all Michiganders deserve access to a strong paid family-leave program so that we can all take care of our own health, provide care for a loved one, or welcome a new child, without the risk of losing a job or sacrificing savings. Let’s ensure SB 332-333 passes, providing up to 15 weeks of paid leave for families in times of need.
We have a plan to pay for all these public services, and more. Michigan’s working families already pay their fair share — it’s time that wealthy corporations do, too. Large corporations like Walmart, Target, and Home Depot have convinced Michigan’s Tax Tribunal to let them pay lower property taxes. We reject this skirting of responsibility and evasion of law that only deepens the pockets of the ultra wealthy, at a cost to the rest of us. HB 5865-5868 will close these tax loopholes and hold big corporations accountable, ensuring they contribute to our state’s prosperity.
Even after a contentious election, it’s clear that people are united by issues that matter in their daily lives — good-paying jobs, vibrant neighborhoods, and strong communities — not by party. It is politicians’ jobs to prioritize our needs, and we deserve leaders who will stand by their convictions, protect our rights, and deliver the services our families deserve. No matter our political party or voting record, we all want to be able to take care of the people we love, live in a home we can afford, and get to work easily and back home to our families safely. Together, we can make this dream a reality.
Across Michigan, people are uniting across race and place to demand a livable state for all. In our lawmakers’ final weeks in session, let’s make sure they use their position to work for us, not for their corporate donors. This is our last opportunity to use a Democratic trifecta in favor of the will of the people; we need action on the bills that matter to working families before we’re at a standstill. Passing bold legislation now will ensure Michiganders have the stability, support, and opportunity they need to thrive for years to come.
Branden Snyder is state director of We Make Michigan and the former executive director of Detroit Action.
