Stephanie Chang

The EPA proposes to redesignate Detroit's air quality as meeting national ozone standards, but residents and environmental advocates argue that pollution levels remain dangerously high, particularly in Southwest Detroit, citing health issues like asthma and cancer. A recent study by the American Lung Association graded Detroit's air an 'F' due to ozone and pollution levels.

Canadian wildfire smoke caused Detroit's air quality index (AQI) to exceed 500, a hazardous level, exacerbating existing pollution issues in Southwest Detroit. The area faces long-term health impacts from over 40 major and minor polluters, prompting State Sen. Stephanie Chang and Rep. Donovan McKinney to introduce legislation addressing cumulative pollution effects in overburdened communities.

Michigan State Sen. Stephanie Chang and Rep. Tonya Myers Phillips introduced a proposal to amend the Michigan Constitution to impose a surcharge on residents with incomes exceeding $500,000 annually, starting in 2027. Revenue would fund education, childcare, health services, housing, and water infrastructure, supported by a coalition including the Michigan League for Public Policy and others. A previous similar initiative, Invest in MI Kids, failed to gain traction, and the current proposal requires a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers for approval.

The Michigan Senate passed four bills to establish a state-level Voting Rights Act, aiming to counter weakened federal protections after a Supreme Court decision. The legislation, now moving to the Republican-led House, seeks to prevent discriminatory voting policies and ensure access for protected groups.

Michigan Senate passed four bills to establish a state Voting Rights Act in response to the federal act's weakening by the U.S. Supreme Court. The legislation aims to protect voting access for protected groups and faces the Republican-led House next.