From Lauren Bealore, Associate Director of Policy at Prosperity Now 

Policy discussions in news and media often lean in the direction of national policy decisions; but for many everyday constituencies, policy decisions that take place in their own backyard have an even stronger impact on their everyday lives. States continuously have been at the helm of progress in U.S. politics and policy and in recent years, have been a heightened focal point for the public as growing recognition by voters of states and localities has moved to the forefront. This past year, voters turned out across states to advance racial, economic, and social justice through championing policy issues such as livable wages and limitations to charging on medical debt as well as championing policymakers that are pushing to make our economy work for everyone, ultimately leading to four new state trifectas in Maryland, Michigan, Massachusetts, and Minnesota. These wins have advanced the way that everyday people consider the role of states; and ultimately advanced the way that states will operate within the political landscape moving forward.  

Even with momentous wins, our current economic system has not supported opportunities for all people to thrive. Under the weight of public health crises, racial injustice and political turmoil, our economy has consistently failed low-income and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) communities and exacerbated pre-existing inequities. Prosperity Now recognizes the importance of continuously highlighting the progress of states while also giving people an in-depth perspective from the policymakers currently in the trenches. This has led to the kickoff of our State Spotlight series, which will highlight state wins while also giving an indication of what we can anticipate as legislative sessions evolve.  

We are kicking off this series highlighting the amazing work taking place in Michigan, a state that I know as my first home and first foray into the political landscape that has helped to shape my role on the national level today. I have witnessed firsthand the formidable actions from conservative leadership and the tenacious groundswell that was needed to change the economic future of Michiganders. I have worked with leaders including Senator Sarah Anthony for years and understand what this new era means to the leaders who have been met with many racially motivated challenges and partisan power play. In the past 60 days, we have witnessed some historic legislative wins and want to show how the shift in the trifecta landscape has been a progressive move forward for state leadership.  

From Sarah Anthony, Michigan State Senator  

Despite some major legislative victories in Congress last session, the dominant story at the national level for the past few decades has been gridlock. Whether it is legislative hurdles like the filibuster or our increasingly partisan national politics, it seems harder than ever to get big things done. But, while progress at the national level has slowed, Michigan has taken up the mantle to pass policy that is making the lives of people better in meaningful ways.  

Last November, led by our Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrats retook all three chambers of the Michigan legislature for the first time in nearly 40 years. I remember on election night the joy of celebrating the Governor’s victory, then hearing that we won a majority in the state senate, and finally, the morning after, learning that we would have a Democratic trifecta. We were able to retake the legislature because of fair district lines drawn by our nonpartisan redistricting commission and because Democrats made a compelling argument to voters. Those days were exciting for sure, but also sobering--we had a mandate from the people of Michigan, but now we had to govern.  

Now, almost three months into our state legislative session, Michigan Democrats have delivered results. With our new majority we have passed legislation on an array of policy issues, including expanding our Earned Income Tax Credit from 6% to 20%, repealing the retirement tax, restoring worker’s rights by repealing the so-called “Right to Work” law, establishing a prevailing wage for government contracts, expanding our civil rights code to protect the right of LGBTQ+ people, repealing our states archaic abortion ban, and so much more.  

Democrats are focused on making the lives of Michiganders better in tangible ways--and we are working fast. When I was first elected as a state representative in the minority party in 2018, it was disappointing to see that the Republican-led legislature was often focused on special interests instead of the people. Now, the dynamic has changed. Every idea or concern I hear at coffee hours, or individual meetings, or even when a constituent talks to me at the grocery store--I can take those conversations and pass policy that improves lives in my community.  

In the coming months, I predict that House and Senate Democrats will continue to focus on the issues that matter most to Michiganders--kitchen table issues like reducing the price of food and prescription drugs and focusing on how we can continue to attract and retain businesses and talent right here in Michigan. Moreover, I’m looking to include my Republican colleagues in these policy discussions. My new district, encompassing the City of Lansing and its exurbs, is as diverse in its politics as is its geography. I believe the best policy is as inclusive of as many voices as possible, and I make a conscious effort to include those voices in my work.  

Part of the legislation that we know for sure of in the coming months is the yearly budget. As the State Senate Appropriations Chair, I am responsible, along with the House and the Governor’s office, for crafting the way our government chooses to spend its tax revenue. For me it is simple: Budgets are moral documents. The programs, people, and policy we choose to invest in reflect what our priorities are, and it is what we will be judged by our community on. Michigan has a strong economy and with an infusion of dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act, we have the funds to make historic investments in programs and areas that have been overlooked for decades. We shouldn’t take this moment lightly--it’s time to get to work.