Sen. Winnie Brinks

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 105 officially designates April 13-14, 2026, as Holocaust Remembrance Day in Michigan. This symbolic measure aims to honor the victims of the Holocaust and encourage citizens to reflect on the history of genocide and the dangers of hatred. The resolution does not create new laws or alter government procedures but serves as a formal statement of remembrance and commitment to learning from past atrocities.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the memory of Joel Gougeon, a former Michigan State Senator who passed away, by formally recognizing his life and public service. The bill does not change any laws or policies but serves as an official tribute to Gougeon's career, military service, and community contributions. It directs copies of the resolution to the Gougeon family as a formal acknowledgment of his legacy. The measure was introduced by Senator Brinks and adopted by the full Senate membership.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that formally honors Bruce Patterson, a former Michigan state legislator who served in both the House of Representatives and Senate. It recognizes his public service career, which included leadership roles in committees on energy policy, environmental protection, and consumer rights, as well as his advocacy for nursing home care and water pollution control. The resolution expresses the Legislature's tribute to his memory and directs that copies be sent to his family.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution urges Michigan's public colleges and universities to create a consistent statewide policy for awarding academic credit to students who complete International Baccalaureate coursework. The bill recommends that institutions grant credit for IB exam scores of four or higher, allowing such credit to count toward elective degree requirements while permitting schools to set higher standards for major-specific courses. By establishing uniform standards, the resolution aims to reduce uncertainty for students, improve college affordability, and help retain high-achieving Michigan graduates who might otherwise transfer to states with clearer credit policies. The resolution is non-binding and serves as a formal recommendation to state universities rather than a law that mandates specific actions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes February 2026 as Black History Month in Michigan. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or groups, as it is a symbolic gesture of commemoration. The resolution affirms Michigan's commitment to honoring African-American contributions to history, culture, and the ongoing pursuit of equality. It aligns with longstanding national recognition of Black History Month, which began in 1976.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 95) symbolically recognizes February 11, 2026, as "UAW White Shirt Day" to commemorate the 89th anniversary of the UAW's first contract with General Motors and the 1937 Flint Sit-Down Strike. It honors the UAW's history, including the origin of the "White Shirt Day" tradition (starting in 1948), where members wear white shirts to symbolize equal respect for workers. The resolution directly affects UAW members, retirees, and Michigan communities by formally acknowledging their historical contributions to labor rights and the state's economy. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding policy impact or new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 93) designates February 2026 as "School-Based Health Care Awareness Month" in Michigan. It formally recognizes the work of over 300 school-based health centers across the state that provide primary care, mental health services, and prevention programs to students in all school settings. The resolution acknowledges these centers' role in improving student attendance, academic performance, and health outcomes like immunization rates. It has no policy or funding impact - it is a symbolic gesture to honor the centers' contributions.

Maddy summaryThis is a procedural resolution, not a bill with policy changes. It formally recognizes February 2-6, 2026, as "School Counseling Week" in Michigan, aligning with the American School Counselor Association's (ASCA) national designation. The resolution highlights the role of school counselors in supporting student academic, social-emotional, and career development but does not create new laws, funding, or requirements. It serves solely to raise awareness about counselors' contributions to education.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 92) urges the U.S. Congress to restore oversight mechanisms for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It directly addresses federal immigration enforcement agencies and aims to improve accountability following recent incidents involving ICE officers and reduced oversight capacity. The resolution specifically calls for reinstating agencies like the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, which were weakened under the Trump Administration, leading to unaddressed complaints about officer conduct. It emphasizes that restoring these oversight tools is necessary to ensure immigration enforcement follows laws, respects civil rights, and maintains community trust. As a resolution, it does not create new law but expresses the Michigan Senate's position to Congress.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates January 2026 as Human Trafficking Prevention Month in Michigan. It formally recognizes the ongoing efforts of law enforcement, advocacy groups, and service providers working to combat human trafficking and support survivors, while emphasizing the importance of public awareness in identifying and preventing trafficking. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment to advance prevention awareness.