Black History Month, Financial Support for New Moms, Unclaimed State Money, and More

Photo: State Rep. Tonya Myers Phillps (Detroit, center) at lectern delivering speech in support of the House resolution to recognize February 2026 as Black History Month in Michigan. From left to right behind Rep. Myers Phillips are state Reps. Kristian Grant (Grand Rapids), Amos O’Neal (Saginaw), Donovan McKinney (Detroit), Cynthia Neeley (Flint), Joe Tate (Detroit), Morgan Foreman (Ann Arbor), Jimmie Wilson, Jr. (Ypsilanti), Kimberly Edwards (Eastpointe), Helena Scott (Detroit) and Stephanie A. Young (Detroit).

February 2026 marks 100 years of national recognition of Black history. I, along with my Michigan Legislative Black Caucus colleagues, introduced a resolution in the House to honor this legacy, and recognize that Black history is foundational to Michigan’s story.

Too often, Black contributions are minimized, struggles distorted and victories treated as footnotes rather than essential to this nation’s foundations. Even in the face of barriers to opportunities, Black people have built industries, strengthened communities, and pushed this state and this nation — again and again — to live up to its own promises.

Black history is American history, and I am proud to have been able to deliver a speech and have this resolution entered into the state’s permanent records to forever commemorate and honor Black history.

I understand that the recent deployment of federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agents in American cities is raising fear, anxiety, and concerns about our safety. They also raise troubling concerns about the protection of our civil rights and civil liberties. That is why I have introduced and co-sponsored bills to strengthen protections for peaceful protest and free speech.

House Bills 5527 and 5528 will protect every Michigander’s right to peacefully protest by reaffirming core constitutional freedoms, including free speech and the right to assemble and associate. The bills will make clear that peaceful protest, absent any intent to cause harm, does not constitute rioting or disorderly conduct.

No one should face arrest, detention, or years of legal battles simply for exercising their constitutional rights. I will always stand up for your right to free speech and to participate in peaceful protest.

Likewise, no one should live in fear of being targeted by their own government for expressing their views, whether individually or together with others. I am working every day to pass legislation that protects our human rights, civil rights, and constitutional freedoms.

Rx Kids is here in Detroit! This life-changing program provides financial support for new and expecting moms, and is now available for all moms in our district! This is wonderful news for families in Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park!

I am so proud to support and be a champion for this program that invests directly in families with no strings attached.

• 🌷💵 $1,500 upfront for new/expecting moms

• 🩷🩵 $500/month for the baby’s first six months

Every baby deserves a healthy start, and this cash support makes it possible.

If you are eligible, please apply today at:

RxKids.org/Communities/Detroit

And please share the news! Let’s ensure every mom receives the support she deserves.

Feb. 1 was Michigan Unclaimed Property Day. The Michigan Department of Treasury holds millions of dollars in forgotten assets like uncashed checks, dormant bank accounts, refunds, valuables from safe deposit boxes, etc.

It is free and easy to check if you have any unclaimed property or money that belongs to you, being held by the State of Michigan.

Search your name, maiden name or business names at:

➥ UnclaimedProperty.Michigan.gov

You may be surprised by what you find!

Budget season has begun again. Last year’s state budget brought great resources to our communities, and I’ll be fighting again this year for budget priorities that lower your costs, make life more affordable for you, and help our community members get ahead!  Here are a few highlights of the budget wins for Michigan House District 7 last year.

Investing in our Children 

• $49.8 million in additional funding for Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland school districts.
• $10,050 per student — record K-12 funding.
• $200 million for universal free school meals.
• $125 million to provide free school transportation.
• $75 million for after-school programs.
• $274 million for student support and English learner services.
• $321 million for school-based mental health services and safety.

Keeping Communities Safe, Strengthening Infrastructure, Protecting Rights 

• Invests $143.5 million to fix roads and improve public transit in Detroit, Highland Park, and Hamtramck.
• Provides dedicated yearly funding for public safety and community-led violence intervention in Detroit, Highland Park, and Hamtramck.
• Creates new jobs, small business, and contracting opportunities across our communities.
• Secures funding for the Secretary of State, Attorney General, and Department of Civil Rights to safeguard voting, civil rights and consumer rights.

Investing in Community Services 

• $175,000 for domestic violence victim services in Michigan.
• $800,000 for National Association of Yemeni Americans behavioral health clinic in Hamtramck.
• $800,000 for Wayne Metro early childhood education, facility repair, and emergency housing services.
• $750,000 for Matrix Community Center youth and employment programs.
• $1.5 million for Brilliant Detroit literacy services.
• $5 million for Detroit water affordability assistance.
• $1.5 million for Detroit Right to Counsel tenant and housing legal assistance and services.
• $43.3 million for Promise Zone Scholarships statewide, supporting local programs like the Detroit Promise that help students attend college for free.
• 2.1% increase in funding for Wayne County Community College.

These are tangible investments in our children, our safety, and our quality of life. Although the State of Michigan has lost a significant amount of federal funding this year, I will continue to advocate for the needs of our communities, especially our most vulnerable, during the upcoming budget negotiations.

Please join me and fellow D7 residents for one of our upcoming coffee hours!

☕︎ Taraweeh Talks with Rep. Tonya Myers Phillips

• When: Saturday, Feb. 28, from 8-9 p.m.

• Where: Hakaya Café, 8902 Joseph Campau Ave., Hamtramck, MI 48212

☕︎ Midday Coffee Break with Rep Tonya Myers Philips

• When: Friday, March 13, noon-1 p.m.

• Where: Saturn Coffee, 700 Seward Ave. Suite 2, Detroit, MI 48202

It is always my honor and privilege to serve you! My office is here to assist you. You can reach me at [email protected] or (517) 373-2276.

Sincerely,