Dear Neighbor,
The snow is melting, but February is still hitting hard. Heating bills are landing in mailboxes, and too many families are opening gas and electric statements with shock and frustration, paying more while service keeps falling short. That’s unacceptable.
What gives me hope is this community. We look out for each other, and together we push for better.
In this update, I’ll share how we’re fighting rate hikes, how you can claim tax credits to put money back in your pocket, and how we’re standing up for our neighbors after the events in Minnesota.
Let’s get into it.
- Fighting Rate Hikes: We’re pushing back against massive rate increase requests from monopoly energy companies while demanding better reliability.
- Tax Relief for Seniors: House Democrats repealed the retirement tax in 2023 and that rollback continues to phase in more this tax filing season — seniors can deduct more of their pension income.
- Tax Savings for Working Families: We also passed big tax savings for families through the Working Families Tax Credit which increased the state credit from 6% to 30%, putting more money in your pockets.
- Protecting Our Neighbors: House Democrats have introduced legislation to protect communities’ privacy and rights and bring transparency to federal immigration enforcement.
The High Cost of Cold Weather
Let’s start with what I hear about every day: sky-high energy bills.
While I love a beautiful winter wonderland, the cold weather is hitting our home budgets hard. And it’s not only because we are using more, it’s because our rates are too darn high.
Right now, our major utilities are asking for even more massive rate increases. DTE requested over $550 million and Consumers Energy requested almost $450 million in hikes — and that’s just electric service. They argue they need this to make upgrades to their infrastructure. I would argue that after years of increases, they should stop padding their profits and deliver a grid that actually works.
That’s why some of my colleagues and I are advancing a Ratepayer Bill of Rights to put power back where it belongs: with you.
Here’s what it includes:
- Fair Compensation: If your power goes out, you shouldn’t pay for it. We are fighting to guarantee automatic credits when service fails to incentive better service from utilities and cover your cost.
- Stop Paying for Executive Perks: This package would prevent utilities from charging you for their CEO bonuses, private jets, or lobbying. Your bill should pay for energy. Period.
- Ban Political Influence: Your voice is the only one that should matter in Lansing. We’re fighting to ban political contributions from utilities to state lawmakers to remove undue influence in the political process.
- Energy Freedom: We want to give you the right to generate your own reliable energy, without being blocked by unnecessary red tape.
Need Help Now? While we fight for these big changes in Lansing, I know the bills are due for many of you now. Michigan’s Winter Protection Plan protects seniors and low-income families from shut-offs. If you are struggling to keep the heat on, please contact my office or call 2-1-1 to see what resources you might qualify for.
Tax Season – Claim Your Money!
While we fight to bring utility costs down, we also worked to put more money back in your hands this tax season.
These tax credits won’t solve inflation or wipe out a high heating bill, but this is your money that we’re putting back in your pocket after we passed legislation in 2023.
- Retirement Tax Relief: If you have a pension or 401(k) or withdraw from an IRA, you can deduct more of your retirement income than before — saving families thousands every year.
- Working Families Tax Credit: We raised the state match for the Working Families Tax Credit, otherwise known as the Earned Income Tax Credit, from 6% to 30% — helping over 600,000 families save an average of $3,800 in state and federal taxes combined. Nearly 1 in 5 eligible households miss out on claiming this lifeline. To see if you qualify, visit Michigan.gov/taxes.
However you do your taxes, please check to make sure you aren’t leaving your hard-earned money on the table. It belongs in your pocket.
Standing Against Federal Overreach
Finally, I want to talk about the disturbing reports regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in recent weeks.
Since January, we have seen tragic escalations in Minnesota, where federal agents killed two residents: Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Based on my assessment this is the result of a system operating without oversight, transparency, or accountability.
We are seeing families torn apart by masked men who don’t identify themselves. We are also hearing reports of internal Department of Homeland Security memos claiming they do not need judicial warrants to enter private homes.
The Constitution is clear: everyone is protected against unreasonable searches and seizures. The 4th amendment does not have an exception for “whenever the government decides it’s not convenient.” When a government agency decides they can operate in secret, refuse to identify themselves, and ignore the law, I believe every single family across our country is put in harm’s way.
House Democrats are pushing back.
We’ve introduced legislation to:
- Block state and local cooperation with these abuses of power.
- Protect the privacy of Michigan residents.
- Restrict ICE arrests in sensitive places like schools, hospitals, and houses of worship.
Please check in on your neighbors. Many families are afraid to leave their homes or take their kids to school.
If you are worried, or if you want to know more about your protections, please visit the ACLU of Michigan’s website and read their “Know Your Rights” guide. I firmly believe we should not, and will not, accept this as normal.
In solidarity,
Jason Morgan
State Representative
Michigan’s 23rd House District
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