Dear Friends:

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you and provide updates about what is going on at Michigan’s Capitol.

I am the state senator for the 18th District – covering all of Barry County and parts of Allegan, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, Kent and Ionia counties. Please feel free to contact me with any issues related to state government at SenTAlbert@senate.michigan.gov, or by calling 517-373-1734 (toll-free at 855-347-8018).

Sincerely,

Thomas Albert
State Senator

The Michigan Legislature’s first day of formal session for 2026 was Jan. 14, as the state constitution sets the first day of session each year as the second Wednesday in January.

My focus is returning integrity and accountability to state government with a particular focus on key issues, including the economy, energy and education.

Life has become increasingly unaffordable for Michigan residents slammed by high prices. We must provide relief at the state level from health care to property taxes. Repealing the expensive green energy mandates passed by Michigan Democrats in 2023 also would help lower prices and make electricity more reliable. Instead of costly mandates that hinder job creation, we must return to pro-growth policies.

Finally, we must restore proven and commonsense policies in our education system, so every child has the opportunity for lifelong success. This includes making sure our kids can read by third grade, addressing chronic absenteeism, and adopting the federal tax credit for scholarship granting organizations.

That’s just a few of the topics I’m focused on this year. Click here to watch a short video highlighting key issues.

The January 2026 Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference confirmed that Michigan’s current state government spending is unsustainable. State fiscal experts lowered general fund revenue projections by $980 million for the current budget year and by roughly $1.3 billion for the next budget year, when compared to estimates from May 2025.

Michigan’s finances and overall economic direction continue to move in the wrong direction. The state is facing an affordability crisis, with wages and population growth lagging well behind national averages.

Government must become more efficient and prioritize what residents truly need, like safer communities and an education system that improves student outcomes. Read more about my thoughts on the trends detailed in the CREC conference here.

The Michigan Senate recently passed bipartisan legislation addressing the use of cellphones in schools to help students concentrate on learning in the classroom.

Senate Bill 495 and House Bill 4141 would require public schools to adopt policies prohibiting students from using smartphones during instructional time. The legislation includes provisions recognizing the need for parents and children to communicate during emergencies.

The bills also provide exemptions for medically necessary devices, phones covered in students’ individualized education plans and devices used for instructional purposes.

While there is certainly much more that must be done to improve student outcomes, addressing cell phone usage is a step in the right direction.

Click here or on the image below to watch a short video on this issue.

The Michigan Legislature adopted a resolution recognizing Jan. 25-31 as Catholic Schools Week and celebrating the more than 50,000 students attending over 200 Catholic elementary and high schools statewide.

Senate Resolution 89 recognizes the work of Catholic school administrators and teachers and commends schools for providing values-based education focused on moral, intellectual and social development. Catholic schools also serve many non-Catholic and economically disadvantaged students.

Michigan 211 is a free service that connects residents with local resources. As winter temperatures drop to dangerous levels, trained specialists help individuals find assistance tailored to their needs. The website provides information on food pantries, local warming centers, and help with housing or utility bills.

Michigan 211 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To find help: