Black Legislative & Community Knowledge

The US Senate failed to pass a procedural vote to fund the Department of Homeland Security before a Saturday midnight deadline due to disagreements over immigration enforcement policies. Democrats are demanding new restrictions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations, including body camera requirements and bans on mask-wearing by agents, following the deaths of two US citizens. While ICE will continue operations due to separate funding from previous legislation supporting deportation efforts, other DHS agencies like FEMA and TSA face potential disruptions, with airport security screeners and disaster response workers at risk of going unpaid. Republicans are seeking provisions that would compel state and local police to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, creating an impasse between the parties. The Senate has entered recess but could reconvene if negotiators reach a compromise agreement.

A small gravesite near Goodlette-Frank Road and Pine Ridge Road in Collier County, Florida, contains eight unmarked graves believed to hold African Americans who lived during segregation and are connected to the historic Rosemary Cemetery. County officials have recently formally acknowledged this segregated burial section as the resting place of eight unknown Black pioneers, which has sparked renewed interest in identifying those buried there. The Collier County NAACP is exploring DNA testing to determine the identities of the deceased, though this would require exhuming remains and could take at least a year to gain necessary approvals from state and county authorities. Local leaders view this identification effort as an important step toward providing dignity and enabling families to reconnect with lost relatives from the segregation era. # Key Takeaways

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has unveiled her final budget proposal, totaling $88 billion, with $21.4 billion dedicated to school aid that includes raising the minimum per-student state funding to $10,300. The education-focused budget emphasizes early literacy improvement through substantial investments in tutoring, teacher training, and research-based reading curricula, responding to Michigan students' continued struggles with reading proficiency. Additional proposals include a back-to-school sales tax holiday in August and various tax increases on cigarettes, vaping products, and casino internet services to offset federal revenue declines and rising costs. The budget now moves to the state legislature, which must approve it by July 1, though lawmakers failed to meet this deadline last year, creating uncertainty for schools and other organizations.

The Legacy Tour is bringing a two-day cultural celebration to Los Angeles during NBA All-Star Weekend in February 2026, designed specifically for Black professionals and HBCU alumni to network and celebrate their heritage. The weekend includes two distinct events at The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood: an upscale "Suits & Stilettos" evening on February 13th and a spirited "Rep Your Legacy" day party on February 14th where attendees can showcase their school or organizational pride. Co-founded by Ted Riley and Kevin Lloyd, the multi-city tour aims to strengthen community bonds while honoring Black excellence and cultural impact through entertainment and meaningful connections. A portion of the event proceeds will benefit the United Negro College Fund to support educational opportunities for future generations. # Key Takeaways

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has unveiled a proposal to address a Medicaid funding crisis caused by President Trump's recent tax and spending legislation, which threatens the state's ability to tax insurance providers. Her plan includes approximately $800 million in new taxes targeting vaping products, e-cigarettes, digital advertising, and sports betting promotions, alongside $150 million in departmental efficiency savings. The proposal has encountered immediate rejection from Republican House leadership, who control the chamber and refuse to support any tax increases, insisting the state must operate within existing budgets. With over 2.6 million Michigan residents—roughly one in four—relying on Medicaid for health coverage, the state faces difficult choices between raising revenue, cutting services, reducing provider payments, or restricting eligibility if the funding gap cannot be closed.