In a passionate address before a capacity crowd at the MEA Winter Conference last week, Rep. Mai Xiong (D-Warren) recalled her mother walking her up to the yellow school bus as her earliest memory from youth.

Born in Thailand, Xiong immigrated to the U.S. with family at age three in 1984. Her mother had a kindergarten education and couldn’t write or speak English, Xiong told members and leaders assembled in Detroit for MEA’s biggest event of the year.

“This woman who had never stepped foot in an educational institution, she knew herself how important education was, and she knew that education would be the pathway to my success. I’m here because of her resilience, but I’m also here because of all the public school teachers who believed in me.”

Xiong updated educators on the status of key legislation she sponsored, House Bill 6058, to provide critical relief from dramatic spikes in out-of-pocket health care costs for public employees—including educators—which threaten to drive great people out of public service.

“When I became a state rep, one of the first meetings that I attended was my local MEA,” Xiong said. “They shared with me the crisis that would be coming forward with the rising costs of health care for public employees like our teachers. I knew right away that something had to be done.”

HB 6058 passed both chambers of the Legislature in December, but new Republican House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Twp) has refused to transmit the bill and eight others to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for a signature as required by the Michigan Constitution.

Last week the Michigan Senate sued the House, because “No one but the governor has veto power over these bills,” Xiong said.

Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) and Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores)  also addressed the lawsuit in separate speeches at the MEA Winter Conference.

Expressing hope for “swift resolution,” Brinks said, “We refuse to let you be actively harmed by the Speaker’s inaction. We want to ensure you are able to do your job, to stay in the profession, to afford the care that you need for you and your family. That is a fight worth fighting every day of the week.”

Hertel, in his first Senate term after serving six years in the House, helped get HB 6058 passed by meeting with colleagues from both parties to answer complex policy questions. He was shocked and disappointed to see a party-line vote on an issue so critical to Michigan residents, he said.

“There are not many things you can do that are this clear, right? So I want you to understand that people are doing everything they can to get this bill to the governor’s desk, get it signed, and make sure that you can work in the career you want to work in, support your family, and succeed.”

MEA and AFT Michigan, along with several other Michigan labor groups representing a wide variety of public workers, filed a joint amicus brief on Tuesday in support of the Senate’s lawsuit in the Michigan Court of Claims.

In a statement released after the filing, AFL-CIO President Ron Bieber said the House Speaker is flouting the state constitution to serve his own political interests. “That’s why many of our affiliates are taking this fight to court: because workers deserve justice, and they deserve it now.”

HB 6058 was one of the first pieces of legislation Xiong sponsored after winning a special election in January 2024 for the House seat vacated by Rep. Lori Stone. In November Xiong won re-election to a full two-year term.

“My message to you is please continue to fight,” Xiong concluded in her speech. “Thank you for your advocacy; know that we have your backs, and we’re going to fight alongside you.”

MEA President and CEO Chandra Madafferi stressed in her conference remarks that mainstream Michiganders support educators and public schools, and she called for political differences to be set aside in the shared interest of creating a strong future.

“We are ready to collaborate with lawmakers from both parties and other education advocates, community organizations, business leaders and others to protect and strengthen public education,” Madafferi said.

Stay updated on the latest news regarding the health care cost legislation at mea.org/fixhealthcare.

In other Winter Conference action, four 2025 MEA Awards for Human Rights and Excellence were presented to exemplary MEA members. Stay tuned for profiles featuring the winners in upcoming issues of MEA Voice magazine and MEA Voice Online. (Sign up for our digital newsletters at mea.org/signup.)

Instructional Excellence Award: Nicki Strach

A 10-year paraeducator in Reed City and vice president of her local union, Nicki Strach has worked to implement innovative literacy programs while making sure every one—regardless of behavioral or academic challenges—feels understood, valued and nurtured.

“Every year my students amaze me with the progress that they make to become better readers, especially with some of the little blocks that we know all of these kids face,” Strach said. “The best part of my job is the relationships I have formed with them, and I will cherish that forever.”

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Champion Award: Kaitie Paynich

Spanish teacher Kaitie Paynich has helped students at Portage Northern High School feel safe and nurtured through her efforts to strengthen the school’s Gay-Straight Alliance club and create a gender-affirming closet and free store open to all.

“It was a two-year-long project, but DEI in reality is daily work and we all know that,” Paynich said. “It’s daily work to ensure that our students know that they matter and they know that they belong in our classrooms and in our schools.”

Distinguished Servant of Public Education Award: Brenda Massie

A 40-year educator, Brenda Massie has worked for 20 years in Ludington schools where she teaches fifth and sixth grade, supervises the Safety Patrol program, and leads after-school math programs—all in addition to serving as the local union’s chief negotiator and grievance chair since 2010.

“I’m just really humbled to stand here when I know that everyone in this room is a servant,” Massie said. “You wouldn’t be in this profession—you wouldn’t do all you do—if you didn’t have a servant’s heart. And so I thank all of you for all the service you give.”

Instructional Excellence for Diverse Learners Award: Jamie Hitt

A mid-career math teacher at Lakeview High School in St. Clair Shores, Jamie Hitt co-created and leads the school’s peer-to-peer program—an elective course that brings together general education students and students with special needs to build leadership, empathy and collaboration.

“Truthfully, I have so many feelings,” Hitt said. “Excitement, pure joy, disbelief—and it wouldn’t be complete without a little bit of imposter syndrome as well… I would like to thank my students, past and present. You continue to inspire me, make me laugh, and encourage me to be my favorite version of myself every single day.”