🌍 Michigan’s Federal Actions Tracker: How the State Is Protecting Its Rights Today

888WHRD National News

In an era where federal policies can shift overnight, Michigan is taking a bold, proactive approach to ensure its residents aren’t left behind. Under the leadership of Attorney General Dana Nessel, the state has launched the Federal Actions Tracker—a public-facing tool designed to monitor and challenge federal overreach that threatens civil rights, education, and essential social services.

But this isn’t just about politics; it’s about a “legal shield” that protects the daily lives of Michiganders.

🏛️ The Role of the “People’s Lawyer”

The tracker is rooted in a long Michigan tradition. Decades ago, Frank Kelley—known as the “Eternal General”—redefined the office of the Attorney General as the “people’s lawyer.” He was a pioneer in creating units for consumer protection and environmental defense.

Today, that philosophy continues. The Federal Actions Tracker serves as a modern extension of this duty, ensuring transparency by showing residents exactly how the state is fighting to protect their autonomy and funding.

🔎 What the Tracker Monitors

Michigan is currently involved in dozens of legal battles. The tracker provides real-time updates on cases that touch every corner of state life:

Defending Birthright Citizenship: Relying on the 14th Amendment, Michigan is leading a coalition of 18 states to protect birthright citizenship. With nearly 6,000 newborns in Michigan potentially affected annually, this fight is crucial for families from immigrant communities—including those from Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Haiti—who face the threat of their children becoming “stateless.”
Safeguarding Education Funding: The state is fighting to release over $171 million in frozen federal education grants. These “Title I” funds are lifelines for majority-Black districts like Detroit and Flint, supporting mental health services, reading specialists, and lunch programs.
Protecting Social Services: Using the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), Michigan has sued to stop “arbitrary” pauses on SNAP benefits and Social Security services. In Michigan, where 1.4 million people rely on SNAP, these legal actions prevent sudden cuts that would disproportionately impact vulnerable populations.

💰 The Financial Impact

The tracker isn’t just a list of grievances; it’s a report on success. So far in 2025, Michigan’s legal interventions have:

Recouped over $750 million for the state.
Restored $226 million in university research funding for cancer and Great Lakes ecology.
Secured injunctions to protect FEMA grants and public safety training from being tied to federal immigration enforcement mandates.

⚖️ Why This Matters: “Fragmented Federalism”

Political experts call this “fragmented federalism.” It occurs when state leaders act as a vital check on the federal executive branch. While critics may call it “politicization,” the history of the Attorney General’s office shows that acting as a national check is a standard way to defend state residents during periods of rapid policy change.

For Michigan, the tracker is more than a database—it’s a commitment to stability, transparency, and the protection of rights that generations have fought to secure.