Dear Neighbor,
Summer is officially underway, but things have not slowed down here in the Capitol. From negotiating a budget that puts your needs first to fighting against dangerous cuts coming from Washington DC, please know that I am always in your corner working on your behalf.
There is a lot at stake right now, but we are here for you. My team and I will continue doing everything in our power to safeguard our state, protect the vital social services you rely on, and ensure you and your family have everything you need to thrive.
If you or someone you know would like to provide any feedback about what’s happening in Lansing, or if you need assistance of any sort, please connect with my office. You can contact me by sending an email to SenSAnthony@senate.michigan.gov or by calling (517) 373-6960.
In Service,
Sarah Anthony
State Senator
District 21
- While House Republicans continue to slow-walk their budget proposal, I’m at the negotiating table ready to reach a final budget that builds up Michigan communities. Read more updates below.
- Join me for my upcoming Community Conversation event on Monday, July 14 at 4:00 p.m. at the Frances Park Pavillion (2701 Moores River Drive, Lansing).
- Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” has been signed into law. What does this mean for our community? Our office is here to help. Learn more below.
House Republicans Blow Past Budget Deadline as Senate Democrats Stand Ready to Negotiate
Every year, the Michigan Legislature is tasked with crafting a fiscally responsible budget by July 1. This is not a trivial deadline, but one that schools, local governments, and non-profits throughout the state count on so they can make proper plans for the upcoming school year.
As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I worked hard to ensure we stayed on schedule and delivered a timely and comprehensive budget. Starting late last year, we sat down with residents, community leaders, and stakeholders across Michigan to learn more about their needs; we crafted a fiscally responsible budget that reflected what we heard; we passed it through the chamber; and we came to the table ready to negotiate a fair compromise ahead of the July 1 deadline.
In our education budget, we put Michigan students first, with historic investments to ensure they have the support and resources they need for a well-rounded education. And in the rest of the state budget, we proposed a slate of people-focused investments to bolster community safety, increase job training opportunities, support small businesses, ensure our seniors and veterans have the benefits they’ve earned through the years, build up our state’s infrastructure, and so much more.
The Republican-controlled House, however, has unfortunately been more focused on playing political games than passing a responsible budget. While they finally proposed an incomplete budget in recent weeks, it would make devastating cuts to education, including slashing or completely eliminating funding for literacy supports, career and technical education, early childhood education, and the free school meals program.
I won’t support a bad deal that puts our kids in harm’s way, destroys our social safety net, or sells out Michigan communities, just to meet a deadline. Believe me when I say we will continue holding the line for people. If that means staying and fighting to make sure kids have food to eat, teachers and workers get paid, and classrooms are safe— then that’s exactly what we’ll do.
As we move forward with budget negotiations, I will continue uplifting your voice at the table and providing updates on our progress. In the meantime, you can read more about the Senate’s passed budgets here. For you political junkies out there, I also recently published an op-ed in the Detroit News that gives an inside perspective on the state-of-play and talks more about the importance of passing a “people-first” budget — check it out here.
Standing Against Federal Cuts & Chaos
Since January, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I have been sounding the alarm on the threats President Trump’s policies pose to Michigan families. I have personally connected with hundreds of concerned residents at coffee hours, town halls, and other events. We have given countless floor speeches in the state Senate calling on Trump and Congressional Republicans to abandon their harmful agenda. We held 12 committee hearings on various issues, including the impact of federal cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, their baseless mass firings, the chaos created by freezing critical federal funding, and DOGE’s attempts to access Michiganders’ sensitive personal data.
Then in May, the Senate passed our 2026 state budget proposal that included funds to support farmers, veterans, small business owners, and other Michiganders affected by rash federal actions.
Unfortunately, Trump and his Republican allies in Congress rammed through their “Big Beautiful Bill” just ahead of Independence Day. I know many in our community are worried about what this will mean for their family, friends, and neighbors — and I’m worried too.
Please know that Michigan Senate Democrats have done everything we can to fight back against Trump; we’ve used every tool at our disposal to protect Michigan residents; and we will keep doing so every step of the way. My office is here to help—do not hesitate to reach out. Whether we can lend a listening ear, help cut through red tape you’re experiencing with a state department, or connect you with your federal representatives — we’re here to help.
As we move forward and figure out what these changes will mean for Mid-Michigan, I want to hear directly from you. I invite you to share how these reckless federal actions will impact you and your family so we can better serve you. These personal stories are powerful and help remind us what is at stake for our families, our communities, and the future of our state. Click here to share your story.
For more information about our work standing up to the federal cuts and chaos, or for additional resources, click here.
What Medicaid Means to Michigan
Medicaid is a lifeline for people in every corner of this state and country, allowing people to get the health care they need, when they need it — no matter their income. The $535 billion that Trump and Congressional Republicans have been working to slash from the program will devastate Michigan families, hospitals, and our economy all while pumping more money into the pockets of our nation’s wealthiest individuals and corporations.
In response to the administration’s threats to dismantle this essential safety net, the Senate Health Policy Committee and Appropriations Subcommittee on the Dept. of Health and Human Services (DHHS) convened a joint meeting to review, accept and adopt a new report that outlines the impact federal cuts to Medicaid would have on Michiganders. In underscoring what Medicaid means to Michigan, the report highlights that:
- One in four Michiganders relies on Medicaid, including two in five children and three in five nursing home residents.
- Medicaid patients make up 22% of hospital volume statewide, and 40% in rural hospitals. Without this funding, hospitals would be forced to significantly downsize or close altogether — forcing everyone to travel farther and wait longer to receive care.
- Nearly 500,000 Michiganders could lose coverage due to new bureaucratic hurdles and red tape.
- Proposed cuts jeopardize 300,000 health care jobs across Michigan sparked by Medicaid’s expansion and would deliver a projected $2.9 billion blow to Michigan’s economy.
To view the full report, click here.
Community Conversation
WHEN: Monday, July 14, 2025, from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
WHERE: Frances Park Pavillion, 2701 Moores River Drive, Lansing, MI 48911
On Monday, July 14, my team and I will be hosting a Community Conversation at the Frances Park Pavillion to discuss local happenings, legislative priorities, and news regarding our state budget.
These events are a great way for me to connect with you and share updates about the work my colleagues and I are doing in the Capitol. Don’t miss this great opportunity to share any thoughts, opinions, and concerns about state government or other issues impacting Mid-Michigan.