Dear Friend,
I know the headlines lately have raised a lot of questions about what’s next and what it means for our communities. While there aren’t easy answers right now, I want you to know my focus remains on the priorities that matter most — a skilled workforce, safe neighborhoods, strong schools, and the services families rely on every day.
In my entire time living and working in Lansing, including serving as the lead Senate budget negotiator since 2023, I have never seen anything as deliberately cruel as the political stunt Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall and his Republican colleagues pulled last week.
Here’s what you need to know:
- In a matter of minutes, and without a shred of transparency, House Republicans unilaterally slashed more than half a billion dollars in funding for Michigan’s kids, families, small businesses, and communities.
- This was made possible by utilizing a rarely used provision in state law that allowed them to lapse the funding without input from the state Senate, which is currently controlled by Democrats.
- These dollars had already been negotiated, agreed upon, and were set to inject critical dollars into programs that people depend on.
As underscored by the testimony of organizations today in the Appropriations Committee — the impact on Mid-Michigan is real. Funding cuts hit programs and projects that impact our kids and families. This includes programs and projects for:
- Schools and community organizations
- Homelessness assistance and affordable housing initiatives
- Food pantry expansions
- Childcare programming
- New moms and babies
- Children with cancer
These aren’t just line items. They’re lifelines for our region. Make no mistake: this is a deliberate, concerted attack on Lansing and those who call it home.
In every year of our majority in the Michigan Senate, including during this new divided government, Senate Democrats have put in the work, collaborating with our community partners and colleagues across the aisle to deliver a balanced, bipartisan budget each year that truly delivers for Michiganders. House Republicans’ decision to weaponize this funding is nothing short of shameful, reckless, and utterly irresponsible.
I know many people and organizations have questions and concerns about what these cuts will mean for them. Please know that I am working diligently to gather more details and understand the impact this will have on people, agencies, and communities in my district and across the state, and will be sure to keep you updated. In the meantime, if you have any questions or need any assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office by emailing SenSAnthony@senate.michigan.gov or by calling (517) 373-6960.
Sincerely,
Sarah Anthony
State Senator
District 21