Dear Neighbor,
Right now, the difference between our state and federal governments could not be starker. In Lansing, my colleagues and I remain hard at work serving you, the hardworking people of Michigan. After passing a bipartisan, balanced state budget last month, we’ve stayed busy delivering on the issues that matter most to our community: protecting access to food and health care, supporting first responders, making sure our government is transparent and accountable to you, and so much more.
Meanwhile in Washington, the Republican-controlled federal government is locked in the second-longest shutdown in American history. This has already started to have severe consequences for many Michiganders, with more and more folks standing to be impacted as this impasse drags on. I understand the uncertainty and anxiety this brings, but please know that you are not alone. My team and I are here to offer support, provide helpful information, and share resources to help you navigate this difficult situation.
In this newsletter, you will find updates not only on the work we’re doing for you in Lansing, but also on how the shutdown is affecting various safety net programs and resources that can help support you and your family during these difficult times.
If you or someone you know would like to provide any feedback about what’s happening, or need assistance of any sort, please feel free to reach out to my office. You can reach me and my team by emailing SenWBrinks@senate.michigan.gov.
Sincerely,
Winnie Brinks
State Senator
District 29
- Great news! The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Senate Democrats in our ongoing legal battle with Republican Speaker Matt Hall, explicitly requiring the House to present nine bills passed by both legislative chambers last year to Gov. Whitmer for her signature.
- Due to federal Republicans’ government shutdown — the longest in American history — the 1.4 million Michiganders, including children and veterans, who rely on SNAP are continuing to face disruptions in their access to food. To be connected with a food bank nearest you, contact Michigan 211 by dialing 2-1-1, texting your zip code to 898-211, or visiting mi211.org. Michigan 211 not only connects folks with food assistance, but a variety of resources, including utility assistance and emergency shelter.
Update on the “Hall Holdup Lawsuit:” Courts Rule in Favor of Senate Democrats!
For over 10 months, the Michigan Republican House of Representatives has continued to deliberately and illegally block nine bills passed by both legislative chambers last year from being sent to the governor and enacted into law. These are bills that would lower health care costs for teachers and first responders and improve retirement benefits for corrections officers. But instead of following the Michigan Constitution and putting the interests of his constituents and residents statewide before his own, Republican Speaker Matt Hall has chosen to play political games every step of the way — forcing Senate Democrats to take him to court.
After a lengthy legal battle where judge after judge has decided in our favor, we have another victory: the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled once again in our favor and is requiring Speaker Hall to present the nine bills to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for her signature.
At a time when Republican leaders across the country are breaking the law and getting away with it, this is a particularly meaningful win. No matter how deep our political differences are, the Constitution must be followed. Full stop. I’m proud to join my Senate colleagues in this fight on behalf of educators, first responders, corrections officers, and the many hardworking folks who keep our communities running and who deserve to have this legislation enacted. And you can count on us to not stop fighting until these bills finally land on the governor’s desk.
A Snapshot of Legislative Activity
Along with securing game-changing investments for kids and communities in the recently signed state budget, my Senate colleagues and I are continuing to advance legislation to benefit Michiganders across the state, including bills to:
- Secure $71 million to continue SNAP benefits and provide critical support for food banks, pantries, soup kitchens, and other food assistance organizations.
- Boost needed revenue to support Michigan wildlife and natural resources by making updates to hunting and fishing license fees for the first time in over 10 years.
- Create a statewide Silver Alert public notification system to help find missing seniors and vulnerable adults.
- Expand access to health care and dental coverage for Michigan National Guard members.
- Combat human trafficking in Michigan by strengthening penalties for those who commit this heinous crime while bolstering support for survivors.
- Lower costs for struggling homeowners by extending the Pay As You Stay program, which provides affordable payment plans and eliminates penalties, interest, and fees to Michiganders who are having difficulties paying property taxes.
Responding to Food Insecurity
The federal government shutdown has impacted SNAP benefits significantly, and we have been working hard to help raise awareness about how people can access food resources as well as how our community can generously help support those who have had to go without. We are grateful for the willingness of the Community Food Club of West Michigan and Feeding America West Michigan who both hosted press conferences during this crisis — this has helped give critical information to our community as we navigated the daily uncertainty that this has caused.
- SNAP recipients are encouraged to reach out to their local MDHHS office with any questions regarding SNAP benefits, or they can check MI Bridges for updates. Please see MDHHS’ website and Facebook Page for additional information and to stay updated as this is a rapidly developing situation.
- To be connected with a food bank nearest you, contact Michigan 211 by dialing 2-1-1, texting your zip code to 898-211, or visiting mi211.org.
- To find out where you can donate food or cash to help those facing food shortages in your neighborhood, www.feedwm.org/findfood or drop food off at the Kentwood Feeding America location (3070 Shaffer Ave SE Grand Rapids) between 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. Peanut butter, canned meat, canned entrees, and beans are most helpful.
Grand Rapids Public Museum Community Archives & Research Center
The treasures to be found in the Grand Rapids Public Museum archives are incredible, and it was a delight to be part of the construction kickoff for its new Community Archives & Research Center, which will make those treasures more accessible to students, researchers, and residents of our community. These stories, and the objects that tell them, are *all* of our stories — and this new project ensures that those artifacts will be accessible to everyone.
Celebrating Local Veterans
State Representative Kristian Grant hosted a brunch on Veterans Day on Grand Rapids’ southeast side, recognizing many local veterans who served through the years with Legislative Tributes that I was honored to sign alongside her. The ceremony specifically honored four veterans who not only served their country in the military but came home and dedicated their lives to our community in service. Those veterans included:
- MSG Zelmar Hall, U.S. Army Veteran
- Medical Corpsman Paul Mayhue, U.S. Army Veteran
- Sergeant David Doyle, U.S. Army Veteran
- Human Resources Specialist Sherlynn James, Army Veteran
Honoring Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month. Here in Senate District 29, the Grand River Band of Ottawa Indians recently unveiled an educational marker in Eastown that marks the historic footpath down what is now Fulton Street, Lake Drive and Robinson Road. As Chief Ron Yob put it, “We haven’t gone away, and we’re still thriving, alive and well here.”
From raising awareness about the history of Indian boarding schools in our state to protecting tribal fishing areas, Senate Democrats have been working hard to tackle issues important to our state’s Native American communities.
This November, I hope you’ll join me in recognizing the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of tribal communities here in Michigan and across our nation in recognition of Native American Heritage Month.
Double Up Food Bucks Expands, Offers “Bonus Bucks”
In response to the temporary pause of SNAP benefits, the Fair Food Network (FFN) has announced its expansion of the Double Up Food Bucks Program to help Michiganders navigate this tough time.
Beginning last week and effective through Dec. 31, 2025, Michigan’s Double Up program has increased its flexibility with the following updates:
- Double Up earnings no longer expire. FFN lifted the 90-day limit so shoppers can use their earned benefits whenever they need them.
- No daily earning cap. FFN removed the usual $20 per day limit, enabling families to earn as much as they can while shopping for fresh produce.
- Frozen fruits and vegetables are now eligible. Shoppers can now use Double Up on frozen options with no added salt, sugar, or oil — available at all 237 locations across the state.
And, as a new, exciting benefit, Double Up “Bonus Bucks” are available now — a limited-time voucher of $40 that will not require a matching SNAP purchase to receive. It can be used exclusively on fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables and will be distributed directly onto Double Up cards and app, or loyalty cards at participating sites, where applicable. Printed vouchers for shoppers using tokens or coupons at participating locations will also be available.
If you are a SNAP beneficiary in Michigan, please know:
- You can still use any SNAP dollars already on your EBT card — those funds are not affected.
- All previously earned Double Up Food Bucks remain available.
- Double Up is available year-round at grocery stores, even as farmers’ market season winds down.
Learn more at DoubleUpFoodBucks.org/How-To-Snap-Disruption. If you need help or have questions, you can call the Double Up hotline at 866-586-2796, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday. To find a participating location near you, visit DoubleUpFoodBucks.org/locations.
Support for Federal Workers in Michigan Impacted by Federal Layoffs and Funding Cuts
Another consequence of the federal government shutdown is that many Michiganders who are employed by federal departments and agencies have been furloughed without pay or laid off entirely. If you or a loved one has been affected by these decisions, please utilize the resources the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has compiled.
A comprehensive webpage, Michigan.gov/FederalWorkerHelp, provides impacted federal workers with easy access to unemployment, job search, and community resources. Additionally, workers who recently lost their jobs through no fault of their own may be eligible to apply for temporary financial assistance through the Unemployment Insurance Agency.
Additional helpful sites for workers: