Dear Neighbor,
Right now, the difference between our state and federal governments could not be more stark. In Lansing, my colleagues and I have been hard at work serving the people of Michigan. After passing a bipartisan, balanced state budget earlier this month, we’ve stayed busy delivering on the issues that matter most to our community: protecting health care access, 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 shutdown is already having 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.
If you or someone you know would like to provide any feedback about what’s happening or needs assistance of any sort, please feel free to reach out to my office. You can reach me and my team by emailing SenMCavanagh@senate.michigan.gov or calling 517-373-7748.
Sincerely,
Mary Cavanagh
State Senator
District 6
- Right now, nearly half a million Michiganders are at risk of losing their health care because Washington Republicans refuse to extend a critical tax credit that has helped make care more affordable. Read on to learn how we’re working to save it.
- Join my virtual Community Conversation, November 10 from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. RSVP here!
- Due to the ongoing government shutdown, SNAP benefits for November have been paused. If you rely on the program for nutrition assistance, please use Michigan 211 to find a food bank near you.
Update on the “Hall Holdup Lawsuit:” Courts Rule in Favor of Senate Democrats!
For over 10 months, the Michigan Republican House of Representatives has deliberately and illegally blocked 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 in which judge after judge has ruled in our favor, we have another victory: this week, 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 significant win. No matter how profound 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.
Senate Democrats Call on Congress to Protect Health Care Access
No matter your zip code, line of work, or amount of money in your bank account — everyone deserves to access the health care they need, when they need it. Yet at this very moment, millions of Americans, including nearly 500,000 Michiganders, who buy their health insurance on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, are at risk of losing their coverage if Congress doesn’t act now to extend vital tax credits from expiring at the end of 2025.
These premium tax credits are a lifeline for Michigan workers, families, farmers, and small business owners who don’t get coverage through their workplaces or through Medicaid or Medicare. Without these, millions of people across the country will be slapped with insurance bills double or even triple the normal amount — forcing many to forego care altogether. This will only destabilize the health insurance marketplace, leading to the loss of thousands of jobs here in Michigan and higher health care costs for all of us.
Last week, I was proud to join my Senate Democratic colleagues in passing a resolution to call on Congress to act before it’s too late and extend these ACA premium tax credits from expiring. We also held a hearing before the Senate Health Policy Committee to shine a light on the devastating consequences of Congress’s inaction on Michiganders across the state who rely on these credits to afford care. Learn more here.
Enhancing Transparency in the State Budget
Upon securing the Majority in 2023, Senate Democrats required lawmakers to clearly put their names next to any funding they secured on behalf of their communities — an essential step toward building a state budget process that is both transparent and accountable to those we work with and serve. But we didn’t stop there.
Before passing the 2026 state budget earlier this month, the Senate Appropriations Committee held a hearing to review each of the individual enhancement grants included in the final budget agreement.
And, last week, my colleagues and I passed Senate Bill 596 with bipartisan support — that requires all legislatively directed spending items, including enhancement grants and earmarks, to be publicly disclosed on the Senate or House website before the passage of the state budget. Championed by my colleague and Appropriations Chair Sen. Sarah Anthony, this bill continues our commitment to Michiganders around the state, ensuring they can see where their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent.
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 for Michiganders across the state, including bills to:
- Combat human trafficking in Michigan by strengthening penalties for those who commit this heinous crime while bolstering support for survivors.
- Tackle election disinformation and improve transparency in the petition circulation process by removing financial incentives for circulators to lie to voters to gain their support, among other reforms.
- 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.
Join Me for a Virtual Community Conversation!
Let’s come together virtually to talk about the difference we can make. Join me for an open and meaningful conversation about the issues that matter most to you. Come share concerns, ideas, and insights that can help shape policy and create real change.
WHEN: Tuesday, November 11 from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Virtual — RSVP here!
Halloween in the D – Trunk or Treat
WHEN: Friday, Oct. 31 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: See addresses in image above.
History Lecture Series – Classic Michigan Food and Drinks
Authors Gail Offen and Jon Milan will explore the amazing history and stories behind Michigan food and drink brands we know and love. No registration required for this free series at the Alexander Blue House sponsored by the Livonia Historical Commission.
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 10 from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: Alexander Blue House, 20501 Newburgh Road, Livonia, MI 48152
Continually Updated Food Assistance Information
Please know that Senate Democrats are working to find and share resources ahead of this cutoff so constituents who rely on SNAP benefits can be prepared come November 1st.
This interactive map from Gleaners provides information on soup kitchens, food pantries, and mobile delivery units in and around Wayne County and the Detroit metro area. The map is comprehensive, including contact information, hours of operation, and details on the services provided at each location. Some locations may require registration with the Gleaners’ Link2Feed program. Sign-up is free, easy, and can be done in person at certain food pantry locations on the map.
Trick or Treating Safety Tips
Spooky season is underway, and while Halloween is a time for fun and festivities, it can also pose extra risks for children and teens. Before you head out trick-or-treating, make sure to check out these tips on how to keep your little ghosts and goblins safe:
- Choose your Halloween costume wisely. Make sure to check the weather forecast in advance and dress accordingly. Do not carry toy weapons that could be mistaken for real weapons.
- Walk, don’t run, and stay on the sidewalks. Cross only at intersections and designated crosswalks.
- Don’t assume cars will stop just because pedestrians have the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing trick-or treaters.
- Be sure to have a charged cell phone while you’re out.
- Plan your route ahead of time and trick-or-treat in familiar neighborhoods.
- Only visit well-lit houses. Don’t stop at dark houses.
- Review with your child how to call 9-1-1 if they ever have an emergency, get lost, or are prone to wandering.
November SNAP Benefits Paused Amid Federal Government Shutdown
The U.S. Dept of Agriculture (USDA) recently alerted the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) that due to the ongoing government shutdown and subsequent funding lapse, there is a limited availability of funds to pay full November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for approximately 42 million individuals across the nation. As a result, USDA has directed the state to pause SNAP issuance and ongoing benefits until further notice. To read the official statement from MDHHS, click here.
MDHHS is communicating directly with neighbors enrolled in SNAP. If you currently receive SNAP benefits or have a pending application for benefits, you will receive updates directly from MDHHS about the status of your benefits, including potential delays and when payments restart. Any already-issued benefits will remain available for use, and funds currently available on your Bridge Card can continue to be used without interruption.
If you need assistance, please use the many programs and resources offered by organizations in our community. To connect with a food bank near you, contact Michigan 211 by dialing 2-1-1, texting your zip code to 898-211, or visiting mi211.org. Michigan 211 can connect you not only with food assistance but also with a variety of services, including utility assistance, mental health support, and emergency shelter.
Support for Federal Workers in Michigan Impacted by Federal Layoffs and Funding Cuts
Another consequence of the federal government shutdown is that many Michiganders 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:
- Pure Michigan Talent Connect
- Learn More, Earn More
- State of Michigan Job Vacancies
- Michigan Career Portal
- Child Care Assistance