Dear Neighbor,
I spent time over the holiday weekend reflecting on the 2025 State Budget my Senate Democratic colleagues and I worked with the governor to recently pass. While compromises must be made in the budget process, I am proud of the work we did to design a budget that builds up our vibrant communities and supports our residents of all backgrounds. Find more information about the 2025 state budget in this eNews below.
As always, if you or someone you know would like to provide any feedback about what’s happening in Lansing, or needs assistance of any sort, please feel free to reach out to my office. You can email us at senschang@senate.michigan.gov.
Sincerely,
![Chang_Stephanie_Signature Chang Stephanie Signature](https://senatedems.com/chang/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/03/Chang_Stephanie_Signature.png)
Stephanie Chang
State Senator
District 3
Featured in This Newsletter:
- Upcoming Events
- Recent News
- Legislative Updates
- Community Resources
Upcoming Events
Community Conversation: Bubble Tea with Stephanie
![Chang-coffeeconversation7.15 Senator Chang Coffee & Conversation graphic](https://senatedems.com/chang/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/06/Chang-commconversation7.15_7.15.jpg)
WHEN: Monday, July 15, from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Ding Tea Detroit, 30569 Dequindre Rd., Madison Heights, MI 48071
Softserve with the Senator
![Chang-7.26.24CoffeeConvo-01 Maternal Health Package](https://senatedems.com/chang/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/07/Chang-7.26.24CoffeeConvo-01-scaled.jpg)
WHEN: Monday, July 26, from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: 8130 Kercheval Ave., Detroit, MI 48214
Recent News
Vision OPEN Challenge to Help Small Businesses and Start-ups Unlock $150 Million in Federal Funding
The Michigan Infrastructure Office has announced $10 million for the Vision OPEN Challenge, funded through the Make It in Michigan Competitiveness Fund, to help start-ups and small businesses secure funding from the federal Dept. of Energy’s (DOE) ARPA-E Vision OPEN 2024 grant. This challenge will provide matching grants to bring advanced clean energy and innovative technologies from the lab to the market. The DOE is offering up to $150 million in federal grants, with the Vision OPEN Challenge covering half of the required 10% match.
Initial applications to the Competitiveness Fund are due by July 15, 2024, to meet the DOE’s concept paper deadline of July 16, 2024.
These grants support the implementation of the MI Healthy Climate Plan and position Michigan as a leader in clean energy innovation and research. The investments will not only grow Michigan’s clean energy job sector, which added over 5,400 jobs in 2022 and now employs 123,983 people, but also have the potential to significantly boost the state’s economy. The World Resource Institute projects that by 2040, Michigan could create 41,000 new jobs in electric vehicle manufacturing and renewable energy, offering a promising future for the state’s workforce.
For more information, visit the Make It in Michigan Competitiveness Fund website.
Share your thoughts with the DNR at upcoming meetings
The Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR) is committed to providing Michigan residents with the opportunity to share input and ideas on policy decisions, programs and other aspects of natural resource management and outdoor recreation opportunities.
One important avenue for this input is at meetings of the public bodies that advise the DNR and, in some cases, also set policies for natural and cultural resource management. Frequently check the DNR boards, commissions, committees and councils webpage for updates.
The links below will take you to the webpage for each group, where you will find meeting details such as location and agenda (when finalized). Please check these pages often, as meeting details may change and sometimes meetings are canceled.
July Meetings
- Belle Isle Park Advisory Committee – Thursday, July 18, 9:00 a.m. (Contact: Barbara Graves, 517-284-6135).
Legislative Updates
Senate Democrats Pass State Budget Dedicated to Building Up Michigan
![Building-Up-Michigan-Budget](https://senatedems.com/chang/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/07/Building-Up-Michigan-Budget.jpg)
Last year marked a significant milestone for Michigan Democrats as we capitalized on their first trifecta in 40 years to spearhead a transformative budget — directing vital resources into historically neglected sectors like infrastructure, education, and local communities.
A couple of weeks ago, Senate Democrats successfully finished negotiations with the House on the state budget. The Fiscal Year 2025 State Budget builds on last year’s transformative budget by continuing to invest in children and families, students and workers, public safety, community development, and more.
This Democratic majority views the state budget as both a values statement and a financial plan. Our cornerstones for the 2025 budget — transformational, innovative, equitable, and intentional — reflect the priorities established last year.
Read more here.
Senate Passes Legislation to Expand Freedom of Information Act to Include Governor, Legislature
The Senate took a historic vote in support of bipartisan legislation to expand the application of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to the Michigan Legislature and the governor’s office, a significant step forward to increase transparency within state government. Senate Bills 669 and 670 each passed with a 36-2 vote.
Enacted in 1976, Michigan’s FOIA law is one of the few in the nation that exempts state lawmakers and the governor’s office from records requests. This significant gap in the law contributed to Michigan receiving an F in government integrity from the national Center for Public Integrity’s 2015 report, where the state ranked last overall, failing in 10 out of 13 categories, including public access to information, executive accountability, and legislative accountability.
The bills now move to the House.
Community Resources
EGLE Postponed
I also wanted to inform you that EGLE is postponing the hearing regarding the Stellantis Detroit air quality permit that was previously scheduled for July 17. The hearing is rescheduled due to the recent flooding in the area. We will keep you posted on a new date.
Wayne
- Butzel Family Center, 7737 Kercheval Avenue St, Detroit: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Farwell Recreation Center, 2711 E. Outer Dr, Detroit. : Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Closed Saturday
- Lasky Recreation Center, 13200 Fenelon, Detroit Monday-Friday, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m., Closed Saturdays
Oakland
- Jack and Patti Salter Community Center-1545 E Lincoln Ave, Royal Oak, MI 48067, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m-4:30 p.m., Closed on weekends
Macomb
- Macomb County Health Department Southwest Health Center-27690 Van Dyke Ave, Warren, MI 48093, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5p.m., Closed on weekends