Legislative Updates, Community Resources and News for District 3

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,  

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

Senator Chang Coffee & Conversation graphic

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

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 

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.