Dear Neighbor,
I know that food and health care are top of mind for many of you right now. This email provides several available resources in the community and helpful information regarding the current situation with SNAP benefits. Also, I hope you’ll consider joining me on Friday, Nov. 7 at 11:00 a.m. for a coffee hour and optional food drive in Hamtramck.
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, addressing rising costs of water bills and other basic needs, 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 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. Be sure to call 2-1-1 for food pantries near you and other community resources.
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 in Lansing, or need assistance of any sort, please feel free to reach out to my office. You can reach me and my team by emailing SenSChang@senate.michigan.gov or calling (313) 922-6949.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Chang
State Senator
District 3
- Our water affordability bill package passed the Senate Committee on Housing and Human Services this week with strong bipartisan support!
- Great news! Last week, 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 important bills passed by both legislative chambers last year to Gov. Whitmer for her signature.
- Join me for my upcoming coffee and conversation event with an optional food drive at Arabica Cafe in Hamtramck on Friday, November 7 from 11:00am – 12:00pm.
- Lawsuit rulings announced last Friday have resulted in SNAP benefits being partially funded by the federal government starting this weekend. Those who normally receive their SNAP benefits on the third, fifth, or seventh of the month will receive about 50% of their normal SNAP allotment this Saturday, Nov. 8. Learn more below. If you rely on the program for nutrition assistance, please utilize Michigan 211 to locate a food bank nearest you.
Community Conversation and Optional Food Drive
WHEN: Friday, Nov. 7, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
WHERE: Arabica Café, 11601 Joseph Campau Ave., Hamtramck, MI 48212
See graphic above for more information on the optional food drive.
Community Conversation
WHEN: Monday, Nov. 24, from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Dorothy Busch Library, 23333 Ryan Rd., Warren, MI 48091
Update: November SNAP Benefits to be Partially Distributed
A couple of weeks ago, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) 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 SNAP benefits for approximately 42 million individuals across the nation. As a result, the USDA originally directed the state to pause Nov. SNAP issuance and ongoing benefits until further notice. To read the official statement from MDHHS, click here.
However, lawsuit rulings announced last Friday have resulted in SNAP benefits being partially funded by the federal government starting this weekend. Those who normally receive their SNAP benefits on the third, fifth, or seventh of the month will receive about 50% of their normal SNAP allotment this Saturday, Nov. 8. All other SNAP recipients will receive partial benefits on their normally scheduled date.
According to MDHHS, new SNAP applications will be processed from Oct. and Nov., however, it is unclear whether applicants will receive Nov. benefits as the department awaits further guidance from the USDA. Due to ongoing legal battles and the anticipated deletion of the SNAP contingency fund, it is also unclear how long these benefits will continue to be issued, and what this means for the availability of benefits in Dec.
Last week, Governor Whitmer announced $4.5 million to support the Food Bank Council — an important action to help more people have access to food during this unprecedented time. Many colleagues and I advocated for immediate action using available state funding, and I am pleased that this action took place.
Additionally, Michigan Senate Democrats passed Senate Bill 182 with bipartisan support last week, directing $71 million to continue SNAP benefits beyond Nov. 1 to support food banks, pantries, soup kitchens, and other food assistance organizations. I was thrilled to vote YES to support our community. The bill is now awaiting action in the Michigan House of Representatives. While this proposed relief funding will help prevent Michigan kids, families, veterans, and seniors from going hungry, it is not a permanent fix — federal Republicans must end the shutdown and release SNAP funds immediately before the consequences worsen.
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 are in need of assistance, I hope you will be able to utilize the many programs and resources that organizations in our community offer. 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 can connect you with food assistance, but a variety of things, including utility assistance, mental health support, and emergency shelter.
Double Up Food Bucks Expands, Offers “Bonus Bucks”
In response to the initial 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:
Saving Homes from Tax Foreclosure
As you may know, property taxes are regulated by Michigan’s General Property Tax Act. In 2019 and 2020, the state legislature passed temporary changes to this law known as Pay As You Stay (PAYS) and Tax Foreclosure Avoidance Agreement (TFAA) or as it is called in Wayne County, the Interest Rate Stipulated Payment Agreement (IRSPA). PAYS allows county treasurers to implement a reduction of delinquent taxes owed on a forfeited property under certain circumstances while TFAA/IRSPA allows foreclosing governmental units to enter into payment plans with eligible taxpayers to continue collecting taxes instead of foreclosing on the home whereafter no taxes would be paid.
PAYS already expired earlier in summer 2025, and TFAA is set to expire in 2026. With families continuing to struggle with costs rising all around, it is imperative that we help Michiganders stay in their homes. That’s why I introduced legislation, Senate Bill 423, to permanently change state law to allow county treasurers the option to start or maintain these programs to help struggling homeowners keep their homes while working with them to pay their taxes.
On October 29, the Senate passed my bill by a vote of 34 to 1, and it is now pending in the House Committee on Government Operations. I will continue to push for this change to our property tax laws to ensure we are doing all we can to help struggling homeowners and their families housed.
Water Affordability Package Sent to Senate Floor
Water affordability has been a top priority for me and my office ever since I started serving in the legislature in 2015. Too many Michiganders are struggling to make ends meet, and that includes dealing with rising water bills. Earlier this week, the Senate Committee on Housing and Human Services passed, with strong bipartisan support, our bipartisan water affordability bill package.
Senate Bills 248–256 will combat rising water costs and strengthen public health by creating a statewide water affordability program, with several options for local water providers, and limiting water shutoffs for Michiganders struggling to make ends meet.
These bills will help ensure that more low-income Michigan households can afford their water bill with a funding mechanism similar to the Michigan Energy Assistance Program, through a $1.25 monthly funding factor on household water bills. The money collected will help to keep water bills affordable for lower-income households and assist with minor plumbing repairs. You can learn more about this legislation here.
No-Cost Personal Protection Order Service
Last week, I was proud to testify along with Sen. Ruth Johnson about our bipartisan bill package to make the service of personal protection orders (PPOs) no-cost and immediate. Michigan is an unfortunate outlier when it comes to ensuring that victims of domestic violence, assault, and harassment do not have a financial barrier to their safety. Senate Bills 611–612 address this gap. We heard heartbreaking testimony from the family of Latricia Brown, who was tragically murdered by her ex-husband at Henry Ford Health Main Hospital in Detroit in August. She had secured a PPO, but it was never served. We look forward to more action on this bill package soon.
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: last 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 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.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Town Hall and Panel Discussion
With all the changes and uncertainty surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies and programs, this event looks to demystify what diversity, equity, and inclusion is and discuss why these policies were created and what their long-term implications are. The event is taking place Saturday, Nov.r 22, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at International Institution of Metro Detroit (IIMD) located at 111 E. Kirby St., Detroit, MI 48202.
Hosted in partnership with American Pride Rises, this event will feature speakers from the Metro Detroit area that work in DEI and advocate for marginalized groups. The panel was inspired by our Teach MI History bills (SB 453-455) which are currently awaiting a committee hearing.
The panel will talk about how diversity, equity, and inclusion play a role in their work, their communities, and how they have been affected by DEI-related policy changes. There will be elements of education, programming, and personal perspective in the overall conversation. Some of the panelists include a Senior Director from Equality Michigan, the Executive Director of Detroit College Access Network, a student from Wayne State Law School, and the Policy and Political Director at Rising Voices, among others.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from Equality Michigan, Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation, ACLU of Michigan, ACCESS, and other orgs.
Popoff Family Health Center Tour & Health Care Conversation
On Nov. 5, I toured the Popoff Family Health Center in Detroit with Lt. Governor Gilchrist, and we talked with CEO Loretta Bush about our bipartisan budget that safeguarded Medicaid funding and secures vital health care services that millions of Michiganders rely on. Popoff Family Health offers screening for the social determinants of health as well as adverse childhood experiences in addition to standard family medicine. Authority Health creates strong ties with the local community via dedicated community engagement based in health promotion and disease prevention activities. You can visit the Popoff Family Health Center at 10809 Mack Ave., Detroit, MI 48214.