Dear Neighbor,
Both in Lansing and throughout our community, our team has stayed busy crafting a state budget, making progress on legislative priorities, and connecting with constituents. Read on for more information on what we’ve been working on!
I appreciate your feedback, so please feel free to reach out. You can contact me by sending an email to SenVKlinefelt@senate.michigan.gov, calling 517-373-7670, or visiting my website here.
Sincerely,
Veronica Klinefelt
State Senator
District 11
Michigan Senate Passes 2027 Budget
Last week, the Senate voted to advance a future-facing plan for the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. With the costs of gas, groceries, utilities, and other essentials on the rise, Senate Dems’ 2027 state budget proposal works to make life more affordable for Michigan residents by:
- Continuing to invest in programs that work, including the widely popular free school meals program, tax credits for working families, and Rx Kids to support more moms and babies.
- Ensuring transparency and fair pricing for Michigan consumers, taking steps to address the high costs of everyday essentials like car insurance, prescription medications, and the ever-increasing rate of utilities.
- Investing in our workers and local economies by increasing wages for direct care workers, boosting benefits for corrections officers, establishing a new payment fund for childcare providers, securing resources for small business development, and strengthening scholarships to help Michiganders get the education they need to land the career they want.
These proposals now head to the House for further consideration. Read more here.
Michigan Senate Advances Education Budget
Last week, the Senate voted to advance an education proposal that continues building on our efforts to ensure all those in the classroom have the support they deserve.
For the fourth consecutive year, our proposal includes a per-pupil increase for a total of $10,300. This investment is paired with a new weighted funding formula that would provide more predictable school funding for years to come, giving districts the ability to make strategic, long-term plans to support student success. Also included are resources to provide free school breakfast and lunch for all students, bolster school safety and mental health efforts, and ensure every child can become a confident, capable reader.
The education budget passed the full Senate last week and now heads to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
Revenue Sharing Trust Fund
The Senate unanimously passed Senate Bills 559, 561, and 912 which I proudly sponsored. Together, these bills would ensure consistent funding for our counties, cities, townships, and villages. You can read more about this important legislation here.
Legislation to Help Keep Our Kids Safe Online
As we rapidly accelerate into the age of digital and AI advancements, our youth are bearing the brunt of the harmful consequences of Big Tech’s exploitive algorithms. That’s why the Senate has been working on legislation that would implement stronger safety measures to prevent social media companies and AI platforms from targeting and exploiting minors.
Last week, the Senate passed this package in full, sending it to the House for their consideration. While we wait for them to schedule a vote, I encourage you to take our survey and let me know your thoughts on how social media is impacting our youngest generation — your input can help shape what the final package looks like to ensure we meet the needs of Michigan families.
Speaking at the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Convention
Community Conversation
WHEN: Monday, May 18, from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Roseville Public Library, 29777 Gratiot Ave., Roseville, MI 48066
Flood Damage Support and Resources
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), floods are the most common, and most costly, natural disaster. If you or someone you know is facing extensive flood damage following last month’s severe storms, tornado conditions, and record flooding across the state, the Michigan Dept. of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) has a slate of resources to assist those navigating filing insurance claims.