Dear Neighbor,
Recently, my colleagues and I passed the final 2027 state budget, securing meaningful investments in Michigan’s students, families, and communities around the state. Learn more about the final agreement below, which includes another year of the universal free school meals program, protections for crucial healthcare and food benefits in the wake of federal changes, resources to tackle our state’s housing and childcare challenges, and so much more.
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
Signed, Sealed, Delivered: 2027 State Budget Heads to the Governor
After months of tough conversations, negotiations, and compromise, my Senate colleagues and I passed another bipartisan state budget to secure much-needed support for the people of Michigan. While chaos and recklessness from the federal administration continue to strain residents’ budgets and peace of mind, we’ve come together across party lines to deliver a 2027 budget that brings the relief and stability people deserve.
Now on its way to the governor to be signed into law, our final budget agreement helps meet the needs of our communities by:
- Ensuring access to Medicaid coverage and food benefits in the wake of changes from the federal megabill;
- Continuing proven programs, including the free school meals program, tax credits for working families and seniors, free pre-K for all, and grants to ensure access to safe, affordable drinking water;
- Securing another record per-pupil increase for Michigan schools and implementing a new weighted funding formula to deliver support to schools with students who need it most;
- Supporting our workforce and local communities through the establishment of a new Childcare Fund to offer stability for providers, wage increases for direct care workers, resources for small neighborhood businesses, and targeted investments in affordable housing and home repair grants;
- Investing in public safety efforts, such as Community Violence Intervention grants and natural disaster emergency response;
- And so much more!
Learn more here, and stay tuned for more information on how this budget will impact you and others across the state.
Out Talking to Our Neighbors in Roseville
Breaking Ground on the New 38th District Court
Understanding and Preventing Cyclosporiasis
Michigan is currently experiencing an outbreak of Cyclosporiasis. Although we typically see cases of this illness, the number of cases and the rate of which people are being diagnosed is higher and faster than normal. Currently, there is an ongoing investigation by the state and local health departments to identify the cause of the outbreak.
A person infected with Cyclosporiasis may experience intestinal distress, weight loss, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and cramping, bloating, nausea, and a low-grade fever. Symptoms typically start 2-14 days after exposure. This disease is not life threatening, but dehydration can be very dangerous, especially in young children and the elderly, and summer heat can exacerbate dehydration. Symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to a few months if not properly treated.
To prevent Cyclosporiasis, the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recommends:
- Washing all produce
- Discarding the outer leaves on whole heads of lettuce or leafy greens
- Cutting or disposing of any bruised areas
- Removing the roots of green onions
- Considering frozen raspberries as an alternative to fresh since the parasite can hide in the crevices between the bumps
- Rubbing the surface of snow peas while rinsing
- Frequently washing hands
- Cooking produce to at least 160 degrees
- Washing and sanitizing utensils, cutting space, counters, and where produce is stored
- Refrigerating all cut, peeled, and cooked produce as soon as possible
To learn more about the Cyclospora outbreak and how to stay safe, visit the MDHHS here.