Dear Neighbor,
Autumn is fully underway — and with the leaves falling and temperatures dropping, I hope you’ll take advantage of everything the Mitten State has to offer this month, whether that be trick-or-treating with the kids, visiting a local pumpkin patch or cider mill with some friends, or exploring our scenic state parks brimming with peak fall foliage.
My legislative colleagues and I are working on your behalf to support both our local communities and the entire state. And earlier this month, the historic state budget that we passed over the summer took effect, delivering record investments that build up Michigan’s schools, families, infrastructure, and so much more.
As always, if you or someone you know would like to provide feedback about what’s happening in Lansing or needs assistance, feel free to contact my office. You can email me at sensmccann@senate.michigan.gov or call 517-373-5100.
Sincerely,
Sean McCann
State Senator
District 19
- Our transformative Fiscal Year 2025 state budget is now in effect. Plus, my legislation to improve pipeline safety standards was signed into law!
- October is Michigan College Month, during which many Michigan colleges and universities waive their application fee. Find more information here.
- Visiting the Michigan Capitol or Lansing area soon? My team would love to meet you and learn about issues that are important to you. Click here to set up a time.
Historic State Budget Now in Effect with New Fiscal Year Underway
October 1 marked the beginning of a new fiscal year for the state of Michigan, and our transformative Fiscal Year 2025 state budget has officially taken effect! The FY 2025 budget totals $82.5 billion, including a general fund total of $15 billion and a school aid budget total of $19 billion. The overall budget prioritizes continued investments in education, infrastructure, protecting water and natural resources, public safety, fiscal responsibility, investments in local communities and much more. This budget was intentionally crafted to support the needs and desires of Michigan residents in every corner of the state.
To learn more about the new budget now in effect, click here.
More Funds Allocated for Classrooms, Teachers, Mental Health Services and School Safety
Last year, my colleagues and I passed a School Aid Budget with the highest per-pupil funding in Michigan history. We also allocated hundreds of millions of dollars to mental health services and school safety improvements for schools.
This year, we saw new challenges with the budget process due to an overall reduction of revenue. Despite these challenges, my colleagues and I worked hard to craft a budget that focuses on the needs of teachers and students alike. On June 27th, the Michigan Legislature passed the budget agreement for Fiscal Year 2025, which began on October 1, 2024.
The new FY 2025 School Aid Budget included a one-time decrease in the rates school districts pay into the Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement System (MPSERS). Along with this, the Michigan Legislature recently took action to make that change permanent by passing Senate Bill 911. This redirects over $600 million from MPSERS — which is currently funded at 140% — back to our schools every year, which is equivalent to about a $400 per student increase statewide.
This legislation also eliminates the 3% payroll deduction that some employees contribute toward their retiree health care costs, putting more money back into the pockets of more than 100,000 hardworking educators and support staff. This bill has been returned to the House of Representatives for their consideration before it heads to the governor’s desk for her signature.
Similarly, the Michigan Legislature passed a school budget supplemental bill on September 25th, 2024, investing $125 million in per-pupil school safety and mental health grants to public school districts, Intermediate School Districts, and nonpublic schools. House Bill 5503 also allocates $1 million to support a tip line for students to anonymously report improperly stored firearms that were accessible to a minor.
This essential boost gives school districts the flexibility to determine where funds are needed most — whether it be more school resource officers, counselors, therapists, or infrastructure upgrades. I am proud to have voted in support of this supplemental funding towards the safety and well-being of Michigan students.
My Legislative Activity
Improving Pipeline Safety Standards
On October 9th, 2024, my bill to authorize the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) to establish and enforce gas safety standards was signed into law by Gov. Whitmer. This law will increase the fines for violations of gas safety standards and ensure the MPSC’s ability to operate a state-wide natural gas program. I hope this law will create stronger accountability for natural gas providers and will protect Michigan residents from harmful incidents. Along with this, the law will align Michigan with other states regarding state level regulation of natural gas distribution systems.
Helping People with Disabilities Participate in Our Government
My legislation to expand Michigan’s Open Meetings Act to allow for remote meeting participation of certain public body members with disabilities received a hearing in the Senate Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety on October 4th, 2024. This is a bill that follows a 2022 opinion from Attorney General Nessel and would not apply to those who work in the legislature. Currently, the bill awaits a vote in the full Michigan Senate.
Modernizing Michigan’s Ability to Respond to Disasters
On October 16th, 2024, I introduced legislation that would eliminate the cap on the state’s Disaster and Emergency Contingency Fund (DECF). The need for this was highlighted following the devastating tornadoes that Southwest Michigan and Western Wayne County contended with in May of this year. The tornadoes caused damage to homes and businesses alike and I have been proud to continue to work with my community to develop solutions to recover and rebuild.
Currently, the DECF is capped at $10 million. This bill simply eliminates this cap to allow the legislature to appropriate sufficient funds to maintain the DECF at an appropriate level to help address natural disasters and emergencies that may arise in Michigan’s future.
Michigan College Month — Free College Applications!
As part of the American College Application Campaign, October is Michigan College Month! During this month, many Michigan colleges and universities waive their application fee in an effort to provide every graduating high school senior the opportunity to apply to college and for financial aid. The Michigan College Access Network created a list of participating colleges.
Find more information, additional institutions waiving their fee for Michigan College Month 2024, and downloadable fee waivers here.
Publications
A resource my office has to offer, but many may not know about, are constituent publications! The Michigan Legislature produces several publications full of useful information for constituents to use, and my office can provide them.
Some of our most popular publications are our Constituent’s Guide, the U.S. and Michigan Constitutions, Services for Seniors, and Veterans Benefits. Many of these publications include how-to guides for forms and services that can be very helpful.
Please reach out to my office if you are interested in learning more or would like us to send you any copies.
Helpful Links
Visiting the Michigan Capitol? If you plan to visit Lansing for a conference or to advocate for an issue important to you, please contact my office so we can set up a time to meet you.
Paying tribute? It is my pleasure to produce official legislative tributes honoring Kalamazoo County and Antwerp Township residents for milestone birthdays, anniversaries, retirements, and special accomplishments. If you would like a tribute from state officials, please let me know and we would be glad to assist.