Dear Neighbor,
I’m pleased to report that the legislature recently 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 universal free school meals, 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.
This newsletter also provides a legislative update on things I’ve been working on, as well as my thoughts on issues encountered with the Michigan Dept. of Treasury this tax year.
As always, if you need assistance of any sort, or have any questions or concerns you’d like to share, please feel free to reach out to my office. You can reach me and my team by emailing SenSMcCann@senate.michigan.gov or calling 517-373-5100.
Sincerely,
Sean McCann
State Senator
District 19
State Budget Passed
Just prior to the 4th of July, after months of conversations, negotiation, and compromise, my Senate colleagues and I passed another bipartisan, balanced state budget to secure much-needed support for the people of Michigan. While chaos and reckless policy changes from the federal administration continue to strain Michigan 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.
As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Appropriations and Chair of the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Community Colleges, I’m especially proud of the funding I’ve helped secure for our K-12 schools to continue free breakfast and lunch for students, as well as one-time investments for the 19th District,
Now on its way to the governor to be signed into law, the budget agreement helps meet the needs of Michigan residents by:
Statewide Wins
- Ensuring access to Medicaid coverage and food benefits in the wake of changes from harmful federal policy decisions;
- 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;
- Continuing infrastructure investments in our roads and bridges;
- 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;
- No taxes on tips, overtime, or Social Security;
- And so much more, all without raising taxes or fees!
Local Budget Wins for the 19th Senate District
- Approving a $39 million capital outlay project to renovate Western Michigan University’s Knauss Hall;
- Delivering $39 million for a capital outlay project for Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Technical Trades Renovation and Expansion;
- Securing $650,000 to help fund a large capacity fire tanker for Texas Township; and
- Championing $566,000 for a mobile traffic diversion safety vehicle for Comstock Township!
Learn more here, and stay tuned for more information on how this budget will impact you and residents across the state.
Curtailing Citizens United
I recently introduced legislation along with state Rep. Betsy Coffia that would revise corporate spending power in Michigan elections. For over 200 years, the Supreme Court of the United States has held that states have the authority to create, charter, and regulate the powers of corporations operating within their state. Therefore, states also retain the authority to decide if and how corporate entities can spend money to influence elections.
These bills take inspiration from the more than 13 states introducing legislation seeking to curb the deleterious effect of the Citizens United ruling based on what is known as “The Montana Plan.” It is time Michigan joins these efforts across the country, from Montana to Hawaii, to do what we can at the state level to finally counter the effects of Citizens United and restore power back to the people and trust into our democracy. Learn more here.
State Tax Return Processing Issues
I find the ongoing issues with the Michigan Dept. of Treasury unacceptable — their failing to process the 2025 tax returns of the people of Michigan and the 19th District in a timely manner.
Since early February, my office has been in contact with constituents experiencing lack of communication via website or mail, trouble getting anyone on the phone lines, inconsistent mailing of requests for information, including the erroneous mailing of 27,000 adjustment notices, and incorrect or outdated deadline dates provided on their processing status within the portal and phone line.
On April 23, 2026, I wrote State Treasurer Eubanks to share my concerns. Since this time, my office has been in regular contact with the department. I understand there are sometimes issues with switching software systems, but the lack of communication, or in some cases inaccurate communication, between constituents and the department is unacceptable.
People are rightfully upset. Many rely on their tax returns for financial stability or are being asked to pay confusing amounts with little clarity. My office has outstanding cases that date back to February with no updates outside of confirmation that they’re in the system for review.
Many local tax advocates and preparers have contacted my office to share their concerns, including preparers possibly losing clients because of the lack of communication from the department. I’m dedicated to working to make sure Michigan families receive the money they are owed back in their pockets as soon as possible.
My staff has attended multiple briefings with the department. I understand that Treasury is aware of our concerns and are adapting solutions for the next tax year, but this does not solve the outstanding cases waiting to be processed manually. I have urged the department to immediately take steps to address this situation — including recommending they hire additional staff to take on the estimated 250,000 outstanding cases remaining statewide for processing and communicate concrete timelines for taxpayers impacted.
If you or someone you know is experiencing issues regarding state individual income taxes, please reach out to my office so that we may try to provide assistance. You can reach me and my team by emailing SenSMcCann@senate.michigan.gov or calling 517-373-5100.