And just like that, it’s time to head back to school! I hope you had a safe and enjoyable summer and that you and your family are energized and ready for a great school year. As your state Senator and a mom myself, one of my top priorities is helping ensure all our kids are set up to succeed.
In this newsletter you can learn about our work to make that reality possible: from universal free meals for all Michigan kids to information on safe, clean drinking water in all schools and childcare centers; additional support in the classroom and programs to help make college and postsecondary skills training accessible to all.
Additionally, read about the historic work we’re doing to expand affordable housing, including one exciting project right here in our district.
If there’s anything I can do to help you and your family, never hesitate to reach out. Our team is here for you!
You can contact me toll-free at (855) DIST008 (855-347-8008), by email at SenMMcMorrow@senate.michigan.gov or through my website online at SenatorMcMorrow.com.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Mallory McMorrow
State Senator
District 8
In the 2022 election, young voters turned out at a higher rate than anywhere else in the country! But even with record-setting turnout (37% in Michigan versus only 23% nationally), more than 50% of voters aged 18-29 did not vote. We’ve heard countless stories from young voters and their parents that many young voters miss their first election simply because they were away from home or off at college when they turned 18 and missed their chance to get registered back at their home address. But now — thanks to legislation we passed that was signed into law by Governor Whitmer — 16- and 17-year-olds can now pre-register to vote. This way, when they turn 18, their registration will automatically become active! This process will be done whenever a young person first gets their driver’s license or Michigan ID, unless they choose to opt out. By granting young Michiganders this option — particularly as they’re learning about democracy and civic engagement in school — we are mitigating barriers to ballot access and helping more residents become engaged, lifelong voters.
Ensuring All Kids Have Safe Drinking Water at School, Child Care
Staying hydrated is part of good nutrition, which is crucial for student success during the academic year. Our Filter First legislation (Senate Bills 88 and 89) that passed into law in 2023 requires all Michigan schools and childcare centers to implement a Drinking Water Management Plan, including installing and testing filtered bottle-filling stations or filtered faucets on outlets designated for drinking water. By the end of the 2025-2026 school year, all Michigan schools will have approved water filters on all fixtures used for students’ drinking water.
This legislation has widespread support from health and environmental experts. No parent should have to worry about their child being exposed to lead poisoning at school or daycare, just as no student should have to worry about the quality of water coming out of their drinking fountain.
Filling out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can save you thousands of dollars a year off the cost of community, public, or private college. You can unlock grants, scholarships, and other assistance to put you on the path to higher education right here in Michigan.
One of the new ways you can save money is through the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, a bipartisan scholarship established to lower the cost of community, public, or private college by thousands of dollars a year — up to $27,500 over five years — for most graduating seniors.
All you need to do to qualify for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship is fill out your FAFSA — that’s it. Visit fafsa.gov to fill out your information.
In addition to filling out your FAFSA, students can apply for grants and scholarships through the MI Student Aid website.
Visit Michigan.gov/mistudentaid/missg to access your MI Student Aid Portal.
Ensuring Access to Free School Meals
In 2023, Michigan became one of eight states nationwide to guarantee free meals for kids in schools. Since implementing this program, we’ve heard overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents on not only the cost savings – but the amount of time they’ve saved knowing their kids have meals available for them at school. We know that kids learn better when they can focus on learning and not whether or not they’re hungry; that’s why we secured $160 million in the Fiscal Year 2024 state budget to provide a year of free breakfasts and lunches to all Michigan public school students.
Senate Bill 500 would make this provision permanent. This bill passed out of the Senate Committee on Education and awaits further deliberation on the Senate floor.
I worked hard alongside my Senate colleagues to pass our “Building Up Michigan” 2025 state budget. The budget includes substantial funding to address Michigan’s housing shortage and lower high costs, including:
- Creating new and refurbished options to improve access and affordability;
- Providing support for downpayment assistance and homeowner affordability grants; and
- Investing in programs and services to reduce homelessness.
This budget builds on the transformative investments of the previous year, including the Lowering MI Costs Plan, which eliminated the unfair and unpopular retirement tax, expanded the Working Families Tax Credit and made significant investments in housing and community development. The plan included an investment of $50 million in the state’s Housing and Community Development Fund, which prioritizes projects offering veterans, seniors, people with disabilities and working families safe, affordable homes. This is significant, sustainable and ongoing dedicated funding to affordable housing — the first permanent funding for affordable housing and community revitalization in state history.
