- Legislative Update: Great news! Last week, the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Senate Democrats in our ongoing legal battle with Republican Speaker Matt Hall, explicitly requiring the House to present nine bills passed by both legislative chambers last year to Gov. Whitmer for her signature.
- Right now, nearly half a million Michiganders are at risk of losing their health care because Washington Republicans refuse to extend a critical tax credit that has helped make care more affordable. Read on to learn how Sen. McMorrow is working to save it.
- District Update: As of late last night, the U.S. Supreme Court issued an emergency stay temporarily blocking an order to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to issue full November SNAP benefits. As a result, MDHHS has been required to direct its SNAP EBT vendor to pause issuing SNAP benefit payments to Michigan recipients. Learn more below. If you rely on the program for nutrition assistance, please utilize Michigan 211 to locate a food bank nearest you.
- Good News from the District: Sen. McMorrow met up with students from Keller Elementary in Royal Oak, who stopped by the Capitol steps for a photo after their tour this week.
Update on the “Hall Holdup Lawsuit:” Courts Rule in Favor of Senate Democrats!
For over 10 months, the Michigan Republican House of Representatives has continued to deliberately and illegally block nine bills passed by both legislative chambers last year from being sent to the governor and enacted into law. These are bills that would lower health care costs for teachers and first responders and improve retirement benefits for corrections officers. But instead of following the Michigan Constitution and putting the interests of his constituents and residents statewide before his own, Republican Speaker Matt Hall has chosen to play political games every step of the way — forcing Senate Democrats to take him to court.
After a lengthy legal battle where judge after judge has decided in Senate Democrats’ favor, they have another victory: this week, the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled once again in their favor and is requiring Speaker Hall to present the nine bills to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for her signature.
At a time when Republican leaders across the country are breaking the law and getting away with it, this is a particularly meaningful win. No matter how deep our political differences are, the Constitution must be followed — full stop. Sen. McMorrow is proud to join her Senate colleagues in this fight on behalf of educators, first responders, corrections officers, and the many hardworking folks who keep our communities running and who deserve to have this legislation enacted.
Showing Up for Michigan’s First Responders
While many professions are safe, steady, and predictable, the work of our public safety officers is anything but. Their work is defined by uncertainty, yet they choose to sacrifice their own comfort and safety for the security of others. From police officers to firefighters and paramedics, the critical work of these individuals is essential in keeping you, your family, and our community safe. And just as they’ve always had our back, Sen. McMorrow is committed to having theirs in the Michigan Senate.
In recent years, Sen. McMorrow and her colleagues have worked on a bipartisan basis to champion legislation that doubles survivor benefits for first responders who are killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty and cuts bureaucratic red tape that could reduce time and financial barriers to becoming a paramedic. They’ve also made significant investments to allow the Michigan State Police to train more troopers, provide local police departments with grants to recruit and train talented officers, and purchase additional sets of turnout gear for fire departments across the state.
While National First Responders Day may come once a year, please know that Sen. McMorrow’s support for our state’s public safety officers extends all year round, and she will keep fighting in Lansing to ensure they have the tools and resources they need to get their job done as safely as possible. Read more about this work here.
A Snapshot of Legislative Activity
Along with securing game-changing investments for kids and communities in the recently signed state budget, Sen. McMorrow and her Senate colleagues are continuing to advance legislation to benefit Michiganders across the state, including bills to:
- Secure $71 million to continue SNAP benefits and provide critical support for food banks, pantries, soup kitchens, and other food assistance organizations.
- Boost needed revenue to support Michigan wildlife and natural resources by making updates to hunting and fishing license fees for the first time in over 10 years.
- Create a statewide Silver Alert public notification system to help find missing seniors and vulnerable adults.
- Expand access to health care and dental coverage for Michigan National Guard members.
- Combat human trafficking in Michigan by strengthening penalties for those who commit this heinous crime while bolstering support for survivors.
- Lower costs for struggling homeowners by extending the Pay As You Stay program, which provides affordable payment plans and eliminates penalties, interest, and fees to Michiganders who are having difficulties paying property taxes.
Legislation to Establish Statewide Silver Alert Public Notification System Passes Senate
Sen. McMorrow’s bill to establish a statewide Silver Alert public notification system recently passed unanimously in the State Senate and awaits action in the House. This legislation builds on a similar model to the Amber Alert system for missing children. If enacted, Senate Bill 456 would enable first responders to notify the Michigan State Police, who would dispatch immediate silver alerts, directly to the public, during cases in which seniors or vulnerable adults wander or disappear.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, six in ten people living with dementia will wander at least once, but often more. Wandering can be dangerous and even life-threatening, and the stress of this risk weighs heavily on family members and caregivers. Constituents across District 8 contacted our office sharing stories of the need for this crucial legislation here in Michigan using their own experiences of their loved ones wandering, many of which resulted in preventable and unfortunate deaths. Their experiences and relentless advocacy are what led to this bill being drafted and passing the Senate with full support.
Legislation to Offer Jury Duty Exemptions for Caretakers and Grieving Michiganders Passes Senate
Sen. McMorrow’s jury duty exemption legislation, Senate Bill 330, also recently passed the Senate with near-unanimous bipartisan support and is currently awaiting action in the House. It would create clear, uniform exemption procedures for familial caretakers of hospice patients and/or critically ill children — as well as a bereavement period for those grieving the loss of a loved one. Current Michigan law dictates that those called for jury duty are expected to serve with select exemptions for limited categories. All other exemption requests require written submission with the decision left to judges’ discretion. This change would ease navigating our judicial system by offering a straightforward exemption process for Michiganders going through an already challenging time.
The creation and introduction of this legislation was the result of a constituent contacting our office with their own experience in this area. They also joined Senator McMorrow to testify at the Senate bill hearings.
Now, we need your help getting both of these bills across the finish line. Reach out to your legislators in Lansing to voice your support and ask that they pass Senate Bill 456 and Senate Bill 330. Find your MI House Rep. here. Become a citizen cosponsor and learn more about each of these bills on their respective webpages: Silver Alerts; Jury Duty Exemption.
Join Sen. McMorrow At Her Next Town Hall!
WHEN: Monday, Nov. 24, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
WHERE: Tindal Activity Center, 10301 W. 7 Mile Rd., Detroit, MI 48221
November SNAP Benefits Remain in Legal Limbo for Michiganders
A couple of weeks ago, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) alerted the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) that due to the ongoing government shutdown and subsequent funding lapse, there is a limited availability of funds to pay full November SNAP benefits for approximately 42 million individuals across the nation. As a result, the USDA originally directed the state to pause November SNAP issuance and ongoing benefits until further notice.
Since that time, various legal challenges have resulted in lawsuit rulings directing the USDA to issue SNAP benefits for the month of November, initially restoring some hope for the 1.4 million Michiganders and others around the country who rely on this critical lifeline.
Unfortunately, as of late last night, the U.S. Supreme Court issued an emergency stay temporarily blocking an order to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to issue full November SNAP benefits. As a result, MDHHS has been required to direct its SNAP EBT vendor to pause issuing SNAP benefit payments to Michigan recipients. November benefits that have not yet been issued will remain paused until the courts or USDA take further action to allow MDHHS to resume payment. To read the official statement from MDHHS, click here.
SNAP recipients are encouraged to reach out to their local MDHHS office with any questions regarding SNAP benefits or can check MI Bridges for updates. We also recommend visiting MDHHS’ website and/or Facebook page to stay updated as this is a rapidly developing situation. MDHHS is communicating directly with neighbors enrolled in SNAP. If you currently receive SNAP benefits, or have a pending application for benefits, you will receive updates directly from MDHHS about the status of your benefits, including potential delays and when payments restart. Any already-issued benefits will remain available for use, and funds currently available on your Bridge Card can continue to be used without interruption.
In response to the disruption in this key safety net program, Michigan Senate Democrats passed Senate Bill 182 with bipartisan support last week, directing $71 million to continue SNAP benefits beyond Nov. 1 and support food banks, pantries, soup kitchens, and other food assistance organizations. The bill is now awaiting action in the Michigan House of Representatives. While this proposed relief funding will help prevent Michigan kids, families, veterans, and seniors from going hungry, it is not a permanent fix — federal Republicans must end the shutdown and release SNAP funds immediately before the consequences worsen.
If you are in need of assistance, please utilize the many programs and resources that organizations in our community offer. To be connected with a food bank nearest you, contact Michigan 211 by dialing 2-1-1, texting your zip code to 898-211, or visiting mi211.org. Michigan 211 not only can connect you with food assistance, but a variety of things, including utility assistance, mental health support, and emergency shelter.
Double Up Food Bucks Expands, Offers “Bonus Bucks”
In response to the initial temporary pause of SNAP benefits, the Fair Food Network (FFN) has announced its expansion of the Double Up Food Bucks Program to help Michiganders navigate this tough time.
Beginning last week and effective through Dec. 31, 2025, Michigan’s Double Up program has increased its flexibility with the following updates:
- Double Up earnings no longer expire. FFN lifted the 90-day limit so shoppers can use their earned benefits whenever they need them.
- No daily earning cap. FFN removed the usual $20 per day limit, enabling families to earn as much as they can while shopping for fresh produce.
- Frozen fruits and vegetables are now eligible. Shoppers can now use Double Up on frozen options with no added salt, sugar, or oil — available at all 237 locations across the state.
And, as a new, exciting benefit, Double Up “Bonus Bucks” are available now — a limited-time voucher of $40 that will not require a matching SNAP purchase to receive. It can be used exclusively on fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables and will be distributed directly onto Double Up cards and app, or loyalty cards at participating sites, where applicable. Printed vouchers for shoppers using tokens or coupons at participating locations will also be available.
If you are a SNAP beneficiary in Michigan, please know:
- You can still use any SNAP dollars already on your EBT card — those funds are not affected.
- All previously earned Double Up Food Bucks remain available.
- Double Up is available year-round at grocery stores, even as farmers’ market season winds down.
Learn more at DoubleUpFoodBucks.org/How-To-Snap-Disruption. If you need help or have questions, you can call the Double Up hotline at 866-586-2796, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday. To find a participating location near you, visit DoubleUpFoodBucks.org/locations.
Food Assistance Resources
Find the City of Detroit’s food pantry finder here and click “Food Locations” to view the interactive map.
Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)
The Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) is now accepting applications. This is a preventative program that works to provide supplemental bill payment assistance to low-income households. If you or someone you know needs assistance with energy costs, apply today. A list of organizations that deliver MEAP services can be found here.
Veterans Day Tuesday, Nov. 11th
On Veterans Day we thank those who have dedicated their service and made sacrifices for our country. We honor you not only on this day, but every day.
Keller Elementary Students Visit the Capitol
Sen. McMorrow met up with students from Keller Elementary in Royal Oak who stopped by the Capitol steps for a photo after their tour this week. Our office provided them with informational booklets that many students asked the Senator to sign while they asked about what the best part of being a legislator is. This is one of our favorite parts of what we do — getting to meet new people like these fourth graders, teachers, and chaperones!
Thank you for staying connected with Sen. McMorrow’s office through the biweekly e-newsletter. We’re committed to keeping you informed on our work in Lansing and the progress we’re making in the district. Whether it’s legislative updates or community initiatives, we want to ensure you’re engaged and aware of the ways we’re advocating for you.
Reach out with any questions, concerns, or ideas that you may have. Our office is here to assist you with any state-related matters, and we value your feedback. Feel free to contact us at (517) 373-2523 or by email at SenMMcMorrow@senate.michigan.gov. You can also fill out a contact form on our website, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we’re able.