Dear Neighbor,
This week marks the end of July and the beginning of August, so it’s time to get outdoors and enjoy the last few weeks of summer before the back-to-school season is in full swing!
Meanwhile, my team and I have been hard at work serving our community — meeting with folks at local events to hear what’s on their minds, crafting legislation to help move our state forward, and fighting back against dangerous cuts coming from the Republicans in Washington. Read more about this work below.
As always, please feel free to reach out to share your thoughts or seek assistance with any challenges you may be facing with state departments. You can email us at SenDPolehanki@senate.michigan.gov or call 517-373-7350.
Sincerely,
Dayna Polehanki
State Senator
District 5
- Thanks to a $4.5 million investment Senate Democrats secured in last year’s state budget, nearly 210,000 Michiganders in communities across our state have had their medical debts forgiven. And we’re not done yet! Learn more below.
- Because of state investments secured by Senate Democrats, Michiganders can save up to $5,500 a year on higher education costs with the Michigan Achievement Scholarship. Learn more below.
Tax Changes for Michiganders Under Trump’s Big, Beautiful Bad Bill
Last month, in the wee hours of the night, Republicans in Washington paved the way for the passage of Trump’s budget mega-bill. Signed into law on July 4, this massive spending bill continues to add to the chaos and concern spurred by federal actions since January of this year. Touted as Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” — this legislation will certainly have a big impact, but that impact looks to be anything but beautiful.
Along with stripping health care and food assistance away from millions of Americans, ballooning our national debt, adding several billion dollars for unchecked deportation efforts, and restricting opportunities for student loan borrowers, this new federal budget bill notoriously marks the largest transfer of wealth from the poorest to the richest in our nation’s history.
By making the 2017 Trump tax cuts permanent, this new Republican-backed law hands out trillions of dollars in tax cuts to the country’s wealthiest individuals, businesses, and corporations while leaving millions of low-income and working families nationwide to foot the bill.
With Michigan being the Great Lakes State, let’s break down how Trump’s big, bad bill impacts Michiganders with different incomes and their ability to take a summertime trip. For Michigan taxpayers, here’s what the average tax cut looks like for the…
- Bottom 20% who make up to $21,900 a year: $20 — enough to fill about one-third of a tank of gas for a trip to the beach.
- Second 20% who make up to $48,100 a year: $550 — enough to pay for weekend accommodations near one of our shorelines.
- Top 1% who make $715,800 and above: nearly $50,000 — enough to afford a yearly mortgage for a house on Lake Michigan. That’s 2,500 times the size of the average tax cut for those Michiganders who are struggling the most.
Find the full breakdown by income group here. And, keep in mind that for everyday Michiganders, these figures do not reflect resource losses from cuts to vital social safety programs or price increases linked to Trump’s tariff policies.
While Republicans in Washington have clearly shown who they’re working for, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I remain committed to putting YOU — the hard-working people of Michigan — first. From including funds to protect Michiganders from rash federal actions in our own state budget proposal to calling on Michigan’s congressional delegation to reject this dangerous federal budget bill, the Michigan Senate Democrats have done whatever we can to fight back against Trump and used every tool at our disposal to safeguard Michigan residents — and we will keep doing so every step of the way.
Eliminating Medical Debt for Michiganders
Health care is a human right. No one should be forced into a cycle of debt and poverty just for seeking the medical care they need and deserve. That’s why Michigan Senate Democrats have remained committed to providing economic relief for Michiganders who have been saddled by medical debt.
Announced recently, nearly 210,000 Michiganders in communities across our state have had their medical debts forgiven thanks to the $4.5 million we secured in last year’s state budget under Sen. Sarah Anthony’s leadership.
And, while attacks at the federal level attempt to amplify the burden shouldered by those with medical debt, our work here at the state Capitol is far from over. Building off last year’s progress, Senate Democrats proposed an additional $5 million for debt forgiveness in the 2026 State Budget along with reintroducing bipartisan legislation to continue tackling this growing issue. Championed again by Sen. Anthony, this new legislation would establish clear guidelines for hospitals to offer financial assistance programs and strengthen consumer protections for patients struggling with medical expenses.
Celebrating & Protecting Michigan’s Greatest Natural Treasure: Our Great Lakes
The Great Lakes boast more than their scenic sandy shorelines and unmatched recreational opportunities. Containing more than 20% of the world’s freshwater, the Great Lakes region is used as the primary water source for more than 40 million people. These iconic water bodies form a vital component of our state’s natural ecosystem, providing a home to a diverse range of wildlife while also serving as crucial shipping routes and energy sources. In short, they’re vital to our state and national economy, environment, and day-to-day way of life.
As the Great Lakes State, we’re home to 11,000 more inland lakes and tens of thousands of miles of rivers and streams. With Lakes Appreciation Month wrapping up this past week, there’s no better time to take a moment and celebrate our water resources. For all the reasons mentioned above and more, it’s absolutely critical that we work to protect our lakes and waterways as much as we seek to enjoy them.
Committed to safeguarding our lakes and water bodies for future generations to come, Senate Democrats have worked to:
- Prevent Michigan from serving as the nation’s dumping grounds for hazardous waste before our waterways, fields, and neighborhoods become too toxic for us to enjoy.
- Hold polluters accountable for contaminating Michigan’s land and water and harming residents’ health.
- Empower Michigan officials to strengthen environmental and public health protections that exceed federal standards.
- Improve water quality and public health outcomes through the creation of a uniform statewide septic code.
- Invest $40 million to offset increased water infrastructure project costs due to tariffs and $15 million in dam safety and management in the 2026 state budget proposal.
- Deliver tens of millions of dollars in last year’s state budget to strengthen various water infrastructure projects around the state, support research to address microplastics contamination, implement recommendations from the Water Use Advisory Council, bolster invasive species management, and more.
Some Ways YOU Can Celebrate Lakes Appreciation Month in the Great Lakes State
- Head out for a swim at one of Michigan’s beautiful state parks, many of which surround the Great Lakes coastline. (Be sure to read up on these safety tips beforehand.)
- Grab a pole and some bait and enjoy some of the best fly-fishing and bass lakes in the country right here in Michigan. Check out this map of family-friendly fishing locations around the state.
- Plan a visit to the Dossin Great Lakes Museum and immerse yourself in Detroit’s role in Michigan’s maritime history. A Detroiter membership is available at no cost for residents of Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park!
- Have a furry friend in tow? Bring them along to one of Michigan’s many pet-friendly beaches.
- Learn more about ways to explore the Great Lakes here, and read on about further efforts my Senate Democratic colleagues and I have championed to protect Michigan’s freshwater ecosystem here.
Community Conversation & Neighborhood Outreach
Last month, I had the pleasure of hosting a constituent outreach day that began with a community conversation and continued with neighborhood outreach. It was a wonderful opportunity to sit down with constituents over coffee, listen to their concerns, and discuss the issues that matter most to our district. Afterward, I joined a dedicated group of volunteers to knock on doors and connect directly with residents. These conversations are invaluable to me — they help shape my work in Lansing and ensure your voices are heard. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the day a success!
Save on Higher Education with the Michigan Achievement Scholarship
With a new school year right around the corner, learn more about how you can save money on the cost of higher education with the Michigan Achievement Scholarship!
Recognizing the vital role colleges play in shaping the future of our state, my colleagues and I worked to expand the Michigan Achievement Scholarship (MAS) program and create the “Community College Guarantee.” This scholarship is available to most graduating high school seniors and incoming college freshmen this year.
Under the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, students can receive:
- Up to $2,750 annually if they enroll in a Michigan community college, for up to three years.
- Up to $4,000 annually if they enroll in a Michigan private college or university, for up to five years.
- Up to $5,500 annually if they enroll in a Michigan public university or a baccalaureate degree program at a Michigan community college, for up to five years.
If you’re interested in learning more about how you or your student can take advantage of the scholarship, the Michigan Dept. of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) is hosting a series of informational webinars that will give an overview of the scholarship, eligibility requirements, award amounts, and more. You can find a date that works with your schedule and register here.
Michiganders Feeling Economic Relief from New Unemployment Law
Nearly 48,000 Michiganders are receiving retroactive unemployment payments thanks to legislation my Senate Democratic colleagues and I secured last legislative session to strengthen our state’s benefits for workers trying to make ends meet. Signed into law in December, this new law raised the maximum weekly unemployment benefit from $362 to $466 starting on April 1 of this year and is set to continue incremental increases up to $614 in Jan. 2027. Our comprehensive bill package also restored the maximum number of weeks claimants could access benefits from 20 to 26, among other long overdue benefit changes.
Totaling $34 million, the back payments were issued after a thorough review by the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA). Claimants should check their Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM) account for a Monetary Redetermination Letter; they will also receive a copy of the letter mailed to the address listed on their account. Learn more here.