Dear Neighbor,
With Michigan experiencing its first snowfall of the season and temperatures dropping, I hope you and your loved ones are staying safe and warm.
As we exit the longest government shutdown in American history, I know there still remains confusion and uncertainty about how quickly federal services will resume. Please know that you are not alone. My team and I are here to offer support, provide state and federal updates regarding various safety net programs, and share resources to help you navigate these unprecedented circumstances.
You can reach me and my team by emailing SenSShink@senate.michigan.gov or calling (517) 373-2426. Also, please visit my official Facebook page or website for the latest updates.
Sincerely,
Sue Shink
State Senator
14th Senate District
- Mark your calendar! On Dec. 11, I’m co-hosting a Health Care Town Hall in Jackson, together with Rep. Carrie Rheingans, at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center at 6:00 p.m. See details below.
- Another in-person event! Dec. 15 in Whitmore Lake, I’ll join Rep. Jennifer Conlin for a happy hour called Cocktails with Conlin at 5:30 p.m. at Captain Joe’s Grill in Whitmore Lake. See the details below.
- Thanks to funding Senate Democrats secured in the state budget, the Rx Kids program has recently expanded to Wayne County — delivering $7.5 million to six cities so that more Michigan moms and babies can access the resources they need at the time they need it most. It will be coming to our district eventually! To learn more, click here.
- We honored those who have served our country on Tuesday, Nov. 11, the national recognition of Veterans Day. We also honored Michigan’s women veterans with the unveiling of a new commemorative license plate design.
Health Care Town Hall in Jackson
I’m excited to co-host a Health Care town hall with Rep. Carrie Rheingans on Thursday evening, Dec. 11, at 6:00 p.m. at the King Center in Jackson. I look forward to seeing you there and hearing your thoughts!
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Martin Luther King Kr. Community Center, 1107 Adrian St., Jackson, MI 49203
Community Happy Hour celebration in Whitmore Lake
You’re invited to join me and Rep. Jennifer Conlin for a happy hour on Monday, Dec. 15 at Captain Joe’s Grill in Whitmore Lake, starting at 5:30 p.m. Please come share your thoughts and ideas with us, while also getting an update on what we are working on in Lansing.
WHEN: Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Captain Joe’s Grill, 9901 N. Main St., Whitmore Lake, MI 48189 (Exit 53 off US 23, next to the Days Inn Hotel)
Rx Kids Launches in Wayne County
The nation’s first-ever prenatal and infant cash prescription program enters Wayne County! This month, the Wayne County Commission approved a $7.5 million partnership with Michigan State University to bring the game-changing Rx Kids program to the cities of River Rouge, Hamtramck, Highland Park, Inkster, Melvindale, and Dearborn.
Thanks to investments secured by Senate Democrats in the state budget, beginning Nov. 10, expectant mothers in Wayne County can apply to receive $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 for the first six months of a child’s life. Senate Democrats also delivered significant funding for Rx Kids in the recently passed 2026 state budget, enabling the successful program to continue to expand around the state. From helping to afford baby supplies and rent, to groceries and everything in between, these extra sources provide crucial support to families at a time they need it most. Learn more about Rx Kids here.
Preventing Youth Tobacco Use
As one of 10 states that does not require the licensure of tobacco retailers, it’s clear Michigan needs stronger enforcement and accountability measures to keep tobacco out of the hands of our youth. That’s why Senate Democrats are leading a bipartisan bill package requiring tobacco retailers to be licensed and repealing the penalties against minors for tobacco use, purchase, or possession — which have shown to be ineffective. Passed out of committee this past week, Senate Bills 462–466 would also direct the Michigan Dept. of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to conduct undercover operations to ensure compliance of establishments that sell tobacco products.
Senate Democrats remain committed to protecting Michigan’s youth from the serious health risks associated with nicotine and tobacco products. This bill package now heads to the full Senate floor for consideration.
Ann Arbor Community Conversation
Thank you to everyone who took the time to join me for our Community Conversation in Ann Arbor. I value the chance to hear directly from people I represent! Your questions, concerns, and ideas help guide the work I do every day in Lansing.
Student Groups Visit the Capitol
Thank you, students from Northwest Elementary and Wylie Elementary, for coming to the Capitol! It was nice to meet you and hear your great ideas!
The Jackson Youth Council came to the Capitol! Their commitment to making a difference in their community reminds us why youth voices are vital in shaping Michigan’s future.
Immanuel Lutheran 100-year Tribute and Food Pantry Tour
I presented a tribute, along with Rep. Kathy Schmaltz, honoring the Immanuel Lutheran Church of Jackson on their 100th anniversary. Congratulations!
I was grateful to tour the Immanuel Lutheran Church food pantry, which has operated weekly for 22 years. Thank you for your service to the community!
Farm Visit in Horton
Thank you, Gerrit DeGlee for hosting me on a corn harvesting ride-along. I appreciated seeing the harvest and learning.
Trunk or Treat!
My team had fun attending Trunk or Treat events in Norvell and Jackson. It was great to connect with so many families!
Honoring Native American Heritage Month
From the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community in the northern part of the state to the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians in the south, Michigan’s 12 federally recognized tribes are vast and diverse, enriching our communities in invaluable ways. This November, I hope you’ll join me in recognizing the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of tribal communities here in Michigan and across our nation in recognition of Native American Heritage Month.
From raising awareness about the history of Indian boarding schools in our state to protecting tribal fishing areas, Senate Democrats have been working hard to tackle issues important to our state’s Native American communities.
Whether by reading a book written by a local Native American author or visiting any of the four must-see Native American cultural sites in our state, I hope you’ll join me in celebrating Michigan’s resilient Indigenous communities who’ve been here for millennia and are here to stay.
Honoring Our Veterans and Military Families
Every year on November 11, Americans come together to express profound gratitude for those who have honored our country through the highest form of service. From soldiers and sailors to pilots, Coast Guard members, and Marines, these are individuals who make the ultimate sacrifice to defend the ideals of freedom and democracy.
November is also Military Family Month, a time we observe the hardships military families experience while their loved ones serve. Whether moving across the country or facing deployment, we honor those who serve and equally salute their families for their unconditional support.
While we can never serve our veterans in the same way they have served us, we all have an obligation to uplift and honor them. Understanding this, my colleagues and I have been committed to passing legislation and securing investments in the Legislature to support our veterans here in Michigan. Some of this work includes:
- Passing legislation to lower costs for families of disabled veterans by eliminating red tape and ensuring spouses can maintain property tax exemptions.
- Establishing a special registration plate for women veterans in the state of Michigan, helping to raise recognition of their contributions to our nation. To learn more about the Women Veterans’ License Plate, click here.
- Securing funds for suicide prevention programs that help veterans and their families address the trauma related to military service.
- Delivering significant budget investments for Michigan’s three veteran homes, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, the Michigan National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program, nonprofit organizations that provide critical services to Michigan veterans, and the Helmets to Hardhats program to provide job training and apprenticeships for veterans.
On Veterans Day and beyond, I am committed to providing our service members, veterans, and their families with meaningful recognition and essential support. To learn more about the various resources available to veterans, click here.
Deer Hunting Begins Nov. 15
The opening day of Michigan’s 2025 firearm deer hunting season is Saturday, Nov. 15. The Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources has created a page to help hunters have a successful season — find licenses, regulations, maps, and more here. You can also find hunting safety tips here. And to learn how Senate Democrats have been working to secure vital resources to conserve Michigan’s Great Outdoors and preserve our longstanding hunting heritage, click here.
Affordable Care Act and Open Enrollment
Having health insurance is important, not just for when you are sick or hurt, but also to help you stay healthy and avoid big medical bills. All Michiganders should take the time to evaluate their health insurance options during the Health Insurance Marketplace open enrollment period, which runs through Jan. 15, 2026 on HealthCare.gov. This enrollment period is an important opportunity for Michiganders to obtain health insurance for 2026. Free, local enrollment help is available at HealthCare.gov/LocalHelp.
Now is the time to sign up. If you sign up by Dec. 15, 2025, coverage will begin Jan. 1, 2026. If you sign up between Dec. 15 and Jan. 15, your coverage will begin Feb. 1, 2026. If you miss the Jan. 15, 2026 deadline, you might not have another chance to sign up for health insurance until next year.
Get started at HealthCare.gov today! Michiganders can learn more by visiting Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance, which features an on-demand webinar, “10 Things You Need to Know About Health Insurance – Open Enrollment for 2026.” You can also call the Michigan Dept. of Insurance and Financial Services’ call center at 877-999-6442, Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Update: November SNAP Benefits to be Distributed
As of Nov. 10, The Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has directed its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) EBT vendor to once again begin issuing full SNAP benefits to Michigan SNAP recipients. Going forward, all SNAP recipients should receive full benefit payments on their normally scheduled date.
SNAP recipients are encouraged to reach out to their local MDHHS office with any questions regarding SNAP benefits or they can check MI Bridges for updates. Please see MDHHS’ website and Facebook Page for additional information and to stay updated.
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) announced its expansion of the Double Up Food Bucks Program to help Michiganders navigate this tough and uncertain time.
Beginning early November 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 earnings 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:
- 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.
Support for Federal Workers in Michigan Impacted by Federal Layoffs and Funding Cuts
Another consequence of the federal government shutdown is that many Michiganders who are employed by federal departments and agencies have been furloughed without pay or laid off entirely. If you or a loved one has been affected by these decisions, please utilize the resources the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) compiled.
A comprehensive webpage, Michigan.gov/FederalWorkerHelp, provides impacted federal workers with easy access to unemployment, job search, and community resources. Additionally, workers who recently lost their jobs through no fault of their own may be eligible to apply for temporary financial assistance through the Unemployment Insurance Agency.
Additional helpful sites for workers: