Dear Neighbor,
While the start of spring often brings more sunshine and longer days, it can also bring frequent temperature changes, and with that, severe weather. Be sure to stay well informed, prepared, and alert for extreme weather events this spring.
Also, keep in mind that taxes are due this month! Read on to learn more about how my colleagues and I have fought for lower taxes and higher returns for working families ahead of the filing deadline, Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
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 me at SenSSingh@senate.michigan.gov or call (517) 373-3447.
Sincerely,
Sam Singh
State Senator
District 28
- From recently introducing legislation to boost tax relief for disabled veterans and expand access to higher education to standing alongside colleagues in defending health care coverage for millions of Michiganders, I’ve been working hard to ensure folks across our state have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
- Join me for my next community conversation on Thursday, April 14, from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. in Owosso. As always, you can find information on all of my upcoming events on my website.
- With severe storms recently making their way across Michigan, we’ve compiled resources to help you deal with any aftermath, from reporting downed power lines to navigating insurance coverage. Find useful links and phone numbers below.
Boosting Property Tax Exemptions for Disabled Veterans — Senate Bill 196
Last month, I introduced Senate Bill 196, which seeks to modify the existing property tax exemption for disabled veterans. This bill aims to provide more comprehensive tax relief to honor the sacrifices made by those who’ve served on the frontlines.
Expanding Access to Higher Education — Senate Bill 197
I recently introduced Senate Bill 197 to update the Michigan Tuition Grant Program. This legislation proposes changes to enhance access to financial aid for students pursuing higher education, ensuring that more individuals can afford college tuition.
Supporting Pet-Friendly Michigan Restaurants — Senate Bill 200
I also introduced Senate Bill 200 last month, which would permit dogs to be allowed in outdoor seating areas in restaurants. This bill would help make Michigan restaurants more pet-friendly, while maintaining health standards.
It’s Tax Month! Working to Maximize Your Return
The rising cost of living continues to make it more difficult for Michigan families to get by — that’s why my colleagues and I have fought hard to cut taxes and lower costs for our residents.
Last session, we passed the historic Lowering MI Costs Plan — the biggest tax relief initiative Michigan has seen in decades. This plan repealed the unfair retirement tax to help seniors save an average of $1,000 annually and provided the largest tax break for working families in state history, helping them save an average of $3,150.
Taxes are due this month on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. To learn how to take advantage of these expanded benefits and maximize your tax return ahead of the filing deadline, visit Michigan.gov/taxes.
Additional information to help you with the tax filing process can be found at IRS.gov, Michigan 2-1-1, and michiganfreetaxhelp.org.
Protecting Health Care Access
Last month, Republicans in Washington voted for a budget resolution that paves the way for massive, indiscriminate cuts to Medicaid. And as the federal Dept. of Government Efficiency (DOGE) seeks to slash enough from the federal budget to pay for a tax break for the wealthiest 1% of Americans, Medicaid is among the critical programs on the chopping block.
To protect the 2.6 million Michiganders — including children, seniors, and veterans — who rely on Medicaid for essential health care services, my colleagues and I joined physicians, patients, and advocates for a committee hearing and press conference where we called on the Trump administration to stop these dangerous cuts.
To learn more, you can watch the committee hearing here.
Addressing DOGE’s Access to Your Private Information
As Chair of the Senate Oversight Committee, I recently led a hearing where IT and cybersecurity experts testified about the impact and potential risks of DOGE’s unchecked access to Michiganders’ personal, financial, and health information. In addition to highlighting the cybersecurity threats posed by the Trump administration’s overreach into private data, experts provided guidance on how individuals can protect themselves from potential misuse.
To watch the committee hearing and learn more, click here.
Fighting to Safeguard Michigan Public Schools
On March 20, President Trump signed an executive order to begin dismantling the U.S. Dept. of Education — a dangerous, unconstitutional action that could result in devastating cuts to public education across the country, including funding for at-risk students, Pell Grant recipients, and other disadvantaged communities. Similarly, Michigan House Republicans recently passed their education budget, which aims to slash about $5 billion from our state’s public schools.
The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for PreK-12 schools recently heard from stakeholders on state budget funding needs for public education here in Michigan, underscoring the urgent need for continued support and stability rather than disinvestment and uncertainty. To watch the committee hearing and learn more, click here. In recent testimony before the full Senate Appropriations Committee, similar concerns about the impact of federal decisions on Michigan’s kids and schools were raised by Dr. Michael Rice, the State Superintendent, and officials from the Michigan Dept. of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential.
Community Conversation in Owosso
WHEN: Monday, April 14, from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Owosso Armory, 215 N. Water St., Owosso, MI 48867
Virtual Community Conversation
WHEN: Friday, April 25, from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
WHERE: Virtual – Register here
Grimace at the Capitol!
Last month, I introduced Senate Resolution 19 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Ronald McDonald House Charities and recognize the incredible work they’ve done to support families in need. Grimace even made a special appearance at the capitol to join in the celebration!
Reading Month Recap
March was Reading Month, and I had the privilege of visiting classrooms across the district to read with students and encourage a love of books. Reading is something I’m passionate about, and I enjoyed sharing that excitement with young readers. I visited East Lansing’s Donley Elementary, DeWitt’s David Scott Elementary, and Owosso’s Emerson Elementary, where I read some of my favorite Dr. Seuss books — The Lorax and, of course, Green Eggs and Ham!
Michigan Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Last month, I had the honor of meeting with advocates from the Michigan Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics who came to the capitol to discuss their legislative priorities for the year. The work they do to enhance access to nutritious food across the state is crucial to ensuring better health outcomes for Michiganders!
Severe Weather Resources
From a dangerous ice storm knocking out power for thousands of Northern Michiganders to severe thunderstorms ripping through the lower peninsula, our state has recently experienced significant storm damage. Below are some resources that may be useful in the aftermath of recent severe weather.
- To report downed power lines:
- DTE: outage.dteenergy.com/report-down-line
- Consumers Energy: Call 1-800-477-5050
- Lansing BWL: Call 1-877-295-5001
- For storm recovery resources, click here.
- For insurance help, click here.
- For additional resources and safety tips, visit Michigan.gov/miready.