Dear Neighbor,
I hope you’ve gotten the opportunity to enjoy some of the perks of summertime in beautiful Michigan, whether that’s time on a hiking trail, a Tigers baseball game at Comerica Park, or soaking up the sun on our freshwater coast.
And the benefits of living in Michigan certainly don’t stop there — we’ve also earned national recognition as one of the top 10 states for business in the country! I’m proud of the work my Senate colleagues and I have done to help make Michigan one of the best states to do business, work, live, and play.
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
House Republicans Blow Past Budget Deadline as Senate Democrats Stand Ready to Negotiate
Every year, the Michigan Legislature is tasked with crafting a fiscally responsible budget by July 1. This is not a trivial deadline, but one that our schools count on us meeting so they can make proper plans for the upcoming school year.
Senate Democrats stuck to schedule and delivered a timely and comprehensive budget. Starting in January, we sat down with stakeholders across Michigan to learn more about their needs; we crafted a fiscally responsible budget that reflected what we heard; we passed it through the chamber; and we came to the table ready to negotiate a fair compromise ahead of the July 1 deadline.
In our education budget, we put Michigan students first, with historic investments to ensure they have the support and resources they need for a well-rounded education. And in the rest of the state budget, we proposed a slate of people-focused investments to bolster community safety, increase job training opportunities, support small businesses, ensure our seniors and veterans have the benefits they worked a lifetime for, build up our state’s infrastructure, and so much more.
Unfortunately, House Republicans have decided to focus more on political gimmicks and nonstarters than putting in the serious work of negotiating a responsible budget. While they finally proposed an incomplete budget in recent weeks, it would make devastating cuts to education, including slashing or completely eliminating funding for literacy supports, career and technical education, early childhood education, and the free school meals program.
My colleagues and I in the Senate are holding the line for the people we serve. We refuse to cave to outright bad budgeting that sells out our kids, our schools, and our communities.
As we wait at the negotiating table for the House to get serious about their responsibility to the people of the state of Michigan, I will continue fighting for you and providing updates on where we’re at in the budget process. In the meantime, you can read more about our budget proposal here.
Standing Against Federal Cuts & Chaos
Since January, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I have been sounding the alarm on the threats President Trump’s policies pose to Michigan families. We have been talking with hundreds of concerned residents weekly at coffee hours, town halls, and other events. We have given countless floor speeches in the state Senate calling on Trump and Congressional Republicans to abandon their harmful agenda. We held 12 committee hearings on various issues, including the impact of federal cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, their baseless mass firings, the chaos created by freezing critical federal funding, and DOGE’s attempts to access Michiganders’ sensitive personal data.
Then in May, my fellow Senate Democrats and I passed our 2026 state budget proposal that included funds to support farmers, veterans, small business owners, and other Michiganders affected by rash federal actions.
Unfortunately, Trump and his Republican allies in Congress rammed through their “Big Beautiful Bill” just ahead of Independence Day. I know many in our community are worried about what this will mean for their family, friends, and neighbors — and I’m worried too.
Please know that Michigan Senate Democrats have done everything we can to fight back against Trump, we’ve used every tool at our disposal to protect Michigan residents, and we will keep doing so every step of the way. Additionally, if there’s something our office can assist with, please reach out to us. Whether we can lend a listening ear, sort out troubles you’re experiencing with a state department, or assist in connecting you with your federal representatives — we’re here to help.
For more information about our work standing up to these federal cuts and chaos, or for additional resources, click here.
What Medicaid Means to Michigan
Medicaid is a lifeline for people in every corner of this state and country, allowing folks to get the health care they need, when they need it — no matter their income. The $535 billion that Trump and Congressional Republicans have been working to slash from the program will devastate Michigan families, hospitals, and our economy all while pumping more money into the pockets of our nation’s wealthiest individuals and corporations.
In response to the administration’s threats to dismantle this essential safety net, the Senate Health Policy Committee and Appropriations Subcommittee on the Dept. of Health and Human Services (DHHS) convened a joint meeting where they reviewed, accepted and adopted a new report developed by Senate Democrats that outlines the impact federal cuts to Medicaid would have on Michiganders. In underscoring what Medicaid means to Michigan, the report highlights that:
- One in four Michiganders relies on Medicaid, including two in five children and three in five nursing home residents.
- Medicaid patients make up 22% of hospital volume statewide, and 40% in rural hospitals. Without this funding, hospitals would be forced to significantly downsize or close altogether — forcing everyone to travel farther and wait longer to receive care.
- Nearly 500,000 Michiganders could lose coverage due to new bureaucratic hurdles and red tape.
- Proposed cuts jeopardize 300,000 health care jobs across Michigan sparked by Medicaid’s expansion and would deliver a projected $2.9 billion blow to Michigan’s economy.
To view the full report, click here.
Community Conversation in Haslett
WHEN: Tuesday, July 29, from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
WHERE: Blondie’s Barn, 5640 Marsh Rd., Haslett, MI 48840
Virtual Community Conversation
WHEN: Monday, August 11, from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
WHERE: Virtual — RSVP here
Community Conversation in DeWitt
WHEN: Tuesday, August 26, from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: DeWitt District Library, 13101 Schavey Rd., DeWitt, MI 48820
Visit my website to stay up to date on all of my upcoming events. Hope to see you soon!
Community Conversation at the Hannah Community Center
Last month we had a great in–person community conversation in East Lansing. We discussed the issues that are at the forefront of people’s minds: federal cuts, and how we are going to react to them. We also discussed the upcoming Fiscal Year 2026 Budget and its progression. Thank you to all who came!
Find Free Meals Near You This Summer
It can be tough to make healthy meals for children and teens that fit your budget, especially during the summer months when school is out of session. That’s why community sites such as libraries, YMCAs, community centers, and school districts in our area are providing children ages 18 and under with delicious, nutritious meals this summer.
Use this map to find a location nearest you. Every site includes contact information to help connect you with Summer Meals.
Protect Yourself from Heat-Related Illness
Summer is well underway, bringing extreme temperatures along with it. When it’s very hot, there’s an increased risk of heat-related illness, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can worsen and cause heat stroke or even death.
To stay healthy during these record high temperatures, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Drink more fluids and avoid liquids with large amounts of sugar or alcohol
- Limit outdoor activities to when it’s coolest in the morning and evening.
- Spend time indoors with air conditioning.
- Check to make sure your air conditioner filters are clean, and the unit is working properly.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- Wear sunscreen, as sunburn affects the body’s ability to cool down.
- Check on your neighbors and relatives.
- Never leave children or pets unattended in cars, even with the windows cracked.