Dear Neighbor,
With August well underway and the beginning of a new school year approaching, I hope you’re soaking in the remainder of summertime.. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to get out and about in our district this summer, hearing directly from our neighbors about the issues that matter most to our community. I’ll continue using this important input to guide my work in the Capitol and deliver on your priorities.
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
- Join me for my upcoming Community Conversation in DeWitt on Monday, September 8, at the DeWitt District Library. Find more information below or on my website.
- 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.
Rx Kids: A Prescription for Improving Families’ Physical and Economic Health
Rx Kids is a first-of-its-kind program in the United States, initially launched in Flint in 2024, before expanding to seven other communities across the state in early 2025 — thanks in part to budget funding secured by Senate Democrats. Now, we’re working to pass legislation to expand this successful program statewide to reach more families around Michigan. Rx Kids supports parents and babies by providing all pregnant moms, regardless of income, with a no-strings-attached cash allowance of $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 each month throughout the baby’s first year. Research shows that this direct, cash support for new parents helps improve housing security, access to nutritious food, and maternal and child health.
In addition to our proposal to expand Rx Kids, my colleagues and I have introduced bold, transformative legislation to lower costs for working families and make sure kids in Michigan have the best start possible — including through a Working Parents Tax Cut and expanded access to child care. Learn more about this “Building Blocks” package here.
Supporting Michigan Mothers and Their Babies
Every year, the first week of August is recognized as World Breastfeeding Week, a time where public health advocates come together to highlight the importance of breastfeeding and share resources to encourage one of the most effective methods of improving maternal and infant health.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding up to age two, as breastmilk provides countless benefits to infants, including preventing diseases such as respiratory and ear infections, asthma, and diabetes. According to the World Health Organization, optimal breastfeeding is so critical that it could save the lives of more than 820,000 children under the age of five each year.
Because of the power of breastfeeding, our caucus has worked to champion legislation to expand Michigan’s Public Breastfeeding Nondiscrimination Act to ensure parents are protected from discrimination for pumping breastmilk in public, which is often necessary when parents are away from their breastfeeding baby for several hours. This legislation, Senate Bill 351 of 2023, was signed into law last year and now provides Michigan mothers with the legal protections they need to promote the health and safety of themselves and their babies.
To learn more about the importance of breastfeeding and how to access support, visit this resource page from the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services 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
Community Conversation in Corunna
WHEN: Monday, September 8, 2025, from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Community District Library, 210 E. Corunna Ave., Corunna, MI 48817
Virtual Community Conversation
WHEN: Friday, September 26, 2025, from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
WHERE: Venue Virtual – RSVP for the link here.
Visit my website to stay up to date on all of my upcoming events. Hope to see you soon!
Blondie’s Barn
In July, we had a great morning community conversation at Blondie’s Barn in Haslett! Folks from around the district came out to discuss both local and federal issues. We talked about the state’s education budget and how it’s currently being held up by House Republicans, the potential impacts of federal Medicaid cuts, and the importance of government transparency.
Tour of Senior Facility
Last week, the Williamston Area Senior Center invited me to tour the facilities with Executive Director Julie Rudd. We toured the building and shared positive stories about how this senior center has impacted the community. Thank you to everyone who spoke and shared their story!
Returning Citizens Job Interview Training
On August 29, Nation Outside is hosting a workshop to help returning citizens prepare for successful job interviews. Participants will learn effective ways to discuss past legal convictions during the hiring process, practice interview questions, and learn how to identify strengths and skills. This training is designed for individuals recently released from prison or jail, as well as those who have been out for some time but face barriers to employment due to prior convictions. For more information, email trishaw@nationoutside.org.
August is National Immunization Awareness Month
With summer in full swing and flu season just around the corner, we recognize National Immunization Awareness Month to highlight the importance of routine vaccination for Michiganders of all ages. Vaccines are the best way for you to protect yourself from preventable diseases and avoid spreading those diseases to others in your community.
To locate a health department nearest you and get up to date on your vaccines, click here. And to learn more about the vaccines you and your family members may need to stay healthy, visit the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services website here.
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 students and 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.
PreK For All: Improving Outcomes for Michigan Families & Kids
August means the back-to-school season is approaching, so what better time to spread the word about the best PreK for All program in the nation? Last year, Senate Democrats worked across the aisle to secure state funding that helped expand access to no-cost, high quality preschool — and our work is paying off, giving kids the tools they need for successful futures, helping tackle the childcare crisis, allowing parents to stay in the workforce, and saving Michigan families about $10,000 per child.
Michigan’s PreK for All program is available to all children who are four years old by Dec. 1, and enrollment is now open for the upcoming school year. To learn more or find options for no-cost Pre-K in your community, visit MiPreKforAll.org.