Dear Neighbor,
As summer comes to a close, I have continued working around the clock to not only connect with our constituents in the district and hear their valuable insight — but to also attempt negotiating a responsible state budget that supports our schools, first responders, local governments, and everything in between.
Back in May, well before the July 1 statutory deadline, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I passed a comprehensive budget that lowers costs for working families, provides stable funding for schools and students, improves government efficiency, and ensures access to the vital services and programs that Michiganders rely on. In contrast, the budget plan the House GOP finally released months later does the exact opposite — proposing dangerous, irresponsible cuts to critical services our residents need and deserve.
Our residents — you — deserve a budget that reflects our values, not betrays them. Senate Democrats continue to remain at the table ready to negotiate a deal that doesn’t shortchange our students, workers, and families, and instead delivers on the priorities that matter most to our communities.
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 THIS Monday, September 8, at the Community District Library in Corunna. Find more information below or on my website.
- Along with keeping us from getting a state budget done on time, Speaker Matt Hall and House Republicans are stalling action on 49 bills that my Senate colleagues and I passed with unanimous and bipartisan support — blocking progress for real Michigan families. Learn more below.
Senate Democrats Continue Holding the Line for a Responsible State Budget
Long after the statutory July 1 deadline, House Republicans finally passed a state budget plan last week. However, their half-baked proposal makes dangerous, catastrophic cuts to vital services and programs that Michigan residents rely on and fund with their hard-earned tax dollars. In fact, Speaker Matt Hall and House Republicans are actively working to defund critical state agencies and programs, including the Michigan State Police, Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services, Dept. of Corrections, Dept. of Natural Resources, and Dept. of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, among others.
The very real consequences of House Republicans’ recklessness are starting to be felt in districts across the state with kids already back to school. With House Republicans proposing sweeping cuts to the critical funding that schools and families need, school administrators are left scrambling to plan without knowing how much funding they’re set to receive for the academic year.
Michigan students, teachers, and all residents deserve better. The Senate passed an education budget months ago, well before the July 1 deadline, that protects critical priorities like free school meals, mental health and safety initiatives, and smaller class sizes. The irresponsible plan proposed by the House GOP puts these investments — and so many others — at risk. It’s unacceptable, immoral, and plain bad governance. For the sake of our students and the prosperity of our state, we must reach a fiscally responsible budget agreement before irreversible harm is done. As the clock continues to tick, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I remain at the negotiating table ready to deliver a budget that doesn’t shortchange Michigan students or their families.
Learn more by watching our recent press conference here.
Senate Democrats Advance Bipartisan Bills Only for Them to Stall in the House
In addition to keeping us from getting a state budget done, Speaker Matt Hall and House Republicans are stalling action on 49 bills that my Senate colleagues and I passed with unanimous and bipartisan support. Through extensive conversations with community members, stakeholders, and subject-matter experts, we crafted these bills to deliver real progress for Michigan families. Among these bills that are stacking up is legislation that would:
- Address Michigan’s opioid crisis by expanding access to support services and treatment options;
- Strengthen protections for our retired service members and their families, while also improving veterans’ access to the benefits they’ve earned; and
- Allow survivors of sexual assault the opportunity to get the justice they deserve by fixing Michigan’s broken statute of limitations for civil claims and repealing immunity for educational institutions that conceal systemic abuse.
Here in the Senate, we’ll keep doing the work you sent us here to do — working together with anyone who’s serious about tackling the challenges facing our state. And we’ll continue to try and engage with our House counterparts to get them to do the same. In the meantime, you can learn more about these bills here.
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: 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!
Capitol Visit from Michigan State University Faculty
It was great to welcome MSU Dean Dr. Matt Daum and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources leadership team to the Capitol. We discussed the land grant university’s vital role in serving Michigan, from higher education to agricultural research and extension programs. I appreciate their thoughtful questions and commitment to advancing our state.
Rural Broadband Expansion in Owosso
I was proud to join the ribbon cutting for expanded rural broadband in Owosso. Thanks to a significant investment by Charter Communications (Spectrum), over 2,400 previously unserved or underserved homes and businesses in Shiawassee County now have access to high-speed internet and advanced Spectrum services — a big step forward for families, students, and local businesses.
Owosso Middle School Tour
Last month, I toured the historic former Owosso Middle School with Owosso Public Schools Superintendent Steve Brooks and Brent Jones, Vice President of the Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership. The potential redevelopment of this anchor facility into affordable housing units would make the river more accessible for local residents to enjoy while also revitalizing the downtown area.
Tribute for Haslett Library
Last month we recognized the Haslett Beautification Association for receiving the 2025 Community Landscape Beautification Award for their work on the Haslett Public Library Garden. Their efforts have transformed the library grounds into a welcoming, sustainable space for the community to gather and connect.
United Way Volunteer Resource Fair
Have you been wanting to get more involved in your community and lend a helping hand? Come out for the United Way Volunteer Resource Fair later this month, where you’ll be able to check out what volunteer opportunities are available in the Lansing area. Nation Outside will be a vendor, and our team will be there as well! Please come see us — we’re also looking to connect with folks out in the community.
WHEN: Saturday, September 20, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: MSU Student Services Building, 556 East Circle Dr., East Lansing, MI 48824
How to Save With the Home Heating Tax Credit
The Home Heating Tax Credit is a way the state of Michigan helps low-income families pay some of their heating expenses. This year, the average qualifying household received $180 in assistance, which is most often applied directly to residents’ utility bills. Some energy providers automatically provide claimants with a residential income assistance credit worth up to $20 monthly. With these savings, more Michiganders can have additional money in their pockets to put food on the table, afford medication, pay bills, and more.
Residents can apply for the Home Heating Tax Credit until the Sept. 30 deadline. To qualify, residents must be a renter with a contracted lease or a homeowner and meet income requirements. You can apply for the Home Heating Tax Credit here.