Dear Neighbor,
As February comes to a close, the legislative and budget season is kicking into high gear. The governor recently delivered her final State of the State address and unveiled her recommendations for the 2027 state budget, officially setting the stage for the months ahead. In both presentations, she emphasized priorities I share, including making life more affordable for Michiganders, investing in our students and schools, and lowering the cost of housing so more folks have the ability to build and raise their family here in Michigan. Read on to learn more.
If you or someone you know would like to provide any feedback about what’s happening, or needs assistance of any sort, please feel free to reach out to my office. You can reach me and my team by emailing SenSSingh@senate.michigan.gov or calling (517) 373-3447.
Sincerely,
Sam Singh
State Senator
District 28
Budget Season Begins!
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer released her blueprint for the 2027 state budget earlier this month, officially kicking off the start to the budget process here in the legislature. With Michiganders continuing to feel the pinch from ongoing inflation, rising health care costs, and other impacts of the reckless actions of the current federal administration, the governor’s plan aims to mitigate the pressures residents across the state are facing while also addressing the $1.8 billion shortfall largely caused by those same actions.
From saving Michiganders money and setting our students up for success to growing the economy and improving public safety, I am encouraged to see that her spending plan reflects many of the Senate’s own priorities. Along with continuing to invest in proven programs we have long championed — universal school meals, targeted tax relief for working families and retirees, free pre-K, and more — I’m particularly thrilled to see her budget recommendation include:
- Property tax relief for about 335,000 seniors to help them age with dignity in their own homes;
- Significant investments to combat the state’s literacy crisis;
- A $250 per student boost to our per-pupil funding, for a total of $10,300 per student;
- Additional support for at-risk and special education students, student mental health and safety needs, before- and after-school programs;
- A new “back to school” tax holiday to help families save money on clothes, school supplies, and more; and
- Expansion of the Michigan Reconnect program to include adult learners ages 21 and older.
While this new revenue landscape presents some unique challenges this year, my commitment to delivering real solutions for the people of Michigan remains stronger than ever. My Senate Democratic colleagues and I are looking forward to collaborating with our colleagues both across the aisle and across the chamber to craft a balanced state budget that is passed on time and provides meaningful relief for those who need it most.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Delivers Her Final State of the State Address
On Wednesday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her final State of the State address where she outlined priorities for her last year in office, while also reflecting on the great progress we’ve made together over the last several years. From delivering a historic $1 billion tax cutfor working families, guaranteeing all Michiganders a no-cost path towards a college degree or skills certificate, and making transformational investments in housing to lower the cost of purchasing a new home — we’ve been busy delivering results for Michigan communities.
But as the governor noted in her speech, our work is not done yet! There’s still more for us to do to lower costs, make housing more affordable, support students in their educational journeys, and ensure every Michigander has the opportunity to build a secure future for their family. As the legislative session continues, I look forward to working with the governor and my colleagues in the Legislature to pass policies that advance these goals.
If you missed the address, you can watch the full recording here.
Community Conversation in Bath Twp.
WHEN: Monday, March 9, from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Bath Township Library, 14051 Webster Rd., Bath Twp., MI 48808
Virtual Community Conversation
WHEN: Monday, March 23, from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
WHERE: Virtual — Check back here for a link to RSVP
To stay up to date on all of my upcoming events, check out the event page on my website.
Michigan Farmers Bureau Legislative Seminar, Silver Plow Award
This past week, farmers from across the state attended the Lansing Legislative Seminar to engage directly with lawmakers and regulators on issues impacting agriculture. Farmers received legislative and regulatory updates, met one-on-one with state legislators, and participated in breakout sessions on environmental policy, land use and local government, the 2026 election, and more.
During the seminar, I was honored to receive the Silver Plow Award from the Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB). The Silver Plow is MFB’s highest recognition for a member of the Michigan Legislature and reflects farmers’ appreciation for leadership and support that aligns with member-developed policy and strengthens Michigan’s farm and food sector. Thank you to the Michigan Farmers Bureau for this honor.
New Tool to Report Immigration Enforcement in Michigan
Attorney General Dana Nessel has recently launched a new reporting form for Michiganders to report alleged misconduct by federal immigration agents in their communities. Crafted in response to concerns from residents across the state on the uptick of harmful enforcement tactics happening in Michigan and nationwide, this new tool provides Michiganders an avenue to document any concerning behavior they are witnessing at the hands of federal officers. The form allows residents to submit specific incident details, including descriptions of the actions witnessed, the number of individuals involved and their group or agency affiliations, tools and weapons observed, and the time and location of the incident. Learn more here, and click here to access the form.
Michigan’s High School Graduation Rate Reaches Another Record High!
This week, the Michigan Dept. of Education announced that Michigan’s 2025 four-year graduation rate once again improved to the highest level since 2008! The graduation rate increased to just over 84%, up by 1.2 percentage points from the previous year, while the state’s four-year dropout rate decreased. This new data represents real progress toward increasing the number of students who graduate from high school.
These new findings are thanks to significant investments the state has been making in Career and Technical Education. Programs like these expand secondary learning opportunities to provide students with work-based learning in career paths such as skilled trades, agriculture, public safety, information technology, and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, among many others.
To learn more about what CTE programs you or your children may be able to take advantage of, click here.
US-127 Construction Public Open House Meeting
Last month, the Michigan Dept. of Transportation (MDOT) shared an early look at planned 2026 construction along the US-127 corridor in the Lansing region. Now, they are encouraging community members to attend the public meeting to learn more about the rebuilding of US-127 from south of Lake Lansing Rd. to I-69.
The open-house style meeting will be held on March 4th, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m at Spicer Group, Inc. 2900 West Rd., Suite 100, East Lansing, MI 48823 and will have MDOT representatives on-site to answer any questions and discuss project details and anticipated traffic impacts. All members of the public are welcome.
Visit the project website to learn more about the rebuilding of US-127 and to sign up for email notifications through GovDelivery. For the most up-to-date information on detours and construction updates, please visit Mi Drive.