Dear Neighbor,
With Michigan experiencing its first snowfall of the season and temperatures continuing to drop, I hope you and your loved ones are staying safe and warm.
As we exit the longest government shutdown in American history, I know there still remains confusion and uncertainty about how quickly federal services will resume. As we continue to receive updates about this from state and federal agencies, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office if you have questions or need help navigating any changes.
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
- From curbing tobacco use among Michigan’s youth to protecting farmland in communities across the state, I’m proud to share that several pieces of legislation I’m championing have advanced in recent weeks. Find more information below.
- Join me in a few weeks for my next community conversation at the East Lansing Public Library on Monday, Dec. 8 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
- As of Nov. 10, the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has directed its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) EBT vendor to once again begin issuing full SNAP benefits to Michigan SNAP recipients. Learn more below.
Preventing Youth Tobacco Use — Senate Bills 462-466
As one of 10 states that does not require the licensure of tobacco retailers, it’s clear Michigan needs stronger enforcement and accountability measures to keep tobacco out of the hands of our youth. That’s why I’m proud to spearhead a bipartisan bill package requiring tobacco retailers to be licensed and repealing the penalties against minors for tobacco use, purchase, or possession — which have shown to be ineffective. Passed out of committee last week, Senate Bills 462–466 would also direct the Michigan Dept. of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to conduct undercover operations to ensure compliance at establishments that sell tobacco products.
We remain committed to protecting Michigan’s youth from the serious health risks associated with nicotine and tobacco products. This bill package now heads to the full Senate floor for consideration.
Allowing Dogs on Patios — Senate Bill 200
Last year, a restaurant owner in the district came to my office to discuss gaps in law surrounding their legal ability to allow dogs on restaurant patios. While many restaurants in Michigan have become dog friendly, current regulations make it difficult for them to allow dogs.
In March, I introduced Senate Bill 200 to address this issue. This bill would allow dogs in outdoor seating areas at restaurants, giving businesses the option to legally welcome pets while maintaining public health standards. Rather than requiring restaurants to permit dogs, it provides clear statewide guidelines for establishments that wish to do so, aligning Michigan with 23 other states that have already adopted similar policies.
Last week, I testified on this legislation in the Senate Economic and Community Development Committee; click here to watch and learn more. This bill was passed out of committee and now awaits consideration before the full Senate.
Keeping Electric Vehicles Accessible — Senate Bill 593
Recent changes to Michigan’s fuel tax created an unintended problem for electric and hybrid vehicle owners: every increase in the gas tax automatically triggers steep registration fee hikes for EVs and hybrids, while drivers of standard combustion engine vehicles see little change.
To fix this, I introduced Senate Bill 593, legislation that would adjust the formula so EV and hybrid fees increase more gradually, ensuring fairness and making electric vehicles more affordable and accessible to Michigan drivers. Introduced earlier this fall, this bill awaits a hearing in the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Preserving Michigan’s Farmland — Senate Bill 687
Protecting farmland is important for Michigan’s communities and environment, particularly in District 28. Currently, agricultural conservation easements, which preserve farmlands and prevent them from being developed, can only be held by certain entities.
My legislation I introduced last month, Senate Bill 687, would allow local governments to hold these easements, which would give more control to communities to preserve their farmland and determine what land needs to be used or preserved. I’m thrilled to share that this legislation passed out of committee earlier this month and now heads to the full Senate floor for consideration.
Ensuring Accurate Data in Michigan’s Auto Industry — Senate Bill 198
Accurate data is essential for ensuring fairness and transparency in Michigan’s auto industry. Currently, there are gaps in how information from automobile dealers is collected and reported, making it harder for regulators and policymakers to track trends and protect consumers.
To address this, I introduced Senate Bill 198, which establishes clear requirements for automobile dealers to collect and report key data. This will help improve oversight, support fair business practices, and give consumers and communities better insight into the auto market.
Last week, I testified about this bill in the Senate Regulatory Affairs committee, where it still awaits a vote. Click here to watch my testimony.
Community Conversation in East Lansing
WHEN: Monday, Dec. 8, from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbott Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823
Virtual Community Conversation
WHEN: Monday, Dec. 15, from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
WHERE: Virtual — Register here
Owosso Community Conversation
I appreciated the warm welcome from Ollie’s Café and everyone who joined our recent in-person community conversation in Owosso. We had a great discussion about upcoming issues in Michigan, including the wholesale cannabis tax, nurse practitioner legislation, and the potential introduction of data centers in Michigan. To find out where and when I’ll be hosting my next community conversation event, you can visit my website.
Deer Hunting Began Nov. 15
The opening day of Michigan’s 2025 firearm deer hunting season started this past weekend on Saturday, Nov. 15. The Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources has created a page to help hunters have a successful season — find licenses, regulations, maps, and more here. You can also find hunting safety tips here. And to learn how Senate Democrats have been working to secure vital resources to conserve Michigan’s great outdoors and preserve our longstanding hunting heritage, click here.
Update: November SNAP Benefits to be Distributed
As of Nov. 10, the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has directed its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) EBT vendor to once again begin issuing full SNAP benefits to Michigan SNAP recipients. SNAP recipients who normally receive their benefits on the ninth of the month should have received their full SNAP allotment within 48 hours. All other SNAP recipients should receive full benefit payments on their normally scheduled date. Those who receive monthly benefits on the third, fifth, and seventh of the month previously received their benefits.
SNAP recipients are encouraged to reach out to their local MDHHS office with any questions regarding SNAP benefits or they can check MI Bridges for updates. Please see MDHHS’ website and Facebook Page for additional information and to stay updated as we head into next month.
If you are in need of assistance, please utilize the many programs and resources that organizations in our community offer. To be connected with a food bank nearest you, contact Michigan 211 by dialing 2-1-1, texting your zip code to 898-211, or visiting mi211.org. Michigan 211 not only can connect you with food assistance, but a variety of things, including utility assistance, mental health support, and emergency shelter.