Dear Neighbor,

As the year comes to a close, I wanted to share a brief update on the work happening both in our community and at the Capitol. This edition includes highlights from a cherished neighborhood tradition, an important update on recent budget decisions affecting communities across Michigan, and a reminder of the ways my office is here to support you and your family.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday and a happy New Year!

In service,

Kristian Grant
State Representative
House District 82

In the Community

šŸŽ„Celebrating 12 Years of the Christmas in Southeast Community Tradition

 

Each year, the Christmas in Southeast community dinner means so much to me ā€” and I canā€™t believe this was year 12! Iā€™m deeply thankful for my family and the community members who join me to make this tradition possible. Together, we welcome more than 600 children and family members to receive toys, meet neighbors, say hello to Santa, and share a family-style Christmas dinner.

I canā€™t wait to continue this tradition for years to come.

Legislative Update

šŸ¦ House Appropriations Committee Vote Reverses $645 Million in Previously Authorized Community Investments

 

Two weeks ago, our Republican-controlled House Appropriations Committee voted to rescind nearly $645 million in project funding that had been authorized Fiscal Year 2025. These funds were already enacted into law and, importantly, were largely supported by one-time federal ARPA dollars. This decision does not save Michigan money; instead, it risks sending federal dollars back to Washington when those resources could be directly supporting our communities here at home.

Local governments, nonprofits, clinics, and service providers across Michigan had already incorporated these funds into their plans in good faith. The projects impacted include support for children suffering from lead poisoning, Meals on Wheels for Kent County seniors facing food insecurity, small business assistance in Grand Rapids, mental health services here, and funding for St. Markā€™s Episcopal Church, which was in the process of expanding its soup kitchen and medical clinic to better serve our unhoused neighbors.

ForĀ our community, this decision has created real uncertainty and hardship. This is not simply the removal of a line item in a budget; it is the cutting of a lifeline for many Michiganders who rely on these services to meet their most basic needs.

The committee made this decision without public testimony or a full discussion of the real-world impacts on our communities. We are still working to understand the full scope of it all. Decisions of this magnitude deserve transparency, deliberation, and accountability. My Democratic colleagues and I remain committed to restoring these funds and defending a budget process that is predictable, transparent, and rooted in our responsibility to Michigan families and communities.

How My Office Can Help You

 

A reminder that you can reach out to our office for a multitude of reasons including but not limited to:

  • Navigating state agencies like the Unemployment Insurance Agency, Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, etc.
  • Answering questions and hearing your concerns, including your ideas for legislation.
  • Hosting student groups at the Capitol who may be in town for a tour, or presenting certificates and resolutions in the district.
  • Much more . . . reach out with any questions. If we canā€™t help, we will try to connect you with someone who may be able to!

For more updates, events and resources, you can . . .