August Capitol and Community Updates

Dear Neighbor,

In this newsletter, you’ll find updates on our recent maternal health equity town hall, information about ongoing changes to Medicaid and what they could mean for Michigan, and reflections from my time at the National Conference of State Legislatures.

As always, if my office can help you or your family with navigating state services or answering questions about legislation, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to serve.

In service,

In this e-newsletter, you will find:

• Upcoming Coffee Hour on August 15
• Recap of our Maternal Health Equity Town Hall
• Overview of recent Medicaid-related policy changes
• Reflections from the National Conference of State Legislatures
• Community spotlight on Family Health Center’s Back-to-School Bash today, August 8, from noon to 6 p.m.

Let’s connect! I’ll be hosting my next legislative coffee hour on Friday, August 15, from 9 to 10 a.m. at Stroud Family Park (on Grand Prairie Road in Kalamazoo Twp.).

These gatherings are informal, conversational spaces where you can share what’s on your mind. Bring your thoughts, questions or ideas — I’d love to hear from you!

On July 31, we brought together local families, health leaders and community partners for a powerful town hall focused on improving maternal health outcomes in Michigan.

I was honored to moderate a panel of special guests that included Dr. Grace Lubwama (Kalamazoo Community Foundation), Jeff Patton (Integrated Services of Kalamazoo), Dr. Sara Schugars (Beacon Health) and Lindsay Starks (Bronson Breast Milk Bank).

We discussed recent policy reforms and local investments designed to improve care for new parents and babies; this also included insurance coverage for mental health screenings for new moms and the expansion of Rx Kids into the City of Kalamazoo.

I want to thank the nearly 9,000 residents our team connected with ahead of this event in conversations at the doorstep. It was your stories and energy that helped make the evening a success. We’re continuing to listen, evaluate and advocate because every mother and baby deserves access to care and support.

If you or someone you know needs support, the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (833-TLC-MAMA) is free, confidential and available 24/7.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of Medicaid, a program that currently provides health coverage to over 2.6 million Michiganders, including seniors, veterans, children and working families.

Recent federal legislation, H.R. 1 (“One Big Beautiful Bill Act”), includes several policy changes that could affect how states like Michigan administer Medicaid over time. According to a nonpartisan analysis by the House Fiscal Agency, the new law will gradually bring changes to how people qualify for Medicaid, how often their eligibility is reviewed and how doctors and hospitals are paid.

While the full impact of these changes will become clearer as federal guidance is developed, Michigan expects to see a shift in how Medicaid is financed and delivered in the coming years. I remain committed to monitoring these developments closely and working with my colleagues to ensure that our state continues to meet the needs of residents who rely on this essential program.

I recently had the opportunity to attend the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), where I connected with lawmakers from across the country and heard from Minnesota leaders about the importance of civil discourse in policymaking, especially in the wake of the tragic murder of a lawmaker in their state.

Their call to “seek common ground where we can” remains top of mind as we continue our work in Lansing.

Break out sessions included updates on the Big Beautiful Bill Act and how it can affect state budgets, including Medicaid funding, construction for federal transportation and energy sector projects, and the effects of digital media and cell phones on the brain development of our youth.

Additionally, I participated in the 5k fun run, kicked off by former Boston Marathon winner, Meb Keflezighi. It was a great way to start one of our mornings with movement and a reminder to everyone to keep moving and do some physical activity for health promotion and disease prevention.

Today, Aug. 8, from noon to 6 p.m. at 117 W Paterson St. in Kalamazoo, the Family Health Center is hosting its annual Back-to-School Bash. This is a community event designed to help Kalamazoo kids start the school year with confidence and support. Families can stop by for free backpacks, school supplies and access to local resources, all in one place.

The event will have food, activities and information booths provided by dozens of community partners. In order to participate, children must have a well-child exam. Pre-registration is closed but same day registration will be available. My office will be there as well with state resource booklets for many areas including coloring books, housing, veterans supports, and citizens guides, and we’d love to see you if you’re able to attend.

As summer winds down, I also want to wish all students a great start when classes begin on Monday, August 25; so, whether it’s your first year or your final one, I’m cheering you on and thankful for the educators, parents and staff helping make it all possible.

Here are a few tips to prepare for a successful first day of school:

• Outfit: choose and lay out clothes for the first day.
• First Day photo: prepare sign with grade level or decide on background.
• Morning routine: practice the morning routine and set alarm.
• Afternoon plans: verify after-school arrangements (pickup, bus schedule, etc.).
• Night before first day: go to bed on time or early to ensure a good night of rest.