Capitol and Community Updates

Upcoming Events

Please join me at my upcoming office hour, where I will give a legislative update and answer your questions about the issues facing our state and our community. These events are a great way to find out what policies I’m working on and to share your ideas and concerns with me!

July Office Hour

When: Monday, July 13, from noon-1 p.m.

Where: Traverse Area District Library
(610 Woodmere Ave., Traverse City, MI 49686)

Legislative Update

Below you will find highlights of recent legislative action. As always, legislation I have sponsored or co-sponsored this term can be found here. Real-time updates on my legislative work can also be found here.

Advocating for HD 103 Budget Priorities

On June 3, I testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor and Economic Opportunity in support of my legislatively directed spending item (LDSI) requests to support crucial projects in the 103rd House District.

These projects include building out a one-stop shop Student Services Hub at Northwestern Michigan College (NMC). As a former NMC student, I know the importance of a community college being accessible to all students. NMC has a diverse student body, including those just coming out of high school, nontraditional students working and going to school, and those commuting from other rural towns. I advocated for funding in the state budget to help NMC renovate an existing building into a Student Services Hub to increase accessibility, retention, and integration so that all students thrive. When we make college more accessible and inviting, we build a brighter future for our region and our state.

I also testified in support of the Traverse City Philharmonic’s (TC Phil) Community Music School. Music should be for everyone. Music education has been shown to increase emotional, mental and cognitive well-being in children. This project will renovate an old blighted KMart to bring children and communities a music school and concert venue in the five-county region. The music school has a scholarship program for children growing up in families like I did where money is tight. I believe this LDSI request is especially important because many of our region’s schools have limitations on their funding for music and the arts (which we need to address as a state) and this music school is offering more opportunities for our kids. TC Phil serves over 250 children a week in the music school and over 3,000 people per year for no cost. I am proud to uplift the TC Phil’s work to enhance equity for rural kids through scholarships and expand access to the arts for everyone in our region.

Finally, I am advocating for funding to provide transitional housing for domestic violence survivors through the Women’s Resource Center (WRC). We all know that housing across our region, the state and this country isn’t affordable or accessible. Just outside of Traverse City, folks are paying $1,500 per month in rent for mobile homes. A group of people disproportionately affected are survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence. The WRC is looking to bridge that gap for our rural region by expanding temporary housing for women and children. As a former Head Start social worker, I interacted with families of all backgrounds, and I know that what we might traditionally classify as affordable housing, like mobile homes, is not in fact affordable for everyone, especially those facing life or death situations. I am speaking up about this need and will continue to advocate for the WRC to receive the funding it needs to help keep our communities safe and people housed.

During the testimony, I was joined by consultant Gabe Schneider, NMC’s Director of Student Success & Retention Lindsey Dickinson, TC Phil’s Director of Development Jennifer Hricik, and the Executive Director of the WRC Juliette Schultz. These funding requests represent meaningful investments in the people, institutions, and services that strengthen Northern Michigan. You can learn more about these requests and how these projects benefit our communities here. You can also watch the committee testimony for NMC here, TC Phil here, and WRC here.

State Rep. Betsy Coffia testifying in the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor and Economic Opportunity on June 3.

Calling on Congress to Investigate Epstein’s Associates, Seek Justice for Survivors

On March 5, I introduced House Resolution 258, calling on the U.S. Congress to investigate and put under oath every person implicated in the Epstein files. I offered all my House colleagues several days to co-sponsor and ultimately received 31 signatures – 3 Republicans and 29 Democrats, including myself. More information on the resolution can be found here. My colleagues, state Reps. Penelope Tsernoglou and Erin Byrnes, introduced companion resolutions – HR 284 and HR 285 – calling for an investigation into Epstein’s ties to Interlochen and for a U.S. Department of Justice investigation, respectively. On May 19, my Democratic colleagues and I held a press conference to once again demand that the Speaker of the House take action to pursue accountability for Epstein’s associates and justice for the survivors. To date, none of our resolutions have received action.

Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults from Exploitation

Earlier this month, I voted in favor of House Bills 5739–5740 to strengthen probate court oversight and financial protections when individuals under guardianship or conservatorship have significant financial assets. The bills establish additional safeguards when liquid assets reach $25,000 or more, including notification requirements to the probate court, appointment of a conservator, and enhanced financial accountability measures. This legislation is necessary to close gaps in current law that can leave substantial assets without adequate monitoring, creating opportunities for exploitation. For example, during committee testimony, a case was highlighted in which a vulnerable Michigan resident lost more than $400,000 through questionable financial activity while under another person’s care. I supported these bills to give Michigan residents more peace of mind in knowing that they will be protected, even when someone else has been entrusted with managing their care or finances. The bills received unanimous bipartisan support in the House and will now move to the Senate for further consideration.

Protecting Ratepayers and Lowering Utility Costs

I recently introduced House Bill 6093 and co-sponsored House Bills 6094 and 6095, sponsored by state Reps. Erin Byrnes and Natalie Price, respectively, to lower utility bills and protect ratepayers. As Michigan families and small businesses continue to face some of the highest energy bills in the Midwest, these bills would expand upon the first-ever Ratepayer Bill of Rights package by placing new limits on the guaranteed profits monopoly utilities can collect through rate hikes and preventing utilities from charging customers for expenses unrelated to providing reliable electric service, including lobbying, public relations, and private jet travel. My bill in the package would also require independent distribution system audits every five years to help identify opportunities to improve reliability and reduce costs. For years, Michigan has ranked near the bottom in the country for energy reliability, and this legislation ensures that regulators, lawmakers and the public have ongoing visibility into grid performance and infrastructure investment. If enacted, the legislation could save Michigan households an estimated $267 between 2027 and 2030 alone, while delivering tens of millions of dollars in broader savings statewide. It’s time to fix Michigan’s utility reliability and affordability problems once and for all. More information on the package is available here.

State Rep. Betsy Coffia speaking at the Ratepayers Bill of Rights press conference on June 11.

Celebrating Cherry Industry Day

On June 17, I introduced House Resolution 334 to celebrate Cherry Industry Day in the State of Michigan. The resolution was adopted by the House and I was able to recognize several guests on the House floor, including National Cherry Queen Ainslee Hewitt and representatives from the Cherry Marketing Institute, the Michigan Cherry Committee, Cherry Growers Alliance and the National Cherry Festival. Michigan produces 70% of the total U.S. tart cherry supply, making our state the nation’s leading producer. However, with a changing climate and market conditions, Michigan’s tart cherry growers have faced devastating losses and new challenges in recent years. These family farms are the backbone of our state’s economy and heritage, and we must ensure they have the resources and support needed to recover from historic crop damage and remain competitive for generations to come. You find more information on the resolution here and you can view my floor remarks with State Rep. John Roth here (26:30).

Honoring Laurie Koelsch

Last month on the House Floor, I was honored to be able to commemorate the late Laurie Koelsch, a native of Traverse City, who passed away on May 3, 2025. Ms. Koelsch was a mother, caring partner and beloved friend. A proud member of We the People and a writer for “Speak UP Zine,” Ms. Koelsch dedicated her life to improving and advocating for affordable and accessible housing in Michigan. She had experienced homelessness herself, and even after securing permanent housing, she remained a tireless advocate for others experiencing homelessness and spoke powerfully of her knowledge of the challenges women in particular face when they are without shelter. As we commemorate the first anniversary of her passing, we acknowledge her love and dedication to improving the lives of others in a community she loved. It was an honor to commemorate Laurie Koelsch’s life’s work and her legacy as a caring, loving person who believed that everyone deserves a safe and comfortable place to call home. Thank you to Amanda Siggins, her friend and coworker, who accepted the tribute at the Michigan Capitol.

Additional Updates

• Coffia Introduces Resolution Honoring Cherry Industry Day, Calls for Continued Support for Farmers
• Coffia, Fellow Democrats Introduce Utility Affordability, Ratepayer Protection Legislation
• Democratic Lawmakers Demand Michigan House Speaker, Republicans for Immediate Investigation into Epstein and Those Implicated 
• Gov. Seeks Presidential Disaster Declaration to Help Michigan Communities Impacted by April Severe Weather and Flooding
• Gov. Signs Bipartisan Bill Forgiving Makeup Days for Schools in Dozens of Counties After Unpredictable Winter and Spring Weather
• What You Need To Know About Changes To Unemployment Law Coming In July
• State Resources Available to Protect Consumers at the Pump

Funding Coming to the 103rd District

I am thrilled to announce that our communities, businesses and organizations in Benzie, Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties in the 103rd House District have recently been awarded the following state and federal grant and credit funding:

• Lake Leelanau Lake Association – $6,879: The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has awarded this implementation grant through the Michigan Clean Water Corps (MiCorps) Program for stream cleanup and monitoring.
• The Red Piano – $24,952: This funding is being awarded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) Match on Main Program to support this small business in Traverse City create resiliency, and strengthen our downtown.
• Northwestern Michigan Fair – $92,049: The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has awarded this County Fairs Capital Improvement Grant to our local fair, based in Traverse City, to replace the poultry barn at the fairgrounds.
• GTB LIHTC #3 – $1,098,242: This credit funding from the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program will be used to support the third phase of a larger housing initiative and will create 36 affordable rental units and single-family homes sponsored by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (GTB). All rental units will be supported through Tribal rental assistance. The project is expected to create approximately 120 temporary jobs and two permanent positions.

Grant Funding Opportunities

Current state and federal grant, loan, scholarship and credit opportunities include:

• Vulnerable Adult Abuse Prevention Grant: The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is seeking proposals to provide services to prevent elder and vulnerable adult abuse. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, private and public entities, local health departments, federally recognized tribes, a group of federally recognized Michigan tribes or Urban Indian Health Clinic programs, and universities that provide prevention services to older adult populations at risk of abuse. Grant applications are due by 3 p.m. on July 1.
• Skills in Sync Regional Partnership Pilot Program Grant: The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) is encouraging school districts, with support from local automotive manufacturers, to apply for funding to develop, coordinate and manage regional partnerships that help connect classroom learning to real-world applications. Grant applications are due by 5 p.m. on July 10.
• Fuel Transformation Program Grant: The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is offering this grant opportunity aimed at reducing diesel emissions and accelerating the transition to cleaner transportation technologies across the state to help reduce harmful air pollutants and improve public health in communities across Michigan. Eligible applicants include both public and private entities located in Michigan. Applications will be accepted first-come, first-served until all funding has been awarded.

Worried About Your Mortgage? Help Is Available!

If you own a home and have a mortgage, you are not alone if money feels tight right now. The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) has resources to assist you if you have concerns about making your mortgage payments. Here are a few important reminders:

1. Pay on time if you can.
   Making your mortgage payment on time protects your credit. Good credit can affect more than loans—it can impact utilities, housing and even job applications.
2. Call your lender right away if you’re struggling.
   If you think you may miss a payment, don’t wait to contact your mortgage lender using the phone number listed on your statement. Your lender may offer options to help you stay on track, and reaching out as early as possible can help open the door to more solutions.
3. It’s not too late to ask for help.
   Even if you’ve already missed one or more payments, it may not be too late to get the assistance you need. Often, mortgage lenders are able to offer repayment plans, loan modifications and other relief options.

Additional housing resources are available through these agencies:

• Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS): Home Ownership Services
• Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA): Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund (MIHAF)

You can also contact a MSHDA approved agency for other free assistance. If you have questions or disputes that cannot be directly resolved with your financial institution, please contact DIFS Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 877-999-6442 or file a complaint online at Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints.

Apply for State Boards and Commissions

The governor makes appointments to nearly 250 statewide boards and commissions. These appointments are opportunities for Michiganders to engage with their state government on the issues they care about and represent their expertise and communities at the state level.

Vacancies can be viewed online. Each board listed includes the number of total members, number of vacant seats, and specifications for each vacancy.

E-News Archives, Publications and Recognitions

My e-news archive is available on my website here.

State publications on various topics – including veteran benefits, senior resources and taxpayer support – are also available here. Physical copies of any of these publications can also be mailed to you by emailing my office with your request!

Do you know someone in the district who is retiring and would like a legislative tribute to celebrate their years of service? Has a local team or group reached a milestone that they would like to be acknowledged with an official certificate for each member? Our office can provide legislative tributes, letters and certificates on a wide range of recognitions for constituents, community support organizations and local small businesses. If you would like to request any of these materials for yourself or others, please fill out this form or email my office at [email protected]. Please provide as much information as possible, and we will work with you to arrange delivery or presentation of the recognition!