Capping insulin at $35, protecting Michiganders’ civil liberties, Pride Month, and more

E-Newsletter | June 26, 2026 | Rep. Kara Hope

Dear Neighbor,

Here is some information that you will hopefully find helpful, including news and resources from your state government.

House Dems Join LGBTQ Caucus to Read Pride Month Resolution

 

After Republican leadership refused to take up a resolution to recognize June 2026 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in Michigan, Rep. Hope joined her House Democratic colleagues and members of the LGBTQ Caucus for a reading of the resolution on the Capitol steps. In previous terms, the House of Representatives has adopted this resolution to recognize either Pride week or month in June.

Legislation Introduced to Cap Insulin Copays at $35

 

Last week, Rep. Hope co-sponsored legislation that would cap the copay on insulin to $35 for a 30-day supply. Diabetes impacts nearly 1 in 10 Michiganders, and approximately 3,000 people die from diabetes-related complications in our state every year. The rising price of insulin not only affects monthly expenses; rationing or skipping this vital medication can potentially have lethal consequences. House Bill 6101 would ensure that Michiganders can access this lifesaving medication at an affordable price.

Legislation Introduced to Phase Out Neurotoxic Herbicide

 

Last week, Rep. Hope co-sponsored legislation that would phase out the use of paraquat dichloride as an herbicide in Michigan. Exposure to paraquat is associated with neurological disorders including Parkinson’s disease. Agricultural workers who work directly with paraquat and communities impacted by chemical drifts, spills, or improper storage are at the most risk for these negative health impacts. Under House Bill 6114, the sale of herbicides containing paraquat would be phased out by December 2027, and the use of these products would be phased out by December 2028.

Legislation Introduced to Better Protect Michiganders’ Civil Liberties

 

Rep. Hope co-sponsored legislation that would allow Michigan residents to sue federal officials in state court for alleged violations of their constitutional rights (House Bill 6110). Currently, individuals can sue state and local officials for violating their constitutional rights, but this cannot be done at the federal level. Opening the door to federal litigation has the potential to protect Michiganders’ civil liberties and hold federal officials accountable.

Mobile Food Pantry to Distribute in South Lansing

 

The Greater Lansing Food Bank’s mobile food pantry will be at Tabernacle of David Church at 2645 W. Holmes Road in Lansing on Wednesday, July 1, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This event is open to the public and identification is not required. The distribution may end early if food runs out. Organizers ask that participants do not line up more than 30 minutes before the scheduled start time. For more information, call the Greater Lansing Food Bank at 517-853-7800.

Follow Rep. Hope’s official Facebook account for the most up-to-date information. E-news contains a lot of good information, but it takes several days – up to a week – to get it approved and sent.

Sincerely,

Office of State Representative Kara Hope

In Case You Missed It . . .

City of Lansing Hosts Concerts in the Park

The City of Lansing is hosting free Concerts in the Park every Wednesday until Aug. 5 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. These concerts take place at various parks throughout the city. Seating will not be provided, so please bring a chair or blanket.

Delhi Township Hosts Summer Music in the Garden and Moonlight Movies

Delhi Township is hosting free weekly outdoor concerts and movies this summer at Veterans Memorial Garden, 2074 N. Aurelius Road in Holt. Music in the Garden takes place on Thursdays at 7 p.m., starting July 2 and going through July 30. Moonlight Movies will begin at 9 p.m. or dusk on Fridays, starting July 10 and going through Aug. 7. More information can be found on the Delhi Township Community Events website.

Senior Project Fresh Applications Open

Michigan’s Senior Project Fresh (SPF) program offers $25 in free benefits to use on fresh fruits, vegetables and honey at participating farmers’ markets and roadside stands. Eligible participants must be Michigan residents and either:

  • Age 60 or older with a total household income of $28,952.50 or less for an individual, or $39,127.50 for a couple.
  • Age 55 and older and belong to a Michigan federally recognized tribe or urban tribal group.

The program will be open though Oct. 31. Apply online, or contact the Tri-County Office on Aging at 1-888-224-3030 option 5 to find out more information. Learn more about Senior Project Fresh here.