August 1 Capitol and Community Updates

My staff attended the Capital Area Disability Network’s celebration to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This groundbreaking civil rights law prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in all areas of public life. Founded in 1976, the Capital Area Disability Network serves individuals with disabilities in Ingham, Clinton, Eaton, and Shiawassee counties.

I am sorry to have to share that the state’s general fund and school aid budgets remain incomplete as of this writing (August 1, 2025). Despite the fact that state statute requires that state budgets be completed by July 1 every year, the Republican-led House failed to deliver its budgets so that negotiations with the Senate and governor could continue. Like many educators, administrators, and parents, I am deeply concerned about what this indefinite delay means for our public schools whose fiscal year began on July 1. The House’s failure to deliver a complete and full budget is unprecedented in my seven years in office (even with all but two of those years in shared partisan control of government), and it does not bode well, as the state’s fiscal year starts Oct. 1.

For context, the budget process begins in February with the release of the governor’s proposed budgets. Then the appropriations committees of each chamber meet over several months to negotiate and deliver their respective budget proposals. The governor and Senate have done their part. They — along with schools and every other entity that receives money from the State of Michigan — are waiting for us.

Forty-six thousand families and 78,000 individuals from Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton counties relied on Medicaid as of March 2025, according to data collected by the Michigan Department of Health and Human services. That’s more than 25% of the tri-county population. And nearly 48% of Medicaid recipients in these three counties are under 18 years old.

The recently signed federal H.R. 1 (the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act) makes significant cuts to Medicaid that will — in my view — hurt our entire health care system, and be devastating to the significant number of Michigan families who rely on these services.

TyJuan’s family is one of many in the 74th House District who rely on Medicaid. Watch his story here: video.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has increased fees for some campsites and lodging. Starting today, the changes include:

• Modern and semi-modern campsites have increased between $4 and $10 per night (i.e. $26 to $45 per night).
• Cabin lodging rates now range from $60 to $120 per night; deluxe lodging is $160 per night.
• Modern lodges (i.e. bedrooms, fully furnished, full bathroom, etc.) rates will gradually increase over the next two years, with a base rate of $236 per night at all locations by 2027.
• Fees for intermittent camping and equipment storage.

Rustic campsite rates have not changed. These new rates apply to existing reservations. More information can be found here.

Follow my 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,

Kara Hope
State Representative
House District 74

Students and families seeking financial aid for college are invited to register for one of MI Student Aid’s upcoming informational webinars on the Michigan Achievement Scholarship. Topics that will be covered include:

• Information about the NEW Community College Guarantee
• Michigan Achievement Scholarship eligibility requirements
• Michigan Achievement Scholarship award amounts
• Important action items for students and families
• Additional resources and program information

You can view the list of upcoming webinars, register, and watch an online recording of the informational session here.

The City of Lansing is hosting free Concerts in the Park every Wednesday until Aug. 6 from 7 p.m. – 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 is hosting free, weekly outdoor concerts and movies this summer at Veterans Memorial Garden, 2074 Aurelius Road, Holt, MI 48842. Music in the Garden takes place on Thursdays at 7 p.m., going through Aug. 7. Moonlight Movies will begin at 9 p.m. or dark on Fridays, going through Aug. 8. More information can be found on the Delhi Township Community Events website.