August Capitol and Community Updates

Dear Neighbor,

Welcome to August! It’s hard to believe how quickly this summer has been flying by. As we step into a new month, I hope that you are soaking up the final weeks of sunshine, community festivals and outdoor fun before the back-to-school season begins. Whether you’ve been enjoying the Southfield summer concert series, strolling through the Farmington Farmers Market, taking a weekend getaway or simply taking the time to relax with neighbors and loved ones, I hope this summer has brought you joy and connection.

This is also a time when many families are preparing for the school year ahead. Many parents and students are already gathering supplies, signing up for youth sports and registering for after-school programs. Our community has much to offer, and I’m honored to represent such a vibrant, engaged community.

As always, my office is here to serve you. Below, you’ll find a few updates and resources that may be helpful as you plan for the month ahead.

Thank you,

Jason Hoskins, M.P.A., J.D.

State Representative

Michigan’s 18th House District

In this Issue:

• Share Your Vision for Michigan’s Future
• Rep. Hoskins Responds to the President’s “One Big Beautiful Bill”
• Rep. Hoskins Applauds First Recipients of Michigan’s Innovation Fund
• Oakland County Cooling Centers
• Openings Available to Serve on One of Governor’s State Boards or Commissions

My colleagues and I have been in collaboration to create a vision for the coming years here in Michigan, and now we want to hear from you!

We’re hoping to receive your feedback as we work to develop policy priorities that center Michiganders’ needs and explore the topics that matter most to you as we chart the path forward for Democrats in Michigan together.

If you have an extra two minutes to provide your feedback, I’d appreciate hearing from you:

State Rep. Jason Hoskins (D-Southfield) issued the following statement in response to the passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” by the U.S. House of Representatives in a narrow 218-214 vote:

“It is truly difficult to express how devastating the President’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ is going to be for Michiganders. This monstrous 1,200-page legislation delivers massive tax breaks to the wealthy while cutting nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid and food assistance — programs that millions depend on for their health, housing and basic needs.

“This bill also blows a potential $2 billion hole in Michigan’s budget. While the state can attempt to shift funds to cover some losses, there simply isn’t enough to fully backfill the gap. Protecting these vital programs would mean deep cuts to other essential services like infrastructure and public safety. The consequences are real and far-reaching. Preserving vital programs could mean deep cuts elsewhere, likely benefiting a few while placing the burden on many.

“Ultimately, this situation stems from decisions made in Congress that have significant consequences for hardworking Michiganders. I’ll continue fighting for a Michigan where dignity, care and opportunity aren’t up for negotiation.”

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State Rep. Jason Hoskins (D-Southfield) celebrated the announcement of the first recipients of the Michigan Innovation Fund, a $60 million investment initiative that Rep. Hoskins sponsored to support high-growth startups and early-stage venture funds across the state.

“The Michigan Innovation Fund is about investing in our people, keeping talent in-state and ensuring that the next big idea has the resources to take root in Michigan. I’m proud to have sponsored this bipartisan legislation to build an economy that works for everyone by empowering the risk-takers and job creators of tomorrow,” Hoskins said.

The first round of recipients includes:

Existing Evergreen Funds:

• ID Ventures – $10.6 million
• Ann Arbor SPARK – $10.6 million
• University of Michigan Accelerate Blue Fund – $10.6 million
• MSU Research Foundation – $10.6 million
• Western Michigan University Biosciences Research & Commercialization Center – $5.3 million

Emerging Evergreen Funds:

• InvestUP – $1.6 million
• 20Fathoms – $1.6 million
• Grand Valley Research Corp. – $1.6 million

“I congratulate every single recipient of this critical fund,” Hoskins added. “Michigan is home to some of the most creative minds and innovative institutions in the country. Each award represents a new chapter of growth, jobs and innovation in our communities. With this investment, we’re sending a clear message: Michigan believes in its talent — and we’re committed to turning bold ideas into engines of lasting prosperity for all Michiganders.”

The remaining $7.2 million will be awarded to entrepreneurs and startups through a final round of applications due by Aug. 8, 2025, at noon. For details, visit the Michigan Innovation Fund website.

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Summer temperatures have been on the rise and we’re likely to see more heat waves as the summer comes to an end, which is why I wanted to share some information about the cooling center locations that we have access to throughout Oakland County if you need help beating the heat. As a reminder, these facilities are only open during a severe weather event, and operational facilities will be marked in green when they are open and operational at the link below this paragraph. Also, most sites are not open 24-hours.

Find your closest cooling center here: oakgov.com/warming-and-cooling-centers

The governor is inviting community members to apply for available appointments on more than 240 state boards and commissions. If you’re a teacher, health care worker, small business owner or community advocate, your voice and experience are relevant and can have an impact on the future of our state. Some examples of available appointment opportunities include:

• Labor and economic opportunity/workforce development
• Public health advisory/health and human services
• Environmental protections and climate solutions
• Housing, construction and licensing and regulatory affairs
• Public safety, justice and veterans’ affairs

Many positions are already available to apply, with others expected throughout 2025.

Website: www.michigan.gov/appointments
Questions? Email: appointments@michigan.gov

Residents of our community are invited to our upcoming in-person community conversations. We will share a legislative update and answer your questions about the issues facing our state and communities. Staff from our offices will be joining us as well to connect with constituents who may need assistance. Please watch for emails from us in case of cancellation or rescheduling.

Location: Southfield Public Library (26300 Evergreen Road, Southfield, MI 48076).

Date and Time: Monday, Sep. 22, from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Special Guests: State Sen. President Pro Tempore Jeremy Moss, and state Reps. Samantha Steckloff and Natalie Price.

My team is excited to continue working on your behalf throughout this legislative session. Hearing your input on legislation and current issues is invaluable, and my office is here to help if you need assistance with a state department or local resources.

You can contact my office at JasonHoskins@house.mi.gov or (517) 373-1180. To stay up to date with my work to represent you in the Michigan Legislature, I encourage you to check out my Facebook page and my website, or you can go to legislature.mi.gov for information on any legislation of interest.