Dear Neighbors, 

What a wonderful spring it has been despite fluctuating temperatures. Now, in the transition to summer, I have been enjoying getting outside for a farm tour, several graduations and Art in the Park in Pinckney (one of my favorite annual events). I have also attended a couple of summer reading library events for children, nostalgic for how I used to read every book on my school list from late May to early September. But mostly, I have been hard at work in Lansing, as it is state budget season. Please know that I am continuing to fight for funding to improve the lives of all Michiganders and the constituents of House District 48, despite a tighter budget this year.

Please know that due to House guidelines, we will not be sending any newsletters until after the August Primary Election. If you need assistance, have questions or want to share your thoughts with me, please contact my office at 517-373-7557 or [email protected].

 

Testifying in House Labor & Economic Opportunity Committee:

Recently, I testified in the House Labor and Economic Opportunity Subcommittee in support of funding in our state’s FY 2026-27 budget for several critical projects in our district. Check them out below!

 

Cleary University Nursing Education Proposal

On June 1, I testified in support of my $2 million funding request to support the transition of three CCNE-accredited nursing programs from Siena Heights University (SHU) — which closed in May of this year — to Cleary University. Michigan is facing a nursing crisis with an expected 15% registered nurse shortage by 2035. Currently, Livingston County has no accredited nursing degree program, but has the largest concentration of registered MNA nurses in the state. With our close proximity to Trinity Health Livingston Hospital, Trinity Health Ann Arbor, Michigan Medicine Ann Arbor and UM Health – Sparrow, Cleary is positioned to place graduates directly into the regional healthcare workforce and reduce pressure on overtaxed hospitals.

Cleary has already entered into an agreement with SHU to transfer these programs, and this funding will ensure that it is done responsibly. The request will support student scholarships to reduce financial barriers and moving critical course infrastructure like simulation labs to Cleary from SHU. It is especially important that we protect and expand academic pathways to the profession throughout the state.

Huron-Clinton Metroparks 

I also recently testified in support of $5 million in funding for the Huron-Clinton Metroparks and several different projects meant to enhance and expand existing facilities. This includes renovating Kensington Metropark’s Deer Run trail and Wolcott Mill’s Farm Center for accessibility, constructing a trail connecting Island Lake Recreation Area and Huron Meadows Metropark (part of Michigan’s Great Lake-to-Lake Trail’s Route 1), and modernizing Lake Erie Metropark’s Great Wave Pool Bathhouse.

I am so excited to support such crucial investments to our Metroparks, which will improve access to the great outdoors and expand recreational opportunities in our district and throughout southeast Michigan.

State Budget for FY 2026-27:

As many of you know, last year’s budget process was extremely unusual and significantly delayed, mostly due to changes in how House Republican Leadership chose to navigate the process. This is why it is absolutely imperative that this time around, we ensure that a state budget is in place by July 1, in order for local school districts, organizations and state agencies to have certainty regarding funding for the coming year.

Each year’s budget process begins with the governor releasing their budget recommendations — which happened back in February. This included a proposed 2.5% increase in base per-pupil funding for our public schools, $780.4 million to stabilize Medicaid funding and $429.1 million in continued funding for workforce development programs and grants — among other critical investments in our communities. You can view additional details on this proposal here.

On April 29, the Senate approved its FY 2026-27 budget proposal, which aligns closely with many of the governor’s recommendations. You can find more information on the Senate’s proposal here.

However, on April 22, House Republicans passed their General and School Aid budget proposals — House Bills 5619 and 5630, respectively — on a party-line vote. I voted NO on both of these bills because they would cut funding to critical programs, services and institutions that I believe many Michiganders rely on to thrive. For example, it would eliminate $470.6 million (a more than 60% cut from last year) dedicated to some of our state’s public universities — the University of Michigan and Michigan State University.

With this being said, there is still much more work to be done before a FY 2026-27 budget can be finalized, and upcoming negotiations between House and Senate leadership and the governor mean that the final budget agreement could look quite different from any of the proposals that are currently pending.

As your state representative, please know that as budget discussions continue here in Lansing, I will continue to listen to and fight for the interests of the 48th House District, and will always work to ensure that your key priorities are addressed in any final appropriations package.

RECENT EVENTS:

To see ALL the events I have attended, take a look at my Facebook.

But here are some particularly special highlights:

THE pARTY – Creative Washtenaw

On April 15, I had the privilege of presenting state tributes to awardees at THE pARTY — Creative Washtenaw’s signature benefit event celebrating the arts and creative industries in Washtenaw County.

The Creative Washtenaw Medals for Arts, Sciences & Humanities honor and celebrate the extraordinary achievements of those in Washtenaw County who advance and increase awareness of the arts and creative industries in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and our many vibrant Washtenaw County communities. Medalists make their mark through their accomplishments, leadership and investment of time, talent and resources, thus setting the standard for excellence and serving as the example for others to follow. It was particularly special for me to give a tribute to Judy and Don Rumelhart, dear friends of my family who are devoted supporters of the arts and the community.

 

Livingston County Veteran and Auxiliary Member of the Year Banquet

On April 21, I had the honor of attending the 2026 Livingston County Veteran and Auxiliary Member of the Year Banquet at the American Legion Devereaux Post 141 in Howell.

It was a meaningful evening recognizing individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service to our country and continued dedication to supporting the veteran community. Congratulations to Don Lang, Veteran of the Year, and to Sheryl Pitt, Auxiliary Member of the Year.

Thank you to the Livingston County Veterans Council and the American Legion for hosting this event and for all the work you do to honor and support our veterans!

 

Freedom River Ribbon-Cutting

I felt very emotional at the ribbon-cutting for Freedom River. When I first decided to run for office, I met Janna and Jeff Yeakey through friends and learned about their vision for a recreational camp for veterans and their families, which they hoped could happen in the district where I was running.

Four years later, the field that was once empty is now ready to open and welcome those who served our country. Though it still has a long way to go, it now has pickleball courts, fishing and boating facilities, and beautiful outdoor spaces for picnicking and camping. I am so glad to have been able to secure $5.3 million in state funding for the project. The Yeakey’s, their board and community all deserve credit for making this happen.

Hamburg Township Historical Museum Springtime Tea 

On May 16, I took my 92-year old mother to the Hamburg Township Historical Museum Springtime Tea with a great speaker, Marie Sarnacki. She is a teacher at South Lyon East High School, and was named the 2025 Michigan History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. Since 2004, the distinguished award has recognized exceptional K-12 educators for their remarkable work in teaching American history.

She described the incredible contributions of Michigan women during the American Revolution. As part of the 250th birthday celebrations at the Hamburg Museum, it was great to make new friends while enjoying delicious savory and sweet treats! My mom loved it!

 

Memorial Day Events

I started off my Memorial Day at the Brighton Memorial Day Parade, where I first stopped in at the Brighton Area Historical Society on Main Street. They were showcasing an impressive collection of Civil War memorabilia that was fascinating to see and learn about from the collector. After the parade, the memorial continued at Millpond where hundreds came out to honor those who sacrificed their lives for our country.

Later on, I attended the Memorial Day parade in Pinckney, which included the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 419 Pinckney.

On this solemn day, I truly appreciated these opportunities to celebrate and reflect on those who have died fighting for our country. We are forever indebted to their selflessness and unwavering dedication to defending our freedom.

For more pictures of these events check out my Facebook!

Sincerely,

Jennifer Conlin

State Representative

House District 48