Dear Neighbor,

Welcome to my monthly Capitol and Community Updates e-newsletter! As your state representative in the 103rd Michigan Legislature, it has been a pleasure to provide these regular updates on my legislative work in an effort to be as transparent and informative as possible for constituents like you. In this issue, you will find a legislative update, news on funding coming to our district, grant opportunities and resources for how my office can assist you!

Neighbors and friends in House District 103 are encouraged to also sign up for these updates at my website, RepCoffia.com. You can reach my office by phone at (517) 373-3817 or by email at BetsyCoffia@house.mi.gov. Be sure to check out the latest on my social media platforms as well. As this legislative session comes to a close and the 103rd Michigan Legislature begins, I welcome your continued feedback and encourage you to reach out if my team and I can ever be of assistance to you!

In Service,

 

Betsy Coffia

State Representative

House District 103

State Rep. Betsy Coffia serves on the House Energy Committee and the House Economic Competitiveness Committee in the 103rd Michigan Legislature.

Upcoming Events

Please join me for my upcoming office hours, 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!

My 2025 in-person office hours occur monthly in one of the three counties of the 103rd District — Grand Traverse, Benzie and Leelanau — on a rotating basis. My upcoming April office hour will be in Leelanau County!

April Office Hour

When: Monday, April 21, from noon to 1 p.m.

Where: Leelanau Government Center

(8527 E. Government Center Drive)

Advocating for a Town Hall with U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin

My legislative staff has confirmed that the uptick in constituents contacting us starting mid-January continues, with calls and e-mails nearly tripling January to February. An estimated 50-60% of our already busy call and email engagement from constituents are now concerns about federal actions. Given this continued trend, I am so pleased to get word back on this letter I sent to northern Michigan’s newest federal representative U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin, included below, that she would be hosting a virtual town hall. Thank you to all who joined me in making this request! 

Legislative Updates

Below you will find highlights of recent legislative action. It is my great honor to put the people of Michigan first by delivering on our promises, and I am ready to keep the momentum moving forward as this legislative term begins. 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.

House Passes Key BRITE Act Policy

The Michigan House of Representatives recently passed legislation to close the revolving door of legislators becoming lobbyists. The legislation prevents a legislator from working as a lobbyist for 2 years following their term. This measure is a safeguard and “cooling off period” to ensure that they are working for their constituents during their time in office, not their next employer.

This was a key issue that I led on in my first term as a sponsor of the Bringing Reforms for Integrity, Transparency, and Ethics (BRITE) Act bill package. I am now encouraging legislative leadership in both chambers to pass the full BRITE Act this term, which will be re-introduced soon.

Finally, I am calling on the Speaker of the House to stop blocking the Senate-passed bipartisan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) reforms that subject the legislature and governor’s office to FOIA. Currently, Michigan is one of only two states that do not have these transparency measures. The Speaker has made statements to the media this year that he does not intend to allow a vote in the House for passage of the bills. House Republicans rejected my amendment to tie-bar the revolving door bills we approved to the FOIA legislation, which would have positioned all of these bills to pass. If we are serious about promoting government transparency, we must pass FOIA reforms immediately.

Preventing the Next Pandemic: Combatting Bird Flu

Last week, my Democratic colleagues and I held a press conference announcing legislation to provide additional funding for avian influenza (bird flu) testing and other resources to curb its spread. I also sponsored a resolution, House Resolution 36, calling on the federal government to prioritize crafting and implementing a national strategy to combat the spread of the disease.

As of March 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that over 50 million birds have died from bird flu since the current outbreak began in early 2022. This includes chickens, turkeys, ducks and other poultry. Bird flu has also infected other animals such as cats, cattle and even humans. The outbreak has affected all 50 states and has led to significant losses for the poultry industry. This has had a devastating impact on our agricultural workers and has resulted in higher prices at the grocery store, especially for eggs.

The President’s Administration has fired CDC employees responsible for monitoring bird flu nationally and established a communications blackout that prevents officials from communicating updates on bird flu outbreaks and prevention. This is not the right approach. As the state of Michigan and our farmers work to combat the spread of bird flu in our state, support from the federal government is crucial to end the outbreak, nationally and beyond.

State Rep. Betsy Coffia, center, speaking at a press conference announcing legislation to combat the spread of bird flu.

A Note Regarding Threats to Federal Funding to Michigan Programs

As mentioned earlier in this newsletter, a significant reason for the uptick in calls to my legislative office has been concerns about federal actions. This includes the President’s Administration and Elon Musk’s DOGE and Congress’ enacted and threatened funding freezes and cuts to states.

I am advocating on behalf of the people I serve for our state budget to fill in as many gaps as possible in order to continue vital services that provide support to Michigan residents. I also want constituents to be aware that nearly 42% of the state budget is composed of federal funds. Should these federal funds evaporate, the state will not be able to make up the difference entirely. In other words, if federal tax dollars that we all pay fail to return to Michigan this year, essential programs in our state will likely face dramatic cuts and reductions in service.

My statement on these threats of federal funding cuts and constituents who have been fired by the President’s Administration can be found here.

Universal School Meals in Jeopardy of Federal Cuts

Michigan’s children and families have been enthusiastic users of the new universal school meals program that was launched two years ago. It provides breakfast and lunch at no cost for all public school students in Michigan. This was an expansion to an existing federal school meals program using state dollars. The measure to make school meals universal passed the Michigan Legislature in a bipartisan vote in 2023 and again in 2024.

Child development research shows that a child’s ability to learn is inhibited by hunger. I was excited to support universal school meals, especially having worked in Traverse City Area Public School classrooms and seen firsthand that a rumbling stomach can lead to behavior issues and difficulty focusing and learning for kids of all ages. Not only does this program reduce the stigma our students and families face when they are not able to afford school meals, but it also saves families valuable time in the morning and $850 per year per child on average in grocery bills.

To get an on the ground sense of impact, my office recently learned that student participation in the school lunch program at Traverse City Area Public Schools has increased 40% since we voted in 2023 to expand to universal school meals. Simply put, the switch to universal school meals has been very popular across northern Michigan and the state as a whole. Importantly, nearly 80% of this program is funded through our federal tax dollars earmarked for Michigan schools through the U.S. Department of Education. A full breakdown of the program’s budget from the nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency is included below.

The universal school meals program is funded for the 2024-25 school year, but will require both state and federal funding to continue next school year and beyond. With federal threats of dismantling the U.S. Department of Education and other funding cuts, Michigan’s popular universal school meals program is now in jeopardy. 

I have received significant advocacy from constituents in support of the program and as your state representative, it is important to engage with your state and federal representatives with your thoughts on whether universal school meals should continue. 

Invocation

On Feb. 20, I delivered the ceremonial invocation on the chamber floor ahead of House session. The video can be viewed here and my remarks were as follows:.

Leviticus 19:33-34

When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.”

State Rep. Betsy Coffia, left, delivers the ceremonial invocation on the House floor on Feb. 20.

Additional Updates

Tax Season – Claim Earned Income Tax Credit!

Individuals can file their state individual income tax return online, with a tax professional or by mailing in paper forms and documentation. All state of Michigan income tax returns and payment of any taxes owed must be received by April 15. For the convenience of taxpayers, the state’s individual income tax deadline is the same date set by the Internal Revenue Service.

All employers were required to provide previous year income record forms – W-2s and 1099s – to their employees by Jan. 31. End-of-the-year pay stubs should not be used when filing a state income tax return because they are typically not an accurate reflection of all income received.

Taxpayers who rush to file without all the necessary paperwork will need to file an amended return later. State income tax returns filed without the required paperwork will be placed on hold for future processing and review.

Tax refunds are typically issued within four weeks from when the individual income tax return is received by the state of Michigan through e-filing. Allow up to eight weeks for paper filed returns.

Michigan’s 2024 tax return, forms, and instructions reflect the expansion of Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for Working Families at 30%. Taxpayers eligible for the Michigan EITC should not delay in filing their tax year 2024 return and claiming the expanded credit. For the 2023 tax year, more than 653,000 recipients received the Michigan ETIC, with an average credit at $836.

Taxpayers have more options so they can choose the best taxing situation for retirement benefits for the 2024 tax year. Over a four-year phase-in, which began last tax year, state law restores the pre-2012 retirement and pension subtraction for most taxpayers in Michigan beginning in 2026. The change benefits retirees in Michigan while ensuring taxpayers in unique circumstances are not harmed. Retirees should consult a tax preparer for what options are best for their situation.

For more information about e-filing, go to mifastfile.org. Individuals with low income, disabilities, or are 60 years of age or older may qualify for free tax preparation help from IRS-certified volunteers. For information about free tax help, go to irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep or dial 2-1-1. Additional free tax help can be found at michiganfreetaxhelp.org. To learn more about Michigan’s individual income tax, go to michigan.gov/incometax.

Funding Coming to the 103rd District

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

  • Northwestern Michigan College, $177,733: The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) has awarded this funding through the competitive Sixty by 30 Student Success Grants, designed to bolster student success at Michigan’s community colleges, Tribal colleges and universities. The Student Success Grant program provides funding to institutions across the state to eliminate barriers for students, grow institutional capacity, improve student experience and increase graduation rates.
  • Grand Traverse Academy, $33,340.86: MiLEAP has awarded this funding as part of the Universal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Challenge. This initiative is designed to increase FAFSA completion rates among Michigan high school seniors, connect students with more financial aid and increase the number of students enrolling in college and career training. Completing the FAFSA is the first step for students to access state and federal scholarships and loans, including the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and Community College Guarantee. Participating districts will use the awarded funds to integrate FAFSA completion into their high school graduation requirements, with a straightforward opt-out provision for qualifying students.
  • Traverse Connect, $50,000: The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’sOffice of Rural Prosperity has awarded this funding as part of the Rural Readiness Grant Program, a program designed to help rural communities build capacity, drive economic development and improve quality of life for residents. This funding will enhance grant readiness in the Grand Traverse region by providing specialized training for local governments and organizations, increasing access to state and federal funding to support infrastructure, workforce and business development.

Grant Funding Opportunities

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

  • BEAD Grant: The Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI) is administering the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program, which offers grants designed to ensure that every one of Michigan’s unserved and underserved homes and businesses can get connected to reliable high-speed internet infrastructure. MIHI also plans to leverage BEAD funding to address issues of affordability, device access, digital skills and others that continue to create a digital divide. MIHI is now accepting BEAD applications until April 9 at 4 p.m.
  • Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarship (MYLSF): Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development administers this scholarship annually for Michigan youth exhibitors who are getting ready to graduate high school or are newly graduated. Applications and qualification requirements for the MYLSF and the statewide scholarship are available here. Questions can be directed to Jeff Haarerat (517) 896-2236 or HaarerJ@Michigan.gov,Sheila Burkhardt (MI Milk Producers Association) at (248) 474-6672 or sheila.burkhardt@mimilk.com. Applications must be submitted electronically no later than May 1 at 11:59 p.m.
  • MI Neighborhood Grant: This grant opportunity through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority is a blend of state and federal funding in response to regional action plans and is in strategic alignment with the Statewide Housing Plan. This grant is open to developers, nonprofits and units of local government who seek to create housing activity components. Applications will be accepted as long as funding is available.
  • Wastewater Infrastructure Fund (WIF) Grant Program: This grant from MDARD aims to help the state’s food and agriculture businesses comply with Michigan’s environmental regulations. Applications will be accepted continually until funding is exhausted.

Apply for State Boards and Commissions

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer 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 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 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 BetsyCoffia@house.mi.gov. Please provide as much information as possible, and we will work with you to arrange delivery or presentation of the recognition!