Capitol and Community Updates

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 communities, 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 continues, I welcome your 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

Upcoming Events

Please join me for my upcoming office hour, 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 July office hour will be in Leelanau County!

July Office Hour

When: Monday, July 14, from noon-1 p.m.

Where: Leelanau County Government Center

(8527 E. Government Center Dr., Suttons Bay, MI 49682)

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 continues. 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.

Open Letter to Northern Michigan State and Federal Policymakers

I wanted to share with my constituents that I was a recipient of an Open Letter to Northern Michigan Policymakers (available online) that was signed by a wide range of our northern Michigan business, municipal, non-profit and educational leaders. It details their grave concerns and opposition to recent federal executive orders, funding recessions, tariffs and proposed congressional spending cuts in the pending federal budget which are causing and will cause further irreparable harm to northern Michigan residents and our economy.

There’s an old saying: when Michigan’s economy catches a cold, Northern Michigan gets pneumonia. It is our duty as lawmakers at all levels — federal, state and local — to recognize that current policy and funding choices from Washington disproportionately harm rural regions across the country, including communities across our region. The impact of these decisions is not abstract — they are affecting real people and communities, and their consequences will be felt for years to come. These actions are hurting and will continue to hurt our region’s efforts to create jobs, build housing, support local farmers and veterans, sustain a vibrant arts and culture community and protect the Great Lakes.

The letter highlights how these actions are already impacting our communities negatively and that additional spending cuts and tax policies contained in major legislation pending before Congress are projected to further harm our region’s economy, environment and communities. The letter asks us as state and federal lawmakers to consider the following facts:

• Medicaid Cuts: The Congressional Budget Office projects more than 10.3 million Americans will lose health insurance coverage, and 7.6 million will go uninsured, based on budget legislation pending in Congress. Rural areas like ours will be especially hard hit and the loss in coverage will impact our most vulnerable residents including seniors, children, pregnant women and individuals with disabilities. In Northern Michigan alone, Medicaid covers nearly 70,000 people and nearly half of births at Munson Healthcare facilities. Rural health care systems like ours could face job losses and reduction in patient services.
• SNAP Cuts: Across the five-county Northern Michigan region, 14% of our neighbors experience food insecurity and 40% of households struggle to make ends meet. In April alone, more than 14,000 people received food assistance. SNAP cuts would be far reaching: children, older adults, veterans, people with disabilities and families with low incomes would face deeper food insecurity and small grocers, rural economies and local food systems would suffer.
• USDA Rural Development Cuts: A proposed $721 million reduction to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development programs would deeply affect funding for health clinics, daycare centers, rural broadband, business grants and both single-family and rental housing assistance.
• Great Lakes Safety, Management, and Infrastructure Cuts: The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), which has funded thousands of land, air and water conservation efforts and economic development projects, is facing severe cuts. An overall 55% cut to the EPA budget would also gut water infrastructure programs that ensure clean drinking water and prevent sewage overflows and flooding. Other key agencies like NOAA, the Interior Department (including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service and U.S. Geological Survey) and the United States Department of Agriculture are also slated for major reductions — jeopardizing the health of the Great Lakes and economies like ours that rely on them, including fisheries, agriculture and tourism industries.
• Tariff Impacts: Tariffs are already harming Northern Michigan businesses. A recent Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance survey found that 52% of over 200 respondents expect a significant negative impact; 44% foresee a major drop in revenue in the next year; and only 1.4% anticipate a positive impact on employment, which would hinder business growth. Rising costs of materials, packaging and imports are cited as the primary concerns.
• Nonprofit Sector Threatened: Nearly 5,000 people in our region are employed by nonprofits. A Community Foundation survey found that 55% of local nonprofits rely on federal grants and 85% say proposed federal spending cuts would disrupt their services. New tax proposals also threaten foundation endowments and their freedom to invest in local communities and local solutions related to housing, veterans services, youth mental health, arts and education, and could allow the IRS to revoke nonprofit status, impacting access to critical services for local individuals and families.
• Federal Program Rescissions: The federal Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) decision to rescind congressionally approved spending is already being felt. Northern Michigan’s nonprofits and communities are all impacted by layoffs of federal workers living in the region, halted AmeriCorps service programs, National Endowment for the Arts grant reductions and the suspension of a three-year rural broadband and workforce development initiative.
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP): The president’s budget proposes to zero-out funding for the LIHEAP program which provides heating and cooling assistance for low-income households. In Michigan, over 400,000 families depended on this program to help cover their heating bills.

As your state representative in the 103rd Michigan Legislature, I share the outlined concerns and take these matters seriously. I am grateful for the work that the letter’s signatories are doing to advocate for our communities. 

Legislative Action

Last month, I delivered a floor speech urging my colleagues to support House Bill 4392, which provides funding for projects in our region and across our state through the Natural Resources Trust Fund (NRTF). The projects being funded include the Ottaway Crossing Footbridge and the Three Mile Trail Extension in Grand Traverse County, as well as the Platte River State Fish Hatchery Accessibility and Education project in Benzie County. Each of these projects will receive $400,000 from the NRTF. These projects will enhance our state’s environment while improving recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. My written statement on the bill’s passage can be found here and my video statement can be found here.

Additionally, I joined several of my colleagues in signing onto a letter to express our opposition to the federal reconciliation bill (H.R. 1) that makes dangerous and devastating cuts to Medicaid, SNAP and other critical public services. The federal budget bill passed on a party line vote by the U.S. House and is currently being considered by the U.S. Senate. This bill threatens to destabilize state and local budgets, especially in rural communities like ours, and force deep cuts across the board that will diminish public services and hurt working families nationwide — all to give billionaires tax breaks. My statement can be found here.

I also recently welcomed members of the Michigan cherry industry to the Michigan Capitol Building in Lansing, including the 2024-25 National Cherry Queen Tessa Nico. That day, I delivered a floor speech and the House adopted my resolution, House Resolution 110, to declare May 21, 2025, as Cherry Industry Day in the state of Michigan. This resolution recognizes the generations of hardworking Michiganders in the cherry industry and urges the Legislature to lend our support to our local farmers and agriculture workers wherever we can, especially as this vital industry is changing and facing new challenges. My statement can be found here.

State Education Budget

Little progress has been made on the state budget this year in the House so far. While the Senate has already passed all of their initial budget proposals, I regret to share that the House majority has introduced school budget bills that take us backward.

House Democrats unveiled a clear vision for the School Aid budget during a publicly accessible press conference in an effort to jumpstart budget negotiations ahead of the July 1 statutory deadline for their completion. The budget recommendations included a record $24 billion for schools while protecting critical funding components like universal free meals, special education support and busing for rural school districts — the latter of which I successfully championed in my first term after decades of the Legislature underfunding rural schools’ high transportation costs. At the time, House Republicans had yet to produce a School Aid budget of their own.

The majority party in each chamber is expected to propose a budget for public debate and negotiation months before the July 1 statutory deadline, which was instituted to provide consistency and stability for schools, local governments and other key public services heavily funded by state dollars when planning for the upcoming fiscal year. In an abnormal deviation from procedure, the House Republican majority was unable to produce a draft budget until after House Democrats introduced theirs.

The House Republican budget plan…

• Moved all funding out of the free school breakfast and lunch program that House Democrats fought for to ensure no child sits down to learn on an empty stomach.
• Reduced critical funding for the Great Start Readiness Program, which specifically helps children from low-income families succeed in pre-K and beyond.
• Changes eligibility for school safety and mental health funding, which could hurt schools’ ability to update infrastructure and keep kids healthy.
• Moved millions in funding away from literacy support.
• Does not include crucial funding for higher education, potentially closing doors on students from low-income families who rely on Michigan Reconnect and getting rid of operational funding that could raise tuition costs.

These education cuts were introduced with no notice and, with only a day for legislators and the public to review the proposal and voice concerns. The legislation was then jammed through two committees before being hastily passed with Republican votes only. I voted no. My statement can be found here and my floor speech in opposition to rural school transportation cuts in particular can be found here. As negotiations continue, I am advocating for a more transparent and bipartisan process going forward, which will be necessary to finalize the budget by the July 1 statutory deadline. I remain committed to delivering a final budget that meets the needs of our rural schools in Leelanau, Benzie and Grand Traverse counties.

Tariff Impacts

As a member of the House Economic Development and Small Business Committee last term and the House Economic Competitiveness Committee this term, I took special note of a recent survey of northern Michigan businesses on the impact of the recent tariffs. The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance released findings from its regional survey (available on their website) on tariff and trade policy, revealing significant concern from small- and medium-sized businesses over the economic impact of rising tariffs and global trade instability.

The survey, which collected 214 responses from businesses across sectors such as retail, manufacturing, construction and professional services, found that a majority of businesses are experiencing a negative impact on their operations due to tariffs. Many businesses described a sense of uncertainty, with shifting trade policies making it difficult to plan ahead. Several noted that even those sourcing domestic products are feeling the ripple effects of broader price inflation.

According to the results:

• 52% of businesses expect a significant negative impact
• 44% of businesses anticipate a significant drop in revenue over the next 12 months
• 14% expect employment reductions, while only 1.4% foresee growth

Respondents pointed to cost increases in materials, packaging, and imported goods as key challenges. Respondents also noted that even with efforts to source domestically, certain items are only available through global suppliers.

While the imposition of tariffs are federal decisions, I have a responsibility to advocate for the economic well being of the region I serve. This includes advocating for sensible policies and amplifying relevant issues to our federal representatives and the community affected. I remain committed to supporting our local small businesses as they navigate this difficult terrain and I am advocating for more federal stability in our economic landscape going forward. 

Additional Updates

• Coffia Champions Democratic K-12 Budget Proposal, Condemns GOP Version to Defund Necessary Student, School Supports
• Coffia Joins State, Local Leaders in Opposing Reckless Cuts to Medicaid and Public Service
• Coffia Celebrates Michigan’s Cherry Industry
• Coffia Supports Passage of Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Legislation
• Lt. Governor Gilchrist Announces Major New Commitment to Building Homes in Michigan
• MiLEAP Expands MI Tri-Share Child Care Program to Support More Working Families
• Lt. Gov. Gilchrist Announces Over $107 Million in Funding Commitments to Build Michigan’s Infrastructure Workforce

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 state grant funding:

• Benzie County Materials Management Department – $12,000 | Leelanau County – $6,000: The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has awarded this funding for community scrap tire drop-off events and other tire cleanups. Improperly dumped scrap tires pose a fire hazard and create mosquito breeding grounds. Recycled scrap tires can be used in asphalt to pave roads, as mulch in gardens and playgrounds, and in manufacturing processes.
• Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay – $39,990.61: EGLE has awarded this grant through the Nonpoint Source program to support conservation and educational efforts while helping local stakeholders reduce pollution and excess runoff by supporting efforts to develop and launch watershed management plans.
• Traverse Connect – $59,000: The Michigan Growth Office has awarded this grant as part of the Make MI Home statewide talent retention and attraction program. Traverse Connect will use this funding to promote retention and attraction of professionals working in the Northwest region by providing housing assistance, community involvement opportunities and child care options.
• Northwest Michigan Works! – $198,253: The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) and the Michigan Workforce Development Board have awarded this funding to help more Michiganders get a job or be successful at work by removing barriers to employment.
• Conservation Resource Alliance – $200,000: The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has awarded this grant through the Fisheries Habitat Grant program to restore and reconnect aquatic organism passage on Cedar Run and Victoria creeks in Leelanau County.
• Great Lakes Children’s Museum – $345,526: LEO has awarded this funding through the Community Museum Grant program, which supports museums and nonprofit foundations across Michigan operating educational programs that foster artistic, scientific, technological or cultural exhibitions. The Great Lakes Children’s Museum also recently received a $25,000 grant from the DNR’s America250MI History Grant program.
• East Bay Charter Township – $796,941 | Grand Traverse County – $992,084: The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has awarded this grant funding through the Revitalization and Placemaking program, which supports community revitalization needs in Michigan communities by investing in projects that promote population and tax revenue growth.

Grant Funding Opportunities

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

• Make It in Michigan Mobility Prototyping Grant Program: Led by the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification and the Michigan Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation, this program is aimed at strengthening the state’s leadership in mobility, electrification, autonomous systems and advanced manufacturing innovation. It provides technical services and financial support to companies working across all modes of mobility. Applications for this new round are due by July 7.
• 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 Grant Program: This grant from Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development 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

The governor 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!