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 residents like you. In this issue, you will find a legislative update, news on funding coming to our communities and resources for how my office can assist you!

Additionally, in the wake of the July 26 tragic knife attack in our community that left 11 people hospitalized, the new Grand Traverse Mental Health Crisis and Access Center hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (833) 295-0616. You or someone you know can also call or text the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit the Lifeline Chat to connect with a trained crisis counselor. I encourage impacted residents to take advantage of and share these resources with others who may be struggling to process these tragic events. 

In the early aftermath of the attack, our community has been processing this senseless act of violence and trying to understand what happened. My heart is with our community and the 11 people who suffered injuries. I’m so grateful for the reports from Munson hospital of the progress the victims are making. My team and I are seeking ways to support the survivors and their families in the aftermath; if any of these community members need assistance, feel free to connect them with my office, whether it is about health care costs, lost work hours or other hardships on top of the attack itself. We are committed to assisting wherever we can. This is the time to be extra compassionate and mindful of the pain and burden folks are carrying — not all of which is visible or physical.

There are no words to express the immense gratitude I have for the brave community members who worked together to subdue the attacker, which  prevented further people from being injured. I am also profoundly thankful to the dedicated first responders, 911 operators, law enforcement, hospital staff and Good Samaritans throughout this tragedy who responded in ways large and small — helping the wounded, giving rides to and from the hospital, being a compassionate presence and countless other acts of quiet heroism I know we are strong, and I believe we will keep finding ways to grow even stronger and more compassionate — individually, as a community and across our institutions and systems.

I will continue gathering facts, and as more details emerge about the circumstances of the attack, I will have much more to say about how we can best respond — as neighbors, as a community and as a state. In the meantime, hold your loved ones close and let’s build up our community and support our neighbors as we navigate through this tragedy.

 

In Service,

 

Betsy Coffia

State Representative

House District 103

Upcoming Events

Please be advised that our regular in district office hour events will resume in September

Thank you to those who have joined me for this year’s office hours so far! We had a great turnout for the July office hours event at the Leelanau Governmental Center. I always come away challenged and energized from input from the constituents who take time to attend. 

It has been a pleasure answering your insightful questions and hearing from my constituents about the issues facing our state and our community. Please stay tuned for information on upcoming office hour locations!

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.

State Budget Update

 

In my first term, I was proud that our Democratic majority passed a balanced state budget by the statutory deadline of July 1, both in 2023 and 2024.

Passing a budget by July 1 each year is important for many reasons, but it is especially critical for local school districts, whose fiscal years start on July 1 as they prepare for the upcoming school year. Schools rely heavily on state funds and state-allocated federal funds for everything from per pupil allowances and special education to school meals, school safety and mental health, transportation and more. The ability to hire and retain enough school staff is also directly impacted by how much per pupil funding and other types of state School Aid funding each district can expect to receive.

The governor presented her proposed budget in February 2025 while the state Senate voted out their budget proposal in May. Given that House Republicans had not proposed a budget by early June, House Democrats introduced the House Dems’ Education Vision budget proposal to fully fund our schools and support the programs that students and parents rely on most. Our plan invests $3.2 billion more into Michigan schools than FY 2025. Our investment plan is informed by conversations I’ve had with parents, teachers and community leaders across our district.

 House Democrats’ Education Vision budget plan works to ensure an equitable and quality education for every child. In our budget, we prioritized funding for:

• School safety and mental health
• Universal school meals
• Great Start Readiness Program
• Class size reduction grants
• Special education
• Career and technical education
• Literacy learning grants

After the release of House Democrats’ School Aid proposal, the House Republicans made their own education proposal public. That plan:

• Moves all funding out of the free school breakfast and lunch program that House Democrats fought for to ensure no child goes hungry at school.
• Reduces 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.
• Moves 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.

Unfortunately, House Republicans have yet to put forward a General Fund budget for the year, and the House Republican majority’s School Aid budget proposal dramatically altered dedicated funding for crucial student support systems, which also includes rural transportation and special education.

I don’t believe this is a serious proposal rather it’s a non-starter for our budget negotiations — given that such a proposal will also need the approval of the Michigan Senate and governor. And it appears to be intentional. “Maybe the government might get shut down,” said House Appropriations Committee Majority Vice Chair Matt Maddock (WLNS 6, 6/12/25). When Speaker Hall was asked in May if he would commit to moving a budget out of the House before July, he said, “Well, we’ll see. You know, I think we got to work through it.” (Michigan Advance, 5/29/25).

Michigan school districts, teachers, parents and students were counting on lawmakers to finalize the state budget by July 1, but after months of delays from House Republican leadership, the deadline has come and gone. To date, we have not adopted a budget.

I feel as though another indication of the lack of urgency to pass the budget came when the House Speaker, even after the July 1 deadline had passed, chose to hold hearings on dozens — even hundreds — of individual enhancement grants requested by individual lawmakers. I am all for transparency around such requests. However, this is an activity that could and should have happened in Appropriations Committee hearings in February, March, April and even May of this year, not after the statutory July 1 deadline to adopt a budget has come and gone. I do not support what I perceive to be stall tactics when the urgency of adopting a balanced state budget directly impacts our communities and makes a state government shut down more likely.

The lack of urgency by House leadership is unacceptable. Passing a state budget is urgent, and I will continue to advocate that we do so as soon as possible. I invite you to join me in this advocacy and hold our leaders accountable.

Advocacy on the Traverse City State Park Pedestrian Bridge

As many in our community are aware, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is currently undertaking a renovation project at the Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park. As part of this renovation, the pedestrian bridge over the U.S. 31 roadway connecting the campground to the state park beach across the five lane highway was scheduled to be removed and replaced with a crosswalk and traffic light as part of the DNR’s plan. This bridge was built in the 1960s after a child was tragically killed crossing the highway. 

While I understand that the current pedestrian bridge is aging and not in compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), I share the safety concerns that many of our neighbors have expressed regarding removal of the pedestrian bridge without an ADA-compliant replacement bridge. I explained these concerns to the DNR project leads during a meeting on May 20, where the DNR project leads pointed to their estimated $20 million price tag as the primary reason to forego a replacement pedestrian bridge; $8.5 million in one-time federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars from the previous presidential administration are covering the vast majority of the park’s other improvements.

In my July 2 letter (see below), I pointed out that comparable bridge projects have been accomplished in Michigan in recent years with a fraction of the DNR’s estimated cost. During a follow-up meeting on July 16, the DNR acknowledged their inflated cost calculation and revised their estimate down to $5-7 million. Then, on July 17, the bridge was struck by a vehicle and closed to the public.

On July 22, I discussed the matter with DNR Director Scott Bowen directly. He stated at that meeting — and later in writing to me — that the DNR will file an insurance claim for the damage to the bridge and that he is committed to finding a way to replace the current bridge with an ADA-compliant replacement bridge. I understand there are questions to be resolved around funding and exact location for a replacement bridge; my main goal has been and continues to be for the DNR and all parties to come to and remain at the table in good faith to ensure a new ADA-compliant bridge is built for the safety of the community.

This will continue to be a priority for my office and I will remain in close contact with Director Bowen, my northern Michigan legislative colleagues and local community leaders to work toward this goal.

Justice Needs No Mask Bill Introduction

The following are the remarks I gave at a July 24 press conference introducing my bill, “Justice Needs No Mask”. I was grateful my bill received co-sponsorship from more than 20 colleagues. I especially recommend listening to the remarks that my colleague state Rep. Stephanie A. Young shared from the heart (26:40), reflecting on the way current undercover ICE agent tactics echo what she and other Black legislators have heard from their parents and grandparents about what they endured at the hands of masked men in very recent U.S. history.

I am proud to say my district has a rich agricultural history and supplies more tart cherries than anywhere else in the world. That agricultural heritage ties directly into why I am introducing this bill: because the very workers who, for generations, have worked our multi-generation family farms to feed our state and country, are living in fear of being targeted by unidentified, masked and armed people in vans. Now, it is more important than ever to talk about how justice needs no mask. 

Frankly, this is legislation I never thought I would need to introduce, but here we are. Because over the last couple of months, Americans have been disturbed by too many images and videos showing masked individuals pulling up in unmarked cars and jumping out weapons drawn to grab people — people who are often at work. On farms. In factories. People seeking care at hospitals. Parents picking their kids from school. Students going to volleyball practice. People even being grabbed at courthouses where they are mandated to appear.

For the average person, these incidents look like violent kidnappings. Because of the new tactic of wearing masks with no identification, there is no way for the public or those being snatched up to know who they are engaging with. Is it federal immigration agents? Is it a random group of armed vigilantes? No one knows, because these men are masked, with no ID. That secrecy creates a dangerous situation for those being snatched, the community and our officers.

I honestly can’t believe I need to say this, but: may I remind us all that undercover ICE agents and the practice of wearing masks and hiding identification echoes the tactics of authoritarian regimes. 

This dangerous tactic deviates from the practices of local law enforcement, contributing to confusion, fear and distrust in our communities. Public safety is fundamentally a matter of trust that is earned through consistent, fair practices. And no one is enjoying DHS’s undercover ICE agent tactics more than criminals. Law enforcement experts, including an ex-FBI agent and former Immigration officers, have warned that federal agents’ increased practice of masking while carrying out immigration raids and arrests makes it easier for imposters to pose as police officers. We are already seeing examples of this very thing happening.

I will point out here that our local and state police and sheriff departments do their work every day without covering their faces. They wear their badges, nametags and do their job, which often involves dealing with actual dangerous criminals —not tackling farm workers, health care aides, roofers and school children. Former Detroit Assistant Police Chief Steve Dolunt made this exact point and highlighted the fact that federal anonymous police tactics even erode trust in our local law enforcement — creating more danger for our police officers.

And yet here we are, in 2025, with  these masked, unidentified people grabbing people off the streets — from their jobs, hospitals, courthouses and schools. This has got to stop. In order to protect everyone who resides in and visits Michigan — individuals and officers alike, this has got to stop. Free countries don’t have secret police. We aren’t ok with secret police in America. 

Justice needs no mask, and that’s why I am introducing legislation to require proper display of identification for law enforcement and to ban the use of masks by law enforcement except in limited, appropriate circumstances. This legislation would apply to law enforcement agencies at all levels of government while exempting undercover operations. It has common-sense exceptions for circumstances in which an officer may wear a mask while interacting with the public.

Exceptions include:

• To prevent the transmission of diseases such as COVID-19
• To protect the officer from toxins or hazards that could cause illness
• To protect the officer during high-risk situations such as terrorist events

Additionally, under this bill, law enforcement would be required to identify themselves in the following ways:

• Display name or badge number
• Display employing law enforcement agency or its initials

I want to be very clear that by and large, our local and state level law enforcement agencies would already be in compliance with the provisions of this bill — but not all agencies are being held accountable, and we know that current federal immigration law enforcement is actively embracing masking and other tactics to conceal identity.

During my time in the legislature, I have been a strong advocate for increased transparency and accountability in government — and my constituents demand it. Anonymity makes enforcing accountability, the law and civil rights damn near impossible. If we truly want safe communities in Michigan, this legislation is a key piece of that discussion because justice wears no mask. Not in a free society. Not in America.

Student Reading Visit

 

Classroom visits aren’t just for the month of March — I recently had the pleasure of reading to migrant education students enrolled at Northwest Education Services’ Creekside School. Thank you to the students, teachers and faculty who welcomed me! It was an honor to connect with these students, inquire about their interests and future aspirations and foster a love of reading and literacy by sharing bilingual books, incorporating unique culture and language into every conversation.

Northwest Education Services’ goal is to provide students with rich opportunities to learn, explore and inspire their curiosity. Through this experience, I gained a unique perspective of our remarkable students and their families. Learn more about their migrant education and english learners services here.

Additional Updates

• Coffia Joins State, Local Leaders in Opposing Reckless Cuts to Medicaid and Public Service
• House Dems Call Out Republican Leadership for Not Coming to Work, Continued Budget Inaction
• Gov. Whitmer Announces Michigan Receives Disaster Declaration for Northern Michigan Ice Storm Recovery Efforts
• Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Directive to Create the Advanced Air Mobility Initiative, Supporting Good-Paying Jobs Across Michigan
• Gov. Whitmer Announces Awardees of First-Ever Michigan Innovation Fund
• Thousands of Michiganders receive $34 million in back payments under unemployment law benefits increase
• Michigan ranks #1 nationally in adult credential attainment and serves more job seekers than any other Midwest state
• Michigan records lowest rate of infant mortality in its history; continues focus on resources to keep moms, babies healthy
• Michigan Earns Highest Ever Rank in CNBC’s Top 10 States for Business

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:

• 20Fathoms – $1,600,000: This funding from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is one of the first grants awarded through the Michigan Innovation Fund — created through legislation that I worked on and voted for. This funding will help accelerate the growth of tech startups, entrepreneurs and scalable businesses whose innovations create jobs and provide goods and services that build community resilience in northwest Michigan.
• Traverse Connect – $949,000: This funding through MEDC’s Advanced Aerial Mobility (AAM) Activation Fund expands upon the Traverse Connect’s previously awarded AAM project, which tested and scaled uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) for use cases that include the delivery of medical supplies and other critical health care services to improve rural health outcomes. This project seeks to implement a new phase of use of UAS to enhance the transportation of critical medical supplies, laboratory samples and essential equipment across Munson Healthcare’s network of clinics.
• United Way of Northwest Michigan & Networks Northwest – $100,000: This funding through the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) will be used to expand access to affordable, high-quality child care in northern Michigan by strengthening early childhood systems and addressing child care challenges at the local level through community-informed strategies. United Way of Northwest Michigan also received $266,667 from MiLEAP to strengthen support for home-based child care programs.
• The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has awarded funding to the following entities in HD 103 through the Going PRO Talent Fund. Funding will be used to train current employees, new hires and registered apprentices.
  • Lear – $131,000
  • Commongrounds Foundation – $2,000
  • Skilled Manufacturing, Inc. – $43,091
  • Promethient, Inc. – $18,000
  • Habitat For Humanity Grand Traverse Region – $10,638
  • Thirlby Clinic – $3,500
  • Munson Medical Center – $115,000
  • Great Lakes Children’s Museum – $6,828
  • Dan Brady Painting – $10,500

EGLE Opens Public Comment Period for Line 5 Permit Application

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has opened public comment for Enbridge Energy’s permit application seeking authorization for surface facilities associated with the proposed Line 5 tunnel project under the Straits of Mackinac. If constructed, the tunnel would house a proposed replacement for the more than 70-year-old Line 5 dual-product pipelines currently lying on the lakebed.

Due to the substantial public interest in the application, the public notice period will run from July 16, 2025, through Aug. 29, 2025. Two virtual meetings will be held during the public notice period. One is an informational session on Aug. 12, 2025, with a question-and-answer format regarding the application and EGLE’s review process. The second is a formal public hearing on Aug. 19, 2025, where comments will be received for the record. Additional comments will be accepted online through Aug. 29, 2025. More information on how to join these meetings and make public comments can be found here.

Double Up Food Bucks

Buying food is expensive right now, especially for our neighbors struggling to put food on the table. Double Up Food Bucks is here to help. For those who shop for groceries with a SNAP/Michigan Bridge Card, they can double their benefits to purchase fresh, Michigan-grown fruits and veggies using Double Up Food Bucks. 

The program is available at 230+ participating farmers markets, farm stands, and grocery stores across Michigan. Learn how it works and find a participating location near you at DoubleUpFoodBucks.org. 

HEAL Asthma Project Seeking Participants

Health Equity Advancement & Leadership (HEAL) is a project within the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) with the goal of building and supporting community-based work to address inequities in asthma. The overall goal of HEAL is to reduce asthma deaths and illness among high-risk populations. ​The AAFA hopes to improve asthma control through advancing general health and wellness, providing access to specialty care, offering assessments of home environments and delivering asthma self-management education.

​The AAFA is looking for 30 people to join a FREE program and learn what good asthma control means. Along the way, they will provide tools, resources and incentives aimed at improving your asthma control and overall wellness. Sign up if you want to stop going to the emergency room and missing work or activities because your asthma is acting up and you just want to feel better!

​Eligibility for the HEAL project:

• You have been told by a doctor you have asthma
• You are a Michigan Resident
• You are 18+
• You have been affected by health care inequities or in underserved communities

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN (click here)

Questions? Call (248) 406-4254 or email aafahealasthma@gmail.com

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 — including veteran benefits, senior resources and taxpayer support — 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, community support organizations 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!