Dear Neighbor,
As October begins, fall is in full swing across Michigan. It’s been a busy season in Lansing with the new fiscal year here. The Legislature passed a bipartisan state budget that delivers for the people of Michigan. This budget includes a sustainable, long-term road funding deal, tax breaks for seniors and working families, another record investment in students and schools, health care protections, and commonsense changes to make government work better. Read on to learn more about this state budget as well as how the recent federal government shutdown could impact you.
As we look ahead, I remain committed to making sure Lansing works for the people of Center Line, Hazel Park, Madison Heights, and Warren. Whether it’s securing local investments, protecting vital services, or ensuring your voice is heard, I’m honored to serve as your representative.
As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at (517) 373-0839 or [email protected] if you need assistance or have questions.
In service,
Rep. Mike McFall
Michigan State Representative, District 14
Upcoming Events
Join me later this month for a Veteran Resource Fair on Monday, Oct. 27, from 6-8 p.m. at the Center Line Recreational Center, 25355 Lawrence Ave. Make sure to mark your calendar!
Legislative Updates
McFall Votes for State Budget, Delivers $3.4 Million in Local Fire Department and Public Safety Investments to House District 14
Oct. 3, 2025
The Michigan Legislature passed the final FY 2025-26 General and School Aid budgets. After refusing to back down in budget negotiations to defend critical Medicaid, food assistance and education funding, House Democrats voted for a bipartisan budget that reflects Michigan’s priorities. The state budget provides relief to Michiganders affected by Republican cuts in the federal so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act, protects access to affordable health care and SNAP benefits, funds universal school meals, transportation and mental health resources that kids depend on and eliminates tax on tips, overtime, and social security.
In addition to statewide wins, I’m proud to have delivered $3.4 million in direct investments for House District 14, including $2.5 million for the City of Hazel Park to purchase a new fire truck and equipment. I also worked with state Sen. Paul Wojno (D-Warren), to secure a $900,000 investment for updates to the City of Warren’s Public Safety Dispatch Center.
Our first responders put their lives on the line every day to keep families safe, and they deserve the best tools and resources to do their jobs. With this budget, Hazel Park will be able to replace an outdated ladder fire truck, and Warren will receive critical updates to its Public Safety Dispatch Center. These investments will strengthen public safety, improve emergency response, and protect our communities for years to come.
State Rep. Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park) testifies in a committee at the Anderson House Office Building in Lansing.
Democrats Pass Bipartisan State Budget
Democrats passed a bipartisan state budget for the 2026 Fiscal Year that centers on people-first investments to lower costs, protect vital services, mitigate the effects of disastrous federal cuts, and expand opportunity for Michigan families. This agreement comes after Democrats spent months doing the hard work required to reach a fiscally responsible budget that delivers on the priorities of Michiganders.
“House Democrats have been clear from the beginning that our priorities in this budget were collective wins that would benefit all Michiganders, from students to patients to working families, and everyone in between,” said House Democratic Leader Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton). “We delivered on those priorities tonight, and we’re going to keep delivering the wins that the people of this state need to thrive.”
The final agreement upholds the core community-centered values Democrats have championed in their previous two budgets, while finding room for compromise to ensure schools and state departments can continue to operate into the new fiscal year. More specifically, the budget includes investments to:
- Invest in Students and Schools: Makes record per-pupil funding at $10,050 per-pupil, continues the widely popular free school meals program, and increases funding for at-risk students, school safety, student mental health, and more.
- Lower Costs: Continues the retirement tax repeal to save seniors $1,000 per year, makes child care more affordable through the Tri-Share program, and supports workforce training opportunities.
- Protect Vital Services: Saves Medicaid in Michigan to ensure health care remains accessible and affordable, protects SNAP benefits and the Double Up Food Bucks program, and continues support for police and fire departments.
- Implement a Long-Term Road Solution: Requiring that corporations pay their fair share, this budget puts forward a sustainable plan to fund road repairs without raiding our schools or other essential programs.
- Fight Federal Cuts: Mitigates the worst impacts of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” to prevent a $1B budget hit and protect health care access, public safety, schools, and more.
Focusing on programs and policies that help working families thrive here in Michigan, this bipartisan budget builds on Democrats’ past progress to continue delivering on the kitchen table issues that matter most.
McFall Introduces Bipartisan Tax Credit to Support Animal Fosters
Sept. 24, 2025
Last month, I introduced House Bill 5063. This bipartisan legislation would provide a state income tax credit for Michiganders who open their homes to foster animals. The bill, developed in collaboration with Michigan Humane, aims to support the vital role foster caregivers play in rescuing and rehabilitating animals across the state.
For thousands of pets each year, foster caregivers are the bridge between life without a family and finding a forever home. This bill recognizes the contributions of caregivers and provides meaningful support to help them continue this life-saving work.
Beginning in the 2026 tax year, the legislation would provide a $50 credit per fostered animal for a minimum of seven days, with an additional $50 for every 30 additional days of fostering, for up to five animals per year. The credit would adjust annually for inflation and require verification from a qualifying 501(c)(3) organization or a municipal shelter.
State Rep. Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park) speaks on the House floor at the Capitol building in Lansing.
Helpful News and Resources
Federal Shutdown: How Will it Impact Me?
While Michigan completed its work on next year’s budget here in Lansing, as of this writing, a federal budget bill has still not been passed by Congress to fund government operations before this new fiscal year. As a result, the federal government has entered a partial government shutdown starting at midnight on Oct. 1, 2025. This has caused indefinite delays and interruptions to various public services and programs millions of Michiganders and Americans rely on. Find out how you and your loved ones might be affected below.
- Social Security & Supplemental Security Income (SSI): These benefits will continue to be distributed during the shutdown. However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will stop benefit verifications and processing of overpayments. Local Social Security offices may be closed to in-person service, so you should check local office closures on the Social Security website before visiting.
- Medicare & Medicaid: These benefits will continue to be distributed during the shutdown. However, you will not be able to get a new or replacement Medicare card, and benefit verifications will stop.
- Food Assistance: Unfortunately, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) could quickly run out of funding and soon be unable to help hungry children and parents in need. Depending on how long the shutdown lasts, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits could also run out of funding.
- Veterans Benefits: All Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities and clinics will remain fully operational. The VA will continue to process veterans’ benefits.
- Mail Services & Post Offices: The United States Postal Service (U.S.P.S.) will continue to operate as normal.
- Airports & Traveling: The State Dept. will continue to issue passports and visas and assist Americans abroad. However, a reduced workforce could impact operations. If you have flight arrangements, plan for delays and cancellations due to disruptions in staffing of airport employees, air traffic controllers, and TSA agents — all who are deemed essential and expected to work, but without pay.
Please be aware that due to the reductions and disruptions in staffing caused by the shutdown, you may experience delays and other issues associated with these federally provided programs and services. Learn more here.
UIA notifies claimants collections resume on overpaid benefits
Agency offers waivers for those who cannot repay
Michiganders who received more unemployment benefits than they were entitled to are being notified by the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) that collections on those overpayments will resume at the end of the month. Those who cannot afford the back payments can apply for a waiver.
As part of a court-approved settlement in the Saunders v. UIA class action lawsuit, a pause in collections was lifted on Sept. 12, 2025 and first payments for affected workers were due two weeks later, on Sept. 29.
Questions concerning balances can be directed to the Benefit Overpayment Collections Unit at 1 (866) 500-0017, option #1, then option #4, and then option #1. A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document can be found at Michigan.gov/UIA.
Please reach out to our office for us to advocate on your behalf should you face ongoing issues!
Read more here for details >>>
Community Events
Below are some links and details for finding events in your area. Click on your community’s event calendar link to find events occurring in your neighborhood.
| City Calendar | Library Calendar | Parks & Recreation Info | |
| Center Line | Center Line Event Calendar | Center Line Library Calendar | Center Line Parks & Recreation Info |
| Hazel Park | Hazel Park Event Calendar | Hazel Park Parks & Recreation Info | |
| Madison Heights | Madison Heights Event Calendar | Madison Heights Library Calendar | Madison Heights Parks & Recreation Info |
| Warren | Madison Heights Parks & Recreation Calendar | Warren Library Calendar | Warren Parks & Recreation Info |
| Oakland County | Oakland County Event Calendar | Oakland County Library Info | Oakland County Parks & Recreation Info |
| Macomb County | Macomb County Event Calendar | Macomb County Parks & Recreation Info |
Public School Websites and District Calendar Information