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Dear Friends and Neighbors, As your state representative, I am proud to share the work we have been doing together to move Michigan forward. I have been focused on delivering real results — protecting our environment, investing in our schools, recognizing community contributions and standing up for working families. In this newsletter, you will find updates on the final passed state budget, key legislation, local initiatives and ways you can stay involved:
Wayne Disposal Radioactive Waste Update
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On Sept. 18, I joined residents and activists at a public hearing hosted by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to hear comments on Wayne Disposal Incorporated (WDI)’s operating permit and vertical expansion request for their facility. I stood in solidarity with residents at this public hearing to call for discontinuing this proposed expansion permit for the WDI hazardous waste landfill due to concerns for public health and the environment. Our communities have spoken loudly and clearly that they have major concerns with the amount and type of waste the landfill takes in, and it is important that EGLE takes these concerns for health and the environment into consideration when reviewing WDI’s request. The health, safety and voices of Wayne County’s families should never weigh less in negotiations than corporate interests and profits. On Aug. 5, 2025, Judge Kevin Cox of the Third Judicial Circuit Court of Michigan granted a preliminary injunction against Wayne Disposal and Republic Services Inc., blocking them from accepting dangerous Manhattan Project-era waste from FUSRAP sites in Ohio, Iowa, New Jersey, New York and Missouri, regardless of when they were scheduled or contracted. In late July, we received word that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had changed course and was sending the Niagara Falls radioactive waste from the Manhattan Project to a facility in Texas instead of to Wayne Disposal. A link to more information and my full statement about Judge Cox’s ruling can be read here.
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In August, EGLE announced its intention to issue an operating permit and expansion to the WDI hazardous waste facility in Van Buren Township, despite significant public concerns. After EGLE’s announcement in August, I held a press conference with other elected officials to urge EGLE to expand the public comment period and to call for an immediate halt to the Wayne Disposal expansion until serious environmental concerns are thoroughly evaluated and all community questions have been answered. I have also urged greater transparency in how these permits are evaluated, including testing criteria and what is being tested for, and have advocated for creating a long-term plan to reduce Michigan’s reliance on hazardous waste landfills. The public comment period for the proposed hazardous waste operating license for WDI is currently open, and after my press conference, EGLE extended the public comment period for an additional 30 days, until Oct. 31, 2025. EGLE is seeking public input on the draft License and encourages the public to present written comments to [email protected] or by U.S. mail no later than Oct. 31. I have introduced House Bill 4393 to curb the flow of hazardous waste in our community, which if enacted would create a comprehensive plan to modernize Michigan’s hazardous waste management system. This legislation would establish clear and enforceable guidelines that protect our residents and environment. State Sen. Darrin Camilleri has introduced the Senate version of this bill, SB 246. Although Sen. Camilleri’s bill has passed in the Senate, the reality is that it will be a challenge to get this passed in the House.
Secured $1 Million Win for Romulus with a New Fire Engine: Protecting Our First Responders and Families
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When I first learned that the City of Romulus was struggling to replace an aging fire engine, I knew this couldn’t wait. Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day and they shouldn’t have to worry about whether their equipment will hold up when seconds count. What followed was months of constant work. It was phone calls, meetings, late nights reviewing, giving testimony in committee and more than a few uphill battles. But I stayed on it, making sure that Romulus’ need was heard and prioritized in Lansing. That persistence paid off. I’m proud to share that I secured $1 million in state funding in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget for a brand-new fire engine for the City of Romulus. This new engine will mean faster response times, better reliability and greater safety for both our residents and our firefighters. It is a direct investment in public safety, and it’s one I fought hard to deliver.
Presented Tributes for Milan Bike Couple and Belleville Police ChiefIn September, I was honored to present two tributes to acknowledge some incredible contributions from individuals in our community. |
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The first tribute was to Vern and Leslie White of Milan in appreciation of their work building and repairing bicycles and tricycles for people in need. After a knee replacement in the spring of 2022 left him temporarily unable to ride his bicycle, Vern did not want to give up his love of biking. The couple used Facebook to put out a call for people to donate children’s bikes that Vern could fix, customize and donate to children and young adults with special needs in Milan and the surrounding communities. The project grew from there and Vern became known as the “Milan Bike Guy.” Since then, the Whites have helped countless individuals, with Vern as bicycle mechanic and Leslie as logistics coordinator, which includes pick-ups and deliveries of bicycles and tricycles — donating over 650 bikes in the last 4 years!
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The second tribute was to Belleville Police Chief Kristin Faull to recognize her marking her 25th year of service with the Belleville Police Department. Police Chief Faull has been with the Belleville Police Department since 2000, working as an officer on road patrol and as a school resource officer with Van Buren Public Schools. We are grateful to her for her role in keeping our community safe!
Voted to Defend Your Right to Protest and Peaceful AssemblyRecently, House Bill 4664 came before me for a session vote. If enacted, this bill would prohibit and create a misdemeanor for anyone blocking a state highway while participating in an assembly of individuals, punishable by up to 93 days in jail and up to $5,000 fine, or both. Currently, blocking the flow of traffic is a civil infraction. I voted against this bill because, ultimately, it poses a serious risk of being abused against individuals who express their First Amendment right to peaceably assemble. The fines and possible jail time for those breaking this law could intimidate individuals from standing up and protesting for a cause, creating a chilling effect for free speech in Michigan. Everyone has the right to peacefully protest for what they believe in, and workers on strike shouldn’t be intimidated to stay home and not stand up for themselves when negotiating better pay and benefits. While this bill passed in the House, it is currently in the Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary and Public Safety Committee where it may not be taken up for a vote.
Introduced an Amendment to Protect Voters and Increase Transparency in Our ElectionsIn September, I offered an amendment to House Bill 4736, a bill that protects voters when a candidate for county commissioner dies. I offered an amendment to this bill to provide the same protection when a candidate lies about a felony conviction, because voters should have the right to be well informed about candidates. Last year in Michigan, a county commissioner was convicted of a felony and went on the ballot without the felony conviction being disclosed to voters. Voters complained that they were misled and that should not have happened. My amendment would require candidates for the Office of County Commissioner to disclose whether they have been convicted of a felony to their county clerk, even if the felony conviction occurred after the time that they initially filed. We can’t let ballots become a mystery novel. Voters deserve facts and transparency, not plot twists.
Passed the State Budget and Education BudgetTwo days after the constitutionally mandated deadline for the FY 2026-2026 budget was missed, myself and legislators on both sides of the aisle came together to collaborate, negotiate and pass a compromise budget. We first passed a stopgap to ensure that a government shutdown was averted and services continued while the final budget was negotiated and written. This budget invests in our students and schools; it contains record per-pupil funding, retains the universal school meals program and increases funding for mental health and safety grants, rural transportation and at-risk funding. Also in this budget is a long-term road funding plan for local governments and counties, ensuring they will have the necessary funding to improve and manage our local roads. This is something I’ve heard a lot from our residents and being able to deliver this plan is a win for all Michiganders. Some highlights from the budget include:
Not only that, but we were also able to maintain several critical funding categories, including guaranteed funding for rural transportation, special education and at-risk students. You may have also heard about the new 24% wholesale tax increase on the cannabis industry that was passed in an effort to raise funding for roads. I voted against this tax increase. While we do need to find sources of funding to maintain and improve our roads, this tax increase could harm workers in Michigan’s marijuana industry, generate less revenue for municipalities, increase costs for customers and ultimately drive many consumers back to the black market, along with potential lawsuits. I am willing and open to negotiating a road funding plan, but not at the expense of Michigan’s small business owners and workers. This budget shows that when we roll up our sleeves and work together, we can address some of the biggest concerns facing Michigan residents today. Moving forward, my office is here to assist with any questions you may still have. I appreciate your continued feedback and collaboration to deliver results for Michigan’s residents. To read everything that is included in the budgets, the non-partisan House Fiscal Agency analysis of the state budget can be found here, and their analysis of the education budget can be found here.
Massive Federal Cuts to Medicaid and Food Assistance Threaten Michigan FamiliesAs costs continue to rise across the country, Michiganders are working harder than ever just to stay afloat. Instead of offering relief, the federal so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA) that was passed this summer will make things worse. This act includes the largest cuts to Medicaid and food assistance in American history, slashing $1 trillion from Medicaid and $186 billion from food assistance over the next 10 years. The nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency estimated that the OBBBA created a $677 million hole in our state’s budget process this year, and will continue to deal blows to future budgets. What does that mean for Michigan in the future?
I will continue to fight to protect Michigan families from the damage being done in Washington in future budgets. That means putting health care, food security and school funding first and not last. I am committed to being your voice in Lansing and continuing the fight for a healthier and safer Michigan. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out with your thoughts, concerns or ideas. I am listening and I am here for you. |
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Sincerely, |
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State Representative Reggie Miller |