Dear Neighbors,
Congratulations for surviving the chilliest winter Michigan has had in a decade! I love all four seasons, but am now personally ready to lean into spring and some needed warmth. Despite lots of snow, I still managed to get to Lansing and travel around the district these last few months to keep up with my legislative duties and attend many constituent events. Thank you, as always, for reaching out to my office to share your comments and concerns. Your engagement ensures I know how to best serve HD-48.
POLICY SECTION:
I have heard from many constituents and local officials on their opposition and concerns regarding House Bills 5529–5532, as well as House Bills 5581–5585. These bills are a part of a bill package called the “Housing Readiness Package,” which is seeking to update Michigan’s zoning laws to allow for more housing to be built across Michigan.
First and foremost, please know that I will not be supporting this bill package. While I believe we urgently need to address the lack of affordable housing here in Michigan, these bills are currently written in a way that does not meet the needs and wants of the communities in House District 48. Please know that I am committed to finding realistic solutions to our ongoing housing crisis here in Michigan. Costs associated with building and maintaining our housing stock are only continuing to skyrocket, and the often-burdensome procedures involved in developing affordable housing under current state law have continued to put home ownership out of reach for many Michiganders. This is especially true for first-time buyers and those who are economically disadvantaged. At present, the median age of first-time homebuyers nationwide is 40 years old — a number that we must improve upon at the state level, especially as we seek to grow our workforce and economy. Despite this, I do not feel that this proposal is the best way to go about doing so.
To every constituent, township manager, supervisor, and housing professional who has contacted my office regarding these bills — thank you. Your professional expertise or personal input has helped me understand exactly where our communities stand on this issue, and how we may find a new path to address this issue. One that is centered around what is best for each community in Michigan and not a statewide one-size-fits-all answer.
STATE OF THE STATE:
I was thrilled to attend the governor’s eighth and final State of the State address on Feb. 25. I was joined by my friend and colleague former state Rep. Felicia Brabec as my special guest on the floor. Rep. Brabec and I collaborated on veterans mental health bills during the two years we worked together in the House. She has become a mentor and close friend.
During the governor’s speech, she touched on quite a few key priorities that I hope to see worked on this year, the main ones being creating more affordable housing and ensuring that health care is affordable for Michiganders.
If you missed State of the State, you can watch it here.
THE GOVERNOR’S BUDGET PROPOSAL:
As you may know, each year the process of developing our state budget begins with the governor releasing her budget recommendations — items she would like to see included in the final budget. Recently, the governor released the executive budget recommendation for FY 2026-27. Below are just a few of her key priorities for the coming year:
- Increased investments in our students, including $625 million in one-time spending to support student literacy and achievement, a $250 (2.5%) increase in the per-pupil allotment for local districts, and $52.3 million in new one-time payments to boost operations funding for public universities.
- A continuation of both Michigan’s universal free school meal program and universal free pre-K program.
- Tax relief for Michiganders, including property tax refunds of up to 10% for seniors, as well as the introduction of a back-to-school sales tax holiday.
- $223 million to offset the costs of the federal government’s so-called “Big, Beautiful Bill” on Michiganders and meet our state’s increased cost-sharing obligations as a result of this federal legislation.
- $100 million for public transit, including new transformational projects and local bus operations.
- $10 million increase to support arts and cultural institutions.
- $11.2 million to the Michigan National Guard Member Benefit Fund, which expands. existing resources for the National Guard Tuition Assistance Program to include support for the new child care and health care programs supporting National Guard members.
You can find more information on the governor’s proposal here.
It is important to note that this is only the first step in the budget process. It is now up to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees to develop each chamber’s initial budget recommendations for the upcoming fiscal year. Both chambers will then need to pass their respective budgets, and resolve differences in their proposals in a conference committee, where a final version is crafted.
Last year, we saw significant delays in the budget process that resulted in a great deal of uncertainty for individuals and entities across our state that rely heavily on state funding. Make no mistake, it is absolutely imperative that we ensure this year that FY 2026-27 appropriations bills are approved on time. In particular, our local school districts are relying on us for certainty as they seek to craft their own budgets by July 1 and determine how best to support their students.
Please know that as the budget process continues to take shape in the coming months, I remain committed to fully funding the resources and programs that Michiganders rely upon, as well as fighting for our district’s unique interests and priorities. Additionally, if you have any questions or input on items of importance to you, do not hesitate to reach out to my office.
RECENT EVENTS:
To see ALL the events I have attended, take a look at my Facebook page.
But here are some particularly special highlights:
A great time was had by all at Cleary University’s Sip, Savor, Support — A Night at the Derby event on Feb. 6! Despite cold weather, everyone turned out in their best Derby finery for signature cocktails, delicious hors d’oeuvres, live music, and a silent auction. All proceeds benefitted Cleary University’s Gift of Graduation Scholarship Program, which provides Cleary juniors and seniors — who are close to graduation but short on funds — the tuition needed to complete their education and cross the graduation finish line with confidence!
As a lover of sweets, Chelsea’s chocolate town festival/Coco Crawl — sponsored by the Chelsea Area Historical Society — made for a perfect trip. This annual event was the perfect way to get ready for Valentine’s Day and enjoy a variety of locally-owned shops and restaurants. Plus, Chelsea’s United Methodist Church Social Hall offered tasty chocolate treats from hot chocolate to chocolate ice cream! Red balloons lead the way to each scrumptious stop! If you missed it this year, be sure to attend next year!
Finally, I stopped by the annual Livingston County Community Connect, a collaborative event put on by the Livingston County Homeless Continuum of Care. It is a free event where local organizations, businesses, and volunteers offer support and resources.
What is so wonderful is how it connects people with needed information, resources, and free services in a family-friendly environment. They offer free health screenings, legal consultation, employment services featuring local job opportunities, food, clothing, books, personal care items, haircuts, and so much more. They even provide Livingston County folks with such basic needs as personal care items, pantry staples, household paper items like toilet paper, and laundry detergent. It was great to catch up with volunteers and so many in the community who care so deeply about their neighbors.
I hope you enjoy the landscape changing from grey to green in the months ahead and a spring break with family and friends, whether it be spent in Michigan or elsewhere.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Conlin
State Representative
House District 48