Dear Neighbor,

Here is some information that you will hopefully find helpful, including news and resources from your state government.

Rep. Hope reintroduced legislation (House Bill 6092) this week to update and expand Michigan’s post-conviction DNA testing. The changes proposed to this 25-year-old law would better reflect current technological capabilities and allow more individuals to be eligible for post-conviction DNA testing. Specifically, this legislation would allow access to post-conviction DNA testing in guilty plea cases and reduce restrictions on the availability of testing.

Michigan enacted a post-conviction DNA testing law in 2001 to assist in identifying the factually innocent and ensuring that the true perpetrator is held accountable. Since 2001, DNA testing technology has significantly advanced; for example, smaller amounts of DNA material are now needed to obtain results. Rep. Hope has been working with the Innocence Project at Cooley Law School, her alma mater, on this legislation.

Read Rep. Hope’s press release on HB 6092 here.

The Greater Lansing Food Bank’s mobile food pantry will be at the Tabernacle of David Church, 2645 W. Holmes Road in Lansing on Saturday, June 20, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. The event is open to the public and identification is not required. The distribution may end early if food runs out. Organizers ask that participants do not line up more than 30 minutes before the scheduled start time. For more information, call the Greater Lansing Food Bank at 517-853-7800.

Due to federal changes in the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act, eligibility requirements for our state’s Medicaid expansion, known as the Healthy Michigan Plan, have changed. Starting Jan. 1, the majority of adults ages 19-64 without dependents under age 14 will be required to show proof of a combined 80 hours a month of work, community service, education or other qualifying activities and/or complete additional verifications to receive benefits. More information about Michigan’s Medicaid program and these changes can be found here.

Up to 200,000 Michiganders are estimated to lose their coverage under these new requirements. Rep. Hope is concerned that these changes may make it more difficult, if not impossible, for many Michiganders to receive the health care coverage they need.

Follow Rep. Hope’s official Facebook account for the most up-to-date information. E-news contains a lot of good information, but it takes several days – up to a week – to get it approved and sent.

Sincerely,

Office of State Representative Kara Hope

The City of Lansing is hosting free Concerts in the Park every Wednesday until Aug. 5 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. These concerts take place at various parks throughout the city. Seating will not be provided, so please bring a chair or blanket.

Delhi Township is hosting free weekly outdoor concerts and movies this summer at Veterans Memorial Garden, 2074 N. Aurelius Road in Holt. Music in the Garden takes place on Thursdays at 7 p.m., starting July 2 and going through July 30. Moonlight Movies will begin at 9 p.m. or dusk on Fridays, starting July 10 and going through Aug. 7. More information can be found on the Delhi Township Community Events website.

Michigan’s Senior Project Fresh (SPF) program offers $25 in free benefits to use on fresh fruits, vegetables and honey at participating farmers’ markets and roadside stands. Eligible participants must be Michigan residents and either:

• Age 60 or older with a total household income of $28,952.50 or less for an individual, or $39,127.50 for a couple.
• Age 55 and older and belong to a Michigan federally recognized tribe or urban tribal group.

The program will be open though Oct. 31. Apply online, or contact the Tri-County Office on Aging at 1-888-224-3030 option 5 to find out more information. Learn more about Senior Project Fresh here.

You can receive help getting identification, food, shelter, mental healthcare and rehabilitation services every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the South Lansing Library, 3500 S. Cedar St., in Lansing. This service is available through a partnership between the Capital Area District Library and Advent House to offer drop-in basic needs assistance. A member of Advent House’s Street Outreach team will be available to assist. More information is available here.