July 18 Capitol and Community Updates

Doctors across Michigan are urging parents to vaccinate their kids against measles after the CDC released data that this year the U.S. had the highest number of confirmed measles cases in the past 33 years. There have been 18 confirmed cases of measles this year in Michigan. Unvaccinated individuals or those with an unreported vaccine status make up ninety-two per cent of measles cases nationwide.

Find a vaccine provider by ZIP code here, or contact the Ingham County Health Department Vaccine Clinic at (517) 887-4316. For updates on measles cases in our state, visit the Michigan Measles Dashboard.

Eligible Michigan adults can now take the written driver’s license test online. Passing this test is the first step to obtaining a Michigan operator’s temporary instruction permit. The online test is the same test administered on computer kiosks at Michigan Secretary of State branch offices. For more information and to take the test, visit www.Michigan.gov/SOSOnlineTesting.

Students and families seeking financial aid for college are invited to register for one of MI Student Aid’s upcoming informational webinars on the Michigan Achievement Scholarship. Topics that will be covered include:

• Information about the NEW Community College Guarantee
• Michigan Achievement Scholarship eligibility requirements
• Michigan Achievement Scholarship award amounts
• Important action items for students and families
• Additional resources and program information

You can view the list of upcoming webinars, register, and watch an online recording of the informational session here.

More Michigan child care providers will qualify for health care and retirement savings under Nurture Benefits. This collaboration between the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) and the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) will invest $4.4 million to pilot the program. It will expand access to health, life, and retirement benefits for child care workers across the state. Licensed child care employers will be able to apply on behalf of their facilities to offer benefits to employees. The program will be available to any licensed or license-exempt child care provider in Michigan working 30 hours or more per week. Open enrollment is expected to begin in fall 2025, with benefits effective starting Jan. 1, 2026.

The recently signed federal H.R. 1 (the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act) cuts Medicaid and food assistance. Michigan will lose $800 million in federal funding for food aid and $90 million to administer SNAP services. Overall, 42 percent of the state budget comes from the federal government. Cuts to these crucial social services means that other public priorities – like roads – are going to be harder to fund.

Follow my 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,

Kara Hope
State Representative
House District 74

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has partnered with Lansing Community College for their second annual career fest on July 22 and 23. This event gives the public an opportunity to explore a wide range of transportation careers, meet with MDOT staff, and learn about open positions and qualifications. The in-person session is on Tuesday, July 22, from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. at LCC West Campus, 5708 Cornerstone Drive, Lansing, MI 48917. The virtual session is Wednesday, July 23, from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Registration is required for online attendees, and encouraged for in-person attendees.

Michigan’s Senior Project Fresh (SPF) program offers $25 in free benefits to use on fresh fruits, vegetables, and honey at 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.

Apply online, or in person at a local assistance site. Learn more about Senior Project Fresh here.

The City of Lansing is hosting free Concerts in the Park every Wednesday until Aug. 6 from 7 p.m. – 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 Aurelius Road, Holt, MI 48842. Music in the Garden takes place on Thursdays at 7 p.m., going through Aug. 7. Moonlight Movies will begin at 9 p.m. or dark on Fridays, going through Aug. 8. More information can be found on the Delhi Township Community Events website.