Opening of the Newcomer Center, mobile food pantry in South Lansing, and more

E-Newsletter | Rep. Kara Hope | May 29, 2026

Dear Neighbor,

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

MI House Republicans Pass Property Tax Package That Eliminates $5 Billion of State Funding, Cuts Essential Services

Michigan House Republicans recently passed a package of bills that would amend property taxes by eliminating $5 billion of state revenue that Michiganders rely on (House Bill 5872–5879). This legislation would cut funding for public safety services, schools, road maintenance, and libraries. Fortunately, given the current composition of the state Senate, House Democrats believe these bills will almost certainly not pass in that chamber as written.

Refugee Development Center Celebrates Expansion of Newcomer Center

Rep. Hope’s staff attended the Refugee Development Center’s ribbon cutting ceremony for the expansion of their Newcomer Center. The Refugee Development Center is based in Lansing and offers adult English classes, free child care, workforce development, health and housing navigation services, driving lessons, digital literacy classes, citizenship education and more.

Mobile Food Pantry to Distribute in South Lansing

The Greater Lansing Food Bank’s mobile food pantry will be at Tabernacle of David Church, 2645 W. Holmes Road, in Lansing on Wednesday, June 3, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This 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.

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

In Case You Missed It . . .

Senior Project Fresh Applications Open

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 through 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.

Basic Needs Assistance Available Wednesdays at South Lansing Library

You can receive help getting identification, food, shelter, mental health care, 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.