Hello Friends,
I hope everyone is enjoying the recent warm weather! August is here, and many of us are enjoying the last of summer vacation and beginning back-to-school prep. Community events will begin to wind down as well, so I encourage everyone to check out some of the events we have shared in this issue.
As always, my office is reachable by phone at (517) 373-1790 and by email at [email protected]. Please feel free to reach out at any time with questions, concerns or to share your thoughts on a particular issue.
Sincerely,
Stephen Wooden
State Representative, 81st District
Proudly representing parts of the City of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Charter Township, Plainfield Charter Township and all of Ada Township.
In this issue:
- Upcoming Time with Stephen
- Federal Updates
- Legislative Updates
- District Updates
- Upcoming Community Events
UPCOMING TIME WITH STEPHEN
August Coffee Hour
This will be an opportunity to meet with me directly to ask questions, share concerns and learn more about what I’ve been up to in Lansing. I hope to see you there!
Friday, Aug. 15, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Creston Neighborhood Association (205 Carrier St. NE # 1, Grand Rapids, MI 49505).
Coffee hours will rotate around House District 81 throughout the year. Stay tuned for future locations and dates.
FEDERAL UPDATES
Massive Medicaid and Food Assistance Cuts Threaten Michigan Families
As costs continue to rise across the country, Michiganders are working harder than ever just to stay afloat. But instead of offering relief, Washington has made things worse.
The new so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill 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.
And the timing couldn’t be more alarming. July 30 marked Medicaid’s 60th anniversary — the program that has helped millions of children, seniors, veterans and working families live healthier, more dignifying lives. Now, its future is at serious risk due to sweeping federal funding reductions.
What does that mean for Michigan?
- Some families will face even higher health care costs.
- Nearly 1 in 4 Michiganders could lose their health care, including seniors and veterans.
- Kids could lose access to certain meal programs at school.
- Rural hospitals could close.
- Some communities and families struggling to put food on the table will be pushed to the brink.
And to make matters worse, House Republicans still haven’t negotiated a final state budget and are leading one of the least productive legislatures in over 85 years.
This isn’t normal. And with no clear plan from the Speaker, schools and health care providers are being forced to operate in the dark while families are left waiting for answers.
I’m fighting to protect Michigan families from the damage being done in Washington and the dysfunction in Lansing. That means putting health care, food security and school funding first — not last.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
House Republicans Have Still Not Successfully Negotiated a Full Budget
We are over one month past the July 1 deadline to pass a final budget and House Republicans have still not successfully negotiated a full budget, which I believe is the most important job of legislators. They are even declining to make progress on other legislation — the House only had two days of voting throughout July.
The nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency has said that the president’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act will blow a $677 million hole in our state’s budget beginning this year. The time to act is now.
Michigan legislative Democrats are united in the singular goal right now of seeing a budget passed. We are all in regular conversation, and we are all sitting at the table, together, willing to take part in good faith negotiations. We understand how important it is to provide stability and certainty for our schools and students, and to protect the millions of Michiganders at risk of losing their health care and access to food assistance.
When the majority of households in the state are struggling just to get by, Michiganders need to know that someone is on their side. We’re not going to stop fighting for policies that lift you and your family up, not tear your security down.
DISTRICT UPDATES
Crime Stoppers Expands to all Michigan Counties
Throughout the years, the 1-800-SPEAKUP tip line and Crime Stoppers of Michigan have helped provide evidence and closure for victims and families affected by crime. Originally serving the Southeast region of Michigan, the 1-800-SPEAKUP tip line will now be available throughout all 83 counties. Anonymous tips can be sent in through the tipline, and Crime Stoppers of Michigan will work with local law enforcement to look into relevant cases.
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
City of Grand Rapids
Gather Grand Rapids Night Market
- Every Wednesday from 6-9 p.m.! Come check out food, live music, entertainment and shopping.
- Address: 555 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
GRAM Free Summer Thursdays
- The steps of the Monroe Center in Downtown Grand Rapids will have free arts and community events every Thursday from 6-9 p.m. throughout the summer.
- Address: GRAM Terrace/FrontSteps, 101 Monroe Center St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Ada Township
Music on the Lawn Summer Concert Series
- Visit Legacy Park at 7 p.m. every Wednesday to enjoy live entertainment under the summer sky!
- Address: Ada Legacy Park, 7430 River St. SE, Ada, MI 49301
Beers at the Bridge Summer Concert Series: The Soul Syndicate
- Friday, Aug. 15, from 6-9 p.m. at Legacy Park. Stop by for a night of soul, funk and R&B music with fun for all ages!
- Address: Ada Legacy Park, 7430 River St. SE, Ada, MI 49301