Hello Friends,
As you may have heard, the Michigan Legislature finally passed the final FY 2025-26 General and School Aid budgets earlier this month. After refusing to back down in budget negotiations to defend critical hospital, agricultural and public safety funding, House Democrats voted for a bipartisan budget that supports these priorities. The state budget provides relief to Michiganders affected by Republican cuts in the federal so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act, adequately funds the Michigan State Police and wages for local law enforcement and continues universal school meals, rural busing and mental health resources that kids depend on.
I will share more details on this budget deal later in this newsletter.
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
- Legislative Updates
- Federal Updates
- Upcoming Community Events
UPCOMING TIME WITH STEPHEN
October 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, Oct. 17, from 9:30-11 a.m. at Qahwah House, Knapps Corner (2107 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525).
Coffee hours will rotate around House District 81 throughout the year. Stay tuned for future locations and dates.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
Michigan Passes FY 2026 Budget
House Democrats held the line for you in the budget. We fought hard to protect Medicaid, the Healthy Michigan Plan and SNAP from cuts coming down from Washington Republicans. We ensured children can continue receiving free meals at school and invested in mental health, school safety and support for special education. This budget makes transformational roads and infrastructure investments, including the biggest investment in transit in Michigan history.
We’re building Michiganders up by delivering a bipartisan budget that reflects Michigan’s priorities:
- $1.5 billion for our roads
- $21 billion for our K-12 schools
- $160 million for our public transit
- Over $15 million for community violence intervention
- $5 million for water affordability
- $270 million to expand the Rx Kids program statewide and provide crucial assistance for babies and new parents
- And so much more!
This summer, with a looming government shutdown, House Democrats spent weeks informing the public and advocating for a budget that protects Michiganders, and we have succeeded.
Ultimately, I fought for and voted for a budget that protects Michigan from the worst of Congress’ so-called ‘Big Beautiful Bill,’ restores universal school meals and makes record investments in schools, roads and transit. If budgets are moral documents, then this final budget is living proof that Dr. King’s words still ring true. The arc of the moral universe continues to bend toward justice because everyday Michiganders demanding a better budget did the bending.
FEDERAL UPDATES
Federal Government Shutdown
At the same time the Michigan Legislature was fighting to prevent a shutdown here at home, Congress failed to pass its budget by the Oct. 1 deadline and the federal government is still shut down.
There’s a lot we don’t know about how this administration will handle a shutdown. But here’s what we know based on past shutdowns:
- Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare will continue to be paid out.
- SNAP should be guaranteed through at least Oct. 30.
- VA benefits — compensation, pension, education and health centers will all continue. But some services may be paused — like employment counseling and call centers for if you have issues.
- U.S. Postal Service operations will continue.
- There may be processing delays at different government agencies. If you hit a snag, your call might not be answered until post-shutdown.
There are about 35,000 federal employees living in Michigan. Military, TSA and other essential workers will be working without pay. Federal workers not deemed essential will be furloughed. All federal employees are guaranteed backpay. For federal contractors, backpay needs Congress’s approval. But this shutdown is also uncertain because of threats of mass firings of federal employees.
For any assistance during the federal government shutdown or questions on how progress on Congress reaching a deal is going, I recommend reaching out to your federal officials.
Senator Gary Peters
DC Office Phone: (202) 224-6221
Senator Elissa Slotkin
DC Office Phone: 202-224-4822
Representative Hillary Scholten
DC Office Phone: (202) 225-3831
Senator Slotkin also has compiled a list of helpful additional information and FAQs on what this shutdown may mean for you on her website at slotkin.senate.gov/shutdown.
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
City of Grand Rapids
John Ball Zoo Goes Boo, Friday-Sunday throughout October, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 300 Fulton St. W.
Practice your cackle, grab your cloak and prepare for a ghoulishly good time collecting sweets at twisted treat stations, an endless supply of animal fun and enchanting decorations. Immerse yourself in otherworldly entertainment like magicians, fire performers, jugglers, villains and more!
Trick-or-Treaters are encouraged to bring a bag for candy. Allergy-friendly options will also be available, just look for booths with teal pumpkins and ask for a special token. Tokens can be redeemed for allergy-friendly options at a specialty booth. Costumes are encouraged for all ages and a variety of festive face painting designs are also available.
Ada Township
Pumpkin Prowl, Friday, Oct. 24, 5-8 p.m. along River St. SE.
Get ready for a trick-or-treating adventure along River St. (closed to traffic for the event) in the Dixon Lot and throughout Ada Village! Dress up, bring your candy bucket and support the local businesses that make our community great!
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
House Democrats are developing a vision for the future of Michigan and we need to hear from you!
Take a minute to fill out our short survey and share your thoughts, hopes and priorities for our state.
Our office is always here to answer any questions, concerns or listen to any thoughts you have on any particular issue. The best way to reach us is by email at [email protected]. Our team is working hard to respond to every email and voicemail left with our office in a timely manner. We appreciate your patience as we experience increased communications!