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Dear Neighbor, Here is some information that I hope you will find helpful, including news and resources from your state government. |
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⛔ State Shutdown Watch: Deadline for Budget Approaches |
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The Michigan House of Representatives has just 3 session days scheduled before the state fiscal year ends and a state budget must be completed. Republican leadership in the House has blown well past the July 1 statutory budget deadline. If Michigan still doesn’t have a completed budget by Oct. 1, the state will “shut down,” meaning only essential services like Corrections and limited Michigan State Police operations will continue. Lay-off notices will likely go out soon. As I’ve mentioned before, this budget process is the weirdest I’ve seen in my 7 years in the House. I am troubled by the lack of transparency and good-faith negotiations. The Governor and Senate have had their budgets ready for months. House leadership passed their budget on Aug. 26, which is the latest I’ve seen a chamber of the Legislature pass their initial budget. This delay has put state services and employees’ paychecks at risk. Schools have already been hurt by the unnecessary delays and inaction on the budget. School districts’ fiscal year began on July 1, and the budget delay has put them in the difficult position of operating without a full state budget. In some districts, this uncertainty has resulted in teacher layoffs and lost services. In Lansing Public Schools and Holt Public Schools, administrators have notified parents that uncertain funding for free breakfast and lunch for all students means that program could end on Sept. 30. And in more bad news, the Oct. 20 School Aid Fund payment to local schools (the largest single source of public school funding) will be withheld if there is a state government shutdown. I will do my best to keep you up to date on the budget’s uncertain status and the effects for public schools and many state services. I am also monitoring the federal budget process. |
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🏫 Walter French High School Celebrates Redevelopment and 100-Year Anniversary |
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Last week, I joined the Capital Area Housing Partnership for a ribbon cutting celebrating the redevelopment of the 100-year-old historic Walter H. French Junior High School at the intersection of Cedar Street and Mt. Hope Avenue in Lansing. Phase One of this project transformed the neglected historic building into The Residences at Walter French — 76 affordable apartment units for Lansing families. Phase Two of this multi-use facility adds space for a child care center anticipated to open next month and the new headquarters for the Capital Area Housing Partnership, which is expected to move in later this year. This innovative project was made possible in part by state funding, which Sen. Sarah Anthony and I advocated for last term. This is a crucial investment in the heart of south Lansing. |
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📝 Make Your Voice Heard in the House Dems Vision Project Survey |
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Michigan House Democrats are working on a vision for the future of Michigan that reflects the needs and aspirations of all Michiganders. Please fill out our brief Vision Project Survey to share your concerns and ideas about the future of our state. The survey can be found here. |
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☂️ DIFS Shares Tips for National Preparedness Month |
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The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is urging Michiganders to review their insurance policies and financial plans for National Preparedness Month. Severe storms, floods, and other disasters can occur at any time, and taking steps to prepare now can help you recover more quickly if damaging events occur. This month, DIFS is encouraging Michiganders to do the following:
For more information, visit the DIFS’ Disaster Preparedness website. |
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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, |
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Kara Hope |