Dear Neighbor,
Thank you so much for standing up for what’s right and joining the fight against the awful budget cuts made by Speaker Matt Hall and Michigan House Republicans. These Republicans exploited a rarely used provision in state law to slash over a half billion dollars in crucial funding for Michigan kids, families, small businesses, and more. Among the $645 million in bipartisan, already agreed upon funding were resources to:
- Provide wigs for kids undergoing cancer treatment;
- Support new moms and their babies at the most vulnerable stage of life;
- Tackle our state’s opioid epidemic;
- Invest in affordable housing solutions;
- And so much more.
In the middle of the holiday season, at a time when Michiganders are already feeling the financial hardship from federal policies, Matt Hall and his Republican colleagues have pulled a reckless political stunt. They unilaterally eliminated crucial funding, claiming to rid our government of “waste” and “abuse.” Protecting the lives of Michigan families is not “waste” or “abuse.”
Many of you added the personal context of these cuts and what they really mean for people, saying things like:
- “As a constituent and an informed citizen, I find it unacceptable that millions of dollars meant to benefit Michigan residents are being used as leverage in Lansing power plays. Our community played by the rules, won the grant on merit, and now we are being penalized.”
- “I’m writing as a mother, a community member, and someone who deeply cares about the future of our children and our city. Recently, funding cuts were approved that impact children with cancer and programs meant to support families and communities. For people like me, these aren’t abstract numbers on a page—they affect real lives, real hope, and real opportunities.”
- “There is an old elementary school no longer in use that was getting a state grant to be transformed into temporary housing for our homeless population here. I recently heard that state funding was cut for this project. I think many business owners and citizens were looking forward to our homeless having somewhere to stay.”
But Senate Democrats are fighting back.
Senate Democrats are working hard to fix the mess created by House Republicans. Last week, Senate Appropriations Chair Sarah Anthony submitted a letter to Attorney General Dana Nessel requesting that she issue an opinion on the legality of the House Republicans’ actions. My colleagues and I also passed a bipartisan budget supplemental bill that would restore the $645 million. But unfortunately, Matt Hall and House Republicans failed to act on it before they left town for the holidays.
We are focused on bringing back programs that improve the lives of all Michiganders. We appreciate you lending your voices and your stories. We stand with you during this confusing and difficult time.
We will keep you updated on developments and other opportunities for action. If you have concerns surrounding what is going on in Lansing or in our community, please send me an email at SenSShink@senate.michigan.gov or call (517) 373-2426. My team and I are here to help.
Sincerely,
Sue Shink
State Senator
Senate District 14