Dear Neighbor,
Right now, the difference between our state and federal governments could not be starker. In Lansing, my colleagues and I remain hard at work serving you, the hardworking people of Michigan. After passing a bipartisan, balanced state budget last month, we’ve stayed busy delivering on the issues that matter most to our community: protecting access to food and health care, supporting first responders, making sure our government is transparent and accountable to you, and so much more.
Meanwhile in Washington, the Republican-controlled federal government is locked in the longest shutdown in American history. This has already started to have severe consequences for many Michiganders, with more and more folks standing to be impacted as this impasse drags on. I understand the uncertainty and anxiety this brings, but please know that you are not alone. My team and I are here to offer support, provide helpful information, and share resources to help you navigate this difficult situation.
In this newsletter, you will find updates not only on the work we’re doing for you in Lansing, but also on how the shutdown is affecting various safety net programs and resources that can help support you and your family during these difficult times.
If you or someone you know would like to provide any feedback about what’s happening in Lansing, or needs assistance of any sort, please feel free to reach out to my office. You can reach me and my team by calling (517) 373-2417 or emailing SenRBayer@senate.michigan.gov.
Sincerely,
Rosemary Bayer
State Senator
District 13
- Join me and Rep. Arbit for a Budget Briefing this Monday, Nov. 10 at 7:00 p.m. at the West Bloomfield Middle School. Come out and learn how the 2026 state budget will impact our community, from roads and education to health care and more!
- As of late last night, the U.S. Supreme Court issued an emergency stay temporarily blocking an order to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to issue full November SNAP benefits. As a result, MDHHS has been required to direct its SNAP EBT vendor to pause issuing SNAP benefit payments to Michigan recipients. Learn more below. If you rely on the program for nutrition assistance, please utilize Michigan 211 to locate a food bank nearest you.
Budget Briefing in West Bloomfield
Since day one, I’ve focused on this end goal: finalizing a state budget that invests in the people who call our state home. While it was a long and sometimes arduous process to get here, I’m proud to share that the Legislature finally passed a bipartisan budget agreement last month that reflects the values I have long been fighting for — strong schools, access to health care, and opportunity for all.
This Monday evening, join Rep. Noah Arbit and myself in West Bloomfield Twp. to learn about the investments we secured for you, our community, and Michiganders around the state. I hope to see you there!
WHEN: Monday, Nov. 10, from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: West Bloomfield Middle School, 6000 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Twp., MI 48322
West Bloomfield Heroes Appreciation Breakfast – Veterans Day Event
I’d like to extend a huge thank you to West Bloomfield Township, the West Bloomfield School District, West Bloomfield Parks, and the West Bloomfield Public Library for hosting this year’s Heroes Appreciation Breakfast event! It was my pleasure to spend some time with veterans and their families to thank them for their hard work and years of service.
Easterseals MORC Autism Comprehensive Center Tour
It was my pleasure to tour the Easterseals MORC Autism Comprehensive Center with CEO Brent Wirth and Oakland County Commissioner Angela Powell! This amazing facility includes sensory-friendly environments and newly-designed therapy rooms. Easterseals MORC has been working with communities for over 100 years to empower and support individuals with disabilities and their families. Thanks for inviting me to tour the space!
Honoring Native American Heritage Month
From the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community in the northern part of the state to the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians in the south, Michigan’s 12 federally recognized tribes are vast and diverse, enriching our communities in invaluable ways. This November, I hope you’ll join me in recognizing the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of tribal communities here in Michigan and across our nation in recognition of Native American Heritage Month.
From raising awareness about the history of Indian boarding schools in our state to protecting tribal fishing areas, Senate Democrats have been working hard to tackle issues important to our state’s Native American communities.
Whether by reading a book written by a local Native American author or visiting any of the four must-see Native American cultural sites in our state, I hope you’ll join me in uplifting Michigan’s resilient Indigenous communities who’ve been here for millennia and are here to stay.
November SNAP Benefits Remain in Legal Limbo for Michiganders
A couple of weeks ago, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) alerted the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) that due to the ongoing government shutdown and subsequent funding lapse, there is a limited availability of funds to pay full November SNAP benefits for approximately 42 million individuals across the nation. As a result, the USDA originally directed the state to pause November SNAP issuance and ongoing benefits until further notice.
Since that time, various legal challenges have resulted in lawsuit rulings directing the USDA to issue SNAP benefits for the month of November, initially restoring some hope for the 1.4 million Michiganders and others around the country who rely on this critical lifeline.
Unfortunately, as of late last night, the U.S. Supreme Court issued an emergency stay temporarily blocking an order to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to issue full November SNAP benefits. As a result, MDHHS has been required to direct its SNAP EBT vendor to pause issuing SNAP benefit payments to Michigan recipients. November benefits that have not yet been issued will remain paused until the courts or USDA take further action to allow MDHHS to resume payment. To read the official statement from MDHHS, click here.
SNAP recipients are encouraged to reach out to their local MDHHS office with any questions regarding SNAP benefits or can check MI Bridges for updates. We also recommend visiting MDHHS’ website and/or Facebook page to stay updated as this is a rapidly developing situation. MDHHS is communicating directly with neighbors enrolled in SNAP. If you currently receive SNAP benefits, or have a pending application for benefits, you will receive updates directly from MDHHS about the status of your benefits, including potential delays and when payments restart. Any already-issued benefits will remain available for use, and funds currently available on your Bridge Card can continue to be used without interruption.
If you are in need of assistance, please utilize the many programs and resources that organizations in our community offer. To be connected with a food bank nearest you, contact Michigan 211 by dialing 2-1-1, texting your zip code to 898-211, or visiting mi211.org. Michigan 211 not only can connect you with food assistance, but a variety of things, including utility assistance, mental health support, and emergency shelter.
Double Up Food Bucks Expands, Offers “Bonus Bucks”
In response to the USDA’s initial temporary pause of SNAP benefits, the Fair Food Network (FFN) has announced its expansion of the Double Up Food Bucks Program to help Michiganders navigate this tough time.
Beginning last week and effective through Dec. 31, 2025, Michigan’s Double Up program has increased its flexibility with the following updates:
- Double Up earnings no longer expire. FFN lifted the 90-day limit so shoppers can use their earned benefits whenever they need them.
- No daily earning cap. FFN removed the usual $20 per day limit, enabling families to earn as much as they can while shopping for fresh produce.
- Frozen fruits and vegetables are now eligible. Shoppers can now use Double Up on frozen options with no added salt, sugar, or oil — available at all 237 locations across the state.
And, as a new, exciting benefit, Double Up “Bonus Bucks” are available now — a limited-time voucher of $40 that will not require a matching SNAP purchase to receive. It can be used exclusively on fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables and will be distributed directly onto Double Up cards and app, or loyalty cards at participating sites, where applicable. Printed vouchers for shoppers using tokens or coupons at participating locations will also be available.
If you are a SNAP beneficiary in Michigan, please know:
- You can still use any SNAP dollars already on your EBT card — those funds are not affected.
- All previously earned Double Up Food Bucks remain available.
- Double Up is available year-round at grocery stores, even as farmers’ market season winds down.
Learn more at DoubleUpFoodBucks.org/How-To-Snap-Disruption. If you need help or have questions, you can call the Double Up hotline at 866-586-2796, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday. To find a participating location near you, visit DoubleUpFoodBucks.org/locations.
Support for Federal Workers in Michigan Impacted by Federal Layoffs and Funding Cuts
Another consequence of the federal government shutdown is that many Michiganders who are employed by federal departments and agencies have been furloughed without pay or laid off entirely. If you or a loved one has been affected by these decisions, please utilize the resources the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has compiled.
A comprehensive webpage, Michigan.gov/FederalWorkerHelp, provides impacted federal workers with easy access to unemployment, job search, and community resources. Additionally, workers who recently lost their jobs through no fault of their own may be eligible to apply for temporary financial assistance through the Unemployment Insurance Agency.
Additional helpful sites for workers: