{"id":7914,"date":"2025-05-24T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-24T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/bayer\/?p=7914"},"modified":"2025-05-23T15:40:15","modified_gmt":"2025-05-23T19:40:15","slug":"senate-passes-2026-budget-to-uplift-michiganders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/bayer\/2025\/05\/24\/senate-passes-2026-budget-to-uplift-michiganders\/","title":{"rendered":"Senate Passes 2026 Budget to Uplift Michiganders"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/bayer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2024\/04\/bayer1.jpeg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; alt=&#8221;Senator Bayer Email Banner&#8221; title_text=&#8221;bayer1&#8243; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Dear Neighbor,<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Over the past weeks and months, my colleagues and I have been working hard to craft a fiscally responsible state budget to ensure that while chaos and confusion comes from Washington, our communities can find security at the state level. Last week marked an important milestone in the process as we passed our budget proposal out of the Senate! Full of people-first investments, this budget will help strengthen local communities, protect vital services, and expand opportunity for every Michigander.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">In this newsletter, read more about how this budget will support you and your family, as well as catch up on the other actions we\u2019ve taken to help lower costs, protect workers, and advance the ideals of justice.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">As always, please feel free to reach out to share your thoughts or seek assistance with any challenges you may be facing with state departments. You can contact us by <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">calling (517) 373-2417 or emailing <\/span><a href=\"mailto:SenRBayer@senate.michigan.gov\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">SenRBayer@senate.michigan.gov<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">. We are here to assist you!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Sincerely,<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/bayer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2023\/01\/BayerSignature.jpeg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; alt=&#8221;Senator Bayer Signature&#8221; title_text=&#8221;BayerSignature&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Rosemary Bayer<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\"><br \/><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">State Senator<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\"><br \/><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">District 13<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/bayer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2024\/11\/EnewsHeaders_Recent-Highlights.png&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; alt=&#8221;If you&#8217;re in a rush&#8230; recent highlights&#8221; title_text=&#8221;EnewsHeaders_Recent Highlights&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Along with the busy work of crafting the state budget for next year, Senate Democrats have recently advanced legislation to protect workers from wage theft, provide economic relief for Michigan parents, and uphold justice for survivors of sexual assault.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Thank you to all who made our recent Senior Summit Town Hall and Resource Fair a success <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u2014<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> the presenters, organizations that shared resources, and of course the attendees who joined us with questions, comments, and enthusiasm!<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Medicaid provides a lifeline for 2.6 million Michiganders around the state, ensuring seniors, children, folks with disabilities and others can access the essential health care they need, when they need it. Congress\u2019 threats to gut this crucial program would hold serious, harmful consequences on Michigan\u2019s people, communities, and economy. Learn more below.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/bayer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2024\/11\/EnewsHeaders_Legislative-Updates-scaled.jpg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; alt=&#8221;Legislative Updates&#8221; title_text=&#8221;EnewsHeaders_Legislative Updates&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">A Snapshot of Legislative Activity<br \/><\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Along with our work to wrap up the state budget plans for the next year, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I have also been advancing a slew of legislation at the Capitol to protect Michigan workers, support parents, and give survivors of sexual assault greater access to the criminal justice system.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Protecting workers from wage theft <\/span><\/i><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u2014 Last week, the Senate Labor Committee passed legislation to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/singh\/2025\/01\/08\/making-workers-a-priority-in-2025\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">protect Michigan workers and taxpayers<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> by ensuring bad actors cannot continue to game the system and shrink workers\u2019 paychecks. These bills now head to the Senate floor for consideration.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Lowering the cost of parenting <\/span><\/i><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u2014 Senate Democrats have officially introduced bills to implement the recently-unveiled <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/building-blocks\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cBuilding Blocks\u201d plan<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> that seeks to provide economic relief for Michigan parents. This legislative package would support parents by establishing a new Working Parents Tax Cut, expanding the widely popular RxKids program statewide, and helping tackle the cost of child care from both the demand and supply side. These bills now head to the Senate Committee on Housing and Human Services Committee for deliberation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Ensuring justice for survivors of sexual assault <\/span><\/i><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u2014 This week, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/hertel\/2025\/05\/20\/sexual-abusers-accountable\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Senate passed bipartisan legislation to support and protect survivors of sexual assault<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> while ensuring abusers \u2014 and the institutions that shield them \u2014 are held accountable. These bills would fix Michigan\u2019s broken statute of limitations for civil claims and repeal immunity for educational institutions that conceal systemic abuse. This package will now advance to the House.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Protecting Michiganders exercising their reproductive rights<\/span><\/i><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> \u2014 Building on a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/freedom-to-plan\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">mountain of work<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> we\u2019ve done to expand Michiganders\u2019 right to manage their own reproductive health, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed legislation this week to enhance protections for those exercising their reproductive rights. More specifically, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislature.mi.gov\/Bills\/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0154\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">the legislation<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> would prohibit an individual from intentionally attempting to injure, intimidate, or interfere with someone because they are obtaining or providing reproductive health services. These bills now head to the Senate floor.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Michigan Senate Passes 2026 Budget to Support All Michiganders<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/bayer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2025\/05\/2026_BudgetBanner.jpg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; title_text=&#8221;26budget-styling&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Efforts to finalize our state budget for next year are moving swiftly! Last week, the Senate passed our proposal for the 2026 State Budget. Crafted through months of collaboration with constituents, community leaders, and key stakeholders, this proposal invests in the people, places, and projects that make our state extraordinary. It\u2019s a bold budget that stands up for the people of Michigan by delivering high-impact, targeted investments that will deliver real solutions to the challenges facing our communities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">This proposal now heads to the House for further consideration. Learn more <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/budget\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">here<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/bayer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2024\/11\/EnewsHeaders_Community-Connections-scaled.jpg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; alt=&#8221;Community Connections&#8221; title_text=&#8221;EnewsHeaders_Community Connections&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;17px|||||&#8221;]<p><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" lang=\"EN-US\" class=\"TextRun MacChromeBold SCXW55825340 BCX0\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW55825340 BCX0\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\" data-ccp-charstyle-defn=\"{&quot;ObjectId&quot;:&quot;ac0262f4-8a9e-5820-b908-2d943c5f7113|1&quot;,&quot;ClassId&quot;:1073872969,&quot;Properties&quot;:[201342446,&quot;1&quot;,201342447,&quot;5&quot;,201342448,&quot;3&quot;,201342449,&quot;1&quot;,469777841,&quot;Aptos&quot;,469777842,&quot;Arial&quot;,469777843,&quot;\uff2d\uff33 \u660e\u671d&quot;,469777844,&quot;Aptos&quot;,201341986,&quot;1&quot;,469769226,&quot;Aptos,Arial,\uff2d\uff33 \u660e\u671d&quot;,268442635,&quot;22&quot;,469775450,&quot;normaltextrun&quot;,201340122,&quot;1&quot;,134233614,&quot;true&quot;,469778129,&quot;normaltextrun&quot;,335572020,&quot;1&quot;,469778324,&quot;Default Paragraph Font&quot;]}\">2025 Senior Summit Town Hall and Resource Fair<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" lang=\"EN-US\" class=\"TextRun MacChromeBold SCXW55825340 BCX0\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW55825340 BCX0\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\" data-ccp-charstyle-defn=\"{&quot;ObjectId&quot;:&quot;ac0262f4-8a9e-5820-b908-2d943c5f7113|1&quot;,&quot;ClassId&quot;:1073872969,&quot;Properties&quot;:[201342446,&quot;1&quot;,201342447,&quot;5&quot;,201342448,&quot;3&quot;,201342449,&quot;1&quot;,469777841,&quot;Aptos&quot;,469777842,&quot;Arial&quot;,469777843,&quot;\uff2d\uff33 \u660e\u671d&quot;,469777844,&quot;Aptos&quot;,201341986,&quot;1&quot;,469769226,&quot;Aptos,Arial,\uff2d\uff33 \u660e\u671d&quot;,268442635,&quot;22&quot;,469775450,&quot;normaltextrun&quot;,201340122,&quot;1&quot;,134233614,&quot;true&quot;,469778129,&quot;normaltextrun&quot;,335572020,&quot;1&quot;,469778324,&quot;Default Paragraph Font&quot;]}\"><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/bayer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2025\/05\/Bayer_SS25_collage.png&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Bayer_SS25_collage&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">I\u2019d like to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who made our recent Senior Summit Town Hall and Resource Fair a success! Sens. Cavanagh, Polehanki, and I are deeply grateful to all the presenters who shared their time and expertise, the resource fair participants who provided invaluable information and support, and of course, the many attendees who joined us with questions, comments, and enthusiasm! Thank you to the City of Farmington Hills as well, for allowing us to use the beautiful William Costick Activities Center for this event!<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/bayer\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2024\/11\/EnewsHeaders_News-Resources.png&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; alt=&#8221;Helpful News and Resources&#8221; title_text=&#8221;EnewsHeaders_News &amp; Resources&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Michigan Working Families, Seniors See Benefits of Senate\u2019s Tax Cuts<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\"><br \/><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Back in 2023, Senate Democrats delivered a historic $1 billion in tax cuts for Michiganders who need relief most. Our Lowering MI Costs plan repealed the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/blog\/2023\/02\/16\/senate-democrats-celebrate-passage-of-historic-tax-relief\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">unfair retirement tax and expanded tax credits for working families<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">. As folks begin to receive refunds, more Michiganders can see more money being put back in their pockets with the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/treasury\/news\/2025\/05\/15\/average-individual-income-tax-refund-rises#:~:text=State%20individual%20income%20tax%20refunds,%2C%20up%2050%25%20since%202022.\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">average individual income tax refund hitting $843<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> \u2014 a 50% increase from 2022!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">This filing season, 207,000 retiree tax returns saw an average jump of $600 because of the retirement tax changes, and our quintupling of the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit has also provided an average refund of $900 for working families. This means Michiganders have extra money to pay their bills, put food on the table, and grow their savings. To learn more about how my colleagues and I are working to lower costs for you and your family, click <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/lowering-costs\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">here<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Medicaid Matters to Michiganders, Impact of Proposed Cuts<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\"><br \/><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Recently, Republicans in Congress announced their plan to slash $880 billion from Medicaid so they can hand over $4 trillion in tax cuts for the country\u2019s wealthiest individuals. If passed, this would be the largest cut to Medicaid in its 60-year history. Medicaid is a lifeline for residents around the state, including seniors, folks with disabilities, children, veterans, and expectant parents. If approved, 750,000 Michiganders are at risk of losing their health insurance, hospitals will close, and it will be harder for everyone to access care. It would also cost us thousands of jobs, and our state economy would take a huge hit by <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">potentially losing hundreds of millions <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u2014<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> and even billions <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u2014<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> in federal funding.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Long story short: Congress\u2019 threats to gut this crucial program don&#8217;t just impact the millions of folks state- and nationwide who rely on the program \u2014 <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">they threaten all of us<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">. To stand up to these cuts, this week, Senate Democrats passed a resolution calling on Congress to protect Medicaid and ensure those who need assistance with affording health care can receive it without worry or extra burdensome red tape. Learn more <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/hertel\/2025\/05\/20\/protect-medicaid-2\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">here<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">What You Need to Know About Measles: Symptoms and Vaccination Information<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\"><br \/><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">With recent reports of rising measles cases across the U.S., it&#8217;s important for you and your families to stay informed about the ongoing outbreak. Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads via direct person-to-person contact and through the air. It\u2019s also preventable through <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mdhhs\/adult-child-serv\/childrenfamilies\/immunizations\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">vaccination<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Symptoms usually appear 7\u201314 days after exposure but may take up to 21 days. Common ones can include high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, tiny white spots inside the mouth, and rash.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Measles can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person coughs or sneezes. Awareness and timely vaccination are key to preventing further spread. If you have not received a second dose or if you are unsure of your vaccination status, we encourage you to contact your health care provider. If you or someone you know may have been exposed or is experiencing symptoms, please contact your health care provider right away.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">For more information about measles, visit the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mdhhs\/adult-child-serv\/childrenfamilies\/immunizations\/measlesupdates\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">state\u2019s webpage<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\"><\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dear Neighbor, Over the past weeks and months, my colleagues and I have been working hard to craft a fiscally responsible state budget to ensure that while chaos and confusion [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":7764,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7914","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-email"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.4 (Yoast SEO v26.9) - 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