[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/cavanagh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2023\/02\/Cavanagh_EmailBanner.png” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” alt=”Cavanagh banner” title_text=”Cavanagh_EmailBanner” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Dear Neighbor,<\/span><\/p>\n Summer is well underway here in the Great Lakes State, and I hope you\u2019ve gotten the opportunity to enjoy some of the perks of summertime in beautiful Michigan, whether that\u2019s time on a hiking trail, a Tigers baseball game at Comerica Park, or soaking up the sun on our freshwater coast.<\/span><\/p>\n And the benefits of living in Michigan certainly don\u2019t stop there \u2014 we\u2019ve also earned national recognition as one of the top 10 states for business in the country! I\u2019m proud of the work my Senate colleagues and I have done to help make Michigan one of the best states to do business, work, live, and play.<\/span><\/p>\n 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 email me at <\/span>senmcavanagh@senate.michigan.gov<\/span><\/a> or call 517-373-7748.<\/span><\/p>\n Sincerely,<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/cavanagh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2023\/12\/sencav_sig.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” alt=”Mary Cavanagh signature” title_text=”sencav_sig” width=”26%” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Mary Cavanagh<\/span><\/b> <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/cavanagh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/10\/EnewsHeaders_Recent-Highlights-scaled.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” alt=”If youre in a rush… recent highlights” title_text=”EnewsHeaders_Recent Highlights” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/cavanagh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/01\/EnewsHeaders_Legislative-Updates-scaled.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” alt=”Legislative Updates” title_text=”EnewsHeaders_Legislative Updates” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n House Republicans Blow Past Budget Deadline as Senate Democrats Stand Ready to Negotiate<\/span><\/b> Senate Democrats stuck to schedule and delivered a timely <\/span>and c<\/span><\/i>omprehensive budget. Starting in January, we sat down with stakeholders across Michigan to learn more about their needs; we crafted a fiscally responsible budget that reflected what we heard; we passed it through the chamber; and we came to the table ready to negotiate a fair compromise ahead of the July 1 deadline.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/cavanagh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/07\/Budget.png” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Budget” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ align=”center”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n In our<\/span> education budget<\/span><\/a>, we put Michigan students first, with historic investments to ensure they have the support and resources they need for a well-rounded education. And in the rest of the<\/span> state budget<\/span><\/a>, we proposed a slate of people-focused investments to bolster community safety, increase job training opportunities, support small businesses, ensure our seniors and veterans have the benefits they worked a lifetime for, build up our state\u2019s infrastructure, and so much more.<\/span><\/p>\n Over in the House, however, Republican Speaker Matt Hall has unfortunately been more focused on playing political games and wasting time on gimmicks and nonstarters that don\u2019t do anyone any good. While they finally proposed an incomplete budget in recent weeks, it would make devastating cuts to education, including slashing or completely eliminating funding for literacy supports, career and technical education, early childhood education, and the free school meals program.<\/span><\/p>\n Despite the July 1 deadline getting farther and farther in our rear-view mirror, House Republicans are still choosing to slow walk solutions. Meanwhile, my colleagues and I in the Senate are holding the line for the people we serve. We refuse to cave to intimidation, incompetence, and outright bad budgeting that sells out our kids, our schools, and our communities.<\/span><\/p>\n As we wait at the negotiating table for the House to get serious about their jobs, I will continue fighting for you and providing updates on where we\u2019re at in the budget process. In the meantime, you can read more about our budget proposal<\/span> here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n A Snapshot of Legislative Activity at the Capitol<\/span><\/b> Supporting First Responders: <\/span><\/i><\/b>Compared to other Midwest states, Michigan falls significantly behind when it comes to the total number of full-time professional firefighters. To help rectify the issue and ensure our first responders have the resources they need to protect our communities, my colleagues and I passed legislation requiring the inclusion of staffing levels as a subject during their collective bargaining process. Read more<\/span> here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Providing Support to Address Our Opioid Crisis: <\/span><\/i><\/b>The opioid epidemic is a public health crisis that touches communities in every part of our state. Building on current efforts aimed at addressing this ongoing emergency, the Senate acted in bipartisan fashion to pass a comprehensive package of evidence-based policies designed to expand access to support services, reduce the risk of overdoses, and improve both short and long-term treatment outcomes. Read more<\/span> here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Improving Health Outcomes for Moms and Babies: <\/span><\/i><\/b>Evidence shows that CenteringPregnancy visits have helped reduce preterm births and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit admissions \u2014 ensuring better health outcomes for both new moms and their babies. To expand access to this care, my colleagues and I advanced legislation requiring private insurers and Medicaid to provide coverage for group-based pregnancy support programs. Read more<\/span> here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Standing Against Federal Cuts & Chaos<\/span><\/b> Then in May, my fellow Senate Democrats and I passed our<\/span> 2026 state budget proposal<\/span><\/a> that included funds to support farmers, veterans, small business owners, and other Michiganders affected by rash federal actions.<\/span><\/p>\n Unfortunately, Trump and his Republican allies in Congress rammed through their \u201cBig Beautiful Bill\u201d just ahead of Independence Day. I know many in our community are worried about what this will mean for their family, friends, and neighbors \u2014 and I\u2019m worried too.<\/span><\/p>\n Please know that Michigan Senate Democrats have done everything we can to fight back against Trump, we\u2019ve used every tool at our disposal to protect Michigan residents, and we will keep doing so every step of the way. Additionally, if there\u2019s something our office can assist with, please reach out to us. Whether we can lend a listening ear, sort out troubles you\u2019re experiencing with a state department, or assist in connecting you with your federal representatives \u2014 we\u2019re here to help.<\/span><\/p>\n For more information about our work standing up to these federal cuts and chaos, or for additional resources, click<\/span> here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n What Medicaid Means to Michigan<\/span><\/b> In response to the administration\u2019s threats to dismantle this essential safety net, the Senate Health Policy Committee and Appropriations Subcommittee on the Dept. of Health and Human Services (DHHS)<\/span> convened a joint meeting where they reviewed, accepted and adopted a new report<\/span><\/a> developed by Senate Democrats that outlines the impact federal cuts to Medicaid would have on Michiganders. In underscoring what Medicaid means to Michigan, the report highlights that:<\/span><\/p>\n To view the full report, click here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/cavanagh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/01\/EnewsHeaders_Community-Connections-scaled.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” alt=”Community Connections” title_text=”EnewsHeaders_Community Connections” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Here are just a few community events coming up in the next few weeks. I hope to see you at one!<\/span><\/p>\n If you or an organization you know is having an event that my team or I can attend, please feel free to reach out, and we will work to get it on our calendar!<\/span><\/p>\n The BIG Picnic<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/cavanagh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/07\/BigPicnic.png” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”BigPicnic” align=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Mindfulness at the Park Mindfulness Kids Enrichment is a collection of activities designed for enjoyment at the parks, completely free of charge. Engage in family fun with a variety of activities, including:<\/span><\/p>\n Learn more here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n 30th Annual Woodward Dream Cruise<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/cavanagh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/07\/DreamCruise.png” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”DreamCruise” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n WHEN: <\/span><\/b>Saturday, August 16, from 9:00 a.m. \u2013 9:00 p.m.<\/span><\/p>\n Learn more <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/cavanagh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/10\/EnewsHeaders_Upcoming-Events-scaled.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” alt=”Upcoming events” title_text=”EnewsHeaders_Upcoming Events” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ min_height=”94.1px”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_padding=”||26px|||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n August Coffee and Conversation<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/cavanagh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/07\/CommunityConversation-2.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”CommunityConversation (2)” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ force_fullwidth=”on”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n WHEN: <\/span><\/b>Friday, August 15, from 10:30 \u2013 11:30 a.m. [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/cavanagh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/01\/EnewsHeaders_News-Resources-scaled.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” alt=”Helpful news and resources” title_text=”EnewsHeaders_News & Resources” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Michigan Earns All-Time Highest Ranking as Top Six State for Business<\/span><\/b> From<\/span> expanding access to higher education<\/span><\/a>,<\/span> investing in our small businesses<\/span><\/a>, and<\/span> repairing our infrastructure<\/span><\/a> to<\/span> cutting red tape<\/span><\/a> for entrepreneurs,<\/span> supporting a young, talented workforce<\/span><\/a>, and helping<\/span> create good paying jobs<\/span><\/a> \u2014 Senate Democrats have worked hard to make Michigan one of the best places to do business in the <\/span>nation<\/span><\/i>
<\/span>State Senator<\/span>
<\/span>District 6<\/span><\/p>\n\n
<\/span>Every year, the Michigan Legislature is tasked with crafting a fiscally responsible budget by July 1. This is not a trivial deadline, but one that our schools count on us meeting so they can make proper plans for the upcoming school year.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span>With House Republicans slow walking the budget process by refusing to introduce a full proposal or use our balanced budget as a starting point, Senate Democrats have been using our time in Lansing to advance important legislation that supports first responders, improves health outcomes, and more:<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span>Since January, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I have been sounding the alarm on the threats President Trump\u2019s policies pose to Michigan families. We have been talking with hundreds of concerned residents weekly at coffee hours, town halls, and other events. We have given countless floor speeches in the state Senate calling on Trump and Congressional Republicans to abandon their harmful agenda. We held 12 committee hearings on various issues, including the impact of federal<\/span> cuts to Medicaid<\/span><\/a> and<\/span> SNAP<\/span><\/a>, their<\/span> baseless mass firings<\/span><\/a>, the<\/span> chaos created by freezing critical federal funding<\/span><\/a>, and<\/span> DOGE\u2019s attempts to access Michiganders\u2019 sensitive personal data<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span>Medicaid is a lifeline for people in every corner of this state and country, allowing folks to get the health care they need, when they need it \u2014 no matter their income. The $535 billion that Trump and Congressional Republicans have been working to slash from the program will devastate Michigan families, hospitals, and our economy all while pumping more money into the pockets of our nation\u2019s wealthiest individuals and corporations.<\/span><\/p>\n\n
<\/span><\/b>WHEN: <\/span><\/b>Wednesday, July 30, from 3:00 \u2013 7:00 p.m.<\/span>
<\/span>WHERE: <\/span><\/b>James T. Hope Park, 16220 Lahser Rd., Detroit, MI 48219<\/span><\/p>\n\n
<\/span>WHERE: <\/span><\/b>Pages Bookshop, 19560 Grand River Ave., Detroit, MI 48223<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span>Driven by the work my Senate Democratic colleagues and I have championed to improve our state\u2019s economy, quality of life, and workforce \u2014 Michigan has ranked number 6 in<\/span> CNBC\u2019s America\u2019s Top States for Business<\/span><\/a> list! This is Michigan\u2019s third year in a row in the top 10, ranking number 9 in 2024 and number 10 in 2023.<\/span><\/p>\n