- Legislative Update: The Senate recently passed legislation sponsored by Sen. McMorrow to protect both women seeking access to reproductive health care and the medical professionals who provide it, along with additional gun safety measures to keep Michigan communities safe. Learn more below.
- Legislative Update: As chaos continues coming out of Washington, it’s, unfortunately, no different in the Republican House of Representatives here in Lansing. As House Republicans continue to hold up the critical state budget process, Senate Democrats remain committed to investments and legislation that put the hardworking people of Michigan first.
- Legislative Update: During the last week of June, Sen. McMorrow, with bipartisan support from colleagues, introduced Senate Bill 456 — legislation that would establish a Silver Alert public notification system in Michigan. Currently, Michigan law allows for silver alerts to be shared amongst first responders, but NOT with the public, who often are first to intercept missing and vulnerable seniors.
- District Update: Summer is officially underway, bringing recent record high temperatures and a dangerous heatwave along with it. Read on for tips to keep yourselves — and your furry friends — safe during this hot weather.
- Good News from the District: Congratulations to Royal Oak’s Mayflower Music on their success at the 124th American Guild of Music’s National Contest last weekend! The daughter of our Constituent and District Director was there competing too.
House Republicans Blow Past Budget Deadline as Senate Democrats Stand Ready to Negotiate
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.
Senate Democrats stuck to the schedule and delivered a timely and comprehensive budget. Starting in January, they sat down with stakeholders across Michigan to learn more about their needs; they crafted a fiscally responsible budget that reflected what we heard; they passed it through the chamber; and they came to the table ready to negotiate a fair compromise ahead of the July 1 deadline.
In our education budget, Senate Democrats 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 state budget, they 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 the state’s infrastructure, and so much more.
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’t 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.
Despite the July 1 deadline getting farther and farther behind us, House Republicans are still choosing to slow walk solutions. Meanwhile, Sen. McMorrow and her colleagues in the Senate are holding the line for the people they serve, refusing to cave to intimidation and outright bad budgeting that sells out our kids, our schools, and our communities.
As Senate Democrats wait at the negotiating table for the House to get serious about their jobs, Sen. McMorrow will continue fighting for you and providing updates on where they’re at in the budget process. In the meantime, you can read more about their budget proposal here.
A Snapshot of Legislative Activity at the Capitol
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 their time in Lansing to advance important legislation that protects reproductive health care, supports first responders, improves health outcomes, and more:
Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act: A few weeks ago, Senate Democrats passed Sen. McMorrow’s legislation to protect women seeking reproductive health care and the medical professionals who provide it. The state-level FACE Act works to ensure patients can access the care they need, when they need it — without intimidation or fear of harm. These bills now head to the House for further consideration.
Preventing Gun Violence: Senate Democrats also recently passed additional commonsense gun safety measures. Now on their way to the House, these bills would prohibit bump stocks, serialize ghost guns — legislation sponsored by Sen. McMorrow, and prohibit firearms in the Capitol and certain surrounding government buildings.
Supporting First Responders: 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, Sen. McMorrow and her colleagues passed legislation requiring the inclusion of staffing levels as a subject during their collective bargaining process. Read more here.
Providing Support to Address Our Opioid Crisis: 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 here.
Improving Health Outcomes for Moms and Babies: Evidence shows that Centering Pregnancy visits have helped reduce preterm births and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit admissions — ensuring better health outcomes for both new moms and their babies. To expand access to this care, earlier this month, the Michigan Senate advanced legislation requiring private insurers and Medicaid to provide coverage for group-based pregnancy support programs. Read more here.
Strengthening Our First Responder Toolkit: During the last week of June, Sen. McMorrow, with bipartisan support from colleagues, introduced Senate Bill 456 — legislation that would establish a Silver Alert public notification system in Michigan. Currently, Michigan law allows for silver alerts to be shared amongst first responders, but NOT with the public, who often are first to intercept missing and vulnerable seniors. Silver Alerts function like Amber Alerts but focus on missing elderly individuals. Twenty-seven states plus Washington, D.C. already have these systems. This bill would require local police to notify Michigan State Police when a senior goes missing. The State Police will then activate alerts through the federal Wireless Emergency Alert system, ensuring immediate public notification.
Standing Against Federal Cuts & Chaos
Since January, Sen. McMorrow and her Senate Democratic colleagues have been sounding the alarm on the threats President Trump’s policies pose to Michigan families. They’ve been talking with hundreds of concerned residents weekly at coffee hours, town halls, and other events. They’ve given countless floor speeches in the state Senate calling on Trump and Congressional Republicans to abandon their harmful agenda. And they held 12 committee hearings on various issues, including the impact of federal cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, their baseless mass firings, the chaos created by freezing critical federal funding, and DOGE’s attempts to access Michiganders’ sensitive personal data.
In May, Sen. McMorrow and her fellow Senate Democrats passed their 2026 state budget proposal that included funds to support farmers, veterans, small business owners, and other Michiganders affected by rash federal actions.
Unfortunately, Trump and his Republican allies in Congress rammed through their “Big Beautiful Bill” just ahead of Independence Day.
Please know that Michigan Senate Democrats have done everything possible to fight back against Trump — using every tool at our disposal to protect Michigan residents — and they will keep doing so every step of the way. Additionally, if there’s something Sen. McMorrow’s office can assist with, please reach out. Whether to lend a listening ear, sort out troubles you’re experiencing with a state department, or assist in connecting you with your federal representatives — Sen. McMorrow’s team is here to help.
For more information about our work standing up to these federal cuts and chaos, or for additional resources, click here.
What Medicaid Means to Michigan
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 — 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’s wealthiest individuals and corporations.
In response to the administration’s threats to dismantle this essential safety net, the Senate Health Policy Committee and Appropriations Subcommittee on the Dept. of Health and Human Services (DHHS) convened a joint meeting where they reviewed, accepted and adopted a new report 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:
- One in four Michiganders relies on Medicaid, including two in five children and three in five nursing home residents.
- Medicaid patients make up 22% of hospital volume statewide, and 40% in rural hospitals. Without this funding, hospitals would be forced to significantly downsize or close altogether — forcing everyone to travel farther and wait longer to receive care.
- Nearly 500,000 Michiganders could lose coverage due to new bureaucratic hurdles and red tape.
- Proposed cuts jeopardize 300,000 health care jobs across Michigan, sparked by Medicaid’s expansion and would deliver a projected $2.9 billion blow to Michigan’s economy.
To view the full report, click here.
Find Free Meals Near You This Summer
It can be tough to make healthy meals for children and teens that fit your budget, especially during the summer months when school is out of session. That’s why community sites such as libraries, YMCAs, community centers, and school districts in our area are providing children ages 18 and under with delicious, nutritious meals this summer.
Use this map to find a location nearest you. Every site includes contact information to help connect you with Summer Meals.
Michigan Earns All-Time Highest Ranking as Top Six State for Business
Driven by the work Sen. McMorrow and her Senate Democratic colleagues have championed to improve our state’s economy, quality of life, and workforce — Michigan has ranked number 6 in CNBC’s America’s Top States for Business list! This is Michigan’s third year in a row in the top 10, ranking number 9 in 2024 and number 10 in 2023.
From expanding access to higher education, investing in our small businesses, and repairing our infrastructure to cutting red tape for entrepreneurs, supporting a young, talented workforce, and helping create good paying jobs — Senate Democrats have worked hard to make Michigan one of the best places to do business in the nation. And they’ll continue fighting for even more economic progress.
Protect Yourself from Heat-Related Illness
Summer is officially underway, bringing recent record high temperatures and dangerous heatwaves along with it. When it’s very hot, there’s an increased risk of heat-related illness, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can worsen and cause heat stroke or even death.
To stay healthy during these record-high temperatures, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Drink more fluids and avoid liquids with large amounts of sugar or alcohol.
- Limit outdoor activities to when it’s coolest in the morning and evening.
- Spend time indoors with air conditioning.
- Check to make sure your air conditioner filters are clean, and the unit is working properly.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- Wear sunscreen, as sunburn affects the body’s ability to cool down.
- Check on your neighbors and relatives.
- Never leave children or pets unattended in cars, even with the windows cracked.
Keep Your Animals Safe this Summer
Summer can be an especially dangerous time for not only our families and communities, but also our pets and animals. With the high temperatures we’ve been experiencing and more on the way, the Michigan Dept. of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) wants pet owners to know these seven helpful tips to keep their furry friends safe and cool over the warm summer months:
- Travel Smart: Make sure animals have everything they need to travel safely
Be sure your animals have all the documentation, vaccinations, tests, and treatments they need to reach their destination. - Let it Flow: Provide unlimited cool, clean, fresh water
No matter the species, animals should have access to an abundant supply of cool, clean, fresh water to prevent dehydration. - Happy Tummies: Avoid feeding animals people foods
Salty, fatty, and/or highly seasoned foods (like chips, nuts, and meat fat) can cause digestive upset. Also, chocolate, grapes/raisins, onions, and xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in many candies and gum) can be poisonous to animals; and bones can cause injury and illness. - Know Their Limits: An animal’s ability to tolerate heat varies
An animal’s age, breed, type of coat, and health history can all play a role in their ability to tolerate the heat. Keep an eye on them for signs of heat stress like increased panting or drooling and being more lethargic. If they are showing these signs, it is time to immediately move them to a cooler area. - Look Before They Splash: Avoid harmful algal blooms (HABs) in bodies of water
To prevent illness in animals, keep them out of areas with scums or discolored water, rinse them off after contact with any lake water, and bring clean, fresh water for them to drink. If an animal becomes sick after contact with a suspected HAB, call your veterinarian right away. - Search No More: Make sure animals have proper identification
With all the fun outdoor activities, it can be easy for animals to sneak away and become lost. Make sure they have identification tags and/or microchips that are up to date with your current contact information, ensuring a better chance they can be returned home. - Small Circle of Friends: Keep animals away from wildlife, ill animals, and animals of unknown health status
Any animal, domestic or wild, has the potential to carry disease. Protect your animals by keeping them away from any unfamiliar creatures.
Safe Firearm Storage Reminder
Each year in the United States, hundreds of children are accidentally injured or killed by firearms that are not properly secured.
With last month being National Gun Violence Prevention Month, the Michigan State Police is reminding residents that Michigan gun owners are legally responsible for ensuring their firearms are stored in a safe manner. The state’s Secure Storage Law requires individuals to keep unattended firearms unloaded and locked with a locking device or stored in a locked box or container if it is reasonably known that a minor is likely to be present on the premises.
Safe storage can reduce the risk of both intentional and unintentional injuries and deaths, as well as lower the rates of firearm theft. Next time you store your firearm, ensure it’s unloaded, locked, and kept separate from ammunition. If you don’t have a gun lock but need one, free locks can be obtained through Project ChildSafe police partners across the state. To find one near you, click here.
Mayflower Music Competes at American Guild of Music’s National Competition
Congratulations to Royal Oak’s Mayflower Music on their success at the 124th American Guild of Music’s National Contest last weekend! The daughter of our Constituent and District Director was there competing too.
The studio also earned two first-place medals for their ensemble performances. Well done, Mayflower Music students and director, Kaitlyn Kinsella!
North American Invitational Champion for Classical Voice: Lauren Rossiter
Duet Finals:
Ages 9-11 Category: Zoe McKeogh & June Heiple (1st), Daisy Fraga & Eleni Valdivia (2nd)
Ages 14-15 Category: Lucy Heiple & Claire Mulheisen (2nd), Lucy Heiple & Bella VanHemm (3rd)
Pop Finals
Ages 9-10 Category: Eleni Valdivia (2nd), Daisy Fraga (3rd)
Age 11 Category – June Heiple (1st)
Age 12 Category – Anthony Queen (1st)
Ages 13-14 Category – Anna Harthen (1st), Ella Beck (2nd)
Age 15 Category – Allie Shepard (1st)
Age 16 Category – Bella VanHemm (3rd)
Age 17 Category – Lauren Rossiter (2nd)
Thank you for staying connected with Sen. McMorrow’s office through the biweekly e-newsletter. We’re committed to keeping you informed on our work in Lansing and the progress we’re making in the district. Whether it’s legislative updates or community initiatives, we want to ensure you’re engaged and aware of the ways we’re advocating for you.
Reach out with any questions, concerns, or ideas that you may have. Our office is here to assist you with any state-related matters, and we value your feedback. Feel free to contact us at (517) 373-2523 or by email at SenMMcMorrow@senate.michigan.gov.