- Legislative Update: Sen. McMorrow and her Senate Democratic colleagues are working to build on the historic $450 million they’ve secured for school safety and mental health efforts, while House Republicans continue to stall the budget process. Learn more below.
- District Update: Thanks to state funding secured by Senate Democrats, Michigan’s PreK for All program is ranked number one in the nation and is serving more families than ever before. Read on to find high-quality, no-cost preschool in your community.
- Good News from the District: Congratulations to Oak Park’s Rhythm Wellness Center for being awarded a Michigan Economic Development Corporation MiPlace Match on Main grant! Also, please join our office for a Property Tax Town Hall with Oakland County Treasurer Robert Wittenberg and Berkley Deputy Treasurer Gina Herold at the Berkley Public Library on August 28.
The Clock is Ticking — Senate Dems Ask House Republicans: Where’s the Budget?
Months after Senate Democrats approved a comprehensive state budget, including an education budget proposal focused on students, House Republicans have yet to take any reasonable steps to complete a budget or make the investments kids and families need. As a result, the real consequences of the GOP’s inaction are beginning to affect Michigan’s students. School districts are cutting popular and widely supported programs, such as free school meals, while funding to promote smaller class sizes, invest in mental health services and school safety, and more remains uncertain. That’s why, earlier this week, Senate Democrats held a press conference to shine a light on the consequences of House Republicans’ budget inaction and uplift increased concerns from constituents. Watch a recording of the hearing at this link.
Senate Hearing Uplifts Consequences of Trump’s Big “Beautiful” Bill on Michiganders
From funding freezes to massive federal layoffs and short-sighted tariffs, Michiganders and folks across the country have been feeling the impacts of the Trump administration’s reckless actions since the start of this year. More recently, Senate Democrats have been sounding the alarm on his so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) that was signed into law earlier this summer.
To examine the ugly economic impacts of this new law, Sen. McMorrow and her colleagues in the Senate Appropriations Committee held a hearing earlier this week, focusing specifically on cuts being made to Medicaid and SNAP programs. State departments, educational institutions, health care providers, and advocacy organizations all showed up to testify, highlighting how these harmful federal cuts threaten the well-being of our state and all those who call it home. From blowing a massive hole in our state budget to stripping away resources for essential health care and food assistance programs, the effects of the OBBBA are as disastrous as they are far-reaching. Learn more here and listen to what the various testifiers had to say using this link.
Fighting for School Safety and Mental Health Resources
Michigan State Police’s Recent Report Highlights Critical Need for Support
OK2SAY, Michigan’s confidential student safety tipline, reported a 20% surge in tip volume compared to the previous year, according to the program’s most recent report compiled by the Michigan State Police. With an unprecedented 11,671 tips received, the program has reached its highest reporting level since its inception in 2014, underscoring the vital role it plays in safeguarding our youngest Michiganders.
Sen. McMorrow and her colleagues recognize this and the responsibility they have to invest in Michigan’s children and in their safety, well-being, and success. That’s why they’ve invested a historic $450 million in school safety and mental health over the last few budget cycles. These dollars have gone into supporting the OK2SAY program, modernizing school security systems, as well as hiring more counselors, social workers, and school resource officers.
But with kids carrying heavier burdens and facing greater threats than ever before, the work of Senate Democrats is far from over. In our 2026 State Budget proposal, they put another $350 million behind these efforts to ensure every child feels safe while in the classroom. Unfortunately, as back-to-school season rapidly approaches, House Republicans are continuing to stall the budget process, keeping this funding for school safety out of reach for districts to use.
In the Senate, Sen. McMorrow and her colleagues continue to remain at the negotiating table, ready to reach a final budget agreement that truly supports Michigan students and their families. To keep up to date on the latest developments and learn more about their budget proposal, click here.
Rx Kids: A Prescription for Improving Families’ Physical and Economic Health
Rx Kids is a first-of-its-kind program in the United States, initially launched in Flint in 2024, before expanding to seven other communities across the state in early 2025 — thanks in part to funding secured by Senate Democrats. Now, Sen. McMorrow is working alongside her Senate Democratic colleagues to pass legislation to expand this successful program statewide to reach more families around Michigan. Rx Kids supports parents and babies by providing all pregnant moms, regardless of income, with a no-strings-attached cash allowance of $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 each month throughout the baby’s first year. Research shows that this direct, cash support for new parents helps improve housing security, access to nutritious food, and maternal and child health.
This week, the Senate Housing and Human Services Committee held a hearing on this legislation, exploring the far-reaching benefits of Rx Kids and how its expansion would continue improving maternal and child health outcomes throughout the state. To watch the committee hearing, click here.
In addition to their proposal to expand Rx Kids, Michigan Senate Democrats have introduced bold, transformative legislation to lower costs for working families and make sure kids in Michigan have the best start possible — including through a Working Parents Tax Cut and expanded access to child care. Learn more about this “Building Blocks” package here.
PreK For All: Improving Outcomes for Michigan Families & Kids
August means the back-to-school season is approaching, so what better time to spread the word about the best PreK for All program in the nation? Last year, Senate Democrats worked across the aisle to secure state funding that helped expand access to no-cost, high quality preschool — and their work is paying off, giving kids the tools they need for successful futures, helping tackle the childcare crisis, allowing parents to stay in the workforce, and saving Michigan families about $10,000 per child.
Michigan’s PreK for All program is available to all children who are four years old by Dec. 1, and enrollment is now open for the upcoming school year. To learn more or find options for no-cost Pre-K in your community, visit MiPreKforAll.org.
August is National Immunization Awareness Month
With summer in full swing and flu season just around the corner, Sen. McMorrow recognizes National Immunization Awareness Month to highlight the importance of routine vaccination for Michiganders of all ages. Vaccines are the best way for you to protect yourself from preventable diseases and avoid spreading those diseases to others in your community.
To locate a health department nearest you and get up to date on your vaccines, click here. And to learn more about the vaccines you and your family members may need to stay healthy, visit the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services website here.
Save on Higher Education with the Michigan Achievement Scholarship
With a new school year right around the corner, learn more about how you can save money on the cost of higher education with the Michigan Achievement Scholarship!
Recognizing the vital role colleges play in shaping the future of Michigan’s students, Sen. McMorrow and her colleagues worked to expand the Michigan Achievement Scholarship (MAS) program and create the “Community College Guarantee.” This scholarship is available to most graduating high school seniors and incoming college freshmen this year.
Under the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, students can receive:
- Up to $2,750 annually if they enroll in a Michigan community college, for up to three years.
- Up to $4,000 annually if they enroll in a Michigan private college or university, for up to five years.
- Up to $5,500 annually if they enroll in a Michigan public university or a baccalaureate degree program at a Michigan community college, for up to five years.
If you’re interested in learning more about how you or your student can take advantage of the scholarship, the Michigan Dept. of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) is hosting a series of informational webinars that will give an overview of the scholarship, eligibility requirements, award amounts, and more. You can find a date that works with your schedule and register here.
Property Tax Town Hall
Please join our office for a Property Tax Town Hall at the Berkley Library on August 28. There will be a discussion of the three-year tax foreclosure process and some of the resources and programs available to taxpayers.
Rhythm Wellness Center
Congratulations to Oak Park’s Rhythm Wellness Center/Salt Cave for being awarded a Michigan Economic Development Corporation MiPlace $25K Match on Main grant! The funding will be used to create a new space for yoga, Taichi, wellness programs, and a healing garden. We love to see local businesses being recognized for their dedication to improving our community.
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.