- Legislative Update: The Legislature has finally passed a bipartisan budget agreement that invests in you, your family, and our community. Read on to learn more about the exciting investments Sen. McMorrow has helped secure in order to build the future of our state.
- District Update: With a budget bill not passed by Congress to fund government operations before this new fiscal year, the federal government has entered a partial government shutdown starting at midnight on Oct. 1, 2025, causing indefinite delays and interruptions to various public services and programs millions of Michiganders and Americans rely on. Find out how you and your loved ones might be affected below.
Good News from the District:
- Wayne County Commissioner for District 5, Angelique N. Peterson-Mayberry recently hosted a Resource Fair at the Northwest Activities Center in Detroit. Team McMorrow was there talking with residents, answering questions about how to get help from our office, as well as providing an update on the state budget. We gave out lots of informational publications and printed legislative and district updates.
- The Royal Oak Leo Mahany / Harold Meininger Senior Community Center had their official reopening ribbon cutting, following a summer renovation, and Team McMorrow was there to help celebrate!
- Team McMorrow attended the annual kick-off for the Women of Tomorrow Mentor & Scholarship Program. This program engages highly accomplished professional women as mentors for at-risk high girls in small group settings. They have been in Wayne, Oakland, and Washtenaw County schools for 15 years. Over 5,000 mentees have been impacted, and they have given $2.7 million in scholarships to date. Program participants have an impressive 99% high school graduation rate.
Bipartisan State Budget Passed Legislature, Sent to Governor
Budget Protects Medicaid, Counters Severe Federal Cuts, Fixes the Roads, and Keeps the State Open
Since day one, Sen. McMorrow has been 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 of getting here, the Legislature has finally passed a bipartisan budget agreement that reflects the values she has long been fighting for — strong schools, safe communities, access to health care, and opportunity for all.
The final budget deal works to fill critical gaps caused by cuts from the Trump administration, ensures stability in the services people rely on to survive, and protects what matters most to Michigan families. More specifically, it includes investments to:
- Support Students and Schools: Secures the highest-ever per-pupil funding, $10,050, continues the widely popular free school meals program, and increases funding for at-risk students, school safety and student mental health, and more.
- Lower Costs: Continues the retirement tax repeal to save seniors $1,000 per year, makes childcare more affordable through the Tri-Share program, and supports workforce training opportunities.
- Protect Vital Services: Saves Medicaid in Michigan to ensure health care remains accessible and affordable, protects SNAP benefits and the Double Up Food Bucks program, protects community violence intervention funding, and continues support for police and fire departments.
- Implement a Long-Term Road Solution: Requires that corporations pay their fair share, enabling a sustainable plan to fund road repairs without raiding our schools or other essential programs. Additional funding was also secured for public transit.
- Fight Federal Cuts: Mitigates the worst impacts of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” to prevent a $1 billion budget hit and protect health care access, public safety, schools, and more.
To read more about what this budget means for Michigan, visit SenateDems.com/budget.
How the State Budget Invests in Our Local Community
In addition to big-picture investments to help move our state forward, the final budget agreement included specific line items for priority projects throughout our community.
These projects were identified through countless conversations Sen. McMorrow had with constituents, local leaders, and community organizations during the months-long budget process. In these discussions, she was focused on finding ways to target state dollars in a meaningful way to have the biggest impact on our local economy and residents’ everyday lives.
Sen. McMorrow was able to achieve that goal by securing funding for numerous projects, including sponsorship of the following:
- $85,000 for a new City Hall HVAC unit in Huntington Woods
- $750,000 for SAY Detroit who provides pathways to success for Detroiters in need. This is achieved by direct efforts and with civic and community partners, through programs such as an after-school motivational learning center for youth, 8-18; a free family medical clinic; a housing program for working families; and other learning, health care, and housing initiatives for Detroit’s most vulnerable populations
- $500,000 for Detroit PAL. Led by many of the biggest names in Detroit sports, Detroit PAL gives children an opportunity to learn through athletics and develop the confidence and motivation to go far in life. In partnership with the Detroit Police Department and community volunteers, Detroit PAL is helping youth find their greatness through athletic, academic, and leadership development programs.
Read more about these investments here.
Federal Shutdown: How Will it Impact Me?
With a budget bill not passed by Congress to fund government operations before this new fiscal year, the federal government has entered a partial government shutdown starting at midnight on Oct. 1, 2025, causing indefinite delays and interruptions to various public services and programs millions of Michiganders and Americans rely on. Find out how you and your loved ones might be affected below.
- Social Security & Supplemental Security Income (SSI): These benefits will continue to be distributed during the shutdown. However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will stop benefit verifications and processing of overpayments. Local Social Security offices may be closed to in-person service, so you should check local office closures on the Social Security website before visiting.
- Medicare & Medicaid: These benefits will continue to be distributed during the shutdown. However, you will not be able to get a new or replacement Medicare card, and benefit verifications will stop.
- Food Assistance: Unfortunately, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) could quickly run out of funding and soon be unable to help hungry children and parents in need. Depending on how long the shutdown lasts, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits could also run out of funding.
- Veterans Benefits: All Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities and clinics will remain fully operational. The VA will continue to process veterans’ benefits.
- Mail Services & Post Offices: The United States Postal Service (U.S.P.S.) will continue to operate as normal.
- Airports & Traveling: The State Dept. will continue to issue passports and visas and assist Americans abroad. However, a reduced workforce could impact operations. If you have flight arrangements, plan for delays and cancellations due to disruptions in staffing of airport employees, air traffic controllers, and TSA agents — all who are deemed essential and expected to work, but without pay.
Please be aware that due to the reductions and disruptions in staffing caused by the shutdown, you may experience delays and other issues associated with these federally provided programs and services. Learn more here.
Below are some local resources for those who may be affected by the Federal Shutdown:
Utilities:
- Hardship Assistance Program | Oakland County, MI In partnership with United Way of SE Michigan assists Oakland County households who need help with water and sewer bills.
- The Heat and Warmth Fund THAW works in partnership with agencies across the state of Michigan to distribute utility assistance.
Healthcare:
- Find a free health clinic near you through Free and Charitable Clinics of Michigan (FCOM)
These clinics can provide medical care for free or at a reduced cost.
Food assistance:
- Local food banks are located across the region. To find the nearest to you, visit Forgotten Harvest and enter your zip code or call the food assistance hotline 1-888-644-8773.
- Gleaners provides a variety of resources including food banks, soup kitchens, mobile meal pick-ups, and shelter locations across the Detroit and Metro Detroit region.
- To find a food bank near you or learn more about what food banks offer, visit Feeding America.
- Detroit Friendship House Call 313-871-7443 for more information.
Detroit residents can utilize numerous programs offered by Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency Wayne Metro. Property tax assistance, Food support, Water affordability assistance, Emergency plumbing repair, and more.
Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries provides numerous services including food, emergency shelter, and permanent or recovery housing.
Stay Safe from COVID-19 & Other Seasonal Respiratory Viruses
The beginning of fall also marks the start of the flu season. Especially before the holidays arrive and family gatherings take place, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from seasonal respiratory viruses like the flu and COVID-19. The best protection? Stay up to date on vaccines.
Sen. McMorrow understands that the recent actions of the federal government have left many feeling anxious and uncertain about their ability to access the COVID-19 vaccine now or into the future. Senate Democrats are in contact with the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) regarding the evolving state and federal COVID-19 recommendations and will continue to monitor the situation to ensure you can access this vaccination, which overwhelming evidence has shown is safe, has saved millions of lives, and prevented tens of millions of hospitalizations in the U.S.
You are encouraged to follow up with your provider or call your local pharmacy directly to check on the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine and any specific guidelines.
To learn more about seasonal respiratory illnesses — including Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) — and how to protect yourself, visit Michigan.gov/covidflursv. Along with getting vaccinated, you can take everyday preventative actions to stop the spread of germs, such as by practicing good hygiene and taking steps for cleaner air. If you may have a respiratory virus, use precautions to prevent spread and seek health care promptly for testing and/or treatment if you have risk factors for severe illness.
Michigan State Police Launches Campaign to Protect Kids from Online Predators
Education is the best defense against online predators, and with the threat of online sexual predators on the rise, it’s more important than ever to increase public awareness of these dangers. Predators use social media, messaging apps, and gaming platforms to gain access to minors, and any child online can be a target.
The Michigan Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce recently launched the “Opening the Door” campaign to encourage parents to be proactive in warning their kids about the risk of online predatory behavior, including grooming and sextortion. Prepare your kids for what can happen or what to do if something scary or harmful occurs by visiting Michigan.gov/ICAC.
10 Digit Dialing now required in Detroit
Starting this week, Detroit residents will need to dial all 10 phone digits, Including the area code for local calls. An additional 679 area code is being introduced, as the supply of 313 numbers is almost exhausted.
Phone providers will begin assigning new phone numbers with the 679-area code beginning Nov. 7, and there will be a six-month trial period to get used to dialing 10 digits. Read more about it here.
Wayne County District 5 Resource Fair
Wayne County Commissioner for District 5, Angelique N. Peterson-Mayberry recently hosted a Resource Fair at the Northwest Activities Center in Detroit. Team McMorrow was there talking with residents, answering questions about how to get help from our office, as well as sharing information regarding the state budget. We gave out tons of resources, including printed legislative and district updates.
There were many Wayne County District 5 neighborhood leaders and community partners in attendance, offering their services to the community, including:
- Oladayo Akinyemi, Director of Department of Public Services
- SMART Transportation Community Ombudsman Paul Johnson
- Wayne County Sheriff’s Department
- Wayne County Treasurer Eric Sabree brought their new mobile office
- Health, Human and Veteran’s Services
- Councilmember Angela Whitfield-Calloway
Also, in attendance was the delightful Reign’s Lemonade, which provided refreshing beverages, direct from Reign — the business’s 9-year-old owner!
Royal Oak Senior Community Center Ribbon Cutting
The Royal Oak Leo Mahany / Harold Meininger Senior Community Center had their official reopening ribbon cutting, following a summer renovation, and Team McMorrow was there to help celebrate!
Royal Oak was one of twenty-nine senior centers to receive an Oakland County grant as part of the $5 Million American Recovery Plan Act Investment.
- The project updates essential parts of the building including:
- Renovated, ADA-compliant bathrooms
- New flooring, ceiling tiles, and paint
- A refreshed reception area and coffee bar
- A new generator and other electrical upgrades to ensure that it is a safe place during all types of weather events
There was even a song performed by Four Seasons Preschool, which is housed within the center. The Senior Community Center is an AARP–designated livable community for seniors and is a safe and inviting space for all.
Women of Tomorrow Annual Kick Off
Team McMorrow attended the annual kick-off for the Women of Tomorrow Mentor & Scholarship Program.
Women of Tomorrow engages highly accomplished professional women as mentors for at-risk high girls in small group settings. They have been in Wayne, Oakland, and Washtenaw County schools for 15 years. Over 5000 mentees have been impacted, and they have given $2.7 million in scholarships to date. Program participants have an impressive 99% high school graduation rate.
Speakers, Terri Slaughter, Chief Strategic Impact Officer with MDOT, and Meghan Storey, Michigan Director of Small Business, with Comerica Bank, who was awarded as 2025 Mentor of the Year, spoke about how one’s past does not have to determine their future and how successful women can uplift and inspire others to realize their potential and promise.
Alumna Kiara Bobo-Byrd graduated from Renaissance High School and reflected on her experience with Women of Tomorrow. With the support, tools, and confidence she gained through the program, she graduated from Michigan State University and is currently in the Air Force Reserves. Her next steps are working on her master’s degree in finance, and she has a goal to become a dermatologist.
We wish all the mentors and mentees a great year!
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. You can also fill out a contact form on our website and we’ll get back to you as soon as we’re able.