Dear Neighbor,
Right now, the difference between our state and federal governments could not be starker. Up in Lansing, my colleagues and I have been hard at work serving the people of Michigan. After passing a bipartisan, balanced state budget earlier this month, we’ve stayed busy delivering on the issues that matter most to our community: protecting health care access, supporting first responders, making sure our government is transparent and accountable to you, and so much more.
Meanwhile in Washington, the Republican-controlled federal government is locked in the second-longest shutdown in American history. This has already started to have severe consequences for many Michiganders, with more and more folks standing to be impacted as this impasse drags on. I understand the uncertainty and anxiety this brings, but please know that you are not alone. My team and I are here to offer support, provide helpful information, and share resources to help you navigate this difficult situation.
In this newsletter, you will find updates not only on the work we’re doing for you in Lansing, but also on how the shutdown is affecting various safety net programs and resources that can help support you and your family during these difficult times.
If you or someone you know would like to provide any feedback about what’s happening, or needs assistance of any sort, please feel free to reach out to my office. You can reach me and my team by emailing SenDPolehanki@senate.michigan.gov or calling 517-373-7350.
Sincerely,
Dayna Polehanki
State Senator
District 5
- Right now, nearly half a million Michiganders are at risk of losing their health care because Washington Republicans refuse to extend a critical tax credit that has helped make care more affordable. Read on to learn how we’re working to save it.
- Join me for my upcoming Community Conversation event at the Leanna Hicks Public Library in Inkster, on Nov. 6 at 6:00 p.m. RSVP here!
- Due to the ongoing government shutdown, SNAP benefits for November have been paused. If you rely on the program for nutrition assistance, please utilize Michigan 211 to locate a food bank nearest you.
Update on the “Hall Holdup Lawsuit:” Courts Rule in Favor of Senate Democrats!
For over 10 months, the Michigan Republican House of Representatives has continued to deliberately and illegally block nine bills passed by both legislative chambers last year from being sent to the governor and enacted into law. These are bills that would lower health care costs for teachers and first responders and improve retirement benefits for corrections officers. But instead of following the Michigan Constitution and putting the interests of his constituents and residents statewide before his own, Republican Speaker Matt Hall has chosen to play political games every step of the way — forcing Senate Democrats to take him to court.
After a lengthy legal battle where judge after judge has decided in our favor, we have another victory: this week, the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled once again in our favor and is requiring Speaker Hall to present the nine bills to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for her signature.
At a time when Republican leaders across the country are breaking the law and getting away with it, this is a particularly meaningful win. No matter how deep our political differences are, the Constitution must be followed. Full stop. I’m proud to join my Senate colleagues in this fight on behalf of educators, first responders, corrections officers, and the many hardworking folks who keep our communities running and who deserve to have this legislation enacted. And you can count on us to not stop fighting until these bills finally land on the governor’s desk.
Senate Democrats Call on Congress to Protect Health Care Access
No matter your zip code, line of work, or amount of money in your wallet — everyone deserves to access the health care they need, when they need it. Yet at this very moment, millions of Americans, including nearly 500,000 Michiganders, who buy their health insurance on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace are at risk of losing their coverage if Congress doesn’t act now to extend vital tax credits from expiring at the end of 2025.
These premium tax credits are a lifeline for Michigan workers, families, farmers, and small business owners who don’t get coverage through their workplaces or through Medicaid or Medicare. Without these, millions of people across the country will be slapped with insurance bills double or even triple the normal amount — forcing many to forego care all together. This will only result in the health insurance marketplace being destabilized, leading to the loss of thousands of jobs here in Michigan and higher health care costs for all of us.
Last week, I was proud to join my Senate Democratic colleagues in passing a resolution to call on Congress to act before it’s too late and extend these ACA premium tax credits from expiring. We also held a hearing in the Senate Health Policy Committee to shine a light on the devastating consequences Congress’ inaction would have on Michiganders around the state who rely on these credits to afford care. Learn more here.
Showing Up for Michigan’s First Responders
While many professions are safe, steady, and predictable, the work of our public safety officers is anything but. Their work is defined by uncertainty, yet they choose to sacrifice their own comfort and safety for the security of others. From police officers to firefighters and paramedics, the critical work of these individuals is essential in keeping you, your family, and our community safe. And just as they’ve always had our back, I’m committed to having theirs in the Michigan Senate.
In recent years, my colleagues and I have worked on a bipartisan basis to champion legislation that doubles survivor benefits for first responders who are killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty and cuts bureaucratic red tape that could reduce time and financial barriers to becoming a paramedic. We’ve also made significant investments to allow the Michigan State Police to train more troopers, provide local police departments with grants to recruit and train talented officers, and purchase additional sets of turnout gear for fire departments across the state.
While National First Responders Day may come once a year, please know that my support for our public safety officers extends all year round, and I will keep fighting in Lansing to ensure they have the tools and resources they need to get their job done as safely as possible. Read more about this work here.
Enhancing Transparency in the State Budget
Upon securing the Majority in 2023, Senate Democrats required lawmakers to clearly put their name next to any funding they secured on behalf of their community — an important step to building a state budget process that is both transparent and accountable to those we work with and serve. But we didn’t stop there.
Before passing the 2026 state budget earlier this month, the Senate Appropriations Committee held a hearing to review each of the individual enhancement grants we fought to include in the final budget agreement.
And, last week, my colleagues and I passed Senate Bill 596 with bipartisan support — legislation that requires all legislative directed spending items, including enhancement grants and earmarks, to be publicly disclosed on the Senate or House website before the passage of the state budget. Championed by Appropriations Chair Sen. Sarah Anthony, this bill continues our commitment to Michiganders around the state, ensuring they can see where their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent.
A Snapshot of Legislative Activity
Along with securing game-changing investments for kids and communities in the recently signed state budget, my Senate colleagues and I are continuing to advance legislation for Michiganders across the state, including bills to:
- Combat human trafficking in Michigan by strengthening penalties for those who commit this heinous crime while bolstering support for survivors.
- Tackle election disinformation and improve transparency in the petition circulation process by removing financial incentives for circulators to lie to voters to gain their support, among other reforms. Learn more here.
- Lower costs for struggling homeowners by extending the Pay As You Stay program, which provides affordable payment plans and eliminates penalties, interest, and fees to Michiganders who are having difficulties paying property taxes.
Honored to Support Compassion: Humane Society of Huron Valley
I’m deeply honored to have received the Legislator of the Year Award from the Humane Society of Huron Valley at their annual Compassionate Feast. This organization does incredible work to protect and care for animals across our region, and I’m proud to support legislation that reflects those values. The evening was filled with warmth, advocacy, and a shared commitment to compassion. Thank you, HSHV, for this meaningful recognition!
Fierce and Focused: Canton’s “Lead Like a Girl” Program Shines
I had the privilege of spending time with the incredible young women enrolled in Canton’s “Lead Like a Girl” program. These girls are whip-smart, confident, and ready to lead, and I couldn’t be more inspired by their energy and ambition. Programs like this are so important in helping our future leaders find their voice and build the skills they need to make a difference. I left feeling hopeful and proud of the next generation.
A Night of Unity and Inspiration at the NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner
I had the honor of attending the 28th Annual Western Wayne NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner in Lincoln Park, hosted by the ever-gracious President Gina Wilson Steward. This event is always a breath of fresh air, filled with hope, community, and powerful reminders of the work that still lies ahead. From the stirring rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” to the inspiring conversations shared throughout the evening, I left feeling energized and deeply grateful to stand alongside so many committed advocates for justice and equity.
Inkster Community Conversation
WHEN: Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Leanna Hicks Public Library, 2500 Hamlin Dr., Inkster, MI 48141
November SNAP Benefits Paused Amid Federal Government Shutdown
The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) recently alerted the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) that due to the ongoing government shutdown and subsequent funding lapse, there is a limited availability of funds to pay full November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for approximately 42 million individuals across the nation. As a result, USDA has directed the state to pause November SNAP issuance and ongoing benefits until further notice. To read the official statement from MDHHS, click here.
MDHHS is communicating directly with neighbors enrolled in SNAP. If you currently receive SNAP benefits, or have a pending application for benefits, you will receive updates directly from MDHHS about the status of your benefits, including potential delays and when payments restart. Any already-issued benefits will remain available for use, and funds currently available on your Bridge Card can continue to be used without interruption.
If you are in need of assistance, please utilize the many programs and resources that organizations in our community offer. To be connected with a food bank nearest you, contact Michigan 211 by dialing 2-1-1, texting your zip code to 898-211, or visiting mi211.org. Michigan 211 not only can connect you with food assistance, but a variety of things, including utility assistance, mental health support, and emergency shelter.
Support for Federal Workers in Michigan Impacted by Federal Layoffs and Funding Cuts
Another consequence of the federal government shutdown is that many Michiganders who are employed by federal departments and agencies have been furloughed without pay or laid off entirely. If you or a loved one has been affected by these decisions, please utilize the resources the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has compiled.
A comprehensive webpage, Michigan.gov/FederalWorkerHelp, provides impacted federal workers with easy access to unemployment, job search, and community resources. Additionally, workers who recently lost their jobs through no fault of their own may be eligible to apply for temporary financial assistance through the Unemployment Insurance Agency.
Additional helpful sites for workers: