Hey there,

I’m going to be totally honest with you about what’s happening right now. There’s been a lot of spin and nonsense coming out of the White House, but you deserve the truth. Here it is: Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans in Washington are the reason the federal government is shut down.

It’s not an accident. This crisis is 100% manufactured – and regular people, including Michiganders, are paying the price.

But let’s back up. This didn’t start two nights ago – it started months ago when Donald Trump handed the keys to the federal government to his billionaire donor Elon Musk and his DOGE clowns.

Since then, we’ve seen deep, harmful cuts to critical services – from rural health care to infrastructure to clean water protections. All of it chipped away as working people were pushed aside.

Then came the GOP’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” – a massive tax giveaway to billionaires, paid for by kicking millions of Americans off their health insurance. They slashed Medicaid. And they did it in the name of “efficiency,” pretending it was good fiscal policy. It wasn’t. It was cruelty with a calculator. And now they’re targeting subsidies that help working families afford basic care.

Because Republicans refuse to reverse those health care cuts or renew the health insurance subsidies set to expire soon, the government is shut down and health care costs are still going up.

This isn’t some abstract budget fight. This is real, and for me, it’s personal.

Here’s why: Rural hospitals across the Midwest are preparing to shut their doors. Premiums are spiking. And families who rely on Medicaid are suddenly unsure if they’ll be able to afford medicine or even a doctor visit.

Let’s be clear about what this means for Michiganders: In my district alone, more than 31,000 people will have to pay more for their health care – in some cases hundreds of dollars more – if Republicans succeed in letting these subsidies expire. That’s 31,000 hardworking folks who will be facing impossible choices – all so billionaires can buy another mansion or jet or whatever.

That’s why I’m not budging – I can’t support any deal that slashes health care and does nothing to cut costs for Michiganders. My priorities have always been lower costs, affordable health care, a strong workforce, and a government that works for Michigan.

Because if it doesn’t work for Michigan, it doesn’t work for me.

I didn’t come to Congress to play political games. I didn’t come to stand by while the people I love get ripped off. I came to Congress to get things done – and to protect the working people who make our state, and our country, great.

So if you’re angry, you’re not alone. I am too.

If you’re frustrated, you have every right to be.

If you’re scared, I understand.

Families are stretched thin. Groceries cost more. Gas costs more. Health care costs more. And now we’ve got a shutdown caused by Republicans who couldn’t care less what that might mean for working families.

Here’s my promise to you: I’m not backing down. I’ll keep showing up. I’ll keep pushing for a deal that restores health care access, reverses the cuts, and puts people – not politics – first.

My Stevens doggedness is in overdrive. I promise to fight as hard as I can.

Will you join me? If you agree Republicans are to blame for this reckless shutdown, add your name to our new petition now:

I want to show the strength of this grassroots movement, and it all starts with you.

Thanks for reading this. And for being in this fight with me.

More soon,

Haley