Rep. Stephen Wooden

Maddy summaryHB 4869 mandates that Michigan's legislature appropriate at least $2.6 billion annually starting in the 2025-2026 fiscal year to fund special education services for public school students. This funding directly supports school districts providing services under specific sections of Michigan's State School Aid Act (MCL 388.1651a, 388.1651c, 388.1651d, 388.1651e, 388.1653a, 388.1654, and 388.1656). The bill requires the state to set aside this specific amount each year for special education programs, rather than relying on existing funding formulas. It applies to all public school districts serving students with disabilities under the referenced statutes. The bill was introduced on September 11, 2025, and referred to the Appropriations Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 4873 mandates annual state funding of $610 million for Michigan's Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP), beginning in fiscal year 2026. This program provides early childhood education and care for preschool-aged children, primarily affecting low-income families and communities with limited access to early learning services. The bill requires the legislature to appropriate this specific amount each year, guaranteeing stable funding for GSRP as defined under existing law (MCL 388.1632d). It does not create new eligibility rules but ensures consistent financial support for the existing program.

Maddy summaryHB 4877 requires Michigan's legislature to appropriate annual funds starting in fiscal year 2026 for public schools to support at-risk pupils, as defined under existing law. Each school would receive 35% of its base foundation allowance (the standard funding amount under the State School Aid Act) specifically for these students. The bill directly affects all public schools in Michigan by mandating dedicated supplemental funding for at-risk pupils, tied to their existing state funding allocation. This policy change creates a new, recurring funding mechanism for targeted student support beginning in 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 4871 increases Michigan's funding for free school meals, allocating up to $200 million for the 2024-2025 school year to cover costs not reimbursed by federal programs. It requires participating public schools (serving pre-K-12) to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students, maximize federal reimbursement through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), and collect family income data to determine eligibility. Schools must also offer accommodations for dietary needs like gluten-free, vegetarian, and allergy-specific meals upon request. This bill directly affects Michigan public school districts by changing how they receive state funding to support universal free meal programs.

Maddy summaryHB 4868 creates supplemental funding for Michigan school districts to support English language learners (ELLs) starting in the 2026 fiscal year. To qualify, districts must administer the WIDA ACCESS or WIDA Alternate ACCESS proficiency test to ELLs. Funding is distributed based on test scores: 75% of the target foundation allowance for scores 1.0-1.9, 50% for 2.0-2.9, and 35% for 3.0-3.9. This directly affects school districts serving ELLs who meet the assessment requirements under Michigan’s School Code.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding resolution (HR 168) urges the Trump-Vance Administration to stop what it describes as "partial nationalization of Intel Corporation" and to avoid further government takeover of private businesses. It calls for preserving "free market capitalism" by preventing federal intervention in private enterprises, specifically citing Intel as an example of threatened private-sector independence. The resolution has no legal effect - it is a symbolic statement expressing opposition to government ownership of companies, not a policy change. It was introduced on September 10, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 164) addresses the July 2025 detentions of 16 Hmong and Laotian refugees in Michigan by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), who were unexpectedly taken into custody during routine check-ins and later deported to Laos without adequate notice or due process. It demands federal transparency regarding the legal basis for these detentions, urges ICE to provide timely legal counsel and family notification for detainees, and calls for case-by-case reviews of individuals with strong Michigan ties. The resolution specifically highlights concerns about rapid transfers across facilities and the lack of a U.S.-Laos repatriation agreement requiring travel documents. It is directed to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Michigan’s congressional delegation, seeking improved oversight and humane treatment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares September 2025 as Deaf Awareness Month in Michigan. It directly recognizes Michigan's deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing community (approximately 7.4% of the state's population) and aims to raise public awareness about their experiences and contributions. The resolution is symbolic, highlighting the historical significance of September (commemorating the 1951 World Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf) and promoting inclusivity without creating new laws or funding. It does not impose any requirements or change existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates August 31, 2025, as Overdose Awareness Day in Michigan. It symbolically recognizes the overdose crisis - highlighting that 2,826 Michiganders died from overdoses in 2023 - and aims to promote awareness of substance use disorders, which the resolution notes affect over 48 million Americans. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal state acknowledgment to honor victims and reduce stigma.

Maddy summaryHB 4814 requires Michigan health insurers to cover medically necessary treatments for menopause and perimenopause (the transition period before menopause), including hormone replacement therapy approved by the FDA. Insurers cannot demand prior authorization, step therapy, or fail-first protocols for these treatments. The bill defines menopause as permanent cessation of menstruation and perimenopause as the transition period near the end of reproductive years. This directly affects all health insurance policyholders in Michigan who need these treatments, ensuring coverage without extra approval hurdles.