Rep. Joe Tate

Maddy summaryHB 5278 amends Michigan's identification card law to include individuals who served in the NOAA Commissioned Corps (NOAACOC) or the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (USPHSCC) in the state's definition of "veteran" for identification cards. This change would allow these service members to request a "veteran" designation on their state ID, similar to military veterans, upon providing proof of service and discharge. The bill requires the Secretary of State to verify service records with relevant agencies and issue the designation in an appropriate format. This policy change directly affects NOAA and USPHSCC personnel seeking to identify their service on official state IDs.

Maddy summaryHB 5265 creates Michigan's Veterans Service Animal Grant Program, providing financial assistance to eligible veterans for obtaining service animals. It directly affects veterans diagnosed with service-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who are matched with service animals through IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. The program, administered by the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, uses a new state fund to cover costs like training and acquisition, with grants awarded based on specific eligibility criteria. The fund is established in the state treasury and can only be used for program grants and administration, as outlined in the bill.

Maddy summaryHB 5276 extends eligibility for Michigan's Vietnam veteran era bonus to veterans who received the National Defense Service Medal between September 1, 1973, and May 7, 1975. It adds Section 6a to the existing law, creating a new eligibility path for veterans meeting the service period requirements and medal award criteria. The bill also extends the application deadline for these veterans to May 7, 2028, instead of the original 1980 cutoff. This change directly affects Michigan veterans who served during the Vietnam era and were awarded the specified medal during the extended timeframe.

Maddy summaryHB 5272 proposes to create a new property tax credit for disabled veterans and surviving spouses (widows/widowers) of disabled veterans who rent or lease a home in Michigan. It amends Michigan’s income tax law to add this credit and specifically exclude it from the state’s income tax cap. This would directly benefit qualifying renters who are disabled veterans or surviving spouses, providing them with a tax reduction they currently cannot access under existing rules. The bill does not change other tax credits or the overall tax structure.

Maddy summaryHB 5266 creates Michigan's Office of Veteran Homelessness within the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to coordinate support for homeless veterans. The office will identify, align, and connect veterans to existing state, federal, and local resources and programs addressing homelessness, including mental health, substance use, and housing services. It establishes a $1 million Veteran Homelessness Fund for the office's operations and requires annual reports detailing the scope of veteran homelessness, resource gaps, and recommendations for improvement. The bill directly affects homeless veterans in Michigan by streamlining access to services and improving coordination across government programs.

Maddy summaryHR 217 is a House resolution urging the U.S. Congress, Department of War, and Department of Veterans Affairs to prioritize research and funding for non-technology mental health treatments for veterans and servicemembers with psychological trauma from military service. It specifically highlights promising approaches like buddy-to-buddy programs, clinical psychedelic therapy, outdoor therapy, and service animal access, while also calling for resources to support families affected by veterans' behavioral health challenges. The resolution does not create new law or funding but formally requests federal agencies focus on these alternative treatment options. It was introduced by Rep. Mike McFall and referred to the Government Operations Committee in November 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares November 12-18, 2025, as "Community Foundation Week" in Michigan. It formally recognizes the work of Michigan’s 60+ community foundations, which support local communities through partnerships, crisis response, and addressing issues like poverty and disaster recovery. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of these organizations' role in strengthening communities across urban, suburban, and rural areas. It was introduced by multiple state representatives and adopted by the House on November 12, 2025.

Maddy summaryHCR 3 is a Michigan legislative resolution urging Congress to amend two federal laws (38 U.S.C. § 5304 and 10 U.S.C. § 12316) that currently prevent National Guard and reserve members from receiving both active duty pay and VA disability compensation simultaneously. Under current law, veterans must choose between these two payments, forcing them to waive disability benefits to maintain reserve pay or vice versa. If enacted, the amendment would allow service members to receive both payments concurrently, supporting veterans with service-connected disabilities who serve part-time in the reserves or National Guard. This resolution is a recommendation to Congress, not a law, and does not change existing policy.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 212) requests that the U.S. Congress adopt Section 143 from H.R. 3838 (the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act). Section 143 would require the Air Force to maintain at least 162 A-10 aircraft until 2029 and mandate reports to Congress about transition plans before retiring the fleet. It specifically aims to prevent an operational gap at Michigan's Selfridge Air National Guard Base, where A-10s were scheduled for retirement in 2026 but replacement F-15EX fighters won't arrive until 2028. The resolution does not change policy itself but urges Congress to incorporate these protections into law.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 134) is a symbolic congressional recognition of the U.S. Marine Corps' 250th anniversary, commemorating its founding on November 10, 1775. It honors the Marine Corps' history, values (like "Semper Fidelis"), and specific Michigan connections, including Marines from battles like Iwo Jima and Medal of Honor recipients from the state. The resolution has no policy or funding impact - it simply expresses congressional gratitude for Marines' service and sacrifice. As a commemorative resolution, it directly affects no individuals or policies, serving only as a formal statement of recognition.