July 5, 2026
Brothers and Sisters:
I hope you all had a safe holiday as we celebrated our nation’s 250th birthday. Michigan Summer is in full swing. As we try to pack vacations and family time in as much as we can during our short summer months, we still have important issues that I wanted to update you on.
Legislation HB5232 -5233
We were successful in passing our military bills. We brought these ideas to Rep. Koleszar and Rep. Robinson just over a year ago. With their help, our members’ advocacy, and countless hours of work behind the scenes, our bills were passed. Once again, Senator Hertel was pivotal in making this a success. His work in the Senate to get this done after a 20-hour session proves why he is one of our closest friends.
Military Bills 5232 and 5233 have the potential to significantly enhance the support available to our members who serve in the military reserves. These bills allow our reservists to maintain their employer-provided pay and benefits while on leave for up to 26 days each year. Please see the attached fact sheet.
Health Screenings
Additionally, I am pleased to announce that our health screenings are set to go live. The 3.5 million budget ask in 2024 took an extended time to negotiate with DHHS, but career firefighters will be getting these screenings. We took our time to make sure our members would have the opportunity to get screenings in accordance with what we successfully advocated for. A detailed flyer is attached for BIO-CARE and NDS, outlining the specifics. It is essential that union leadership work with administration to schedule these physicals as soon as possible. Delays could hinder our members from accessing these important health services. These will be covered under the 3.5 million. Again. Please schedule these ASAP to ensure your members will be covered under the 3.5 million. Coordination with administration is important to accommodate the mobile units from BIO-CARE.
FY 2027 Budget
I’d like to recognize the efforts of our lobbyist, Melissa McKinley, who worked throughout the night during the recent budget negotiations to keep us updated. The Fiscal Year 2027 budget has been finalized and includes several significant allocations that will impact the fire service. Notably, $1,044,000 has been earmarked for first responder mental health initiatives at Frontline Strong, which will support police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and their families. Funding for firefighter training (training council) and hazardous materials safety inspections, underground storage (State Fire Marshal office) has been increased by $509,000. Some programs, such as Urban Search and Rescue and the Smoke Detector program, faced cuts as part of budgetary adjustments aimed at addressing a $1.2 billion shortfall. Statutory revenue sharing was unchanged.
As we navigate the changes, and work to keep our issues relevant, your continued support and engagement are more important than ever. Our staffing bills are still sitting in the House. We have not given up on these as they are still our priority issue. With elections forthcoming, we will be sharing the endorsement list after reviewing questionnaires submitted. Stay safe, and I’ll be in touch soon.
Fraternally,
Matthew Sahr, President
Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union
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Legislative Update
Legislative Log as of June 5, 2026
Staffing Bill Update
We are pleased to announce that our Staffing Bill, HB 5290, has been introduced by Rep. Prestin (R–Gaylord). Rep. Prestin kept his word, and now it’s up to us to help get this bill across the finish line.
HB 5290 is identical to the Senate version, SB 319, which passed earlier this year. Once enacted, this legislation will make staffing a mandatory subject of bargaining under the Public Employment Relations Act (PERA). Having both House and Senate versions increases our chances of seeing this important bill voted on and ultimately signed into law.
HB 5290 has already received strong bipartisan support, but we still need your help.
Please contact your state representative and urge them to support HB 5290.
Military Leave Bills
We are happy to announce that two important bills impacting military leave for our members: HB 5232 and HB 5233, sponsored by Rep. Robinson (R–Utica) and Rep. Koleszar (D–Northville Twp). passed in the House on March 10th. The bills will now go to the Senate for their consideration.
These bills would:
- Allow military reservists to take 26 days of paid leave without loss of pay or benefits.
- Protect existing collective bargaining agreement language, ensuring no reduction in current leave provisions.
These bills have strong bipartisan backing, but continued advocacy is essential.
Please contact your representative to express your support.
Funding for Firefighter Training
In our ongoing effort to strengthen our members’ ability to make gains at the bargaining table and advance our trade, we are pleased to share that the MPFFU has secured $1.2 million in the state’s FY 2026 budget for functional training of career firefighters.
This funding victory was made possible through your advocacy and the support of Rep. Farhat, the Governor’s Office, Sen. Anthony, and Speaker Hall.
Great news for Michigan firefighters and the communities we protect!
The Senate has passed SB 319 — an important bill that brings attention to fire department staffing and the safety of our residents and first responders.
We’re grateful for the Senate’s leadership on this issue and look forward to working with the House to get this across the finish line.
Safe staffing saves lives. Let’s keep pushing forward!
Join the MPFFU FIRE PAC PROGRAM 
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This website, created by first responders and mental health experts together, provides 24/7 live support, effective resources, and cutting-edge services to prevent and alleviate PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other frontline work-related mental health challenges.
Need Help Now? 1-833-347-8766
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MPFFU Now Provides Contract Comparsion Data to Local Presidents
As you may remember, 2024 MPFFU convention action dictated that Data Analyst positions be created with the intent of maintaining a CBA library, analyzing demographic and CBA data, and generating reports and comparative analysis.
After extensive and comprehensive work by your Data Analysts, we are ready to serve Local Executive Board’s in need of CBA and/or Census analysis.
If you have impending negotiations and could benefit from such data, please contact your District Vice President and explain to him what you are looking for and then fill out the request form found below. In order to get the information back to you in a timely manner, if possible, please ask for general comparable information PRIOR to beginning your negotiations with your employer. Don't wait until the last minute and expect to receive your information the next day!
Analysis Request Form
The MPFFU is committed to serving its members, increasing our knowledge base, and elevating the level of organization within the Union.
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Action Center
Enough is enough, we can't afford more cuts!
Michigan's working families can't afford any more budget cuts. Do we really want fewer police and fire fighters, lower standards for workplace safety and prisoners out on the streets? We need to stop cutting programs that protect us.
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Ready for retirement?
It's never too early (or late) to start planning. And
now there's a new online Retirement Planning Center to help working families
plan for their future. Visit the new Web site at UnionPlusRetirement.org.
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| MPFFU License Plate |
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The main office of the Secretary of State will now contact the MPFFU to verify your membership as an active member or retiree in our organization prior to mailing your new or replacement MPFFU license plate. Please call 734-675-0206 if you have any questions. You do NOT have to provide proof of membership at the Secretary of State Office. Show them this letter.
If you see a non-member with the MPFFU plate on their vehicle, please contact the MPFFU with the plate number. The SOS will require the non-member to return the plate within 30 days.
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Follow Us! |
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QUICK LINKS |
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- Click here for information on Michigan Statewide and Congressional elections
- Click here for information on Michigan State House of Representatives elections
- Click here for information on Michigan State Senate elections
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Off Duty Wear, Inc
Our Goal is to give you the best-quality customized specialty items at a very Competitive Price.
Off Duty Wear Inc. is a division of Redline Specialty Inc. We have been servicing the area for over 25 years. Customized Sportswear is an excellent way to advertise a company name and Image. We supply Uniforms, including Class A, badges, patches, footwear, and much more.
https://offdutywearinc.com/?term=mpffu&s=&post_type=product&taxonomy=product_cat
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American Income Life Insurance Company Information |
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Union Liability Insurance and Bonding Insurance
Karen Feger
Phone 410-602-2000
Our mission is to provide as an added member benefit to the IAFF Affiliate Locals—A Limit of Directors & Officers Liability and Employment Practices Liability coverage at an affordable price with a simple application and underwriting process via a Group Purchasing Product. Does your Local Union need Liability Insurance?
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MPFFU Fundraising Information |
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The Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union employs two fundraising companies (United Partners Outreach Inc. & Frontline Services) that call residents and businesses across the State to raise funds for our organization. We are registered each year with the State of Michigan to do this type of fundraising. We are required to file an annual report with the Department of Attorney General.
This is an ongoing program that enables the general public to voluntarily support our organization and the services we provide. Please contact us at 734-675-0206 if you have any questions about the program.
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