VFW State of Michigan Legislative Program
This page is primarily intended to be a resource for members and others regarding our State legislative goals and activity. For information on the VFW National Legislative Program please visit our sister webpage also listed under the Program heading.
The goal of the Department of Michigan Legislative Program is to promote awareness and legislative involvement by Michigan's VFW Post members to support State and National legislative priorities that affect veterans, their families and their survivors.
The VFW traces its roots back to 1899, when veterans of the Spanish-American War and the Philippine Insurrection were inspired to form an organization to secure rights and benefits they earned during service through the legislative process. This legislative advocacy has been a foundational element to the VFW's identity today.
Since then, the VFW has been involved in major legislative changes for veterans, to include the formation of the Veterans Affairs Agency, educational benefits, disability benefits and more. We continue this work through our advocacy at the State level to improve the quality of life of Michigan's veterans and their families.
2025 - 2026 VFW Michigan Legislative Program revised 10.19.25 click here
Michigan Legislation in Support of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
In support of the Michigan Commander's Group Legislative priority and the prior Department of Michigan Resolution we request that VFW and Auxiliary members contact their Michigan House Representatives and request that they support HB 5456 to establish a Michigan HBOT Pilot Program and HB 5457 to establish a HBOT Grant program to assistant veterans with the cost of beneficia treatment.
Michigan Legislation to Rename Express Bridge
In support of pending Michigan Legislation, HB 4189 to rename the Fowlerville Grand River overpass bridge at I96 in recognition of Fowlerville High School graduate USMC L/Cpl Michael Hanks, KIA in Iraq, November 17, 2004. The legislation has passed the Michigan House. We request that all VFW and Auxiliary members contact their Michigan State Senator and urge their support of this tribute to a fallen native son.
Michigan Legislative Action Opposing "Claim Sharks"
In support of the VFW National Legislative Priority regarding VFW opposition to "CLAIM SHARKS" and the Department of Michigan 2024 Resolution on our State opposition to "CLAIM SHARKS" the State Commander issued the attached letter to all members by email on June 27, 2025.
Department Letter to Members June 27, 2025 is located here:
Don't Feed the Sharks Flyer is here:
House Appropriations Committee Members are listed here:
House Veterans Committee Members are listed here:
Michigan House full member list here:
The February 13, 2026 issue of the National CofA Monthly Update included an update on court decisions addressing several state legislative attempts to pass and implement State Statutes similar to Michigan SB215. Read here how these are being struck down by court decisions. Monthly CofA Update extract here!
Read the VFW National Press release dated February 11, 2026 HERE!
2025 State Convention Actions
The following resolutions were voted on and adopted by our membership at the 2025 State Convention on May 31, 2025. These resolutions will be submitted to the Michigan Commanders Group Legislative Committee for group inclusion and submitted to the members of Michigan's State Legislative delegation.
2025 MI Resolution 1: Special Property Tax Assessments
2025 MI Resolution 2: Expansion of Veteran Property Tax Exemption Eligibility
2025 MI Resolution 3: Expansion of Michigan Vehicle Special License Plate Program
The following resolutions were voted on and adopted by our membership at the VFW Department of Michigan 2024 State Convention on June 1, 2024. Each was forwarded to the members of Michigan's State Legislature. These resolutions remain as continuing priorities of the Michigan VFW.
Information on Michigan Legislative Priorities:
Michigan Veterans Commander's Group: Link to Legislative Priorities