Legislative Update
Mental Health Legislation Introduced
Senator Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) introduced a package of bills aimed at addressing mental health. Senate Bill 27 requires an insurer to provide coverage for mental health and substance use disorder services at a benefit level no less than that of a physical illness. Senate Bill 28 bans chemical restraints, including forced medication, medical treatment, or laboratory study. The Arc Supports.
Governor Whitmer Delivers Fifth State of the State Address
On Wednesday, January 25, Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivered her fifth State of the State Address to a joint session of the House and Senate. This was the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic that this event was held in-person at the Capitol.
Governor Whitmer highlighted five key proposals: Protecting Fundamental Freedoms, Lower MI Costs, Make it in Michigan, Get MI Kids Back on Track, and Public Safety & Gun Violence Prevention.
Printed remarks can be found here.
House, Senate Consider Appropriations, Presidential Primary Legislation
On Thursday, January 26, the Michigan House and Senate passed Senate Bill 7, a $1.1 billion supplemental for the close of books for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 (FY 22) and economic development for the current fiscal year (FY 23). Of the $1.1 billion, $146.3 million was for the close of books and the remaining $946.2 million will be used for affordable housing and development, workforce retention (childcare, transportation, and other barriers keeping people out of the workforce), and a substantial deposit into the Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve (SOAR) fund, among other items.
The House also passed Senate Bill 8, a School Aid close of books supplemental totaling $45.6 million. Funds in this bill will cover special education reimbursements for FY2022, school breakfast, and federal grant awarded to the state to create safe learning environments under Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
Additionally, both chambers passed legislation that would move Michigan’s presidential primary from March to February. Whether the legislation will go into effect for the 2024 presidential primary depends on whether the Senate can get the twenty-six votes needed for immediate effect. Republicans were opposed to the legislation, citing concerns over the impact it could have on the GOP delegate count to their national convention.
Regulatory Update
MDHHS Proposal Request for Child and Adolescent Health Center Program
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is requesting proposals to expand the Child and Adolescent Health Center program. This program operates through school-based or school-linked health services and provides education on positive health behaviors, preventing diseases, and delivering medical care and support. Children and adolescents assist those enrolled in Medicaid and link those to Medicaid preventative services. More information can be found here.
Direct Care Worker Input
MDHHS is partnering with Public Sector Consultants (PSC) to collect input on the needs of the direct care workforce. In order to qualify for the 90-minute small group discussion, participants must first fill out a questionnaire. Those who qualify to contribute will be given a Zoom link for the discussion.
