March 19th-31st, 2025

A Senate panel has approved a package of bills aimed at addressing disparities in maternal health care for the second time. The bipartisan-supported package is championed by Senators Erika Geiss (D-Taylor), Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Township), Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), and Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing). Together, the bills seek to close gaps in care and combat systemic inequities that have led to higher maternal and infant mortality rates.

Key provisions of the Maternal Health Care Package include:

• Bias & Discrimination Reporting (SB 29, SB 30, SB 34 – Mandates the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to collect and report data on perinatal care bias and amend civil rights laws to protect pregnant individuals.
• Hospital & Insurance Requirements (SB 31, SB 32, SB 33 – Ensures hospitals stabilize laboring patients before discharge and requires insurers to disclose perinatal care policies.
• Midwife & Medicaid Access (SB 36, SB 37, SB 38, SB 39 – Expands midwife loan repayment programs, mandates insurance reimbursement for midwives, and increases Medicaid coverage for maternal health services.
• Technical Amendments (SB 31, SB 37) – Adjustments were made to eliminate redundant reporting requirements and ensure midwives are included in insurance networks.

Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) and the Senate have escalated their legal battle with the House, filing appeals with both the Michigan Court of Appeals and the Michigan Supreme Court. The dispute centers on the House’s refusal to present nine bills, passed last session, to the governor. Leader Brinks is seeking an expedited ruling, arguing that withholding the bills violates the state constitution by allowing one chamber to indefinitely block legislation. In response, the Senate also adopted a rule change allowing its secretary to present House-approved bills to the governor if the House fails to do so.

House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) pushed back, stating the Michigan Constitution does not permit the current House to present bills from a prior session. He criticized Brinks’ alternative proposal that the House send the bills to the Senate for presentation, calling it unconstitutional. Meanwhile, Brinks defended the Senate’s rule change as a way to ensure legislative compliance with the court’s ruling. The legal fight continues as the courts weigh whether to intervene.

Related Articles: MICHIGAN HOUSE DECLINES TO SEND NINE BILLS TO GOVERNOR • SENATE DEMOCRATS FILE LAWSUIT AGAINST SPEAKER HALL

U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten (D-Grand Rapids) has announced she will not run for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat in 2026, opting instead to seek reelection to the U.S. House. Scholten, who represents Michigan’s 3rd Congressional district, cited affordable health care, cost reductions, and the future of our state’s children as her key priorities for West Michigan residents.

With Scholten out, several other Democrats and Republicans are still considering a bid for the Senate seat:

Democrats Considering a Run:

• Attorney General Dana Nessel
• U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens (Birmingham)
• U.S. Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet (Bay City)
• Sen. Mallory McMorrow (Royal Oak)
• Abdul El-Sayed, Wayne County Health Officer

Republicans Considering a Run:

• U.S. Rep. John James (Shelby Township)
• U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (Zeeland)
• Former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (White Lake)
• 2022 GOP gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon
• 2022 GOP gubernatorial candidate Kevin Rinke
• State Sen. Jonathan Lindsey (Coldwater)

As the race takes shape, Michigan voters can expect a highly competitive contest for the open Senate seat.

Michigan’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate inched up to 5.4% this February, a 0.1 percentage point increase from January, according to the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB). While total employment grew by 2,000 jobs, the number of unemployed individuals rose by 6,000, contributing to the uptick. The state’s labor force and payroll jobs have expanded in early 2025, with manufacturing adding 7,000 jobs after months of decline. However, private education, health services, and leisure and hospitality sectors each saw job losses of around 3,000. Michigan’s unemployment rate remains above the national average of 4.1%.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is seeking applications for its Civil Monetary Penalty Reinvestment Program, which funds projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life for nursing home residents. Eligible organizations, including hospitals, academic institutions, nursing facilities, and nonprofit groups, can apply for grants to support innovative programs that go beyond standard care requirements. A total of $5 million is available for projects running from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026.

Interested applicants must register for the EGrAMS system and request an application by May 16 at 5 pm, with completed applications due by May 22 at 3 pm. MDHHS will also host a pre-application conference on April 8 at 1:30 pm to provide guidance on the grant process. For more information or to apply, visit the EGrAMS Health and Aging Services Administration website.

Michigan’s U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Elissa Slotkin have announced they are accepting applications for several key federal positions in Michigan, including a U.S. District Court judgeship, U.S. attorney, and U.S. marshal roles for both the eastern and western districts. Traditionally, the process involves Senators recommending candidates for these roles to the President. After nomination by the President, candidates must be reviewed by the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee before reaching the floor for a full Senate vote.

Senators Peters and Slotkin emphasized the importance of selecting highly qualified candidates with the legal expertise and temperament necessary to serve Michigan effectively. U.S. attorneys and marshals are typically appointed for four-year terms, while federal judges serve lifetime appointments.