Updates About Budget

State Attorney General Dana Nessel recently joined 16 other state attorney generals in filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education over its decision to halt funding for mental health services in K–12 schools. The legal challenge asserts that the Department’s action to discontinue congressionally allocated grants violates federal law, including the Administrative Procedure Act and constitutional protections. These funds were initially approved to support the hiring of school-based mental health professionals in response to growing student needs.

The lawsuit highlights the significant impact of these grants, which helped serve hundreds of thousands of students and expand access to school counselors, social workers, and psychologists. In Michigan, the Department of Education, Grand Valley State University, and Lansing School District were among those affected. Attorney General Nessel emphasized that revoking these resources could worsen the mental health crisis facing schools and deprive students of essential support. The suit seeks to restore the funding and prevent further disruptions to these critical services.

Michigan celebrated a milestone in maternal and infant health this year, reporting its lowest infant mortality rate on record. In 2023, the state recorded 607 infant deaths—down from 650 the year before—bringing the overall rate to 6.1 per 1,000 live births. While disparities remain, there was notable progress among Black infants as well, with the mortality rate falling to a historic low of 11.9 per 1,000 live births. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) attributes this encouraging trend to continued investment in programs that strengthen community-centered care, expand access to resources, and support new parents throughout pregnancy and early childhood.

Through its Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies initiative, MDHHS has expanded postpartum Medicaid coverage and invested in evidence-based care models like doula services and CenteringPregnancy. Doulas, particularly those serving with organizations like the Black Mothers Breastfeeding Association, have played a vital role in improving outcomes for women of color by providing trusted emotional and educational support. Meanwhile, programs such as the Michigan Perinatal Quality Collaboratives and MI AIM are working at the hospital and community level to improve access to prenatal care, promote safe sleep practices, and implement safety protocols to reduce complications.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued a warning that proposed reductions to the Food Assistance Program’s administrative budget could lead to staffing shortages, reduced access to whole foods, and longer wait times for families seeking support. One of the programs most at risk of significant disruptions is the Special Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), which serves pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under five by providing nutritious foods through more than 1,400 contracted vendors across Michigan. Under the Senate’s proposed MDHHS budget, administrative funding would be reduced by $15 million compared to the current fiscal year.

According to department officials, the cuts could result in longer processing times for applications and renewals, especially as federal emergency aid phases out. While core program funding for benefits would remain in place, losses in administrative capacity may hinder the timely delivery of services to eligible families.

You may review the MDHHS presentation on the WIC program here.