Updates About Executive Office Announcements

As we prepare for the upcoming cold and flu season, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has taken steps to expand access to the COVID-19 vaccine through instructions in a recently-signed executive directive. Within the directive, Whitmer advised departments to give clear public and provider guidance on COVID-19 vaccine safety, ensure providers promote and administer the vaccines, remove barriers to access, and require coverage by all health plans under the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS), including Medicaid and private insurers.

Michigan’s Chief Medical Executive, Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, also stressed the importance of vaccine accessibility in her Standing Recommendation issued shortly after the executive directive. According to the FDA’s vaccine administration guidelines, the vaccine is approved for individuals over the age of 65 and for those between age 5 and 64 with conditions that place them in a high risk category. Dr. Bagdasarian noted, however, that the FDA did not define which pre-existing conditions qualify an individual as high risk. As such, Dr. Bagdasarian’s recommendation designates that any individual age 6 months or older without contraindications may be eligible to receive the vaccine since any pre-existing or latent condition, including not previously being vaccinated against COVID-19, may qualify someone as high-risk.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivered a major address on Michigan’s economy last week, underscoring the vital role that middle class jobs have played in the state’s success. She pointed to recent progress that includes adding or retaining nearly 1,000 jobs across multiple municipalities that led to a $200 million boost to the state economy. Whitmer also spoke on securing a fighter mission for Selfridge Air National Guard Base protecting 30,000 jobs and nearly a billion dollars in statewide commerce. She outlined long term investment projects in infrastructure, childcare, housing, and education made possible through bipartisan cooperation, noting that more than 1,500 bipartisan bills have been signed to support working families and strengthen communities.

The governor also raised concerns about what she called a “man-made storm of uncertainty” caused by chaotic national tariff policies and delays in finalizing a state budget. Consequences of this storm include rising prices on groceries and household goods for families, while steep costs, outsourcing, and lower sales threaten Michigan farmers and automakers. Without action, she warned, progress on roads, schools, and public safety could be rolled back, putting thousands of good-paying jobs at risk. Whitmer closed her speech by reminding lawmakers of the value in working across the aisle to sign a balanced budget. What should this compromise look like? According to the governor, a signable budget covers Senate priorities to protect Medicaid, feed kids at school, and support moms and babies and also includes House priorities like cutting spending, fixing local roads, and increasing transparency.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following hirings and promotions:

• Lily Wenkel was hired as executive assistant to the deputy chief of staff.
• Tom Zimicki as environment and climate policy advisor.
• Rebecca Besaw was brought on as deputy legal counsel. Besaw previously served as senior advisor Office of Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and an attorney in the Office of the General Counsel.
• Michelle Richard was promoted from deputy director of higher education to senior literacy advisor to help oversee Michigan’s new literacy curriculum.
• Emma Young moved up to deputy director of policy after four years as the education policy advisor.
• Abrielle Matibag was promoted to public affairs specialist after previously serving as an issue specialist and executive assistant to the deputy chief of staff.
• Jada Weatherspoon, the previous House associate liaison, is now a legislative advisor.