Updates About Executive Orders

On February 6, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order, which shifts the administration of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the Michigan Strategic Fund to the Michigan State Housing and Development Authority (MSHDA). This change would create more flexibility and efficiency for the state to distribute funds for housing.

Last September, Governor Whitmer and MSHDA released the Statewide Housing Plan. The goals of this plan include building or rehabilitating 75,000 housing units, stabilizing housing for 100,000 families, weatherize and improve 15,000 homes, and decrease the number of unhoused individuals in the state.

On January 13, Governor Whitmer announced the re-appointment of Mary Ellen Gurewitz and Richard Houskamp to the Board of State Canvassers. Mary Ellen Gurewitz of Detroit was appointed to represent Democrats and Richard Houskamp of Grand Rapids is appointed to represent Republicans. Both of their terms begin on February 1, 2023 and will expire January 31, 2027. Their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

The Board of State Canvassers canvasses and certifies statewide elections, canvasses nominating petitions and state-level ballot proposals and their petitions, approves electronic voting systems for use in the state and, when necessary, conducts recounts for state-level offices. The Board is currently composed of four members with two members from each major political party.

On Wednesday, December 14, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Directive 2022-13 which instructs State of Michigan departments and agencies to prepare for the implementation of reproductive freedom in the Michigan Constitution. Departments and agencies are asked to review the aspects of reproductive rights that fall within their jurisdiction and identify ways they can protect and proactively increase protections for the fundamental right of reproductive healthcare.

Michigan voters approved Proposal 2022-3, which was on the November ballot. Proposal 3 will take effect on December 24.