Updates About Executive Orders

On Friday, July 15, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2022-5, which creates the Michigan Parents Council – an advisory body housed within the Michigan Department of Education. The Council must include a diverse representation of seven parents, guardians or family members appointed by the Governor, as well as a representative appointed by the state superintendent, and the Governor’s K-12 policy advisor.

The Council will be charged with convening regional roundtable discussions covering, at a minimum, strategies, and approaches for combating unfinished learning and supporting children’s mental health. Themes and ideas gleaned from the discussions will help inform policy recommendations in the Governor’s next budget recommendation.

A report must be submitted by December 9, 2022. The council will dissolve on March 1, 2023.

On Wednesday, May 25, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Directive 2022-5, which instructs State of Michigan departments and agencies to identify any avenues to increase, what she refers to as “protections for reproductive health care.”

Under this directive, departments that directly communicate with the public on reproductive health issues must provide information about the cost and availability of care while increasing awareness about contraception. Departments are to not cooperate or assist authorities in investigations against anyone obtaining, providing, or assisting someone accessing reproductive healthcare where it is legal. Departments are also encouraged to increase options for mental, physical, and reproductive health, as well as safeguard individuals’ privacy while assuring the safety of reproductive healthcare providers.

Previously, Attorney General Dana Nessel announced that should the United States Supreme Court overturn Roe Vs. Wade, she would not use her position to enforce Michigan’s 1931 statute that criminalizes abortion in the state.