Updates About Governor

The Michigan Court of Claims issued a temporary order blocking the enforcement of a 24-hour waiting period, mandatory informed consent, and a ban on non-physician professionals providing abortion services. Judge Sima Patel ruled that these regulations conflict with Proposal 22-3, which grants constitutional protections for reproductive freedom, including the right to abortion care without unnecessary burdens. Judge Patel did not suspend all parts of the informed consent law; the requirement that abortion providers must ensure patients are not being coerced into the procedure is being upheld. Supporters of the order argued that delaying abortion care causes significant harm since it is time-sensitive and becomes riskier with time. Governor Gretchen Whitmer praised the decision, stating that the 24-hour waiting period and other regulations were unjustified barriers to reproductive health care.

Last year, Democrats in the Michigan House of Representatives attempted to repeal the waiting period and informed consent laws but did not have enough votes to pass the legislation. The case will continue, with further proceedings expected to address what happens next.

The U.S. Supreme Court dismissed a challenge to federal regulations surrounding the abortion medication mifepristone recently, which means continued access, most notably includes by mail to patients, to the medication here in Michigan. The decision, which rejected claims of health risks associated with the medication, disappointed challenge-advocates who had sought tighter restrictions.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer praised the ruling, emphasizing its importance in protecting reproductive rights as she stated, “Mifepristone will remain safe, legal, and available to Michiganders.”

This marks the first time the Supreme Court has addressed abortion since its 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced ambitious housing and energy initiatives at the Mackinac Policy Conference this year, increasing Michigan’s five-year housing production goal by 53% and securing federal funds to lower energy costs for 28,000 low-income households. The initiatives are part of the MI Healthy Climate Plan that aims to build 115,000 housing units and incorporate measures to drive energy efficiency, with the ultimate goals of making housing and utilities more affordable for Michiganders.

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) has already invested $1.23 billion to build and restore homes, creating 20,000 new jobs. The Governor also proclaimed that the state has received $367 million in federal funding to support the Michigan Solar for All initiative and the Home Energy Rebate programs. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) will head the project to cut utility costs, install solar equipment on roofs, and decrease the costs of energy-efficient appliances. Together, these programs aim to reduce energy costs and promote renewable energy for low-income Michigan homes.