Updates About Governor

Some of Governor Whitmer’s latest appointments to boards and commissions include:

Michigan Board of Medicine

• Aurelia Gooden, of Riverview – reappointed, member of the public

Michigan Board of Marriage and Family Therapy

• Angela Miller, of Livingston – appointed, succeeds Bernard Lawler
• Natasha Wippel, of Okemos – appointed, succeeds Nadia Bazzy

Michigan Board of Nursing Home Administrators

• LaTosha Agee-Gussman, of Southfield – reappointed, general public member

Board of Interpreters for the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing

• Randa Hermez, of Troy – appointed, succeeds Linda Sykora

Certificate of Need Commission

• Sarah Spannbauer, of Royal Oak – appointed, succeeds Gregory Salwin

Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services

• Justin Caine, of Holt – appointed, succeeds Todd Culver

Recently, Governor Whitmer’s office released the results of a survey conducted over the last year in which nearly 4,000 Michiganders were polled on the effects of tariffs and rising costs. She also released a statement in which she highlighted the executive directive she signed that aims at assessing the effect of federal tariffs and stressed her commitment to keeping costs down and making Michigan more affordable.

The survey found that 70% of Michigan residents believe the economy is heading in a worse direction compared to the same time last year. Additionally, 52% of Michiganders report being significantly affected by rising costs in their ability to plan for the future.

Respondents reported rising costs in the following areas:

• 86% saw increases in grocery costs
• 85% saw increases in utility costs
• 70% saw increases in health care costs
• 40% saw increases in gas prices
• 32% saw increases in housing costs

On Wednesday, an eight bill package (SB 691 - 698) that would make significant changes to the state’s current election and campaign finance laws passed out of the Senate with support from Senate Democrats and Republicans. The bill that would have the most impact is SB 691 introduced by Senator Sam Singh (D-East Lansing), which would move the current August primary up to May and would allow for February primaries.

Also included in the bill package is SB 697, sponsored by Senator Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia), which lowers the number of petition signatures needed for statewide candidates. Singh bill SB 698 creates a single, set schedule for campaign finance reports with four filings each year. The remaining bills make updates to align the law with the changes proposed in SB 691.

If passed by the House, the changes would take effect in 2028. Currently, Michigan is one of nineteen states that hold their primary election in August or later. The bills still have a long journey ahead, including testimony and votes in the House Election Integrity Committee, final passage from the House, and signing off by the Governor before becoming law.