Updates About Public Health

A Senate panel has approved a package of bills aimed at addressing disparities in maternal health care for the second time. The bipartisan-supported package is championed by Senators Erika Geiss (D-Taylor), Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Township), Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), and Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing). Together, the bills seek to close gaps in care and combat systemic inequities that have led to higher maternal and infant mortality rates.

Key provisions of the Maternal Health Care Package include:

• Bias & Discrimination Reporting (SB 29, SB 30, SB 34 – Mandates the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to collect and report data on perinatal care bias and amend civil rights laws to protect pregnant individuals.
• Hospital & Insurance Requirements (SB 31, SB 32, SB 33 – Ensures hospitals stabilize laboring patients before discharge and requires insurers to disclose perinatal care policies.
• Midwife & Medicaid Access (SB 36, SB 37, SB 38, SB 39 – Expands midwife loan repayment programs, mandates insurance reimbursement for midwives, and increases Medicaid coverage for maternal health services.
• Technical Amendments (SB 31, SB 37) – Adjustments were made to eliminate redundant reporting requirements and ensure midwives are included in insurance networks.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has introduced the Michigan Public Health Data Dashboard, an interactive tool providing public health insights by State House and State Senate districts. This resource offers key health metrics, including mortality rates, blood lead levels, smoking trends, teen births, housing costs, prenatal care, and more. This data is available to assist in making informed decisions about resource allocation and health policy.

The dashboard enables users to compare district data against statewide averages and will continue to expand with additional metrics. The tool is publicly accessible at Michigan.gov/HealthStatistics.

Governor Whitmer’s 2025 State of the State Address featured several initiatives that emphasized public health and improving outcomes for Michigan children. A few of her noteworthy priorities include:

¶Healthcare Initiatives

The Governor emphasized her continued commitment to expanding healthcare access, with a focus on reducing prescription drug costs and improving maternal healthcare. She proposed additional funding to support community health programs and initiatives to address disparities in healthcare access, particularly in underserved communities.

¶Medical Debt

A historic allocation of $4.5 million is set to ease the burden of medical debt affecting nearly 700,000 residents, ensuring that health emergencies do not lead to long-term financial hardship.

¶Vaping Tax

In an effort to curb youth vaping and promote healthier communities, Whitmer proposed closing longstanding loopholes by introducing a new tax on vaping products similar to cigarettes. The revenue generated would be directed toward public health initiatives and educational campaigns aimed at preventing youth nicotine addiction.

¶No Phones in Class

To enhance learning environments and reduce distractions, the Governor suggested a statewide policy restricting cellphone use in classrooms. The goal is to improve student engagement, academic performance, mental health, sociability, and overall well-being.

¶Children’s Literacy & Education

The Governor highlighted a renewed focus on early childhood literacy, proposing increased investment in reading programs, teacher training, and access to educational resources to ensure students meet grade-level proficiency standards.

¶Mental Health & Child Care

Expanding support programs, the address highlighted efforts to nurture mental well-being and expand affordable child care, reinforcing the link between mental health and educational success. Whitmer emphasized the critical need for enhanced funding and integration of mental health services in schools and communities to ensure that both children and their caregivers have timely access to comprehensive support.

In addition to these priority areas, Governor Whitmer touched on several other important initiatives in her speech:

• Housing Investments: A $2 billion plan to build, buy, or repair nearly 11,000 homes, creating over 10,000 construction jobs and reducing living costs.
• Energy Assistance: Expansion of the Michigan Energy Assistance Program to help tens of thousands of households save on winter utility bills.
• Tax Relief: Measures including a retirement tax rollback and expanded Working Families Tax Credit to put over $1 billion back into households.
• Permitting & Licensing Reforms: Streamlined processes aimed at accelerating construction and job creation.
• Workforce Development: Initiatives to boost job skills and educational opportunities, including targeted outreach to young men for tuition-free career and technical programs.
• Road Funding: Proposed investments in road maintenance and infrastructure upgrades aim to improve transportation safety and efficiency, benefiting all Michiganders and supporting local economies.

You may read Governor Whitmer’s entire 2025 address HERE for a detailed outline of her 2025 priorities.