Each week, we compile and share stories from the past week focused on behavioral health, SUD, social services, and nonprofits centered in Michigan but across the United States. If there are specific topics that interest you, please let us know. This newsletter's information, content, and materials are for general informational purposes only. They do not constitute legal advice or investment advice. At times we may use AI to summarize an article. If something shared needs to be corrected, is misrepresented, or there are gaps in information, please let us know so we can make the necessary corrections.
01
Huizenga bill would restore school safety and mental health funding
Sen. Mark Huizenga on Monday said he’s working on legislation to restore nearly $302 million in school safety and student mental health care funding that was cut in the newly signed state budget. “Michigan has been facing a growing mental health crisis among our children for years and the situation was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Huizenga, R-Walker. “From social media to school shutdowns during the pandemic, various factors have led to alarming rates of anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts among Michigan’s children — and enhancing school safety also remains a concern in many communities.
“Over the last few years, we drastically increased funding for schools to help address safety and student mental health — but this year the Democratic-controlled Legislature decided to cut this critical funding by 92% in next year’s budget.” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in July signed a fiscal year 2025 budget that cuts almost $302 million in funding dedicated to student mental health and school safety — going from $328 million in support in the current budget to just $26.5 million in the budget starting Oct. 1. “As kids across Michigan return to their classrooms, it’s crucial that we work together to solve this problem by correcting this course and restoring this vital funding to help our schools provide safe learning environments and ensure all our students have access to the mental health care services they need,” Huizenga said. “That is what my bill would do, and I hope we can get it passed before the new budget starts in October.”
Huizenga has requested a supplemental budget bill for fiscal year 2024-25 that would use $301.5 million from the state’s General Fund to restore school safety and student mental health funding to the current level. The bill is expected to be formally introduced when the Senate returns to session next month. (Source News Release, Sen. Huizenga)
02
Michigan House Introduces Bill to Remove Supervision Requirement for LLPs/
House Bill 5785 has been introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives to remove the career-long supervision requirement for Limited Licensed Psychologists (LLPs). This legislation aims to increase access to mental health services in Michigan by allowing LLPs to practice independently. The bill will soon have its first hearing in a House Committee.
LLPs in Michigan are encouraged to support the bill by providing their name, credentials, organization (if applicable), phone number, city/state, and email to the Master’s Committee. This information will be included on a “card of support” presented to the committee and added to the official legislative record. This bill could enable approximately 4,000 LLPs in Michigan to access more insurance options, including Medicare and Medicaid.
If you are willing to support the efforts to get HB 5785 passed, please send your name with credentials (e.g., MS, LLP, CAADC, BCBA, etc.), organization if you are part of one (with permission), phone, city/state and email to the Master’s Committee by replying directly to this email ([email protected]) or to a member of the committee, Teresea Goscicki ([email protected])
03
Public Notice of Settlement Agreement Hearing in Waskul v. Washtenaw County Case
The MDHHS issues a public notice regarding the Settlement Agreement and Amended Notice of Proposed Settlement Agreement in the case of Waskul, et al. v. Washtenaw County Community Mental Health, et al. The amended notice confirms a hearing date scheduled for December 11, 2024. If you previously commented or objected, your input will be addressed at the December hearing, with no need for resubmission. The documents are available online at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website.
ICYMI
Finding a therapist who takes your insurance can be nearly impossible. Here's why [NPR]
Michigan failed to curb ‘seclusion and restraint.’ One school tries again [Bridge Magazine]
What Mental Health Care Protections Exist in Your State? Insurers have wide latitude on when and how they can deny mental health care. An analysis of all 50 states shows that some are charting new paths to secure mental health care access. READ MORE
How Would an Increase in Federal Minimum Wage Impact Nevada? The last time the federal minimum wage was increased, to its current rate of $7.25 an hour, was 2007. Since then, cumulative inflation has increased 46.6 percent. Nevada’s state minimum wage reached $12 hourly on July 1. READ MORE
Why are Michigan Democrats cutting school funding? Safety and mental health is at risk. Detroit Free Press - 08/30/2024
LEGISLATIVE + CANDIDATE FOCUS
We profile legislators and candidates each week. This week, we encourage you to learn more about State Rep. Nancy DeBoer (86th District, Holland), who was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in November 2022. She sits on the Appropriations Committee and focuses on education. If Republicans take over the House and mental health and schools continue to be an issue, she can be a very effective advocate. Learn more about Rep. DeBoer here.
AWARDS + HONORS + EVENTS
Community Mental Health Association of Michigan (CMHAM) Annual Fall Conference – October 21st & 22nd 2024 – Grand Traverse, Michigan
National Council on Behavioral Health – NatCon 25 – Philadelphia, PA May 5th -7th 2025
Detroit Regional Chamber 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference – Mackinac Island May 27th -30th, 2025
Upcoming Political Events
If you have an event you want to share, please get in touch with Daniel Cherrin.
PHIP Contacts
Links to board meetings, notes, and key contact information on the PIHPs can be found here.
REGION 1 - NORTHCARE NETWORK
Pathways CMH (Alger, Delta, Luce, Marquette) Copper Country CMH (Baraga, Houghton, Keewanaw, Ontonagon) Hiawatha CMH (Chippewa, Mackinac, Schoolcraft) Northpointe CMH (Menominee, Dickinson, Iron) Gogebic CMH
REGION 2 - NORTHERN MI REGIONAL ENTITY
AuSable CMH (Oscoda, Ogemaw, Iosco), Manistee-Benzie CMH (Manistee, Benzie), North Country CMH (Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Kalkaska, Otsego), Northern Lakes CMH, (Crawford, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Missaukee, Roscommon, Wexford) Northeast CMH (Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency, Presque Isle)
REGION 3 - LAKESHORE REGIONAL ENTITY*
Allegan CMH, Muskegon CMH, Network 180 (Kent), Ottawa CMH, West MI CMH (Lake, Mason, Oceana)
REGION 4 - SOUTHWEST MI BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Barry CMH, Berrien CMH, Kalamazoo CMH, Pines CMH (Branch), St. Joseph CMH, Summit Pointe CMH (Calhoun), Van Buren CMH, Woodlands CMH (Cass)
REGION 5 - MID-STATE HEALTH NETWORK
(Bay, Arenac, Clare, Gladwin, Isabella, Mecosta, Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, Gratiot, Huron, Ionia, Lifeways, Jackson, Hillsdale, Montcalm, Newaygo Saginaw, Shiawassee, Tuscola)
REGION 6 - CMH PARTNERSHIP OF SOUTHEAST MI
Washtenaw CMH, Lenawee CMH, Livingston CMH, Monroe CMH
REGION 7 - DETROIT WAYNE INTEGRATED HEALTH NETWORK
REGION 8 - OAKLAND COMMUNITY HEALTH NETWORK
REGION 9 - MACOMB COUNTY CMH*
*No Board Notes
*Articles were generated with AI and reviewed by the human eye.