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
Legislative Leaders Face Pivotal Races as Michigan House Control Hangs in the Balance
According to Bridge Magazine, the battle for control of Michigan's House is intensifying as two Republican incumbents, Neil Friske (R-Charlevoix) and Bob Bezotte (R-Howell), lost their primary elections. As all 110 House seats head to the November ballot, Republicans are gearing up to challenge Democrats' slim majority. GOP leaders, including House Minority Leader Matt Hall (R-Richland Twp.) and Michigan Republican Party Chairman Pete Hoekstra, expressed confidence in flipping the House. Hall projected a 60-50 Republican majority, while Hoekstra emphasized the GOP's commitment to conservative policies. Meanwhile, Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit) celebrated Democratic primary successes, citing strong voter turnout and the momentum generated by key legislative achievements. As both parties prepare for a high-stakes election, the outcome could significantly impact Michigan's legislative landscape, with key policy priorities hanging in the balance.
02
Nonprofits Brace for Impact as Michigan Minimum Wage Projected to Reach $14.97 by 2028
The Michigan Department of Treasury has projected that the state’s minimum wage will rise to $14.97 per hour by 2028, following a recent ruling by the Michigan Supreme Court. The current minimum wage of $10.33 per hour is set to increase by $2.15 next year, with continued adjustments planned through 2028. This development is part of the Attorney General's office's effort to clarify the Supreme Court's ruling on inflation calculations related to wage increases. Nonprofits across Michigan may face significant financial challenges as they prepare to meet these new wage requirements, which could strain budgets and impact service delivery. The Attorney General's office has requested a final decision before the November 1 deadline for the Treasury to calculate and publish inflation rates. MIRS
03
MI DHHS Extends EVV Soft Launch for Behavioral Health, MI Choice, and MI Health Link to September 9, 2024
MDHHS has extended the soft launch of Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) for Behavioral Health, MI Choice, and MI Health Link to September 9, 2024. During this period, providers can familiarize themselves with the EVV system without penalties. Agencies should log into the HHAeXchange portal by September 16 to access data and begin training caregivers, who must be ready to use EVV tools by October 7. MDHHS will announce when EVV compliance will be tied to payments. See policy bulletin MMP 24-21.
04
Care Can't Wait Bus Tour Visits Michigan to Advocate for Caregivers and Recipients
The Care Can't Wait Coalition is on a nationwide bus tour to spotlight the challenges facing caregivers and care recipients. On Tuesday, 8/27, the tour stops in Michigan, with rallies at 10:00 AM in Grand Rapids (Garfield Park) and 2:00 PM in Detroit (Love Building). The tour aims to urge elected officials to invest in the care system. Families are struggling with care costs, and this tour is a call to action for change. RSVP here.
ICYMI
As teens experience mental health crisis, music therapy is one way they are finding help, Second Wave Michigan
LEGISLATIVE + CANDIDATE FOCUS
We profile legislators and candidates each week. This week, we encourage you to learn more about the current Minority Leader, Matt Hall (42nd District). Hall will become the next Speaker if the GOP regains control of the State House.
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.