The Fiscal Year 2025 Appropriations Act for Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies delivers substantial new funding to address mental health and substance use disorders (SUD). The bill includes $2 billion for the Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant, a $40 million increase, and $1.6 billion for State Opioid Response grants, a $25 million increase. Additionally, $400 million is allocated to Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs), which enhance mental health service access. The Mental Health Block Grant receives a $35 million boost, reaching $1 billion. "Our bill addresses the critical issues of mental health care access and the opioid crisis," said Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI).

The 2023 Michigan Market Rate Survey by Public Policy Associates highlights childcare provider’s and families' financial challenges. The study found that while recent increases have reduced the gap between scholarship rates and market rates, further increases are necessary to meet the 75th percentile of market rates. The largest provider expense remains staffing, with additional costs linked to improving care quality. Many providers charge families the difference between scholarships and tuition, affecting affordability. The study calls for prioritizing capacity-building efforts in communities with high proportions of Black and Hispanic/Latino families and in rural areas to address current inequalities in childcare access. Here is a link to that study.

According to a recent story on WILX TV, In 2021, the CDC reported that 42% of students felt persistently sad or hopeless, and nearly one-third experienced poor mental health. In response, Mid-Michigan schools have intensified their focus on student mental health. Clinton County School District introduced a yearly family mental health night in 2023 to facilitate discussions between parents, administrators, and experts. St. Johns Public Schools launched "Parent Guidance" for online mental health coaching due to increasing needs and limited counseling availability. Mike Winkel, Assistant Superintendent, and Heather Findley, ELPS Mental Health Coordinator, emphasized the importance of schools offering comprehensive mental health resources and support. You can see the story on WILX.com.

In Bridge Magazine, Robin Erb highlights Michigan's new $1.7 million program that offers financial incentives to social work students in exchange for their commitment to work in child welfare. Since its launch in January, 46 students from five universities have enrolled, receiving up to $20,000 each for committing to work in high-need communities. This initiative addresses the acute shortage of social workers needed to protect children, support families in crisis, and develop foster families. The program also provides specialized training to help new social workers navigate complex policies and family dynamics. "Giving people money — it really does change the game," said Polly McCollum, a participant and foster care services specialist.

AG Nessel Announces $1.2 Billion Settlement with Kroger for Role in Opioid Epidemic, Calls on Local Units to Participate

Attorney General Dana Nessel - 07/29/2024

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is encouraging municipalities to join a $1.2 billion national settlement with Kroger to resolve allegations that the company contributed to the opioid epidemic. Michigan governments will receive nearly $42 million from the settlement over 11 years to help address the opioid crisis. 

Understaffing, Low Pay Prompts Joint Union Picket at Michigan Medicine

United Michigan Medicine Allied Professionals - 07/29/2024

ANN ARBOR - Members of two unions negotiating initial collective bargaining agreements with the University of Michigan/Michigan Medicine held an early morning informational picket on July 29 outside University Hospital. This event took place in protest of UM's refusal to reach fair contracts with union workers.

Michigan minimum wage to rise, tipped wage to disappear, under blockbuster ruling

Bridge Magazine - 08/01/2024, By Paula Gardner, Jordyn Hermani, and Daniel Schoenherr

LANSING — Tens of thousands of Michigan minimum wage workers – including restaurant workers who typically rely on tips – are in line for raises following a blockbuster ruling by the state Supreme Court.

What to know about Michigan’s pending minimum wage changes

Bridge Magazine - 08/01/2024, By Paula Gardner, Jordyn Hermani, and Mike Wilkinson

LANSING — Massive changes to the state’s minimum wage and paid-time-off laws will likely take effect in early 2025 following a ruling issued Wednesday by the Michigan Supreme Court. 

Michigan Supreme Court ruling will result in big minimum wage hike next year

Detroit News - 08/01/2024, By Craig Mauger, Marnie Muñoz, and Julia Cardi

Lansing — The Michigan Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that Republican lawmakers unconstitutionally blocked two ballot proposals in 2018, a decision that will increase the state's hourly minimum wage early next year, enact a new paid sick leave standard for workers and have economic repercussions across the state.

We profile legislators and candidates each week. This week, we encourage you to learn more about the candidates in the 8th Congressional District. With U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Flint) not seeking reelection, three Republican candidates aim to flip Michigan’s 8th Congressional District. Paul Junge, a former Trump appointee, is entering his third congressional race. A former Dow Chemical executive, Mary Draves focuses on border security and energy independence. A truck driver and small business owner, Anthony Hudson prioritizes crime reduction and infrastructure improvement. The district, covering Saginaw, Bay, most of Genesee, and parts of Tuscola and Midland counties, is considered a tossup and crucial for control of Congress. State Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet, Michigan State Board of Education President Pamela Pugh, and former Flint Mayor Matt Collier are competing for the Democratic nomination.

If you have an event you want to share, please get in touch with Daniel Cherrin.